Page 26 of Chasing the Sun

She answered right away. “Hello?”

“Hi. Did Molly get picked up already?”

“Yes. Just a few minutes ago.”

“Everything go okay?”

“It went great.”

“Good.”

She thought she heard him sigh, but she couldn’t be sure. There was music playing in the background, and she guessed he might be at a bar or restaurant.

“What are you doing for dinner tonight?”

Come again? She pressed the phone closer to her ear. “Tonight?”

“Do you already have plans?”

I wish. “No…”

“Next question. Do you like Chinese?”

She could hardly believe they were having this conversation. She felt sure he’d already had plans for the evening. “That depends.”

He chuckled, the sound of it sending shivers down her spine. Bad spine! Bad!

“Depends on what?”

“On the restaurant. I’ve had really good Chinese and really bad Chinese.”

“Well, I’m bringing home some really good Chinese, and you’re welcome to join me.”

“Only if you’re sure it’s really good,” she teased. Don’t tease. No teasing!

“I wouldn’t joke about something like that.”

Are we still talking about food? “Okay, then.”

“What’s your pleasure?”

She glanced down at her nipples, which were trying to poke holes through her tank top. Why did he have to phrase it like that?

“Sweet and sour? Spicy? Both?”

“All of it. I’ll try anything.”

Bryce was silent for a few beats, and she instantly regretted her word choice.

“Whatever you like best,” she said, though that might have added fuel to the fire.

“I’ll get a little bit of everything. See you soon.”

She started to thank him, but he’d either already hung up or they’d lost connection. In any case, it was for the best. She couldn’t take another minute of their playful banter, assuming that’s what it had been, or maybe he’d just been talking about Chinese food, and she’d been imagining things.

She stood up and fanned her face as she went into the kitchen to set the table. The housekeeper had been there earlier, and she’d placed a vase of fresh flowers in the center of the kitchen table. Once Chloe had brought out the dishes, silverware, and two wine glasses, the table took on a romantic flair, though she hadn’t meant it to.

She stood there with her hands on her hips and wondered if she should replace the wine glasses with water glasses instead. “How ridiculous! We’re adults. We’re entitled to a glass of wine.”