He clearly enjoyed the game. “Why don’t you take a guess?”
“Hmm.” I made a show of studying him. “I’m thinking you need an off-menu special that’ll make you forget all about those fancy LA coffee shops.”
“You seem pretty confident in your skills.”
“I should be since I own the place.” I changed the topic to get a feel for his opinion. “Though I hear you’ve already sampled some of our town’s other offerings. My husband mentioned you visited Hurly-burly last night.”
The spark of recognition was immediate, followed by a flash of heightened interest that sent a thrill through me. His posture shifted, somehow becoming even more deliberately seductive.
“You’re Duke’s husband?” His gaze traveled over me appreciatively. “Now, Idefinitelyneed to try your special blend.”
“Coming right up.” I turned to craft his drink, very aware of his eyes on me. “Take a seat. I’ll bring it out.”
He chose a corner table with a clear view of the counter, shrugging off his jacket to reveal a fitted black T-shirt that captivated my imagination. I tookmy time preparing his drink, letting the anticipation build.
When I approached him with coffee in hand, he straightened in his chair.
“One Early Special.” I set the cup down, making sure our fingers brushed as I released it. The brief contact sent sparks dancing across my skin. “Let me know if it hits the spot.”
Chance took a careful sip. He let out a low moan that shouldn’t have been legal in public. “Holy shit, this is incredible!”
“I aim to please.” I leaned my hip against his table, enjoying the quiet lull after the morning rush. “Though some of my other skills are even more impressive.”
“Is that so?” His gaze dragged over me with blatant interest. “I’d love to sample everything you have to offer.”
“Careful what you wish for. I might exceed your expectations.”
A crash from behind the counter drew our attention. Brinley had fumbled a stack of cups, her face burning red as she tried to act like she hadn’t been staring at Chance while Wolfie helped her clean up.
“Sorry!” she squeaked, ducking under the counter to hide and pick up the cups.
Chance chuckled. “I take it she’s a fan?”
“What gave it away?” I asked. “The dropped cups or the blushing?”
“Both.”
I watched Brinley reorganizing cups that didn’t need organizing. “Though I can’t blame her. You have that effect on people.”
“Do I have that effect on you?”
I smiled, tapping my finger against my chin as if pondering his question. “That depends. Do youwantto?”
“I think you know the answer to that.” He leaned closer. “I’m also interested in how much I affect your husband.”
“Oh, you definitely got under his skin.” I snickered as I remembered Duke’s justifications from the previous night. “He spent about twenty minutes yesterday telling me exactly hownotinterested he was in you.”
“Only twenty minutes?” Chance’s confident smirk widened. “I must be losing my touch.”
“Or maybe he was too busy showing me other ways you affected him. Then again, a gentleman doesn’t kiss and tell.”
He matched my playful tone. “You seem more mischievous than a gentleman.”
“You’d be surprised at the hidden depths I contain.” I licked my lips, enjoying him paying rapt attention to the action. “Though I have to say, your attempts at seduction last night were amateur hour.”
His offended look was adorable. “Amateur?”
“Mm-hmm. Duke’s not the type to fall for obviousflattery and bedroom eyes.” I leaned in closer, lowering my voice. “He needs someone who can challenge him. Push back when he pushes. Make him work for it.”
