Page 66 of Prelude of Love
Duke tried to hide his amusement, but I noticed the fond glances he sneaked our way. The sight thrilled me, making me excited about our new dynamic.
I hummed as I flipped the pancakes on the griddle. Behind me, Duke moved around with a quiet efficiency that belied his massive frame. He set the table with his usual no-nonsense precision, pausing to glance over at me every so often. I caught one of those looks out of the corner of my eye and smirked.
“It smells amazing,” Chance said as he watched me cook, his hair still an adorable mess from sleep. “Can I do anything to help?”
“Absolutely not.” I pointed my spatula at him like a weapon. “This is my domain, hon. You can sit your pretty self down and wait to be fed.”
“But—”
“No buts, Princess,” I said firmly before softening my tone. “You’re a guest here. Guests get pampered.”
Chance pouted, but I held firm. He shuffled over to join Duke at the table, but not before muttering something about being capable of cracking an egg without ruining breakfast.
Duke watched the exchange with a raised brow but didn’t comment as he continued readying the table. My husband had always been territorial about our space and routines, but there was something almost tender about how he included Chance in them now.
The domesticity of the moment warmed my heart. Chance fit perfectly into the space between Duke’s protectiveness and my nurturing instincts. It made me want more mornings to start the same, with the three of us in complete harmony.
“These look incredible,” Chance said, his eyes wide as he reached for the syrup. “I haven’t had homemade pancakes in forever.”
Duke hummed in agreement, already cutting into his stack. “Duchess’s pancakes are legendary. You’re in for a treat.”
My cheeks warmed at their praise as I settled intomy chair between them. “You two are sweet, but they’re just pancakes.”
“Just pancakes?” Chance took his first bite and made a sound that sounded more like our bedroom activities than eating at the breakfast table. “Damn, these are heaven. Like clouds made of butter and happiness.”
“I’m glad you approve,” I said as I began to eat.
“I should have known,” Chance continued as he ate. “Everything you make is amazing. The coffee, those muffins at Brewhaha. You’re like some kind of breakfast wizard.”
I laughed, nudging his shoulder. “A breakfast wizard? That’s a new one.”
“He’s not wrong,” Duke said, his hand finding mine under the table to give it a squeeze.
“Seduction by pancake is your big secret, huh?” Chance joked.
We ate in comfortable silence for a few moments, the only sounds the gentle clink of forks against plates and appreciative murmurs. Sunlight streamed through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow over our cozy scene. It felt natural having Chance with us, as if he’d always been part of our morning routine.
“Can you please pass the syrup?” Duke asked, and Chance passed it over with an exaggerated bow.
“Your syrup, Your Grace,” he said in a posh accent that had me snorting into my coffee.
Duke hid a smile behind his mug. “Brat.”
“You love it,” Chance shot back, then froze, as if he wasn’t sure if he’d crossed a line.
“He does,” I agreed. “Duke’s got a soft spot for sassy boys who can keep up with him. Why do you think he married me?”
The tension eased as Duke muttered something that sounded like, “Damn troublemakers, both of you,” while drowning his pancakes in syrup.
I watched with delight as Chance polished off his third pancake. “You weren’t kidding about feeding me well,” he said, licking syrup from his lips provocatively.
“I always make sure everyone leaves my table completely satisfied,” I replied. “Though some appetites are harder to satiate than others.”
Chance’s phone buzzed with a flurry of notifications, making him wince as he checked the screen. “Shit. My manager’s having a meltdown.” He scrolled through what looked like an endless stream of messages, scowling more with each one.
“Damn, real life is cockblocking our morning after,” I sighed dramatically. “It’s such a shame when we were having such a nice breakfast.”
“If you want me, I’ll be coming again soon enough.” His tone was laced with unmissable innuendo.
