He laughed, the sound rich and warm. “No, you really don’t.”
My fingers itched to reach out and squeeze his shoulder, to pull him into a hug, to show him how proud I was of his performance. But I kept my hands to myself, even as every protective instinct I had urged me to wrap him up and shield his rare moment of genuine vulnerability.
“The way you played off Rook in that last take…” I cleared my throat, fighting to keep my voice steady. “You’ve got natural talent. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”
If possible, his smile grew even brighter. The pure happiness radiating off him made my chest ache. He deserved to feel that great about himself all the time, not only in stolen moments between his carefully maintained public persona.
“That means a lot coming from you.” He took a half step closer, and I could smell his spiced cologne that stirred my desire. “I was hoping you’d enjoy it.”
The urge to touch him grew stronger. I gripped my biceps tighter, forcing myself to stay still. Entertaining those thoughts couldn’t be allowed. “You should be proud of yourself. You worked hard, and it showed.”
Chance stepped closer to me, testing my resolve. “What’s my reward for doing a good job?”
Rook’s deep chuckle interrupted Chance’s flirtation. “I hate to break it to you, but Duke’s immune toyour charms. Trust me, I’ve watched plenty try and fail.”
“Rook.” I nodded at him as he joined us. “How’s filming going?”
“Better now that someone found his groove.” He clapped Chance on the shoulder, giving him a reassuring squeeze. “Though I admit, it’s strange being behind the bar here. I feel like I’m breaking an unwritten rule about customers not being allowed there.”
“How’s Aldo doing? I haven’t seen him around.” He was a little spitfire who was always entertaining whenever he visited.
Rook’s face softened at the mention of his boyfriend. “He’s busy with Arsène’s latest collaboration with West.” She was a fashion designer who was also one of my regulars. Her twin brother, North, was another amusing customer. “They’re doing some editorial spread downtown, something about urban romance meets classic architecture. You know how Arsène gets with his visions.”
“I bet Aldo’s loving it, though.”
“Oh, he lives for it. He’s got an eye for composition that Arsène says is exceptional.” Pride colored Rook’s voice. “But he still complains about the early morning shoots.”
Chance glanced between us. “You two know each other well?”
“Duke’s bar was the first place I found in Sunnyside,where people treated me as a regular person instead of a celebrity,” Rook explained. “Plus, he makes the best old-fashioned in town.”
I chuckled. “That’s because I don’t water it down.”
“You also don’t make small talk about my movies.”
Chance’s expression reflected his intrigue. “This is your safe space?”
“Something like that. Duke has a way of making everyone feel normal. Even your dad comes in to decompress here. Early is the same. I can forget I’m famous when I’m with them.”
I shrugged. “Famous or not, everyone’s looking for a delicious drink and some peace and quiet.”
The film crew cleared out, leaving blessed silence in their wake. My shoulders relaxed as the last equipment case disappeared through the door.
“I should head out, too. Aldo’s waiting for me at that new Italian place downtown.” Rook clapped me on the shoulder. “Thanks for letting us take over your bar.”
After he left, Chance lingered by my side. The lost puppy look in his eyes tugged at my heart.
“You need to eat.” The words left my mouth before I could stop them.
His face brightened. “Are you offering to make something for me? Because if so, the answer is a very enthusiastic ‘Yes,please.’”
“Come on, then.” I tilted my head toward the kitchen.
“Really?” He practically bounced as he followed me. “I get to try your cooking?”
I held the door open for him. “You probably don’t want another burger after yesterday.”
“You could make me anything, and I’ll be grateful to put it in my mouth.”
