Page 116 of The Love Syllabus

He grins. “Say less. Purchasing our first home together is officially on my to-do list.”

I blush, and we sneak off for a little while, wander past the vines, and kiss like we’re somewhere no one knows us. That is, until Izzy eventually finds us and threatens to hose us down.

By the end of our tour, we’re sun-kissed, overstimulated, and still rich but a little broke—the recipe for a successful day date.

We head back to our villa full of laughter and flushed cheeks. Everyone peels off for some much-needed downtime while the kids relax by the pool with my parents, which means one thing.

Tonight, it’s just us—me and Vic.

I step out of the bathroom, smoothing my hands over the shimmering pink fabric of my dress, and the second Vic lays eyes on me, everything slows.

His gaze sweeps over me with heat simmering behind his dark eyes. He looks like he wants to say something, but when his lips part, nothing comes out. Instead, he swallows and tightens his grip around his glass as he exhales through his nose.

I glance at him, taking in the way he’s dressed—black fitted slacks and a crisp, open-collared dress shirt with theexactaccent shade of soft pink as my dress. No tie, no unnecessary layers, just him looking unfairly good as if he stepped straight out of my damn fantasy.

We hadn’t planned it, but somehow, we still fit so perfectly together.

A slow smile tugs at my lips. “You know me so well, Victor Grimes.”

Vic finally moves, stepping forward and tilting my chin up with his finger. “Well, knowing you is a privilege, but loving you? That’s my greatest honor.”

He kisses me softly, and we head to dinner.

The moment we arrive at the restaurant, the owner nearly trips over himself. As soon as he sawtheChefGrimes, he dang near caught the holy ghost!

Within the hour, plates start arriving at our table—delicacies from every section of the menu, each dish carefully crafted like it’s their life’s mission to impress him.

“For you, Chef Grimes.” The owner says with a reverent nod as yet another beautifully plated dish is set before us.

Vic chuckles, shaking his head. “You all are spoiling us.”

“This is an honor,” the chef insists, practically vibrating with excitement. “I’ve followed your work for years. Please, tell me what you think.”

I watch in amusement as Vic takes a bite, closing his eyes like he’s dissecting every layer of flavor. When he finally nods in approval, the entire kitchen staff looks like they might faint.

Between courses, a few patrons come over, asking for pictures, and Vic obliges, but he never lets the attention pull him away from me. His arm stays draped over the back of my chair, and his focus always shifts back to me, his hand finding mine under the table.

But the best part? The way his fingers graze mine. The way his voice dips lower when he teases me. The way I feel his eyes on me like a touch.

When the fandom chaos dies down, we can finally just be us.

“So…” he says, swirling the last sip of wine in his glass. “You ready to get back to the real world?”

I sigh dramatically. “Absolutely not!” Then I giggle, shaking my head. “Yes. Though I needed this week away, I’m ready to go home with you and the girls. I just hate that y’all have to deal with all my baggage. We’re three months away from your restaurant’s grand opening. Yet, we’re focusing on me and my drama. I’m sorry, Vic.”

He reaches across the table, his fingers tangling with mine. “No sorry needed. That’s what I’m here for. That’s what we’re here for. We’re your family, Kerry. I’ll always love and support you, especially against anyone who tries to hurt you.” His thumb brushes slow, grounding circles over my wrist.

I smile softly, but there’s a little weight behind it. “You know, in three months, it’s also the end of my one-year contract.”

Vic smirks, his eyes never leaving mine. “And one year since we started dating.”

I raise an eyebrow, laughing. “Correction,fakedating.”

“Same thing,” he says with a cool shrug. “It was always real for me.”

I laugh a bit too loud. “Oh really? Even when you were rejecting me? Hurting my feelings?”

He laughs. “You’re never gonna let me live that down, huh?” Then, he smirks. “Speaking of hurt… I’mhurtthat it’s beendayssince I’ve had you all to myself.”

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