Page 45 of The Love Syllabus

Public Appearances – Business dinners, casual brunches, spontaneous dates where we’re justsoin sync.

Physical Touch – Seal the illusion! A well-timed touch, casual hand on my back, whisper something in my ear that makes me laugh. And a well-timed forehead kiss in public wouldn’t hurt??

I lower the paper and glance up at him. “Stick to the syllabus, and we’ll earn our Oscar.”

He nods and reads through the list in amusement, specifically honing in on number five, then hesitates as if he wants to add more but decides against it. Instead, he stands to clear his dishes.

“Oh, let me help with that, Mr. Grimes.” I offer quickly, standing up as well.

“As much as I enjoy hearing you call me Mr. Grimes,” he starts, a sly smirk playing on his lips as he scans me briefly, “Please call me Vic when you’re off the clock.”

I blush.

“I’ll clean up. The staff’s gone home for the night, and you’ve been off for hours. You’ve done more than enough today, and you certainly shouldn’t be taking care of me.” He adds, his voice warm yet firm.

I playfully hit his chest, “Oh please, I enjoy taking care of people. Besides, you needed to be taken care of tonight after all that huffin’ and puffin’ you were doin’ when you got home. Just a hot, grumpy mess.

We both laugh, but I realize my hand still lingers on his chest. His warmth seeps into my skin, and his domineering presence wraps around me. As he stands over me, I lean into him and find myself melting under the gentle pressure of his touch.

“Well,” he smirks. “I assure you, I’m not grumpy anymore. So, thank you, Kerry. And I promise to be studious and commit to every task in the syllabus, especially physical touch.”

I gulp loudly, then appreciatively nod, but as I start to pull away, his fingers brush against the silk of my shirt, a touch so light it sends a shiver down my spine.

“Well,” My voice shakes. “I appreciate your dedication and your thanks.”

“I just wish I could do the same in return.” He says regretfully.

“Do what,Vic?” My voice is almost a whisper, charged with desire I hadn’t expected to feel.

He moves his hand upward, his fingers tracing a line from my arm up to my cheek, holding my gaze with an intensity that nearly makes my heart beat out of my chest. “Take care of you like you’ve taken care of me tonight.” He says, his breath warm against my skin.

I swallow hard, trying to maintain a semblance of control. “I can take care of myself,” I reply, though my voice betrays a hint of breathlessness.

Then, he leans in, his hand still cradling my face, and whispers against my ear. The sweet heat of his breath ignites a slow, searing burn within me, causing me to tremble with desire. “There are many things you can do on your own, but I promise there are some things that feel better when someone does themforyou… ortoyou.”

The proximity, the husky timbre of his voice, and the implication of his words dangle in front of me like my favorite dessert, leaving me momentarily lost in the intoxicating sweetness of his pull and the promise of what hiscaremeans.

With his entire being threatening to undo me and my body willing to, I look into his eyes and attempt to mask my inexperience with a veneer of confidence, which is flimsy at best. “Maybe we can discuss this tomorrow evening… over wine and whiskey. And maybe the many nights to follow as well?” I suggest, my voice tinged with a dare.

A devilish smile spreads across his lips, lighting up his handsome face in a way that’s both thrilling and forbidden. “Early evening, of course. I’ll try my best to come home at a much more reasonable time.”

Pleased by his commitment, I nod in approval. “It’s a date then. Goodnight, Vic.”

I allow myself a moment of boldness and slide past him, making sure my body brushes against him. I feel theveryhardreality of him beneath his clothes, then slowly saunter to my room, as bubbly, light-headed, and confused as ever.

When I’m finally sprawled on my bed, heart racing and mind spinning, I open my nightstand drawer only to be hit with a wave of disappointment.

I left my damn vibrator at home.

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