Page 50 of Prelude of Love
“Don’t remind me.” I rubbed my eyes, still adjusting to being vertical. “Is Early around?”
“Despite his name, he’s always late.” Wolfie laughed at his own joke. “But he should be here soon. Want your usual while you wait?”
“Yes, please. That drink he makes is life-changing.”
“Ah, the Early Special.” I paid and then walked over to the pickup counter so I could watchWolfie make it. He grabbed a cup and started working his magic. “My boss has a gift for creating the perfect drink for each person.”
“How does he do it?” I watched in fascination as Wolfie layered flavors into my drink.
“Early has a sixth sense about people. He reads them like a book and knows exactly what they need.” Wolfie added a drizzle of caramel with practiced precision. “Whether it’s the perfect coffee or a shoulder to cry on, he’s got you covered.”
“Sounds too good to be true.”
“Oh, wait until you try his baking. His cinnamon rolls could make angels weep.”
Early’s voice rang out behind us. “Aww, look at you kissing up to earn a raise.” He strolled in, hair tousled as if he’d been running his fingers through it. “Don’t believe everything this troublemaker says.”
“Please, you love it when I sing your praises.” Wolfie handed me my finished drink with a flourish.
“Only because you make me sound way more impressive than I am.” Early bumped Wolfie’s shoulder as he passed.
I found myself transfixed as Early grabbed his apron from a hook. The simple black cotton settled over his fitted jeans and T-shirt with the café’s logo of a sassy cup of coffee holding a fork. His fingers moved with casual grace, wrapping the strings around his slim waist twice before tying them in a neat bow at his back. The sight of his nimble hands working thefabric sparked a rush of heat through my body. My mind flooded with images of gripping his narrow hips, pressing him against the counter as I kissed him hard.
I took a huge gulp of my coffee, trying to derail my fantasy. It was too early for that kind of horniness in public.
“Since I’m already running behind, what’s a few more minutes?” He got his own cup of coffee and gestured for me to follow him to a table.
I watched him move through the space with an ease that showed the café was an extension of himself. There was something mesmerizing about the way he belonged, how naturally he filled the room with warmth.
I settled into the cozy chair across from Early, warming my hands on my coffee cup. “Your husband is something else. After my complete disaster of a first day, he made me the most incredible meal I’ve ever tasted. Who knew a guy built like a tank could be such a kitchen wizard?”
“Duke’s cooking is legendary around here. But it’s more than his skills. It’s how he uses food to take care of people.”
“Yeah, that’s what got me.” I traced the rim of my cup. “Most guys I hook up with only want to get to the fun part. But Duke? He actually listened when I was panicking about my acting. Then, he made an incredible dish that wasn’t even on the menu. Not toweird you out, but I practically proposed marriage after the first bite.”
“He only makes it for people he wants to help.”
“See, that’s what I mean! He’s a huge, intimidating guy who looks like he could bench-press a car, yet he’s out here emotional support cooking for people?” I shook my head. “It’s like he’s a giant teddy bear in bouncer packaging.”
Early nodded. “Duke shows love through actions. He’s not great with flowery words or big emotional declarations. But if he cares about you, he’ll move mountains to make sure you’re okay.”
“That must be nice.” It surprised me with how wistful I sounded. “Having someone care like that.”
“It is.” He reached across the table and squeezed my hand. The gesture was so natural, so comforting, that I didn’t want him to let go. “And Duke’s got enough care in him for more than me.”
There was an invitation in his words, subtle but unmistakable. “You two have something special.”
“We do. But that doesn’t mean we can’t share.” His thumb brushed over my knuckles. “Duke might act tough, but he’s a secret softie.”
“Yeah?” I tried to play it cool, but my voice came out hopeful.
“Trust me, I know all his tells. When he’s interested in someone, he gets extra grumpy about it.” Early’s laughter was warm and infectious. “It’s like he’s mad at himself for having feelings.”
“That’s adorable.” I laughed, relaxing into our easy connection. “You really love him, don’t you?”
“More than anything. And I enjoy how he still surprises me, even after all these years.”
We fell into comfortable conversation, trading stories and observations. Early told me about Duke’s secret garden where he grew herbs for the restaurant and the time he spent three hours in the rain helping a stranger fix their car.
