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 me feel again 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.”