Page 32 of Chasing the Sun

Elle worked in human resources, which was also up her alley. She was a true “people person,” unlike Chloe, who had a habit of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. Chloe was better with children, who were much more forgiving. Maybe she had been cut out for this nanny job after all.

After they made their purchases and left the store, it was time for lunch.

“I know the perfect place,” Elle said excitedly. “We can eat outside and have a view of the ocean.”

Once they’d arrived at the restaurant and placed their orders, Chloe brought up her employer again.

“Has Bryce dated much since the divorce?” She ran her finger through the condensation on her lemonade glass while she awaited Elle’s answer. She’d only been in Florida a short time, but she was already getting used to the heat. Coming from a colder climate like Michigan, she appreciated the warmth, the ocean, the palm trees, and everything else Florida had to offer.

“Eh. Here and there, but nobody serious. I think he’s too busy with his practice and Molly to date much.”

“Hmm.”

“Chloe?”

“Yeah?”

“Why all this interest in Bryce’s love life?”

“I’m just curious, that’s all.”

“Um-hmm,” Elle said and rolled her eyes.

“I know the story about the last nanny and why he fired her. Believe me, I’d never make that mistake!”

“Did Bryce tell you?”

“No. One of his neighbors did, at the playground, of all places!”

Elle chuckled, but then her expression turned serious. “I get why you’d be attracted to him. I mean, he’s gorgeous, wealthy, and he’s got the sweetest daughter on the planet. But if you want to keep your job…”

Chloe held up her hand. “Stop right there. I’m not stupid, Elle. I need this job more than I need to get laid.”

“Good, because even if Bryce was attracted to you too, and who wouldn’t be, he’d never do anything about it. He doesn’t mess around with his employees.”

“I get it. I do. I just can’t help but wonder if he gets lonely sometimes.”

Elle shrugged. “Maybe, but if he gets the itch…”

“I won’t be the one to scratch it. Yeah, I know.” Chloe wondered if she sounded as disappointed as she felt. Then the waitress arrived with their food, and they switched to a different topic.

After lunch, they spent another couple of hours shopping. Elle talked Chloe into a pair of heels and some jewelry to compliment her new dress.

“When am I going to have a chance to wear all this?” Chloe huffed after they’d crammed their packages into the back of Elle’s sedan.

“You don’t need a special occasion. Wear it whenever you feel like it.”

Chloe imagined Bryce’s reaction upon seeing her in the dress with her hair done up. Would he like it on her? Would he even notice? Would he wonder if she’d worn it for him? She shook her head to vanquish her wayward thoughts and turned her attention out the window.

“I can see why you love it here,” she said.

“It took me a while to get used to it, especially since I had to leave my family and friends behind. But now I can’t imagine going back.”

Will I feel that way at the end of the summer? Looking around at the palm trees swaying in the breeze, she decided there was a good chance of it. Not to mention having to leave Elle, Jamie, Molly, and Bryce. She’d never expected to get so attached to Molly and Bryce so quickly.

When they arrived at Elle’s, Jamie was outside on the shaded front porch, sipping a beer. Elle offered one to Chloe, but she decided to leave the two lovebirds alone.

“I’ve hogged you enough for today. Go be with your husband.”