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?”

gave a little smile. "Why does

want to know if I still have

answer was swift.

with it. "Well, if I don't try, how will I know I'm out of

upfront about it—no dodging, no returning the question. The fact that she wasn't direct? That

maybe he still had

the 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

pouring through the windows and lighting up every corner. The grown-ups were all napping in their rooms, and only a few housekeepers

little foot propped up on his grandpa for comfort. Wayne

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 make sure his brother and grandpa were still there, then flop back down and drift

his daughter-in-law had gone to the library, Henry figured Mom

Mia had