It was a classic case of "human cannonball"—all curves, no brakes. Andrew braced himself, quickly spreading his arms to catch the petite but busty Francesca.

"Fran, when did you come to Blumedale? Why didn't you tell me?" Andrew asked gently, feeling the fullness and warmth of her body against his.

Francesca replied with a pout. "I've been here for three days already! Dr. Goddard wanted me to come early to prepare for the Grand Medical Summit. He said I needed complete focus and it was too urgent to allow distractions, so he wouldn't even let me notify you!"

Andrew looked at the smiling Malcolm and began to understand the situation.

Francesca released him, her cheeks slightly flushed, and explained candidly, "Yes, Mr. Goddard has been my mentor since graduate school. He's also an old friend of Grandpa from Blumedale."

Malcolm walked to the sink, washed his hands thoroughly, and approached Andrew with a warm smile. "You must be our Fran's boyfriend, Andrew Lloyd, right? Very