Page 22 of Prelude of Love (Harmony of Hearts #6)

Chapter Thirteen

CHANCE

I dragged myself to Brewhaha way earlier than any sane person should be awake. My only motivation was the hope of catching Early before he got busy with the morning rush. Plus, the café’s coffee was addictive enough to make the ungodly hour worth it.

The bell chimed as I pushed through the door. Wolfie looked up from behind the counter with an amused grin. “You’re up with the sun today.”

“Don’t remind me.” I rubbed my eyes, still adjusting to being vertical. “Is Early around?”

“Despite his name, he’s always late.” Wolfie laughed at his own joke. “But he should be here soon. Want your usual while you wait?”

“Yes, please. That drink he makes is life-changing.”

“Ah, the Early Special.” I paid and then walked over to the pickup counter so I could watch Wolfie make it. He grabbed a cup and started working his magic. “My boss has a gift for creating the perfect drink for each person.”

“How does he do it?” I watched in fascination as Wolfie layered flavors into my drink.

“Early has a sixth sense about people. He reads them like a book and knows exactly what they need.” Wolfie added a drizzle of caramel with practiced precision. “Whether it’s the perfect coffee or a shoulder to cry on, he’s got you covered.”

“Sounds too good to be true.”

“Oh, wait until you try his baking. His cinnamon rolls could make angels weep.”

Early’s voice rang out behind us. “Aww, look at you kissing up to earn a raise.” He strolled in, hair tousled as if he’d been running his fingers through it. “Don’t believe everything this troublemaker says.”

“Please, you love it when I sing your praises.” Wolfie handed me my finished drink with a flourish.

“Only because you make me sound way more impressive than I am.” Early bumped Wolfie’s shoulder as he passed.

I found myself transfixed as Early grabbed his apron from a hook.

The simple black cotton settled over his fitted jeans and T-shirt with the café’s logo of a sassy cup of coffee holding a fork.

His fingers moved with casual grace, wrapping the strings around his slim waist twice before tying them in a neat bow at his back.

The sight of his nimble hands working the fabric sparked a rush of heat through my body.

My mind flooded with images of gripping his narrow hips, pressing him against the counter as I kissed him hard.

I took a huge gulp of my coffee, trying to derail my fantasy. It was too early for that kind of horniness in public.

“Since I’m already running behind, what’s a few more minutes?” He got his own cup of coffee and gestured for me to follow him to a table.

I watched him move through the space with an ease that showed the café was an extension of himself. There was something mesmerizing about the way he belonged, how naturally he filled the room with warmth.

I settled into the cozy chair across from Early, warming my hands on my coffee cup. “Your husband is something else. After my complete disaster of a first day, he made me the most incredible meal I’ve ever tasted. Who knew a guy built like a tank could be such a kitchen wizard?”

“Duke’s cooking is legendary around here. But it’s more than his skills. It’s how he uses food to take care of people.”

“Yeah, that’s what got me.” I traced the rim of my cup.

“Most guys I hook up with only want to get to the fun part. But Duke? He actually listened when I was panicking about my acting. Then, he made an incredible dish that wasn’t even on the menu.

Not to weird you out, but I practically proposed marriage after the first bite. ”

“He only makes it for people he wants to help.”

“See, that’s what I mean! He’s a huge, intimidating guy who looks like he could bench-press a car, yet he’s out here emotional support cooking for people?” I shook my head. “It’s like he’s a giant teddy bear in bouncer packaging.”

Early nodded. “Duke shows love through actions. He’s not great with flowery words or big emotional declarations. But if he cares about you, he’ll move mountains to make sure you’re okay.”

“That must be nice.” It surprised me with how wistful I sounded. “Having someone care like that.”

“It is.” He reached across the table and squeezed my hand. The gesture was so natural, so comforting, that I didn’t want him to let go. “And Duke’s got enough care in him for more than me.”

There was an invitation in his words, subtle but unmistakable. “You two have something special.”

“We do. But that doesn’t mean we can’t share.” His thumb brushed over my knuckles. “Duke might act tough, but he’s a secret softie.”

“Yeah?” I tried to play it cool, but my voice came out hopeful.

“Trust me, I know all his tells. When he’s interested in someone, he gets extra grumpy about it.” Early’s laughter was warm and infectious. “It’s like he’s mad at himself for having feelings. ”

“That’s adorable.” I laughed, relaxing into our easy connection. “You really love him, don’t you?”

“More than anything. And I enjoy how he still surprises me, even after all these years.”

We fell into comfortable conversation, trading stories and observations. Early told me about Duke’s secret garden where he grew herbs for the restaurant and the time he spent three hours in the rain helping a stranger fix their car.

