Page 20 of Prelude of Love (Harmony of Hearts #6)

“Oh, he lives for it. He’s got an eye for composition that Arsène says is exceptional.” Pride colored Rook’s voice. “But he still complains about the early morning shoots.”

Chance glanced between us. “You two know each other well?”

“Duke’s bar was the first place I found in Sunnyside, where people treated me as a regular person instead of a celebrity,” Rook explained. “Plus, he makes the best old-fashioned in town.”

I chuckled. “That’s because I don’t water it down.”

“You also don’t make small talk about my movies.”

Chance’s expression reflected his intrigue. “This is your safe space?”

“Something like that. Duke has a way of making everyone feel normal. Even your dad comes in to decompress here. Early is the same. I can forget I’m famous when I’m with them.”

I shrugged. “Famous or not, everyone’s looking for a delicious drink and some peace and quiet.”

The film crew cleared out, leaving blessed silence in their wake. My shoulders relaxed as the last equipment case disappeared through the door.

“I should head out, too. Aldo’s waiting for me at that new Italian place downtown.” Rook clapped me on the shoulder. “Thanks for letting us take over your bar.”

After he left, Chance lingered by my side. The lost puppy look in his eyes tugged at my heart.

“You need to eat.” The words left my mouth before I could stop them.

His face brightened. “Are you offering to make something for me? Because if so, the answer is a very enthusiastic ‘Yes, please.’”

“Come on, then.” I tilted my head toward the kitchen.

“Really?” He practically bounced as he followed me. “I get to try your cooking?”

I held the door open for him. “You probably don’t want another burger after yesterday.”

“You could make me anything, and I’ll be grateful to put it in my mouth.”

I fought back a chuckle at the obvious innuendo. “How about brown butter scallops with parmesan risotto?”

“Holy shit, yes.” He leaned against the prep counter to watch me. “I didn’t know bar owners could cook like that.”

I gathered ingredients with practiced efficiency. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me.”

“I’m interested in learning if how you command a kitchen mirrors how you’d command a bedroom.” His expression was sinful. “All that confident authority must drive Early wild.”

“You’re pushing it, kid,” I warned, but my smile ruined the effect as I started the risotto.

“How did you two meet? I bet it’s a great story.”

I stirred the stock into the rice. “At a dance club. He walked up to me and told me to take him home so I could put my alpha nature to good use in bed.”

Chance’s eyes lit up. “Which means you prefer a man who’s direct about his wants and needs? ”

I snorted in amusement. “Why am I not surprised that’s your takeaway?”

“Because you already know I have a one-track mind.” He leaned closer, watching me work.

“You need to quit while you’re ahead.” I focused on browning the butter, ignoring how his sweater rode up when he stretched.

“How’d you learn to cook? Most guys I know can barely make toast.”

The question caught me off guard. I rarely talked about my private life or the past. “I started when my mom got cancer. After she passed, I kept cooking for my little brother, Fitzy. It’s one of the ways I take care of Early.”

“That’s sweet.” His smile held no pity, just genuine warmth. “I love that you’re a big softie under all that gruff exterior.”

I wasn’t used to talking about myself outside of being Early’s husband, but something about Chance’s earnest interest made me want to open up. As I began cooking the scallops next, I sighed at my weakness for rays of sunshine like them. They drew me in despite my grumpy disposition.

But letting Chance get closer felt dangerous. We had allowed Bolton to get closer to us than a normal third, which had made his move to Wintervale a painful experience. It was a reminder to keep my distance from Chance, because he’d leave for LA once filming wrapped .

When everything finished cooking, I plated the scallops and risotto, adding a drizzle of the brown butter sauce. I led him to the break room so he could eat in comfort. When I set it in front of Chance, his eyes widened.

“This looks incredible.” He picked up his fork, and the first bite elicited a moan that shot straight to my dick. “Ohhh, this is fucking amazing !”

Each appreciative sound he uttered tested my restraint. Early would’ve already been in his lap, feeding him bites between kisses. The thought of them together, Early guiding Chance’s exploration while I watched, stirred dangerous desires within me.

“You’re holding out on everyone by only serving bar food,” Chance said, his tongue darting out to catch a drop of sauce on his lower lip. “Though I get why you keep this talent to yourself. The bar would riot if they knew what you could do.”

I rested my hip against the counter, crossing my arms. “Most people just want burgers and fries.”

“Their loss.” He took another bite, closing his eyes in pleasure. “Seriously, this is better than most restaurants I’ve been to. And I’ve eaten at places with actual Michelin stars.”

His enthusiasm was genuine, his confidence dimmed, replaced by a familiar uncertainty I had seen earlier.

“What’s wrong?”

He pushed the risotto around his plate. “You’re so confident, so you probably have no patience for insecure bullshit.”

“Try me.”

“It’s stupid.” He set down his fork with a sigh. “I keep waiting for everyone to realize I’m faking my way through all this. I feel like I’m playing pretend at being talented.”

The vulnerability in his admission tugged at my heart. “That’s not stupid at all.”

“No?” He gave a bitter laugh. “You don’t think I’m pathetic for doubting myself?”

“Kid, everyone worth a damn deals with imposter syndrome sometimes, even me.” I moved closer, unable to resist the urge to comfort him. “The fact that you care enough to worry about measuring up? That’s what makes you good at what you do.”

His eyes met mine, searching for the truth. “How do you know?”

“Because I’ve watched you perform. Onstage with Devil’s Chance and in your scenes today, you always put your whole heart into it. That’s not fake.” I squeezed his shoulder. “The ones who should worry are the people who think they have nothing left to learn.”

The smile that bloomed across his face was radiant sunshine. He covered my hand with his, keeping me there. It affected me more than I expected. “Who knew your biggest secret is that you’re sweet under your gruff exterior? ”

“Don’t push it.”

But he was already grinning. “No, no, I see right through you now. You’re a big teddy bear.” His thumb stroked across my knuckles. “Thank you. For the food and everything else.”

The warmth in his eyes made me recognize the pull I felt toward something more than physical attraction. It was dangerous and deeply alluring.

Shit .