Page 32 of The Love Syllabus

I squeeze her hand, feeling something real settle between us, something that transcends our ruse. It’s in the way she speaks with conviction, not just about us, but about herself—about who she’s become.

Mr. and Mrs. Kind exchange a look, their rigid expressions softening ever so slightly. There’s no full acceptance, but there’s a reluctant nod, a silent acknowledgment of Kerry’s strength.

Mrs. Grace sighs then her lips curve into a small, wry smile. “You’re as impulsive as I am, that’s for sure. I was lovin’ on your daddy when everybody told me not to. Your grandpa still says, ‘Stay away from him.’” She says, waving her hand dismissively, embarrassing nearly everyone in the room.

So, this is who Kerry gets her personality from.

“Grace,” Mr. James huffs, shaking his head.

“Oh, hush, James! We just gotta trust these two silly lovebirds to shack up in front of the good Lord’s eyes andhopefullynot get struck by lightning while we’re off on our empty nesters’ cruise.”

Kerry’s face twists in confusion. “Hold on, what? When did you book an empty nesters’ cruise? Is that even a thing?”

“I booked it as soon as I found out you had a man,” Grace says matter-of-factly, crossing her arms. “We’ll be gone for a month. Now,Son,” she adds, turning to me with narrowed eyes, “give James your information so we can call you every day. We’ve got the whole town on our side. And they’ll beat you down if you hurt our baby, ya hear?”

I nod, swallowing hard, and shake Mr. James’s hand—a handshake so firm I’m certain he’s trying to crush my bones. Message received.

After we bid her parents goodbye, I help Kerry load her belongings into the car. We exchange flirtatious glances, but they’re tinged with exhaustion, at least from my end. The moment her parents retreat from the window, I sharply exhale.

“Kerry,” I mutter under my breath, dragging my hand down my face. “Why the hell did you lie to your parents? I haven’t done something like that since I was a teenager.”

She rolls her eyes, still in semi-acting mode, as she adjusts her stance for any nosy neighbors peeking out. “I’m sorry, okay? But what was I supposed to do? Tell my parents I’m working for myfake boyfriendas hisnannyfor histwo kids? You should bethankingme for lying and possibly saving your life from my dad.”

She steps closer, swaying her hips with exaggerated charm, her smile mesmerizing. “Did you see how happy the town was to see me happy the other night? Did you see how happy my parents were to hear I got my career back?”

I nod reluctantly, rubbing the back of my neck, trying not to fall deep into her spell. “I did. But imagine how disappointed everyone’s going to be when they find out the truth.”

“Well,” she says, her eyes sparkling with mischief, “that just means we’ll have to make our lies become truths, won’t we?”

I arch a brow. “Explain.”

She flirtatiously wraps her arms around my neck. Her touch is light, but her words are layered with something more. “Simple. We carry on with our whirlwind romance, then gracefully break up right around the time school starts.Lie one,done. Afterward, I’ll just tell everyone I decided to accept an exclusive homeschooling offer with one family.Lie two,done. Then I remain the girls’ teacher.Voila!Turning my lie into the truth, Mr. Grimes.”

She finishes with a dramatic flair, her grin wide and unapologetic.

I laugh, pulling her a little closer, fully embracing the absurdity. “Kerry Kind, you’re quite the schemer. Looks like we’ve got our work cut out for us,” I say, gently stroking her cheek. “You know, convincing the town weactuallylike each other.”

She leans into my touch, a soft, almost involuntary sound escaping her lips. “Mmm-hmm. So much work.”

Just then, a group of older ladies stroll by, whispering loud enough for the whole block to hear.

“Oh my! Look at Kerry and her new man!”

Kerry laughs, resting her head against my chest, her body molding into mine like it’s always belonged here.

Strangely, it feels like it does.

I run my fingers through her smooth, pressed hair as a surprising warmth spreads through me. I grab her and then lead her to the car to begin our journey into the unknown.

“Come on, Ms. Kind. Let’s go home.”

Chapter 9

Mixed Signals – Kerry

Iknow my plan might backfire. I know the truth always comes to light, but I don’t mind getting lost in the dark for a while. Everyone in this town knows my plight, and I’m just so damn tired of losing, so if spinning a tale now means I can swap pity for respect, then I’m ready to roll the dice. I just hope when all is revealed, all respect isn’t lost.

I pull up to the grounds of Vic’s expansive estate and take a moment to soak it all in. Vic’s staff unloads my things from the car while he holds the door, his demeanor smooth yet guarded. He’s a puzzle of a man—sometimes a gentleman, sometimes a charmer, sometimes distant, sometimes a jerk but now my boss. He confuses me, but I do know one thing for sure, I won’t tolerate his wishy-washy respect.

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