Page 67 of Prelude of Love
“For fuck’s sake,” Duke muttered, even as his lips twitched upward. “You’re both impossible.”
Chance finished his last bite before standing. “Sorry, I have to head out. Apparently, I have six meetings I can’t miss today.”
I pouted. “But what will I do without my new favorite toy? Who will I corrupt now?”
“Pretty sure you managed before,” Duke commented dryly. He stunned me when he asked Chance, “When are you free next?”
The way his face lit up at the question made my heart soar. “I’m shooting every day this week, but my weekends are open.” He tried to sound casual, but the eager undertone in his voice gave him away.
“Saturday?” Duke suggested. “We could do dinner again. Maybe watch a movie after.”
I bit back a grin at his attempt at nonchalance. My husband wasn’t fooling anyone with his gruff exterior anymore.
“Sounds perfect,” Chance agreed too quickly. He tried to play it cool by adding, “I mean, yeah, that works for my schedule.”
I hid my disappointment behind a smile as Chance gathered his things, moving with a slowness that suggested he wasn’t eager to leave our little bubble of morning-after bliss.
“I wish I could stay,” he said, shoving his phone into his pocket with a frustrated sigh.
“It’s the price of fame,” I teased. “Your adoring public awaits while we mere mortals return to our humble businesses.”
Chance rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide his grin. “Trust me, I’d much rather spend the day with you two than listen to another lecture about my branding.”
Duke stepped into Chance’s space with unusual gentleness. “Take care of yourself today. Don’t let them work you too hard.”
Chance looked up at him with wide eyes. “I’ll try.”
Duke cupped Chance’s face with one large hand, thumb brushing over his cheekbone before giving him a lingering kiss. It wasn’t the passionate, demanding kiss from last night. It spoke of care and connection beyond physical pleasure.
My chest filled with warmth at their interaction. It wasn’t Duke being polite to our overnight guest. It was his way of letting Chance know he mattered. The sight of my reserved husband showing such open affection made me fall in love with him all over again.
“My turn,” I announced, stepping forward to claim my goodbye. I slid my arms around Chance’s waist and pulled him close. “Don’t wait until Saturday to come see me.”
“As if I could,” he murmured, his hands settling on my hips.
I kissed him, taking my time to explore his mouth before he had to leave. When I pulled back, I couldn’t resist adding, “We’ll be thinking about you, Princess.”
His cheeks flushed at the nickname, gaze dartingto Duke before returning to me. “I’ll be thinking about both of you, too.”
Chance made his way to the door, pausing several times to glance back with an expression that was equal parts satisfaction and reluctance. Each lingering look felt like a promise that he’d return, that whatever was growing between us was worth exploring further.
When the door closed behind him, I turned to Duke with a grin I couldn’t suppress. “Well, that went perfectly.”
He shook his head as he returned to the kitchen to finish cleaning up. “You’re looking rather pleased with yourself.”
“And why shouldn’t I be?” I followed him, taking our dishes to the sink. “Our threesome was incredible, breakfast was a hit, and you,” I said, poking his solid chest with one finger, “were adorable with him.”
“I wasn’t adorable,” he grumbled, though the tips of his ears turned pink. “I was being polite.”
“Is that what we’re calling it? Because from where I was standing, that goodbye kiss looked a lot more than polite.” I refused to let him dodge the issue. “You like him.”
Duke focused on rinsing a plate. “He’s not terrible.”
I laughed out loud. “High praise indeed from the man who spent half the night making him scream.”
“Damn it, Duchess.” The warning in his voice only encouragedme.
“What? I’m merely stating facts. You liked having him in our bed and at our breakfast table. And you really loved calling him Princess.”
