“The opening is stressing me out,” he admits, stretching his long legs. “This menu is new, and I’m nervous to see how people react to it. But anyway—” he exhales, shaking off the stress, his gaze warming when he looks at me, “we’re on our way to Lake Placid. I bought a home there a few years back, but I’ve never stayed in it. I figured this weekend was the perfect time to enjoy it. With you.”

My heart melts.

“Aww, Vic.” I pull him in for a sweet kiss. “That sounds amazing.”

He cups the back of my head, lingering against my lips. “Good. I want this weekend to be perfect for you.”

“And indeed it will be. Now, get back to work. I’m just over here enjoying the change in scenery.”

“You sure?” he asks, thumb stroking my knee.

“Work, Vic.” I say firmly, smiling. “I’m fine. Really.”

The moment we pull into the driveway, my breath catches in my throat. It’s breathtaking.

Nestled between the towering Adirondack pines, the estate is a stunning fusion of rustic and modern luxury. Warm wooden beams stretch across the lodge-style home, with its massive floor-to-ceiling windows gleaming in the fading sunlight. The house practically glows, golden and inviting, standing against the backdrop of a deep blue lake and sprawling mountains.

“This…” I whisper, stepping out of the car and taking it all in, “this is unreal.”

Vic watches me with his hands tucked into his coat pockets and a pleased smile playing on his lips. “You like it?”

I turn to him, grinning. “Like it? I love it.”

The inside of the home is even more impressive. It has vaulted ceilings, a stone fireplace crackling with warmth, plush fur rugs, oversized leather sofas, and a kitchen straight out of a chef’s fantasy. The entire place smells of cedar and vanilla, cozy and rich.

“C’mon,” Vic says, taking my hand. “Let’s get comfortable.”

We make our way through the impressive home to the master bathroom, where we take our first shower together. Steam curls around us as Vic’s hands move over my wet skin, slow and steady, like he’s memorizing me. A lazy kiss here, a lingering touch there, washing away the morning… and making space for more.

“Vic…” I sigh, pressing against him. “You can take me now, you know? Right here.”

He hums against my skin. “Or I can just enjoy how good your body feels against mine.”

After fooling around in the shower, we throw on thick, fluffy robes and settle into the living room, waiting for the groceries to be delivered. Vic pours me a glass of wine, and I curl into his side, enjoying the rare moment of undisturbed peace.

“You know,” he presses his lips against my temple, “this weekend is all for you, right? I don’t want you lifting a finger.”

I chuckle. “That’s not realistic.”