Page 34 of Prelude of Love

I rested my hip against the counter and nodded at his plate. “Eat your sandwich before it gets cold.”

“Yes, Your Grace.” His playful tone made my jawtighten. “By the way, I had the pleasure of meeting Early at Brewhaha this morning. He’s delightful.”

“He is that,” I agreed in a neutral tone.

“He mentioned the three of us should get together sometime.” Chance’s smirk grew wider. “For dinner, of course. Though I’m open to other activities.”

I gave him a look. “You’re really doing this in front of your mother?”

“Oh, please.” Melody waved her hand. “Do you think this is the first time I’ve heard him proposition someone for a threesome? At least this is with a lovely couple instead of those twins from that nightclub in Vegas.”

“Mom!” Chance almost choked on his mojito.

“What? I’m merely saying that you have better taste now.” She turned to me. “Though I hope you’re not scandalized. My son has always been very adventurous.”

I fought back a smile. “I’m getting that impression.”

He recovered. “The real scandal would be if these two gorgeous men didn’t take me up on my offer. Early seemed quite interested.”

“Early appreciates someone who can hold him down,” I pointed out.

“And you’re not interested at all?” Chance challenged, adjusting his glasses in a way that drew attention to his long fingers. “Because that’s not theimpression I got from how you were looking at me earlier.”

“I was thinking about how much paperwork it would be if you choked on the ghost pepper sauce.”

Melody burst out laughing. “Oh, you’re good. No wonder Early married you.”

“His main reason was because I can reach the top shelf without a step stool.”

Chance’s grin turned wicked. “I can think of several other benefits to your height. And those arms. And?—”

“Chance,” Melody interrupted, putting an end to his fantasy.

He might have inherited his mother’s quick wit, but he wielded it more as a flirtatious dance than her playful sparring. Together, they created a rhythm of banter that was enjoyable to take part in.

I relaxed despite my best efforts, drawn into their orbit of warmth and humor. It was nice. Different from the usual lunch rush, but in a good way.

“Besides,” Melody continued, “if you’re going to seduce someone, you should at least be more creative about it. I raised you better than such basic compliments.”

“What would you suggest?” Chance asked.

“Well, for starters?—”

“We are not having this conversation,” I cut in, but I couldn’t quite keep the amusement out of my voice.

Melody pretended to scowl. “I was going to give him some motherly advice.”

“About how to seduce me?”

“About how to seduce youproperly.”

Against my will, a chuckle escaped me. Lunch wasn’t what I’d expected when I woke up this morning, but somehow, it had become exactly what I needed, even if I’d never admit it out loud.

After Melody finished eating, she gathered her purse, flashing us both a knowing smile. “I’ll be right back, boys. Try not to cause too much trouble while I’m gone.”

As she walked away, Chance’s playful demeanor shifted. His eyes found mine, more focused than before. “Can I ask you something?”

“You just did.”