Then, I spot Ari nearby, already dressed for bed, her eyes watching me with something softer. Something deeper. Her expression is unreadable, but it makes my heart pinch. I kneel, opening my arms. She steps into them without hesitation.

Ari’s hug is different from Syd’s. It lingers. She clings to me, holding on like she’s afraid I might slip away. And I find myself wanting to assure her that I’ll never let go.

A sigh escapes her as she whispers against my shoulder. “Thank you for coming. We have so much planned.”

I run my fingers through her curls, pressing my chin to the top of her head. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Then suddenly, a buttery sweet aroma drifts from the kitchen.

I take a deep whiff and let out a low, appreciative sigh. “Mmm. What in the world is your dad cookin’ up in there?”

“This is why we don’t eat sweets during the week. C’mon!” Syd giggles.

The girls each grab a hand and drag me toward the kitchen, where the scent of cinnamon rolls collides with the even more delicious scent and sight of Vic.

He’s standing tall and at ease, wearing his “Chef Grimes” apron over a fitted Howard University t-shirt that flexes every bit of his tattooed arms and broad chest.

Lord, help me.

He’s in his zone, pulling a tray of freshly baked cinnamon rolls from the oven, oblivious to us at first. Not until Syd and Ari dip their fingers into the frosting. Then, his head lifts, and his gaze finds mine.

The hunger in his eyes is unmistakable—so full and raw that I nearly crumble. But just as I start to drown in it, a smirk tugs at his lips, replacing our moment of vulnerability with something lighter.

“Is everything okay?” I ask.

He leans casually against the counter, shaking his head. “Such a shame to look that good in an ugly outfit.”

I blink. “Excuse me?”

He gestures toward my pajamas, feigning disappointment. “We only rep HU Bisons in this house.”

I snort, rolling my eyes. “Boy, please. I’m a proud CAU Panther!”

Before I can say anything else, he moves around the counter, closing the space between us in just a few strides. And then, he hugs me, casual and friendly.

Except there’s nothing casual about the way his hands linger at my waist, the way his fingertips graze my skin as he pulls away.

A shiver runs through me, but I keep my voice light. “Are you as excited to see me as the girls are?”

His smirk fades into something deeper. His voice drops just enough for only me to hear. “Even more.”