Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Patty never imagined she'd get played by a newbie-let alone more than once. She shot Anya a glare, already hatching a plan to elbow her rival out of the company for good.

Milka was used to whispers about her at work. Usually, the hot topic was her and Director Grant. But today, she was surprised to find herself starring in a whole new rumor.

“Milka, what does your boyfriend do? I heard he's on the team or something?”

“My boyfriend?” Milka raised an eyebrow, amused.

"Yeah, the guy who picked you up after work the other day."

The rumor mill kept spinning, just changed direction.

Director Grant caught wind of it too. Using work as an excuse, he called her into his office. "Milka, is that guy your boyfriend?”

smile. "Why

just want to know if I still have a

answer was swift.

took her reply and ran with it. "Well, if I don't try, how will I know I'm

a boyfriend, she'd be upfront about it—no dodging, no returning the question. The fact that she wasn't

he still had

heatwave to return with a vengeance two days later. By afternoon, the cicadas were back in full chorus, their constant buzz making it impossible to catch

were all napping in their rooms, and only a few housekeepers

comfort. Wayne snoozed on the other side, hugging his brand-new toy. Hansen lay in the middle, snoring

and the boys-three generations—slept soundly in their cool, breezy bedroom, perfectly content on a hot afternoon. Grandpa's snoring didn't bother the boys at all; if anything, they slept even deeper. Every now and then, Wayne would roll over, open his eyes just long enough

to the library, Henry figured Mom

had gone out