Page 11 of Chasing the Sun

She shifted uncomfortably, and he felt like a heel. She probably thought he was an uptight jerk, and he wouldn’t blame her. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to let his guard down some until she got acclimated.

“I guess I forgot to mention her name.”

Chloe nodded and fidgeted with the keys. “Are you…is she…friendly?”

She’d scrunched up her nose, and he had to laugh. “Yes. Our relationship is amicable.”

She looked visibly relieved.

“I’ve already told her about you, and I promise she won’t give you any trouble. In fact, she’s anxious to meet you.”

“Really?”

Her expressions amused him. Every emotion showed on her pretty face, and he decided she’d be a horrible poker player. “You seem surprised.”

“Most people I know who are divorced aren’t what I would call amicable, my own parents included.”

So far, he’d steered clear of asking about her personal life, but now he was curious. “When did they get divorced?”

“They waited until my sister and I were out of the house, so about five or six years ago.”

He could tell the topic upset her, and he didn’t feel right asking more questions. It turned out she was more than willing to share on her own, though.

“They thought it would make things easier on us, but they were wrong. My sister and I were devastated…”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Yeah, so, anyway. I understand what Molly must have gone through.”

He sat back in his chair and tried to hide his grimace. “I think she’s doing okay, considering.”

Chloe sucked her lower lip between her teeth, a move he would have found sexy under different circumstances. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to imply…”

He held up a hand. “Never mind. Let’s move on.”

He went down the list of names and numbers robotically, suddenly anxious to end the meeting.

“The codes for the entrance gate and the garage door are on the back of this sheet. Do you have any questions?”

She shrugged. “Not yet, but I’m sure they’ll crop up.”

“You can call me anytime, and if I don’t answer, feel free to call my parents. They only live a few miles away and would be glad to help. They welcome any opportunity to visit their only grandchild.”

She smiled at that, and he swore it lit up the whole room. Something in him wanted to see that smile again even if he wasn’t the one to put it there.

“Now, what do you say we order some pizza? You must be hungry after your flight.”

“I am, and speaking of food, I do have a question.”

“Fire away.”

“How do you work the stove?”

Chapter 5

After they’d finished eating, Molly let out a loud yawn, and Chloe realized it was probably her bedtime. She felt tired too, especially after traveling and learning the ropes of her new job.

“Time to get in your pajamas, and then I’ll come up and tuck you in,” Bryce said.