Page 12 of Prelude of Love (Harmony of Hearts #6)

Chapter Seven

CHANCE

I walked into Mom’s house, my mind still swimming with thoughts of Early’s teasing smile and playful innuendos. The rich scent of coffee guided me to the kitchen, where Mom, Dad, and Uncle Mister lounged around the massive island counter.

“There’s my baby,” Mom said warmly. “Did you have a nice coffee date?”

“It wasn’t a date.” I headed straight for the coffee maker, desperate for another caffeine hit despite having just left Brewhaha. “But Early says hi.”

Dad’s eyebrows shot up. “Duke’s husband?”

“Do we know another Early?” I pour myself a mug while my mind drifted back to Early’s suggestion about cheerleader uniforms. He’d look sexy as hell in a short skirt, waving pom-poms around as he cheered me on.

“Uh-oh. I know that look,” Mom said with too much confidence for my tastes. “You haven’t even been here a full twenty-four hours, and you’ve already set your sights on seducing Early.”

“And Duke,” I added since there was no point in denying the truth when my relatives knew me too well.

Mister snickered. “Wow, that sure didn’t take long.”

“They’re married,” Dad cut in with a frown of disapproval. “You don’t want to mess with someone as territorial as Duke. That’s a man who doesn’t know how to share.”

“He didn’t seem opposed last night.” I mixed creamer into my drink. “We had a good chat when I had dinner at Hurly-burly yesterday.”

“And?” Mom prompted, almost vibrating with curiosity.

“And he’s hot as hell, too.”

Mister choked on his coffee while Dad pinched the bridge of his nose. Mom, however, lit up like Christmas had come early.

“Well, there’s no denying you inherited my excellent taste in men,” she teased.

“Melody,” Dad warned, but she waved him off. “Chance has no business breaking up their marriage.”

I rested my hip against the counter as I savored my first sip of coffee. “Who said anything about breaking up their marriage? I want to be their third for some fun, not a lifelong commitment. ”

My uncle grinned. “Famous last words.”

“I’ve already adopted them into our extended family, so it’d be nice to make it official.”

“Can we slow down? I haven’t even sucked their dicks yet, and you’re trying to invite them over to take matching ugly Christmas sweater photos for the holiday card.”

“Sounds like someone has a crush.” Mom’s singsong tone made me groan.

I scowled. “No, I don't. I merely think they’re both sexy and wouldn’t mind getting to know them better. Preferably naked and horizontally.”

“With a guy as strong as Duke, vertically would also be an option,” Mister pointed out with a smirk.

Dad scowled. “Don’t encourage him. He needs to focus on work.”

My tone turned playfully taunting. “Are you afraid I’ll fuck things up and you won’t be able to go to your favorite places to get hamburgers and caffeine?”

“Please avoid that,” Dad groaned.

“Duke’s not the casual type,” Mister continued. “He’s pretty selective about who he lets near Early.”

“I know.” I had seen evidence of Duke’s protective stance when I’d flirted with Red. “But that makes me want to prove I’m worth it.”

“Worth what?” Dad asked, though his tone suggested he already knew and didn’t like it.

I savored the scent of hazelnut as I cradled the warm mug in my hands. “Worth their time. Their attention.” I shrugged. “Maybe more.”

“They’re both nearly my age,” Dad reminded me, as if that wasn’t a huge part of the appeal. “I’m only four years older than them.”

“Yeah, and Calixto’s two years younger than me, so you don’t get to play that card.” I grinned as Dad’s mouth snapped shut. “Besides, Early didn’t seem to mind the age gap when we were flirting this morning.”

Mom perked up even more. “Details, please.”

“Nothing major happened. We talked about the movie, he gave me some great advice, and there was some mutual flirting.” I smiled, remembering the fascinating contrast between Early’s playful teasing and his warm, caring nature. “He’s sweet.”

“And Duke?” Mister asked.

