Chance blinked, caught off guard by the shift. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to take a turn for the serious.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’ve got a sixth sense for when someone needs to vent. It comes with the territory of being both a barista and a great listener. Talk it out.”
He traced the rim of his cup, hesitating. “Rehearsals start soon at Hurly-burly.”
“Ah. First-day jitters?”
“More like what-the-hell-am-I-doing terror.” Helaughed without humor. “This is my first time acting. What if I’m terrible? The rest of the cast has years of experience, so they want a lot from me.”
“And you’re more than capable of delivering, so what are you worried about?”
“They probably only wanted me because I’m Sir Prince’s son.” His shoulders slumped under the weight of his famous father’s legacy. “Or maybe they figured my rabid fans would buy tickets no matter how much I suck.”
“Do you honestly think they’d cast you in a multimillion-dollar movie as the romantic lead opposite Rook Warrick for fun?” Chance snorted in amusement, but I continued. “Besides, your father doesn’t have any ties to the film industry, so his reputation isn’t what got you this part. You’re not the principal’s kid automatically landing the lead role in a high school play. They obviously recognized your potential. Your screen test impressed them for good reason. Trust in your talent.”
“You’re right, but it’s so hard to believe.”
“Stop listening to your asshole inner saboteur.”
His mouth curved into a grin. “You make it sound so easy.”
“All you have to do is keep fighting. Prove to them why you’re Chance fucking Prince.”
His genuine smile was more dazzling than my heart was prepared to handle without warning. “Thanks for the pep talk. I needed that more than you know.”
“I’m always here to offer coffee and wisdom, served with a side of sass. Now, finish your drink before it gets cold. I refuse to let excellent coffee go to waste, especially when I made it. And anytime you need it, I’m always happy to break out the pom-poms and cheer you on.”
“There’s a mental image I’ll treasure.”
“If you think that’s nice, imagine me in a cheerleader uniform.” I lowered my voice. “Though you’ll have to keep visiting to earn the full show.”
The fire returned to his eyes. “Promise? Because I plan on seeing a lot more of you. And not only because of the movie.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
Chance glanced at his phone and sighed. “Much as I’d love to keep flirting with you all morning, Mom is expecting me back at the house. Maybe I can convince her to go to Hurly-burly for lunch.”
“Charmer.” I couldn’t hold back my smile. “Go on before you’re late. I can’t wait for the detailed reports about how my husband handles your special brand of enthusiasm.”
Chance rose from his chair, stepping closer than was strictly necessary. “Speaking of handling, maybe I should tell Duke I had sweet dreams about him last night and see how he handles me. And now that I’vemet you?” His voice became a sinful purr. “Those fantasies got a lot more interesting.”
I burst out laughing at his boldness. “Oh, you’re going to give my man hell, aren’t you?”
“That’s not all I want to give him.” He winked, sliding his jacket back on with deliberate slowness. He picked up his empty coffee cup to throw away, which earned him a bonus point for not expecting me to take care of his trash. “Or you, for that matter.”
“Get out of here before I make you late.” I couldn’t stop grinning as I shooed him toward the exit. “Tell your mom hi for me. And if I don’t see you before rehearsals start, break a leg.”
“I’d rather break other things.” He paused at the door to throw away his cup, giving me one last heated look. “Like Duke’s self-control. And your bed.” His delighted laughter echoed as he ducked out.
I could already imagine Duke’s reaction to Chance’s brazen flirtation. It would besomuch fun to watch.
After he left, Brinley practically teleported to my side. “Oh my god, he’s even hotter in person! And the way he was looking at you?—”
“Like he wanted to eat you alive,” Wolfie interjected with a smirk.
“Says the guy who almost dropped the milk pitcher when Chance smiled at him,” she retorted.
We all burst out laughing, the morning’s excitement settling into a warm buzz of possibility.
