Page 81 of Chasing the Sun

Jamie chuckled. “He’s not really her type, anyway.”

“Thank God.”

Even though Bryce was still worried about the situation with Chloe, he was starting to feel better just talking about it. He didn’t really expect Jamie to have all the answers, but he could count on him to listen.

When they were back in the cart, waiting for the foursome ahead of them again, Jamie said, “Based on my experience, I think you should lay it all out there. Whatever you’re feeling, you just gotta tell her. It might be difficult, but it’s better than the alternative. You don’t want her to go home without knowing how you feel.”

Bryce nodded his agreement. I don’t want her to go home at all. As far as I’m concerned, she is home.

He let the topic rest for the remaining holes, but once they’d finished the round and were enjoying a beer in the clubhouse, he brought it up again.

“You’re the only one I’ve told, and I’d like it to stay that way.”

“Of course,” Jamie said before taking another slug of beer. “I just have one more thing to say.”

“Let’s hear it.”

“Don’t hurt her, man.”

“Believe me, that’s the last thing I want to do.”

Chapter 27

Chloe hadn’t felt this relaxed in days. She was at Elle’s house, lounging by the pool, sipping an ice-cold lemonade, and munching on pretzels. Jamie had gone golfing with Bryce, and that left her and Elle to enjoy the day together. They’d taken a swim, and now they were basking in the sun that filtered in through the screened-in lanai.

“I could really get used to living here,” Chloe said.

“Wouldn’t you miss your family?”

“Of course, but they could always come and visit. Besides, you and Jamie are family too.”

“That’s sweet, and don’t forget Bryce and Molly.”

How could she? Bryce was on her mind constantly these days. In fact, she’d been considering confiding in Elle about the whole complicated situation. The only thing holding her back was knowing that Bryce wouldn’t like it. He’d been adamant that nobody should know about them, even though there might not be a “them” anymore.

“You haven’t said much lately. Are things going okay over there?” Elle asked.

It was a good opening, but Chloe was still hesitant. “Yeah. Pretty good.”

Elle shifted to face her. “Is Bryce still acting pissy about you going out with Seb?”

So much had happened since then, and of course, Elle had no idea.

“No. He got past that once he realized I wasn’t interested.”

“I was kind of surprised you passed that up. I mean, Seb is seriously hot in a tough-guy kind of way. Don’t tell Jamie I said that.”

Chloe laughed. “He is hot, and surprisingly sweet, but he’s not really my type.”

“Bryce is more your speed, but too bad he’s off limits.”

Chloe had just popped a pretzel into her mouth, and she started to choke on it. She quickly grabbed her lemonade and took a long swallow, coughing and sputtering for another minute or two.

“Are you okay?” Elle said, looking concerned.

Chloe shook her head and fought back the tears that had sprung to her eyes. Elle had no clue how not okay she was, and she was getting tired of keeping it all inside.

Naturally, Elle picked up on her distress, and she gently rubbed Chloe’s arm. “What is it? What’s wrong?”