Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

The elevator dinged as it hit the ground floor, and out they strolled, Leo gently guiding Anya toward the jogging track. The place was alive with folks on their evening runs, but the two of them took their time, ambling along the path.

Breaking the easy silence, Anya said, "Chad, I've got to say, I really like you." Leo squeezed her hand, a smile playing at his lips. "I know," he replied.

"And," Anya continued, "I love spending time with you."

Leo chuckled, "That, I know too."

Anya was about to protest, but Leo beat her to it, "Hey, going from flying solo to being part of a duo, it takes some getting used to. Feeling out of sorts is just your mind's way of dealing with new stuff. Once you settle into the groove, you'll love this new chapter."

Anya glanced down, "Chad, you seem to have all the answers."

Leo's warmth seeped through his touch, "You're my little fairy. When my fairy's feeling blue, how could I not notice?"

He continued, "As for our morning routine, I could sleep in and let you have the bathroom first, but I love standing side by side, watching us brush our teeth in the mirror. We can handle all our meals without you lifting a finger.

Ms. Anya, cooking is your passion, not a chore. I didn't want a big kitchen to have you cater to me, but to give you space to explore your love for it. I'm your boyfriend, your other half. You can dash out in a towel, and I could too..."

Before he could finish, Anya spun around and hugged him tight, her face buried in his chest. "Chad, you're amazing."

Leo laughed softly, "I thought you were going to say 'I love you.""

Anya whispered, "There are too many people around; I'm too shy for that."

Leo glanced around, grinning, "But you're okay with hugging me in front of everyone?"

"Let them watch. Young couples hugging is no big deal to them," Anya shot back, using Leo's own words.noveldrama

Laughing, Leo wrapped his arm around her shoulders, "So, how about a kiss?"

Anya quickly released him and grabbed his hand, "Chad, let's get running."

After a brief five-minute jog, Anya stopped, sniffing the air, "Chad, do you smell that? It's barbecue."

Ten minutes later, they found themselves looking over a menu, "Four lamb skewers, four grilled tendons," Leo started.

"Chad, let's make it six each, four won't cut it," Anya chimed in.

Leo looked at her, then waved the server over, "Just like my girlfriend said, six of each, plus a grilled flatbread, and maybe..."

Before long, their food arrived, and as Anya dug in, a hint of guilt crept in. Chili powder clung to her cheek, unnoticed by Leo.

"Chad, let's swing by the

supermarket later for a digital scale.

I can't keep eating like this; I'll balloon," Anya said, after indulging for a good half-hour.

Leo reassured her, "Gain weight? Eating is exercise too."

Anya tilted her head, confused, "Huh? Eating is exercise?"

Leo explained with a grin, "When you chew, your mouth's moving, right? That exercise slims your cheeks, and a slimmer face means you're losing weight, doesn't it?"

Anya blinked, "But I had meat."

"Sure, but we're eating lean meat, which helps you slim down. The bit of fat just gives you the nutrition you need without adding pounds. Enjoy." Leo took a few bites, then grabbed a bottle of yogurt from the counter, opened it, and handed it to Anya, "Here's some probiotics to help with digestion. That meat will be gone in no time."