Page 18 of Prelude of Love

Everson pulled out his wallet without hesitation and handed me a credit card. I ran it while he tried to rally his friend. “Come on, buddy. It’s time to go.”

“But Veronica’s with Victor, and this guy is the one who did that thing she loves,” Tobias said, pointing at Chance. “I thought she’d take me back, but maybe I don’t want her back because I’m tired of feeling like shit for not being the man she wants me to be. Maybe the scary guy is right, and I should be withsomeone who doesn’t hate me because I like kittens instead of big dogs.”

“If that’s what he told you, he’s right. You’re a good guy, and she’s looking for an asshole like Victor who can bench-press her with one pinky.” He signed the credit slip with a flourish before passing it back to me. It impressed me he gave a one-hundred-percent tip as an apology. Damn, no wonder Red loved the guy. “Please forgive my friend. His ex really did a number on him, and he doesn’t normally drink. I love coming here too much to get banned for this.”

“You’re fine,” I gruffly told him. “Make sure he gets home safe.”

“I’ll take care of him.” He looped his arm around Tobias’s waist. “Come on, let’s get you home, buddy.”

Once they were gone, I returned my attention to Chance. The previous commotion had drawn some curious stares from the dinner crowd, but they were already returning to their meals. A few patrons gave appreciative glances at my newest customer before politely looking away. Living in Sunnyside meant learning to respect boundaries.

“Sorry about that. I have a no-tolerance-for-bullshit policy.” I wiped down the spot where Tobias’s tears had fallen on the polished wood. “But in the future, opt for glasses over a baseball cap.”

“Why’s that?” Chance adjusted his hat self-consciously, his hair peeking out from underneath.

“Because the Clark Kent hiding Superman effectis a lot more powerful than a hat that doesn’t disguise who you are.” My cloth moved in practiced circles over the bar top. “It lets Iason, Rune, Kieran, and Rook lead relatively normal lives around here. They can grab coffee, shop for groceries, even hit the gym without being mobbed for autographs.”

His blue eyes widened with interest. “You know them?”

The only reason I disclosed that fact was because I knew Chance was friends with them all. No point playing coy when he’d find out, anyway. “Iason was my college roommate, and they’re all regulars here.” I tossed my cleaning cloth under the bar. “So are your father, mother, and uncle.”

“Who knew Sunnyside was a safe haven for celebrities with boyfriends?” Chance’s laugh hit me like whiskey that was smooth, potent, and warming me from the inside out. The rich sound resonated through my chest, stirring memories of last night when that same voice had driven me to take my husband hard.

The way Chance’s fingers traced the rim of his glass was hypnotic. Each movement was deliberate, almost musical, like he couldn’t help but find rhythm in everything he touched. The gesture shouldn’t have been as captivating as it was, but knowing those same fingers wrote songs that had been the soundtrack of my intimate moments with Early made it impossible to look away.

When I remained silent, Chance spoke again. “Mom won’t quit teasing me that I’ll find my boyfriend here while filming my movie. But she’s always been an optimist.”

His mother’s teasing hit closer to home than he knew. Early would be delighted to hear Melody was playing matchmaker, probably taking it as a sign we should pursue the attraction that crackled between us. But I wasn’t about to admit how Chance’s presence affected me, how his voice alone could make my pulse quicken.

Watching him toy with his glass, I understood why Early had been so adamant about pursuing Chance. The singer radiated a magnetic energy that drew people in, made them want to know more. It wasn’t just his fame or his looks, but something deeper, more authentic.

“You’re lucky to have such an amazing mom.” The words came out rougher than intended as memories of my mother surfaced. The familiar ache bloomed in my chest, duller now but never quite gone. Even after so many years, certain things still brought back how much I missed her smile, her laugh, and the way she’d sing while cooking. “Melody is excited you’ll be in town for a while to film your movie. You should spend some time with her while you’re here.”

He snickered, the sound lightening the mood. “You’ve met her. She won’t give me any choice in the matter.”

I had to laugh because he was right. Melody was a force to be reckoned with, always getting her way.

“It was interesting watching you transition from a badass bouncer to a wise therapist with that guy, though.” His eyes traveled over me with frank appreciation, taking in my broad shoulders and muscled arms. It was the kind of look that would have Early plotting ways to get him into our bed. My husband had always had excellent taste.

“He may have been annoying, but nobody deserves to have a partner who treats them like shit,” I said firmly, remembering the pain in Tobias’s voice. “You should never hate yourself because of someone who is supposed to love you as you are.” I spoke from both personal experience and years of watching relationships fall apart across my bar.

“A beefcake with a brain. I love to see it.” His lips curved into that signature smirk that had launched a thousand magazine covers. The expression was pure sin, promising all sorts of trouble. “I’m alsoveryamused you didn’t correct him about having a monster cock. I don’t suppose you’d let me see if he’s right?”

Chapter Five

CHANCE

It feltlike a victory to earn a bark of laughter from the hot bartender. With his huge muscles, devilishly handsome face, stormy gray eyes, and badass vibes, I wanted him to pin me down on the bar and fuck me for all the customers to see.

His gravelly voice went straight to my dick. “You’ll have to work harder if that’s your goal. Just being pretty isn’t enough to give you the privilege of being with me and my husband.”

My interest skyrocketed. “Perfect. Ilovebeing a couple’s third.”

One of his black eyebrows arched in surprise. It was ridiculously sexy. “Why?”

I told him the truth. “Because I enjoy being the center of attention and not needing to commit to anything serious. I get to have fun. They spice things up. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

The corner of his mouth turned up in a smirk. “At least you’re honest about it.”

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