Page 69 of The Love Syllabus

I slide my hand into his, and he helps me out, steady and firm with his fingers lingering around mine even when my feet hit the ground.

“This isn’t just my home, Kerry. It’s yours. Your sanctuary. Your castle. Whether this is real or not, whether you want to believe it or not, this is where you reign, where you’re seen and cherished. Where no one will ever make you feel like less than the queen you are.”

Something unravels inside me, something deep, something fragile. My fingers instinctively curl around his, holding onto him, this moment, and his words.

Then, with one last lingering look, he gently tugs my hand. “Now, let’s go inside, where you belong.”

And just like that, hand in hand, we step through the doors of the Grimes estate—into my castle, into my fairytale, into what this fake turned something more may become.

Chapter 18

Pretty, Petty, and Perfect – Vic

There are many things I can fake in this arrangement with Kerry—our relationship, our dates, and our perfect-for-each-other smiles when the cameras are on. But what I can’t fake? What I don’t even try to fake anymore? Is the way I want her. It’s a dangerous kind of want that lingers long after she’s gone. The kind that curls in my gut like a craving I can’t shake. The kind that makes me think about her at all the wrong times and in all the wrong ways. And the worst part? She has no damn clue. No idea how often she’s on my mind, how she’s wormed her way under my skin, how she’s made mefeelagain after I swore I never would. I should fight it. I should keep my distance. I should remember that this isn’t real. But every time I see her, every time she laughs, every time she looks at me like I’m hers and she’s mine, I start to believe this could be my reality.

But today isn’t about my feelings or desires. Today is all about business, and I need to make sure I take care of it.

We’re soft launching my first nationally televised show,Cookin’ with Chef Grimes, on network television in the fall. So, I need to practice and get comfortable. I can talk in private or at a business dinner with no issue. I can definitely turn on the charm when my good luck charm Kerry’s is around. But what I can’t do is talk blindly to the camera about nothing, and that’s exactly what I feel like I’ll be doing.

I let out a slow breath through my nose, already annoyed while Hudson leans against my desk with arms crossed and masking his annoyance with a grin.

“Vic, I don’t know why you’re acting like this is some inconvenience. Ratings matter, and Krista Ray is gonna take the show to a new level. You’re about to have a gorgeous co-host.”

I grunt, tossing a pen onto my desk. “Oh yeah? Well, I don’t need some perky influencer butchering my recipes and acting like they know what the hell they’re doing just because they went viral for putting ranch on spaghetti.”

Hudson rolls his eyes. “You need someone with an actual personality, Vic. Someone who can balance out your brooding, serious chef vibes. You might know food, but Krista knows people. And if you want this show to take off, that’s just as important.”

I sigh, giving in. “If you’re done trying to convince me to sell my soul, get out of my office.” I nod toward the door. “I have important business to handle.”

He raises a brow. “Oh, you mean talk to Kerry?”

Guilty as charged.

I don’t answer. I just glance down at the tablet in front of me like I suddenly forgot how to read.

He exhales, all dramatic. “You’re lucky I like her. Otherwise, I’d drag your lovesick ass outta here myself.”

I look up. “Meaning?”

Hudson shakes his head. “Meaning this little charade. It’s got an expiration date, my guy. And when it hits? You’re gonna be sick in a whole different way.”

“You’re being dramatic.”

He turns, deadpan. “Fine, don’t believe me. But if I see one more blog post, selfie, or paparazzi pic of y’all at brunch with matching smiles and touching foreheads, I’m exposing your asses myself.”

I laugh.

He points at me. “Tell your woman I said hello. I’ll run the meeting while you finish pretending you’re not already planning your life with her. You’re welcome.”

Hours later, after chatting with the girls and stealing moments with Kerry, I sit at my desk and actually get work done. I craft recipe after recipe.

It’s been a while since I’ve been this inspired. Kerry’s been pushing me to stretch beyond my recipe palette and even go back to my roots. I’m almost done with the entire menu, and I can’t wait to cook each dish for her.

Shortly after, my phone rings, and it’s a video call from Kerry.

I answer without looking up. “Hold on for a second; I’m almost done with this masterpiece of a recipe. You’re my muse, Kerry Kind.”

I hear her soft laugh, but before she can respond, there’s a knock at my door.

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