Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Watching his little nephew scrambling up the jungle gym, Cooper stood below, phone pressed to his ear, chatting away in a language Henry couldn't make heads or tails of.

On the other end, a man asked, half teasing, "Cooper, I speak your language too, you know. Why the secret code?"

Cooper shot his nephew a glance. "Little Henry's right here, and let's just say he's not shy about snitching on me. If I say too much, I'll find myself in hot water by dinnertime."

The man laughed. "Wait-don't tell me, is this the same kid who called my dog ugly?"

"Who else could it be?"

They kept talking in their chosen language, but Cooper's gaze never left Henry. "Cooper, I want some water!" Henry called.

Cooper grabbed his nephew's tiger-print sippy cup and made his way over.

Henry took a long drink, sweaty and tired, then flopped down next to his uncle, tilting his head to stare at Cooper's mouth. "Cooper can't talk."

Cooper snorted. "You little rascal."

Just before hanging up, Cooper asked, "Any word on Maja?"

The man replied, "Cooper, you didn't go and make enemies with the Dark Web, did you?"noveldrama

Cooper looked at his adorable nephew, a grin tugging at his lips. "Oh, definitely. We're arch-enemies." Mess with his nephew or kidnap his sister, and Cooper would have no problem taking them down himself.

"I could pull some strings, see if I can help find Maja?"

"That's okay. I'm just asking around. Maja's my brother-in-law's business, not mine." Cooper was careful-if his brother-in-law ever got suspicious and traced things back to him, he'd be toast.

"Alright, I'll let you know if I hear anything. Hope your little guy gives you a break today."

"Him? Not a chance."

After the call, Henry-very much not giving his uncle a break-grabbed Cooper's hand, signaling he was done playing.

Cooper put on his strictest tone. "Nope. One hour. You've got to finish the climb." Henry pouted. "Cooper-"

Cooper scooped him up, kneading

his small hands and legs. "Sweetie, if you're tired, you can rest, but no slacking off. Remember what we said? We keep our promises.

Henry pressed his lips together, snuggled for a moment, then Cooper set him back on the jungle gym.

When it was time to go, Henry didn't want to walk—he wanted to be carried. Cooper obliged, hefting him up. "Hey buddy, how about we go drive some go- karts?"

...

At the airport.

Mia and Molly scanned the crowd as passengers filed in from the latest flight.

"Mia, you two have barely met-do you even remember what she looks like?" Molly asked, skeptical.

Mia grinned. "Of course I do. Just look for the one who stands out."

A moment later, out of the crowd came an elderly man with a cane, a baby, and a striking woman.

The old man spotted them and broke into a broad grin. "There you are!"

Mia's eyes lit up. She waved, "Over here!"

Molly eyed the stylish woman, who was holding a baby. As soon as she saw Mia, she hurried over in her heels. "Mrs. Cedillo!"

Mia rushed forward, hugging her friend tight. "Finally! I've been waiting for you."

Turning to her guests, Mia made the introductions. "Let me introduce you-this is Molly, the one I told you about who married her police officer brother. She's the Cedillo family's eldest daughter, my sister-in-law, and my partner in crime for over a decade."

Molly laughed, "Mia, don't throw me under the bus the first time we meet!"

Mia grinned, then nodded to her guest. "And this is Aimee, the only heir to the Hernandez Group-biggest name on the West Coast. Spoiled, bold, and unforgettable."

The woman holding the baby spoke up, "And this is my son. I hear he's

two months younger than yours. His name's Mason Alexander

Hernandez, but we call him

vel

Jared-Mason from my husband

Patrick, a little bit of me in there too."