Page 40 of The Love Syllabus

Vic chuckles, a dry sound that I can’t quite read. “Here you go, running into meagain. Just admit you can’t keep your hands to yourself.” He teases but doesn’t flash a smile.

“I...uh, wasn’t—” I start, but my words taper off when I catch a glimpse through the door. He’s practically inhaled his meal. His smirk tells me he caught my stunned look, yet he says nothing more, simply shutting the door gently behind him.

With his eyes piercing through me like a laser, he announces, “Girls, I’ll read you the story tonight.” Then, he reaches for my hand, leading me down the hall to Syd’s room. As we walk, he talks, his voice soft but strained. “I’ve never missed story time. I put them to bed every night, but starting tomorrow, I’ll be buried in the office. There’s no telling what time I’ll get home.”

Before entering Syd’s room, a look of worry, reluctance, and perhaps even fear flashes across his face. I reach out my hand and rest it lightly on his arm, attempting to anchor him back to the present. “Hey, I promise I’ll take good care of them.”

He looks at me, and there’s a brief softening in his gaze, a fleeting moment of vulnerability. He slowly nods and tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear, gently grazing my face with his rough hands. “I know you will.”

Inside Syd’s room, he settles beside her on the bed. He doesn’t even get halfway through the story before her eyes begin to flutter shut. His presence alone is a calming aid, even for me. I lean against the doorframe, watching the gentle rise and fall of Syd’s chest as she drifts off to sleep to his voice, her final murmur melting my heart. “I love you, Daddy. Thank you for bringing us, Ms. Kind. This was the best day ever.”

Vic kisses her forehead, and we repeat the routine with Ari.

Back in the hallway, Vic heads towards the library, but I call out, “You should really get some rest, Mr. Grimes.”

He pauses, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. “So, you’re taking care of me too, huh?”

I shrug. “Well, somebody has to. I’m officially the caretaker of this family.”

He gives a half-smile as a hint of gratitude flickers in his eyes. “Hey, I’m sorry for earlier. Pushing people away is sometimes easier than letting them in.” He admits.

A heartfelt laughter bubbles up from my throat. “It’s funny how different we are from one another. You push people away while I let too many in.”

A flicker of charm crosses his face. “Well, perhaps we can teach each other a few things. Goodnight, Ms. Kind.”

I watch him disappear into his library before retreating to my room, collapsing onto the plush bed, enveloped by the luxury that now surrounds me in my new home.

Chapter 11

A Grand Grimes Gesture – Kerry

Islept like a peaceful princess on plush pink pillows that smelled of clean linens and strawberries. My body feels renewed, and my mind refreshed. Though I have a long day ahead, I don’t want to get up. Waking up at 6 am is one thing I don’t miss about teaching, especially not after the best sleep of my life.

Nevertheless, I jump up and get ready for a day filled with lots of activities. Vic mentioned he’d be in the office early and leaving late moving forward, which is great for me because I’m going to wear whatever the hell I want. And today, it’s a super cute pink crop top and high-waisted jeans.

After getting ready, I head to the kitchen to prepare the girls’ breakfast, but upon entering, I’m stopped in my tracks by a beautiful spread already laid out on the kitchen island.

Whoa! I’ve never seen anything like this.

The island is covered in an opulent display of golden croissants beside an array of fresh berries and pancakes topped with vanilla whipped cream and drizzled maple syrup. On the opposite counter is a crystal pitcher filled with freshly squeezed orange juice next to chopped bacon, smoked salmon, capers, and cream cheese, ready to crown the toasted bagels. The food doesn’t even look real.

“What do I eat first?” I ask myself, awestruck by the extravagant breakfast array.

“Anything you want, Ms. Kind,” comes Ms. Tina’s voice from behind, making me jump slightly.

“Oh gosh! You scared me,” I exclaim, placing a hand over my heart. “What is all this? Where’s Mr. Grimes?”

“It’s your official welcome, I guess. He always cooks breakfast but never like this.” Ms. Tina remarks with a raised eyebrow, her tone laced with intrigue.

I shrug, still taking in the spread. “I guess he’s just overdoing it since he’s missing out on spending time with Syd and Ari.”

“Sure…believe that excuse if you want,” Ms. Tina replies, leaning against the counter. “I’ve known that man for a long time, and I’ve never seen him flustered,overdoanything, let alone yield a hammer.”

I laugh, remembering the odd sight from yesterday. “Uh, yeah…about that hammer? What in the world was that about?”

Ms. Tina nods towards the hallway with a smile. “Go and take a look for yourself.”

I slowly walk towards the library and push the thick cedarwood doors open only to be stunned by the mini-renovation—a reading nook by the window where the sun beams, bathing the room in a warm glow. I make my way to the cozy, alcove, spacious enough for a much-needed lunch nap. There, atop a stack of my favorite books, I find a note.

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