Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Anya clung to her boyfriend, her heart pounding as the ocean swirled around them. Out in the waves, Leo kissed her on the lips. Anya felt a rush of shyness and excitement, nervous but thrilled at the same time.

When they came up for air, Anya blushed and coughed, her cheeks burning. Leo wrapped his arms around her, leaned in close, and whispered something just for her. Anya nodded, bashful and sweet.

Leo turned, taking her hand, and led her back toward the shore.

A little further down, Henry was having the time of his life on his surfboard. The waves were small, not nearly wild enough for his taste. Cooper was right there, bending over to steady his nephew's chubby arms, helping him catch the rhythm of the surf.

Henry's little feet danced with excitement—until he got too bold, slipped, and with a quick "whoosh," the pale, doughy kid tumbled right into the sea.

Before anyone else could react, Cooper dove in, surfacing a moment later with Henry, who was busy spitting out salty water and giggling.

Henry perched on the edge of the board, still coughing up seawater. Cooper shook his head. "Sweetie, you nearly gave your uncle a heart attack."

Henry grinned, cheeks round and eyes sparkling. "Cooper~"

He leaned in for a kiss, but just then-another slip!—and down he went, his tiny bottom splashing back into the water.

Cooper dove right in again, scooping Henry up and setting him back on the board.

Henry sat up, dazed and blinking, still spitting out water and looking around like he was seeing the world for the first time.noveldrama

On the beach, the two sisters had just finished eating and snapping pictures in the sun. Molly cradled a coconut while Mia carried a container of durian, the two of them strolling along, totally relaxed.

Molly took a sip and pointed. "Mia, isn't that your son out there?"

Mia bit into her durian and grinned. "Yep, leave him alone for a minute and he's already trying something new on the surfboard."

She made her way over to her husband. Andre caught sight of the durian, wrinkling his nose. "How long has he been out there?"

"About fifteen minutes," Mia replied.

Mia suddenly got serious. "Oh no, my little 'marshmallow' is going to turn into a 'golden bun' if he stays out there any longer!"

She handed Andre the durian. He looked at the soft, yellow fruit in his hands with

a mix of dread and disgust, but held it for her anyway.

Mia was already scanning the waves. "Henry, time to come in! If you get any darker, you won't be able to find a wife!"

Henry turned, spotted his mom, and tried to show off his balancing skills. He stuck out his little behind, hoping she'd see him standing tall-but his show ended in another slip, sending him back into the water for the third time that morning.

Mia jumped, ready to run to him, but Cooper had already pulled the little troublemaker out and set him safely back on the board.

Henry looked down at the water, then up at his uncle. Cooper smiled. “Sweetie, let's head back to shore."

The next wave brought them quickly to the sand.

Mia rushed over, scooping up her sun-warmed son and hugging him close. His cheeks were rosy from the sun, and he snuggled into her arms, finally worn out.

Andre stood a little ways off, holding out the durian. "Mia, your fruit.”

Mia turned, noticing his pained expression. "You really don't like durian, do you?" Cooper grinned, "Who else but you could love something that smells like feet?" Mia laughed and gave her brother a playful kick. "Cooper, stay at least three feet away from me—and watch your mouth when you're talking to your sister!"