Page 10 of Chasing the Sun

Chloe held out her arms, and Molly transferred Lucy into them. Bryce stood back while Molly showed Chloe her room, including all her prized possessions—stuffed animals, Barbies, and a white bookcase overflowing with books. Of all her belongings, Molly loved books the most.

“Miss Chloe and I need to talk some more. Why don’t you look at some books for a while, and then we’ll order dinner?”

“Can we get pizza?” Molly asked.

“Only if Chloe likes pizza too.”

“Who doesn’t?!” Chloe said, her eyes fixed on Molly.

So far, so good. It seemed like she and Molly would get on wonderfully. “Okay, then. Pizza it is.”

Chloe handed the cat back to Molly, who plopped down with her in front of the bookcase. She’d be content for a long time, but he only needed a few minutes to go over things with Chloe.

He led her back downstairs and into his study, where he sat behind the desk. He questioned if it seemed too formal, but then he decided this was how he wanted things to be. Even though she’d be living there, he needed to keep some distance between them. It wouldn’t do any good getting too close to his daughter’s nanny.

Chloe sat across from him and looked around the room, her eyes sparkling in the sunlight that streamed in through the front window. “It looks like Molly isn’t the only one who likes to read,” she said.

He nodded. “A lot of these are medical reference books, but I also read for pleasure.”

“Me too. Which reminds me, is there a bookstore nearby?”

He chuckled. “Yes, and a library. Molly would love it if you took her there.”

“Oh, I will.”

“Which brings up the topic of transportation.”

“About that…”

“Yes?”

“You don’t have to lend me your car. I can always call an Uber.”

Bryce stiffened. There was no way in hell he was going to allow his daughter to ride around with a stranger. Attempting to keep his voice level, he replied, “I don’t feel comfortable with that.”

She looked startled. “Oh.”

“Do you have a problem driving my car?”

“Um…well, no…”

He’d obviously made her feel bad, but he was firm on this issue. “My number one priority is Molly’s safety. I wouldn’t feel right entrusting that to an Uber driver.”

That might have come out harsher than he’d intended, because Chloe looked duly chastised.

“I’m sorry for suggesting it,” she said, clasping her hands tightly in her lap.

Bryce wasn’t sure how to put her at ease, so he simply forged ahead. “Here’s an extra set of keys to the house and the Mercedes. I’ll make sure it’s always gassed up for you.” He slid the keys across the desk, and she took them.

“Thank you.”

Then he opened a folder on his desk and took out a sheet of paper. “Here’s a list of important names and numbers, including my office and pager number, Victoria’s number…”

“Victoria?”

He glanced up and realized he hadn’t told her yet. “Molly’s mom.”

“Ohhh.”