The entire restaurant notices. Even Jeff and Kendra go silent. Vic doesn’t blink, doesn’t move, doesn’t give Cory or the foul-mouthed man an inch of power. Instead, he leans forward, just enough for his presence to loom, just enough for the tension to snap tight like a loaded trigger.

“We’re enjoying a nice dinner with friends,” he continues, voice smooth. “And I’d appreciate it if both of you—” he finally stands up, towering over both men and forcing them to step back. “tear your eyes away from Kerry, or I’ll make sure they never open again.”

We, along with nearly everyone in the room, are still stunned by Vic’s warning. Cory and the man are appalled. But it’s time for me to step in before Vic ends up in a world of trouble.

“Um, hon—” I stand up quickly, placing a gentle hand on Vic’s chest, my touch a silent plea to keep him from fully snapping. “You’ve met my ex-husband Cory, but this is his father, Police Commissioner Martin.”

Vic barely acknowledges him. He’s unphased, unbothered, and so damn sexy.

But the Commissioner puffs out his chest anyway, trying to assert whatever power he thinks he has. “That’s right. I’m the law around here.”

Vic grumbles out a low, dark laugh, the kind that raises the hairs on my arms. “And you’re all this town’s got?” He exhales sharply, shaking his head, his voice mocking and drenched in disdain. “That’s a damn shame.”

“Listen, boy—” Martin steps up to Vic, attempting to meet him eye to eye.

But an authoritative voice sneaks up on us, smooth and commanding. “Look what we have here, our local government all in one place, along with our new celebrity couple.”

Kendra and Jeff immediately stand. Their posture shifts and their movements are quick.

I glance between them, trying to place the woman and her husband.

“Celebrity?” Cory scoffs at the woman like she just told the world’s funniest joke. “Kerry’s far from that.”

Police Commissioner Martin nudges his son, his irritation barely concealed. “Show some damn respect, you idiot.”

For the first time tonight, Cory shuts up. The woman, poised and completely unbothered, extends her hand toward Vic, smiling warmly.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Chef Grimes. We love your restaurants and are so excited you’re bringing a cooking show to Greer.”

Vic shakes her hand, nodding politely, but it’s when she turns to me that I sit up straighter.

“And you,” she continues, voice filled with genuine warmth. “You must be Kerry Kind. I’ve heard so many great things about you.”

My brows shoot up. Who is this woman?

I press a hand to my chest, glancing around at the obvious higher-ups in our town before looking back at her.