“And you must be the beautiful Southern Belle everyone’s been talking about,” he says with a charming grin, taking my hand and lightly kissing it.

I catch a flash of irritation cross Vic’s face as his jaw tightens slightly.

“Whoa!” I laugh, pulling my hand back gently. “Well, I don’t know about the Belle part, but I’m as Southern as they come.”

“Please excuse my brother, Hudson,” Vic interjects sharply, his voice carrying an edge I haven’t heard before. “He’s not usually this unattractively forward, Ms. Kind.”

Hudson flashes a mischievous smile, not at all bothered by the rebuke. “Just couldn’t help myself,” he says with a wink. “It’s not every day we get such grace and beauty around here.”

Vic’s eyes narrow slightly, and he subtly steps closer to me. “Hudson, that’s enough. Hands off.” He says, the words low and firm.

A surprising thrill of excitement runs through me at his protectiveness. Is he jealous? Possessive, even? His complicated layers are peeling back faster than I expected. He’s disarmingly charming yet reserved and someone who clearly values what or who he considers his. As the brothers exchange contentious looks, it’s clear they enjoy pushing each other’s buttons, and I find myself amused, even flattered, to be at the center of their sibling rivalry.

“Kerry, I gotta get goin’, but I emailed your employment contract, NDA, and the agreement to be my son’s faux companion until your services are no longer needed,” Vicky says matter-of-factly, already gathering her things like this is the most normal arrangement in the world.

A bit taken aback, I nearly choke on air. “An agreement for that? I mean, is it really necessary?” I sputter, my voice pitching higher than I’d like.

“Yes.” She replies, simply offering no further explanation before striding out the door with the same authority she carried in.

When Vicky leaves, I’m left alone with two handsome Grimes men, each a formidable presence in his own right, until Vic clears his throat and glares at Hudson.

Hudson dramatically sighs, stretching like he’s been burdened beyond reason. “Guess that’s my cue to get lost. I’ll see you again, Ms. Kind.” He mutters, flashing me a wink and a lopsided grin before heading out, leaving me alone with Vic.

I giggle, caught up in the moment. “Indeed you will, Mr. Hudson.”

Once Hudson leaves, Vic’s demeanor shifts slightly; the light-heartedness fades as he leans in closer. “Not trying to be a hater or anything, but my brother’s bad news. Never serious about life. Always has a rotation of women on standby. Nothing but trouble.”

I play along, my voice lowering to a whisper, “Well, maybe I like a little bit of trouble, Mr. Grimes.”

He sizes me up, an intrigued smirk playing on his lips. “Noted.”