With each story, I felt myself being drawn deeper into their world.

It wasn’t mere attraction anymore, though that was still there.

It was something warmer, more substantial.

The way his eyes lit up when he talked about Duke, how naturally his hand found mine across the table, the genuine interest in his questions about my life and career.

“It’s nice to know Duke’s not just skilled in the kitchen.”

Early chuckled. “Oh, honey. He’s talented in many ways.”

“That’s the insider information I’m looking for.” I toyed with my coffee cup. “Any other skills I should be aware of?”

“There are a lot of reasons I married him.” Early’s smile turned wicked. “And it wasn’t only for his cooking.”

“Come on, you can’t leave me hanging.” I gave him my best puppy eyes. “Tell me more.”

Early pretended to consider it. “He’s very thorough. He takes his time making sure everything’s just right.”

The way he said it made heat pool in my stomach. “He sounds like quite the perfectionist.”

“You have no idea.” His fingers drummed against his cup. “Though I suppose you’d like to find out.”

“Can you blame me? I mean, look at him. And then there’s you.” I let my gaze drift appreciatively over Early’s lithe frame.

He laughed, bright and genuine. “Flattery will get you everywhere.”

“That’s what I’m hoping for.” I winked. “Though I have to ask why you seem open to exploring options when you’re so solid? Usually, it’s only bored couples who are interested in spicing things up. And something tells me you two keep things plenty spicy.”

“We’re devoted to each other, but we’re secure enough to have fun. But it’s been a while since we’ve had a third.”

My eyebrows shot up. “Really? You don’t strike me as the type.”

“What type is that?”

“The sharing type. Duke especially seems possessive.”

Early grinned. “Oh, he is. But that makes it more exciting when we find someone worth sharing.”

I swallowed hard. “And how often is that?”

“It’s rare.” He met my gaze. “We both need to feel that spark. That connection. ”

Taking a deep breath, I laid my cards on the table. “And do you feel it now?”

“Duke’s intrigued, even if he’s playing hard to get. And I’ve been interested since the moment you walked in.”

It was hard not to get my hopes up. “What if I were to suggest we could explore that interest?”

He shrugged. “I’d say that’s worth discussing. Over dinner, perhaps?”

“Really?” I aimed for nonchalant, but my voice cracked. Clearing my throat, I tried again. “I mean, that could work. If you’re sure.”

“Your poker face needs serious work. You lit up like a kid on Christmas morning.”

He crossed his arms. “I did not. I’m a professional actor now, who has excellent control over my facial expressions.”

“Uh-huh. That’s why you’re practically vibrating in your chair with excitement?”

I forced myself to sit still. “I’m excited about the prospect of more of Duke’s cooking.”

“Sure, that’s what has you all worked up. Nothing to do with the chef himself, right?”

Heat crept up my neck. “When should I come over?”

“Eager to nail down the details?” He laughed at my attempt to change the subject. “How’s seven?”

“Seven’s perfect since I don’t have rehearsals tomorrow.” I tried to keep my tone casual, but his knowing look told me I wasn’t fooling anyone. “Should I bring anything?”

“Just yourself.”

My stomach flipped at the thought of being alone with the husbands at their house. “I can manage that. Can I have your number so you can text me your address?”

“Real smooth,” Early teased, holding his hand out.

I made a profile for him before passing him my phone to enter his number. When he returned it, the time made me groan. “Shit, I need to get to rehearsal.”

“Can’t keep Rook waiting.” He stood with me, his expression fond. “We’ll see you tonight?”

“Wouldn’t miss it.” I gathered my things, trying to ignore how my heart raced at the prospect. “Thanks for the invitation.”

As I headed for the door, Early called after me. “Try not to spend all day thinking about it!” His laughter followed me outside.

Walking to Hurly-burly, I couldn’t shake the weird flutter in my chest. It was supposed to be a hot threesome with an attractive married couple. No strings, no complications. That was my whole thing.

So why did I keep imagining what it would be like to wake up sandwiched between them?

I forced myself to ignore such dangerous thoughts. It was only dinner with two incredibly sexy men who were married to each other and seemed interested in me. And I’d get to fuck and be fucked by, if I was lucky.

My phone buzzed with a text from Early with his address, followed by a winking emoji. I saved it, already counting the hours until seven.

Everything was fine. I could handle dinner without getting attached. I was Chance fucking Prince, who didn’t do relationships.

But if that was true, why did the thought of sitting across from Duke and Early make my chest tight in ways that had nothing to do with sex?