Page 74 of Chasing the Sun

Chloe had picked Molly up before wading into the water with her and was now bouncing her up and down, to Molly’s obvious delight. No matter what was going on with him, he always smiled when he heard her laughter. It reminded him that his daughter was healthy and happy and that he must be doing something right.

“Daddy, come in with us,” Molly called. She’d slung one arm around Chloe’s neck and was waving the other one wildly above her head.

He set down his book and sunglasses, walked across the warm sand, and entered the water. Instead of wading out to where they were, he dove under and swam, popping up beside them and making Molly giggle again.

“Do you want Daddy to hold you now?” Chloe asked.

“No.”

“What?” he said, feigning hurt feelings.

“I want Miss Chloe to hold me.”

It was the first time she’d chosen Chloe over him, but oddly enough, he was okay with it. He took it as a sign of trust, and it gave him even more confidence that he’d made the right choice in hiring Chloe. Only, now he didn’t just look at her as “the nanny,” because she’d become so much more.

Suddenly there was a commotion on the nearby pier. Several people had lined up along the railing and were pointing at something in the water. The excitement spread like wildfire, and sure enough, a dolphin arched out of the sea, eliciting oohs and ahhs from the spectators.

“Did you see that, Molly?” he asked.

She shook her head.

“I didn’t see it either,” Chloe said.

Bryce moved in behind them and gathered them close, placing one arm around Chloe’s shoulder and the other around Molly. “Watch closely, and he’ll come up again.”

The three of them huddled in a tight circle and waited. Seconds later, not one, but two dolphins leapt out of the water, creating an even louder response from the gathering crowd.

“I saw them!” Molly said excitedly.

“Me too,” Chloe said, looking just as thrilled.

He squeezed her shoulder, reluctant to move away. Her back was leaning against his chest, and her butt rubbed enticingly against his thigh. He knew she wasn’t doing it on purpose, because the waves were tossing them around a bit, but he was loath to break contact.

The dolphins continued to porpoise at regular intervals, allowing him to stay tucked around Chloe and Molly a while longer. When they’d swum far enough away that they became difficult to see, he finally let go, and the three of them went back up to shore.

They were walking back to their spot, holding hands in a chain with Molly in the middle, when he looked up to find a familiar face.

“Hello, Bryce,” Rachel said, flipping up her sunglasses and resting them atop her head.

He froze for a moment, surprised to see her there. In fact, he’d all but forgotten about her since he’d been with Chloe. Chloe. Oh no.

“This must be your daughter, Molly,” Rachel said, seemingly oblivious to his discomfort.

“Yes, it is. Molly, say hello to Dr. Johnson.”

“Hi,” Molly said and gave her a little wave. She’d let go of his hand but was still gripping Chloe’s.

He ventured a glance at Chloe, who looked like she was trying to solve a puzzle. He racked his brain, trying to remember if he’d ever mentioned Rachel’s name before.

“And who’s your friend?” Rachel asked, directing her question at Molly.

Bryce interjected. “This is Molly’s nanny.”

Chloe’s expression tightened. “Chloe Miller. Nice to meet you. Do you two work together?”

Shit! I’m in for it now!

Rachel let out a little laugh and shook her head, her long black hair swishing back and forth. She was an attractive woman, but she had a hardness about her and a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.