“Fine,” I grumble. “But you better not try anything… grimy.” The corny joke and my goofy laugh slip out before I can stop it. “Sorry. I couldn’t help myself.”

He chuckles, deep and warm, the sound wrapping around me like an embrace. Just then, a sleek black Escalade glides to the curb.

“Mr. Grimes!” the driver calls out with an exaggerated grin as Victor opens the door for me.

“Gary, don’t start.” Victor’s tone is a mix of playful and warning. “We’re just taking Ms. Kind home. That’s all. This isn’t what you think.”

As he guides me toward the car, his hand wraps around mine with gentle firmness, sending another surge of unwanted warmth through me. Gary snickers from the driver’s seat.

“Sure it isn’t, Vic. Stepping out of your comfort zone, falling head over heels…”

“Gary!” Victor snaps, a hint of embarrassment coloring his cheeks. It’s… weirdly endearing.

“Please, excuse my driver. He’s more like an uncle than anything. He has a hard time not butting in.” Vic explains, his voice tinged with affection and a hint of embarrassment.

“I get it. My parents and friends are the same way.” I reply, finding common ground that makes the air between us a bit lighter.

As we settle into the ride, I give Gary my address, who nods and occasionally glances at us through the rearview mirror. “He’s quite protective over you.” I observe, noting the careful watch he keeps on Vic.

“As he should be. It’s my first night out in a new town, and I’ve given a ride to a strange stranger. Who wouldn’t be protective?” Vic smirks, his voice laced with a mix of sarcasm and warmth.

I gasp in mock offense. “Strange? You’ve got some nerve. You’re the one fake-dating a stranger to win a pissing contest with her ex.” I snap while struggling to undo my shoe strap.

Vic chuckles, then carefully lifts my leg, placing it gently on his lap to help me. A light breath escapes my mouth. The moment he touches me, the slit of my dress parts slightly, revealing more of my thighs, which seems to momentarily distract him.

“Eyes up, Grey Beard,” I tease, catching his wandering gaze.

Gary’s snicker from the front seat makes my cheeks heat, but Victor’s focus never wavers from my face, my barely concealed cleavage, and my legs. Even though he’s just unclasped my shoe strap, his hand remains firmly yet gently around my ankle, massaging his thumb deep into my legs.

What the hell is happening right now? My heart races, and my body responds to his touch so naturally, with my leg gently resting in his palms and a moan slightly escaping my lips. I’ve never desired someone so badly in my life, and I’ve certainly never felt so desired in my life.

“Grey Beard,” I whisper, part warning, part invitation.