“Pure sex on legs.” I laughed at Dad’s pained expression. “What? He is! And he actually listened when I talked to him about stuff. Plus, the burgers he serves are incredible.”

“You had the taco burger, didn’t you?” Mom guessed. “It’s one of my favorites.”

“It was a religious experience.” I closed my eyes, savoring the memory. “I’d marry that burger if I could.”

“Just the burger?” Mom teased. “Or the owner, too? ”

“Mom! Could you please stop trying to marry me off? I’m only twenty-two.”

“Exactly. You’re too young to be getting involved with a married couple,” Dad insisted. “Duke’s the type to take things seriously, and Early’s too nice for a casual fling.”

“Your twenty-year-old boyfriend probably has a different opinion about being involved with an older man,” Mom added with a wicked grin. “Who is absolutely adorable and perfect for you, Sir. But you can’t lecture our son about age differences or youthful indiscretions.”

Dad’s shoulders slumped. “That’s different.”

“Is it?” Mom’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Because I remember that time with the tennis instructor and his wife.”

“Melody!” Dad’s face flushed red.

“Oh, and that cute bartender and his boyfriend in Miami.” She tapped her chin thoughtfully. “What was his name again?”

“Marcus,” Mister supplied helpfully, earning a betrayed look from Dad.

My father grumbled with irritation. “You’re supposed to be on my side.”

“I’m on the side of entertainment,” Mister corrected with a grin, holding his coffee mug up in a toast.

“I don’t want you getting hurt,” Dad said, turning back to me. “Duke and Early are good guys. ”

I pushed more of his buttons. “But I’m counting on Duke hurting me in all the right ways. Have you seen those muscles? My ass is ready for that pounding after going so long being the one in control.”

Dad dropped his head with a defeated sigh. “Sometimes I think we’re too open as a family.”

“Would you rather I kept secrets?” I asked innocently.

“Yes! Some things should stay private!”

“But then how would I get such excellent advice from Mom about the best positions for?—”

“Stop!” Dad held up his hands in surrender. “Please be careful, okay? And I’m not saying that because I don’t want to lose my favorite places to eat and drink in this town. I’m worried you’ll get in over your head.”

Mom reached over to pat his arm. “Honey, are you surprised our attention-loving son wants to be the filling in that sandwich? Duke and Early are his type because they’re older, charming, and gorgeous.”

“She’s got me there.” I grinned. “Plus, Early’s already given me permission to pursue his husband. If I can get past his walls, Early sounds like he’s all in for some sexy fun.”

Mom perked up. “Ooh, tell me everything! They’re such sweethearts. Did you know Early once spent three hours teaching me how to make the perfect lattice crust for pie? ”

“And Duke always saves us the good bourbon,” Mister added.

“He pretends to be such a grump,” Mom said fondly, “but last month, when I was having a rough day, he made me his special off-menu comfort food burger and wouldn’t let me pay.”

“See?” I gestured with my mug. “They’re perfect.”

“They’re married ,” Dad tried one last time.

“And they’re both interested. Early practically gave me an engraved invitation this morning. What’s the harm?”

Mister raised an eyebrow. “Did he now?”

“Well, he hinted that Duke and I should get to know each other better.”

“Promise me you’ll be smart about this,” Dad requested.

“When am I not?”

Three identical looks of skepticism made me laugh.

“Okay, fair point. But I promise I won’t do anything to mess up your favorite hangout spots.” I smirked. “Unless you count making Duke bend me over the bar after hours and?—”

“And on that note,” Dad interrupted, his chair scraping the floor as he stood, “I’m leaving before I hear anything else about my son’s sex life.”

“What about that time in Vancouver when—” Mom started.

“Nope!” Dad covered his ears. “Not listening! ”

We all burst out laughing as he retreated from the kitchen, muttering about boundaries and oversharing.

“Stop being such a prude,” I called after Dad’s retreating back. “You’d think having regular sex with the love of his life would make him loosen up more.”

