Page 78 of Chasing the Sun

During his lunch break the following day, Bryce shut the door to his office and made a phone call. Jamie picked up on the second ring.

“Hey, buddy. What’s up?”

“Are you busy this weekend?”

“Chloe’s staying with us, but I should have some free time. Why?”

“Chloe’s staying there?”

“Yeah. She didn’t tell you?”

“She must have forgotten to mention it.” He’d told her she was free to do as she pleased on the weekends, so he shouldn’t have been surprised. Plus, she was probably trying to avoid him, which was partly why he’d wanted to talk to Jamie. He needed advice, and Jamie was the first person he’d thought of.

“What did you have in mind?”

“I thought we could shoot a round of golf and go out for a beer afterward.”

“What? No hot dates?” Jamie teased.

Bryce would have liked to spend the weekend with Chloe, but obviously, that wasn’t going to happen. “Nope. I’m flying solo.”

They discussed where and when to meet and hung up a few minutes later. He’d just set the phone on his desk when it buzzed, and he was surprised to see the name on the display.

He debated about answering and then decided to pick up.

“Hello, Rachel.”

“Hi. I wasn’t sure you’d answer.”

“Why not?”

“I thought you might be with a patient.”

“I usually take lunch around now. What’s up?”

“I was wondering if you had any free time this weekend?”

He shook his head at the absurdity of the situation. He wanted to be with Chloe, but she didn’t want to be with him. Now Rachel wanted to be with him, and he didn’t want to be with her. His frustration was mounting by the minute.

“I’m booked.” He’d planned on telling her he didn’t want to see her anymore, but her phone call had caught him off guard.

“May I ask if this has anything to do with Molly’s new nanny?”

He stiffened, recalling how Rachel had behaved toward Chloe at the beach. Once she’d found out Chloe was the nanny, she’d turned up her nose at her. He hadn’t realized she was so snobbish until then.

“I’m not going to answer that.”

“Fine, but I’d be careful if I were you.”

“Why is that?”

“The nanny seemed smitten with you, and you know how women can be. She’s probably after your money. Take care, Bryce.”

She disconnected before he could tell her to go to hell, which was probably a good thing. He didn’t need his employees overhearing him going off on her. He’d been on edge all day, and most of the staff had been giving him a wide berth. Except for Gianna, who’d asked if something was wrong and offered to listen anytime. He got the impression she’d lend more than her ear, but he wasn’t interested. There was only one woman he wanted, and she was hell-bent on avoiding him.

The next day, he and Jamie met at the same golf course he’d taken Chloe to. Jamie had chosen it, and at first, Bryce had thought to object, but then he’d realized how foolish that was. He couldn’t avoid every place in Naples that reminded him of Chloe. If that were the case, he might as well move!

When he arrived at the clubhouse, Jamie was waiting outside by a golf cart.