Page 94 of The Love Syllabus

I giggle, but my heart races because while my parents are planning the most magical weekend for the girls, I’m freaking out about mine.

This will be our first weekend alone together. No cameras. No kids. No distractions. Just me and Vic in New York City.

Vic’s show has been nominated for five Michelin awards, including Culinary Master of the Year and Best Restaurant. It’s a huge deal. He hasn’t been to an awards ceremony in five years, so me accompanying him isn’t just a casual trip—it’s meaningful.

And, if I’m being completely honest with myself…I think this may betheweekend. The weekend we finally go further than we’ve ever gone.

We’ve been toeing the line for weeks, teetering on the edge of something explosive. Every time we touch, every time we kiss, I’m left aching, wanting,needingmore, and I love it.

I love the way his hands know exactly where to touch, how a single stroke makes my body shudder. I love the way his lips drag over my skin, teasing, torturing, pushing me closer and closer until my entire body hums with desperate anticipation.

I’ve never wanted anyone this badly before. With Cory, it was… empty. Routine. A one-sided performance where I was nothing more than a tool for his pleasure.

But with Vic? He worships me. He wants me in ways I’ve never been wanted, which scares me because what if reality doesn’t live up to my fantasies? What if I buckle under pressure? What if I spazz out? What if I… underperform?

Oh, God. Is that even a thing? Holy crap. I need to watch some porn.

I haven’t had sex in years, and when I did, it was just a chore. I have no idea what I’m doing when it comes to real intimacy. What if I mess it up? What if I don’t make him feel as good as he makes me feel?

I shake off my spiraling thoughts, jump into the shower, and let the hot water scald my skin, hoping it’ll wash away my overthinking.

Just as I’m running through my mental checklist, I hear Vic’s voice, accompanied by Syd and Ari’s excited squeals. I hear the chaotic shuffle of little feet, and then, BAM! I barely have a second to brace myself.

“Ms. Kerry! Ms. Kerry!”

Syd jumps up and down while Ari throws her arms around my waist, squeezing me tight. It’s been less than 24 hours since we last saw one another, but it feels like forever. I love these girls like they’re mine. And, if I let myself dream a little, maybe one day they could be.

“We’re gonna have the best weekend ever!” Syd announces, her face glowing with excitement.

“We packed our princess dresses for solar system night. Princesses in space!” Ari nods solemnly as if this is a mission of great importance.

I bite back a laugh, glancing up at Vic, who’s leaning casually against the doorway. He looks devastatingly handsome, wearing a fitted white Henley that clings to his broad chest, his dark jeans hanging just right, but it’s his eyes that undo me. He’s holding a duffel bag in one hand and his car keys in the other.

They’re heavy, lingering, like he knows exactly where my mind was five minutes ago. Like he knows what this weekend means for us.

With a sly smile, he asks, “Are you ready?”

I glance down at myself wearing the thickest clothes I own—a college sweatshirt, leggings, and Uggs.

“Does it look like I’m ready?” I huff. “I’m gonna freeze my ass off in New York.”

Vic chuckles and then steps forward, wrapping his strong and solid arms around me.

“I’ll keep you warm.”

Then, he plants a slow, sweet kiss on my lips.

“Alright, you two,” my dad interrupts, clearing his throat. “Save it for the hotel room, hmm?”

“Dad!” I yell, mortified.

Vic just laughs, pulling me closer.

After a round of hugs and goodbyes with the girls and my parents, we head off for our romanticworkweekend away.

At the private airfield, we’re greeted by the pilot and concierge team. Before I can fully process the luxury surrounding me, a glass of champagne is placed in my hand.

The dimly lit cabin is sleek and sophisticated, modern but intimate—the kind of setting meant for indulgence and seduction. I sink into the plush leather seat, trying to absorb the moment, steady my thoughts, and relax, but my mind is still racing.

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