Krista shakes her head. “Wow,” she laughs, but it’s empty. “I actually thought you were reaching back out to me by giving me this gig. I can’t believe I thought you felt bad. You really are an asshole, Victor Grimes!”

She storms out of my office, but I don’t care because the only person on my mind is Kerry. And no matter how many times I call or text, she won’t answer.

After I leave the office, I anxiously rush Gary to drive faster and even end up explaining the situation from earlier to him, hoping to get some wisdom.

“Well, sir,” Gary says, his voice carrying smug amusement that lets me know whatever comes out of his mouth next is going to be useless. “You need to prove to her that kiss with Krista meant nothing.”

I sigh, rubbing my temple. “And how do I do that, Gary?”

Gary glances at me in the rearview mirror, completely unfazed by my frustration. Then, with the confidence of a man who has nothing to lose, he says, “By kissing Ms. Kind.”

I just stare at him and shake my head at his terrible advice.

When we finally make it home, I cautiously enter, fully prepared for Kerry to throw a pot at my head the moment she sees me.

Instead, another sudden impact occurs. Two small bodies crash into me, nearly knocking me off balance. Syd and Ari attack me with hugs and kisses, and their giggles instantly soothe the tension in my chest. As they chatter excitedly about their day, I half-listen as I mentally prepare myself for battle.

But I hear the rolling bag before anything. Kerry cuts around the corner, tugging her weekend luggage.

Crap, I forgot it’s Friday! She’s leaving for the weekend. I can’t let that moment in my office be the last between us before she’s gone.

“Oh, you finally made it home.” She says, amused, almost too amused.

I narrow my eyes, assessing her vibe. She’s too calm, too light, too fuckin’ cute. This is a trap.

Kerry dips down to hug the girls goodbye.

“Please spend the weekend with us. We don’t want you to go. We have so much fun on the weekends with Daddy, and it’s high time you join us.” Syd playfully demands.

Kerry laughs. Syd’s beginning to adopt her country twang. “I know, Syd. Maybe another weekend, okay? I’ll see you bright and early on Monday morning.”

Then, she turns to me. I brace myself, but she throws me completely off guard. Kerry leans in and hugs me, like a real hug—soft, warm, and familiar.

“Sorry, I’m a bit late,” I whisper, my voice even and apologetic. “I would’ve been here sooner, but I wanted to give you a little time to—”