Page 9 of Chasing the Sun

For some reason, she felt nervous being alone with him, but she’d have to get over it because it was guaranteed to happen again. He’d explained that on the weekends, when Molly went to her mom’s house, he’d still be around, and Chloe could come and go as she pleased.

Thank goodness Elle lived nearby so she’d have someplace else to go.

She glanced around the bathroom, noting the attention to details. Everything was coordinated, from the fixtures to the towels to the paint colors. The large sunken tub looked like it would easily fit two—don’t even think about it—and a skylight above it let in the bright Florida sunshine.

She noticed the glass shower stall had dual shower heads, and she quickly tore her eyes away. Then she looked at Bryce, who was reaching up to open a bathroom cabinet, his shorts stretched tightly over his buns and his shirt rising to show a sliver of tanned skin…

“In here, you’ll find bandages, antiseptic creams, children’s aspirin…”

She nodded, though she’d already zoned out. It was impossible to concentrate in such close quarters, and she couldn’t wait to move on.

Finally, he turned and almost bumped right into her. She quickly took a step back.

“Any questions?” he asked.

Just one. Why is a hot guy like you still single? “Um…no, not yet.”

“Okay. Let’s go upstairs, and I’ll show you to your room.”

Chloe suppressed the urge to fan her face as she followed his hot buns out the door.

Chapter 4

Bryce felt her eyes on him as they went up the stairs, and he wondered what she was thinking. She’d acted nervous at times, which was to be expected. She’d never nannied before, and she was a long way from home. Who could blame her?

In the meantime, he was riding the fine line between being the boss and trying to make her feel welcome. He had a feeling he wasn’t succeeding at the latter.

“This will be your room,” he said, pointing to the last bedroom on the right.

Chloe stepped inside, and her eyes went wide. “This is bigger than my apartment,” she said in a rush, her cheeks turning a bright shade of pink.

He chuckled, hoping to put her at ease. “You’ll get used to it.”

She went over to the large bay window that overlooked the backyard. “It’s so beautiful.”

So are you. “I brought up your bags,” he said, pointing at the door to the walk-in closet.

“Great. Thanks.”

“The closet and drawers are empty, so feel free to use them. Oh, and the bathroom is through there.” This time, he stayed put while she poked her head inside. She whispered an enthused, “Wow,” that he wasn’t sure he was meant to hear.

This was simply home to him, and the house’s size and features no longer impressed him. For some reason, Chloe’s positive reaction pleased him, though.

“I hope you’ll like it here,” he said once she’d rejoined him.

She smiled wide and replied, “I’m sure I will.”

He cleared his throat, suddenly feeling like the room was closing in on him. “Molly’s room is just down the hall,” he said and turned away, assuming she would follow him.

When they entered Molly’s room, they found her sitting on her beanbag chair, petting Lucy. At the sight of them, she stood up, holding Lucy in her arms.

Chloe immediately approached her and petted the cat. “She’s so pretty.”

Molly smiled. “Do you want to hold her?”

“Will she let me?”

Molly nodded. “She’s a friendly cat.”