Page 70 of Prelude of Love

“Yes, your impressive equipment is definitely part of the appeal. But so is the way you fit against me when you sleep. And how you made Duke laugh at breakfast. And that little noise you make when you’re happy.”

“I don’t make a noise,” he protested.

“You absolutely do. It’s this adorable little hum, like a contented cat.” I demonstrated, making him cover his face with his hands.

“I don’t do that, do I?”

“It’s cute! Duke thinks so, too. He’d rather die than admit it, though.”

Chance peeked through his fingers. “So this isn’t a casual thing for you guys?”

“Honey, if it was casual, Duke wouldn’t have called you ‘Princess’ at breakfast.” I leaned in with aconspiratorial grin. “That’s his equivalent of carving your name into a tree with a heart around it. The man guards his pet names like they’re nuclear launch codes.”

Chance snorted in amusement but said nothing.

I softened my voice, reaching across to gently pull his hands away from his face. “Look, we could pretend this was a hot threesome with a celebrity, but the truth is, we both felt something click with you. And not only when you were naked and moaning our names.”

His breathing hitched, but I kept going, careful to keep my voice low to avoid café gossip. “Duke and I want you in our bed, absolutely. But we also want you at our breakfast table, laughing at my jokes and rolling your eyes at Duke’s grumpiness. That’s why I said we want the whole package, Princess. Not just the impressive one in your pants.”

That got a genuine laugh out of him. “Good to know.”

“So, now that we’ve established we’re keeping you, how’s your day going? Besides missing us terribly, of course.”

He relaxed visibly, some of his usual confidence returning. “Pretty good. Filming’s going well. Rook actually complimented my work.”

“See? I told you you’d be great. All you needed was someone to rock your world and boost your confidence.”

He snickered at my playful wink. “Is that what that was? A confidence boost?”

“Among other things.” I grinned. “Though if you need another boost before Saturday, I’m sure Duke and I could accommodate you.”

The bell over the door chimed as Brinley bounced in for her shift, waving cheerfully at Chance before disappearing into the back room.

“Speaking of Duke,” Chance said, lowering his voice, “he seemed different the other morning. Almost sweet?”

“Don’t let him hear you say that. He’s got a reputation to maintain.” I leaned closer and said in a conspiratorial whisper, “But between you and me? He’s a total marshmallow once you get past the grumpy exterior. But don’t tell him I told you.”

“Your secret’s safe with me.” His smile turned sly. “If Duke’s the marshmallow, what does that make you?”

“The delicious graham cracker that holds everything together, obviously.” I grinned when he laughed. “And you’re the chocolate. Sweet, a little melty when things heat up, and absolutely essential to the whole experience.”

He laughed so hard he almost spilled his coffee. “That was terrible.”

“You loved it.”

“Maybe.” His expression softened. “Thanks, Early.”

“For what? The coffee? The s’mores metaphor? The mind-blowing sex?”

“For making this easy.” He gestured between us. “For not making me feel weird about wanting more.”

My heart melted a little. “Oh, Princess. There’s nothing weird about it. Duke and I have been looking for someone like you for a long time.”

“Someone famous?” he joked, but I could hear the insecurity beneath it.

“No, someone who fits. Someone who makes Duke smile and me laugh. Someone who isn’t intimidated by what we have but wants to be part of it.” I reached out to brush my thumb across the back of his hand. “Fame’s got nothing to do with it.”

He caught my hand, pressing a quick kiss to my palm that sent a jolt straight to my core. “I like fitting with you guys.”

---