Page 85 of Chasing the Sun

He’d been nervous about asking her to come since things were still awkward between them, but she’d said yes right away. It would be the first time she’d meet his parents, and he was a bit uncomfortable about it.

Seb would be there too, and supposedly, he was bringing his latest “girlfriend,” so at least Bryce didn’t have to worry about him hitting on Chloe. Still, he’d be glad when this part of the day was over.

Soon he pulled into his parents’ driveway, and Chloe pulled in right behind him. After lunch, he was meeting Jamie for a round of golf, and she was going shopping with Elle. Molly was excited because there’d be birthday cake, and she was spending the night at Nana and Papa’s. For whatever reason, his parents had insisted on that too.

He and Molly hopped out of the SUV and waited for Chloe to join them. He’d gotten used to seeing her in his car, and when she stepped out, her beauty took his breath away.

She was wearing a sundress he hadn’t seen before, and she’d put up her hair, exposing her long, graceful neck. Between their trip to the beach and hanging out at the pool, she’d acquired a golden glow, but her dazzling smile was what really hit him.

It had been a while since she’d smiled at him like that, and he wondered if she was doing it simply because it was his birthday.

“You look pretty, Miss Chloe,” Molly said sweetly.

“So do you, Miss Molly.”

Then Chloe looked up at him, and while he wanted to compliment her, instead, he said, “Are you ready for this?”

She nodded and followed them up to the house.

Bryce opened the front door and called out, “We’re here,” and then led them inside.

His mom, Mary, came bustling around the corner wearing an obnoxiously loud apron that had oranges all over it. She drew him into a tight hug and kissed both his cheeks.

“Happy birthday, my wonderful son!”

His dad, Don, came in next and pumped his hand in a hearty handshake. “You don’t look a day over thirty-three.”

Bryce rolled his eyes because that’s how old he was. “Thanks, Dad.”

Then he turned to introduce Chloe to them. “Mom, Dad, this is Chloe.” He purposely left off the label Molly’s nanny because she meant so much more than that.

“Chloe, it’s so nice to finally meet you,” Mary said, clasping one of Chloe’s hands between both of hers. His mom was a big fan of showing affection, and it didn’t matter whether she’d known the person for years or they’d just met.

“It’s very nice to meet you too,” Chloe said with a bright smile.

“We’ve been hearing a lot about you from Molly,” Don said, greeting her next. “We’re glad you came.”

Bryce had seen Seb’s truck outside, and sure enough, he came around the corner followed by a buxom blonde wearing a short denim skirt and a midriff-baring top. The outfit seemed more fitting for a bar than his parents’ house, and Bryce was glad that Chloe didn’t dress like that. Of course, to him, she was sexy no matter what she wore.

“Hey, bro. Happy birthday,” Seb said and shook Bryce’s hand. Then, he immediately turned to Chloe and pulled her in for a hug.

“Chloe, you look lovely as always.”

“Thanks,” she said graciously.

Bryce was pleased when she broke out of the hug first, even though he was no longer worried about the two of them.

“Who’s your friend?” Bryce asked since Seb hadn’t introduced her yet.

“Oh. This is Angel. Angel, meet my older brother Bryce and his friend Chloe.”

Angel? I doubt it, Bryce thought as he shook her hand, her long manicured fingernails digging into his skin.

“It’s nice to meet you, Angel,” Chloe said, though, from the looks of it, Angel might not have agreed. She smiled warily, probably trying to ascertain if Chloe was a threat.

“Lunch is almost ready. Come on in and have a seat,” Mary said, herding everyone into the living room.

“Can I help?” Chloe asked.