“If anything, it’s made his protective instincts go into overdrive,” Mom explained. “Which is sweet.”

I scowled into my coffee. “No, it’s annoying. He acts like I’m going to break Duke and Early up by breathing in their direction.”

“Well, your track record isn’t exactly stellar,” Mister reminded me.

“Because I want fun, not relationships. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

“Speaking of fun,” Mom said, draining the last of her coffee, “the three of us should grab lunch at Hurly-burly when we’re done here.”

I perked up. “Yes! Let’s do that.”

Mister checked his watch. “Sorry, I can’t join you today. I’ve got a meeting with Kinsey in an hour.”

Mom's grin turned wicked as she used air quotes. “A meeting? Is that what you’re calling it?”

“Yes,” my uncle replied, sounding almost as prim as Dad had.

Mom’s expression said she wasn’t buying my uncle’s bullshit. “When are you going to admit you’re interested in him and ask him on an actual date?”

“Never, because we’re only friends,” he protested, but the tips of his ears turned pink. It was surprising to see my normally calm and collected uncle be anything other than confident and in control.

“Friends who desperately want to fuck each other.” I snickered at his pained expression. “Come on, Uncle Mister. I’ve seen how you look at him. You get all soft and gooey whenever he’s around.”

Mister sat straighter on the stool. “I do not get soft and gooey.”

“You absolutely do,” Mom agreed. “It’s adorable. And Kinsey is such a sweetheart. He’d be good for you, especially now that you’re no longer with Xian.”

“Kinsey and I are casual friends who share an appreciation for music,” Mister insisted, though his blush deepened. “That’s all.”

“Right,” I drawled. “And it has nothing to do with how sexy he looks in a suit?” The man really rocked the nerdy attorney-chic look.

“Some of us can maintain relationships without trying to sleep with everyone we meet,” Mister said.

“Where’s the fun in that?” I grinned at his exasperated huff. “Come on, admit it. You want him to climb you like a tree.”

“I admit nothing.” Mister stood, clearly trying to escape our teasing, but his smile gave him away. “You two enjoy lunch without me.”

Mom had a wicked gleam in her eyes. “I won’t embarrass you too much in front of Duke.”

I snorted in amusement. “Wow, I love how you say you won’t embarrass me too much and not that you won’t embarrass me at all .”

“It’s a mother’s prerogative to embarrass her kid.”

“Then I guess that means it’s my job as a kid to embarrass you back.” I finished my coffee. “Don’t think your presence will stop me from going after Duke.”

She laughed. “Oh, I’d expect nothing less.”

“If anything, I’ll use you as my secret weapon. You can tell him all about what a catch I am.”

“Aren’t you lucky to have such an awesome wingman for a mom?” She preened with a playful laugh.

Duke’s words from earlier about his deceased mother echoed in my mind. The teasing smile slipped from my face as genuine emotion welled up. “Yeah, I really am lucky. Not everyone has the relationship we do. I’m grateful for it. For you.”

Mom’s playful expression softened into surprise, then tender affection. “Oh, honey.” She pulled me into a tight hug, and I melted into her embrace like I was still a little kid seeking comfort. “I’m so glad you’re home.”

I wrapped my arms around her, breathing in the familiar scent of her spiced perfume as warmth bloomed in my chest. Mom always grounded me, reminding me that no matter how wild my life got, she was my safest harbor to return to .

“Even if I end up corrupting your favorite bar owner?” I couldn’t resist adding.

She laughed and squeezed me tighter. “Especially then. Someone needs to keep you out of trouble, and I’m clearly not doing a good enough job. He’s probably the only one with a firm enough hand to keep you in line.”

The idea of him exerting that kind of command over me was exciting in unexpected ways, especially when I normally balked at authority. “You say that as if you’re not the one who gifted me the ornery gene.”

“And don’t you forget it.” She pulled back to kiss my forehead. “Now, let’s go get lunch and see if we can’t make Duke blush.”