Page 36 of Prelude of Love
“I am notsmitten,” Chance argued, but the pink tinge to his cheeks told a different story. “I’m strategically interested.”
“Is that what we’re calling it now?” I asked, unable to resist joining in the teasing.
Chance shot me a betrayed look. “You’re supposed to side with me.”
“Sorry, your mom is more entertaining.”
Melody beamed at me as she paid for their lunch. “See? This is why you’re my favorite.”
“Mom!”
“Tell Red we said goodbye,” Melody called over her shoulder as she steered her protesting son toward the door. “And Duke? Thanks for lunch.”
I raised my hand in farewell, chuckling as they left. Through the window, I could see Melody sayingsomething that made her son cover his face with both hands while she laughed.
“Did I miss Melody and Chance?” Red’s question pulled me out of that dangerous train of thought. He appeared behind the bar, looking disappointed as he cleared their dishes.
“Yeah, they said goodbye.” I focused on wiping down the bar, grateful for the distraction.
“Damn. I wanted to ask Chance about his new album.” Red’s grin turned ornery. “Though from what I saw before my break, he was more interested in asking you about things that aren’t on our menu.”
“Red.”
“What? All I’m saying is he’s not subtle about who he’s interested in.” Red restocked glasses. “He looks at you like he’s in a rom-com.”
“You’re as bad as his mother,” I grumbled, but I couldn’t deny the truth in his words.
The flirtation building up was a growing problem, especially when Early was enjoying the game, dropping hints about using our hall pass agreement. And for the first time since we’d established our arrangement, I found myself intrigued by the possibility.
Chance was young, but there was something interesting about him beyond the obvious physical attraction. The way he matched Early’s wit, how he pushed my buttons with precise aim, that glimpse of vulnerability behind his confident façade. He brought out protective instincts I typically reservedfor Early alone.
Red grinned at me. “You’re doing that brooding thing again.”
I grunted, returning to my tasks. But my thoughts kept drifting to the possibilities of Chance between Early and me as we put his smart mouth to better use.
No, I needed to get it together. Chance was a complication I usually avoided. But watching him walk away had left me wanting more, and that was a dangerous place to be.
Chapter Nine
EARLY
I hummedalong to the music playing through the café’s speakers as I prepared for another busy morning at Brewhaha. Sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow over the polished counters and fresh pastries I’d arranged in the display case.
“Someone’s in a great mood today,” Wolfie said, leaning against the counter with a knowing grin. “Could it have anything to do with a certain rock star who you’re hoping is making heart eyes at your husband?”
“Maybe.” I busied myself with wiping down an already spotless espresso machine.
He laughed in disbelief. “I’ve seen less obvious flirting on a reality dating show. The way he was looking at you yesterday? That boy’s got it bad.”
“It’s not fair,” Brinley chimed in, draping herselfover the pastry case. “How come all the hot guys are either taken or interested in you two? Maybe I should get a job at the Hurly-burly instead.”
“Hon, I adore you, but you’d combust from embarrassment the first time someone ordered a Sex on the Beach. Besides, weren’t you just telling me about that cute guy in your art class?”
“That’s different! He probably doesn’t even know I exist.” She straightened up, adjusting her apron. “Meanwhile, you have celebrities throwing themselves at you.”
“Nobody’s throwing themselves at anyone,” I said, though I couldn’t quite hide my pleased smile.
The morning regulars started filtering in right on schedule. As I finished explaining our seasonal specials to a new customer, the bell above the door chimed. My attention shifted, and there was Chance Prince, looking adorable in glasses and an oversized sweater that made him appear smaller than usual. But something was different today. His normal swagger was absent, replaced by an almost shy demeanor as he shuffled in, hands stuffed in his pockets.
