Page 32 of Prelude of Love
Red slid his notepad from his apron pocket. “What can I get you today?”
“I’ll have my usual,” Melody said. To Red’s credit, he remembered her preferences and wrote them down. He turned his attention to Chance. “What about you, handsome?”
“Hmm.” Chance tapped his lower lip. “What would you recommend pairing with a vodka mojito?”
“Our burgers are legendary, but the chicken sandwich with ghost pepper sauce is my favorite. Though fair warning, it’ll make your eyes water from the spice.”
“Challenge accepted.” Chance matched Red’s playful tone. “I trust your judgment.”
I gripped the glass I was drying a little harder than necessary. The easy rapport between them grated on my nerves. Chance had been here all of five minutes and already acted as if he owned the place, drawing Red into his orbit like everyone else.
“Brave man.” Red scribbled on his pad. “Any sides?”
“Surprise me. I’m feeling adventurous today.”
Red’s genuine, unguarded laughter made my jaw clench. “Oh, I like you. You’re going to fit right in here.”
That was it. “Red, take your break.”
Three pairs of eyes turned to me, all sparkling with barely contained amusement. Red bit his lip, fighting a grin. “But I just started my shift?—”
“Break.Now.”
“Yes, boss.” Red’s shoulders shook with suppressed laughter as he headed toward the back, shooting Chance a conspiratorial wink.
Melody didn’t even try to hide her snicker. Chance’s expression was pure evil as he watched me, with his glasses making him look far too appealing.
I moved to the drink station, determined to show them all what professional service looked like as I made Chance’s drink with military precision, combining premium vodka, fresh mint leaves, lime wedges, and sparkling water.
Each step received my complete focus as I muddled the mint and lime with exact pressure, measuring the vodka to the milliliter, adding ice in a perfect cascade. I took my time with the garnish, positioning the lime wheel and mint sprig.
When I slid the drink across the bar, Chance reached for it with deliberate slowness. Our fingers brushed during the exchange, sending heat flaring through me. His eyebrow arched, blue eyes darkening behind his frames as his touch lingered a beat too long.
I barely contained the growl building in my chest, imagining how those clever fingers would feel wrapped around my?—
Melody’s amused voice cut through the tension like a knife. “You should try a different approach to intimidate my son. He has a terrible habit of chasing after people who act uninterested.”
“Mom!” Despite Chance’s protest, his grin implied he wasn’t bothered.
“What? I’m merely warning him that playing hard to get will only encourage you more.” She sipped her drink. “You’ve always been drawn to a challenge.”
He rested his elbows on the bar as he fixed me with a heated look. “Can you blame me? Some things are worth pursuing.” He seemed to enjoy my discomfort. “Especially when they come with such impressive benefits.”
I pulled back from Chance’s heated stare, focusing on rearranging bottles that didn’t need organizing. “Your food will be ready soon.”
“Oh, don’t let me interrupt this delightful tension.” Melody’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Though I should warn you, Duke, my son’s quite persistent when he sees something he wants.”
Chance groaned, but his grin remained playful. “You’re supposed to be on my side.”
“I am on your side, sweetheart. I’m simply making sure Duke knows what he’s getting into. Although I suspect Early’s already filled him in on your special brand of determination.”
Early had sent me a flurry of texts after Chance’s visit to Brewhaha, but I declined to share that information with them.
“Speaking of Early.” Chance adjusted his glasses, the movement drawing my attention. “We should have some fun together.”
I kept my tone clipped and professional. “Is there some reason you’re spending the afternoons causing trouble in my bar?”
He gave me his best attempt at an innocent look. “I’m being perfectly well-behaved. Though if you’d prefer me misbehaving in your bedroom, all you have to do is say the word.”
