Page 30 of Prelude of Love
“Kinsey and I are casual friends who share an appreciation for music,” Mister insisted, though his blush deepened. “That’s all.”
“Right,” I drawled. “And it has nothing to do with how sexy he looks in a suit?” The man really rocked the nerdy attorney-chic look.
“Some of us can maintain relationships without trying to sleep with everyone we meet,” Mister said.
“Where’s the fun in that?” I grinned at his exasperated huff. “Come on, admit it. You want him to climb you like a tree.”
“I admit nothing.” Mister stood, clearly trying to escape our teasing, but his smile gave him away. “You two enjoy lunch without me.”
Mom had a wicked gleam in her eyes. “I won’t embarrass you too much in front of Duke.”
I snorted in amusement. “Wow, I love how you sayyou won’t embarrass metoomuch and not that you won’t embarrass meat all.”
“It’s a mother’s prerogative to embarrass her kid.”
“Then I guess that means it’s my job as a kid to embarrass you back.” I finished my coffee. “Don’t think your presence will stop me from going after Duke.”
She laughed. “Oh, I’d expect nothing less.”
“If anything, I’ll use you as my secret weapon. You can tell him all about what a catch I am.”
“Aren’t you lucky to have such an awesome wingman for a mom?” She preened with a playful laugh.
Duke’s words from earlier about his deceased mother echoed in my mind. The teasing smile slipped from my face as genuine emotion welled up. “Yeah, I really am lucky. Not everyone has the relationship we do. I’m grateful for it. For you.”
Mom’s playful expression softened into surprise, then tender affection. “Oh, honey.” She pulled me into a tight hug, and I melted into her embrace like I was still a little kid seeking comfort. “I’m so glad you’re home.”
I wrapped my arms around her, breathing in the familiar scent of her spiced perfume as warmth bloomed in my chest. Mom always grounded me, reminding me that no matter how wild my life got, she was my safest harbor to return to.
“Even if I end up corrupting your favorite bar owner?” I couldn’t resist adding.
She laughed and squeezed me tighter. “Especially then. Someone needs to keep you out of trouble, and I’m clearly not doing a good enough job. He’s probably the only one with a firm enough hand to keep you in line.”
The idea of him exerting that kind of command over me was exciting in unexpected ways, especially when I normally balked at authority. “You say that as if you’re not the one who gifted me the ornery gene.”
“And don’t you forget it.” She pulled back to kiss my forehead. “Now, let’s go get lunch and see if we can’t make Duke blush.”
Chapter Eight
DUKE
The lunch rushpulsed through Hurly-burly like a well-oiled machine. Orders flew from the service window, plates clattered, and laughter punctuated the hum of conversations. I wiped down the bar, monitoring my staff as they navigated the controlled chaos.
A glass shattered somewhere in the dining room, followed by Red’s cheerful “No worries, I’ve got it!” His efficiency at handling mishaps always impressed me.
Much to my frustration, I glanced up when the door opened.Again. For probably the tenth time in the past hour.
“Waiting for somebody?” Red teased as he came behind the counter to make drinks for one of his tables.
“I don't know what you’re talking about.” I focused on polishing an already spotless glass.
Red’s expression made it clear he didn’t believe me. “You’re not hoping Chance comes back?”
“Red.” I gave him a warning look that would have sent most employees scrambling. “Knock it off.”
“Sure.” He grinned, completely unfazed. “Though you might want to tell your face to stop doing that thing it does whenever someone walks in.”
“What thing?”
