Page 62 of Chasing the Sun

Once they were in the parking lot, she said, “You’re quite the ladies’ man, aren’t you?”

He shrugged, the corners of his mouth quirking up into a grin. “I try. Didn’t work with you, though.”

“Sorry.”

“Don’t be. You’re probably better off with Bryce anyway. Don’t tell him I said that.”

She laughed as she climbed onto the back of his bike and settled in. This time, when she hugged his waist, she gave him a squeeze.

Looking over his shoulder, he smiled and said, “What was that for?”

“For being one of the good guys.”

“Ugh. Not exactly the kind of compliment I was hoping for.”

“What would you rather hear?”

“I don’t know—that I have a nice ass?”

She giggled. “You do, but don’t tell Bryce I said so.”

“Not a chance. Ready to go home?”

“Yes.”

He started the bike, and the roar of the engine matched the roar of her blood coursing through her veins. Bryce wanted her to come home—home to him. What did it mean? If he just wanted to talk, why would he be waiting for her in the hot tub?

On the ride home, her imagination ran wild. Had he changed his mind? Was he done denying their attraction? Was he ready to give in to his feelings and be with her?

Her heart was racing, her palms damp, yet it had nothing to do with being tucked around the hot guy on the bike. It was his brother she wanted and his brother she hoped to have.

Chapter 20

Bryce was alert to every sound as he waited for Chloe to come home. After she’d sent the text that she’d be there soon, he’d started preparing for her arrival. He’d brought out a new bottle of wine and placed it in an ice bucket, knowing that she liked hers chilled. He’d found two wine glasses in the back of a cabinet that had never been used and brought those out too. Then he’d changed into his swim trunks (a pair that actually fit this time), taken two towels from the linen closet, and gone into the lanai.

When he’d texted her that they needed to talk, he hadn’t planned on doing it in the hot tub, but after she’d sent back a vague reply, he’d thrown out the idea, hoping she’d agree. He recalled the last time they’d been in the hot tub together and anticipated a very different ending this time.

He was sitting on the edge of the tub with his feet in the water when he heard the rumble of Seb’s bike pulling into the driveway. He hadn’t considered that she might invite Seb inside, but he quickly discounted the possibility. If Chloe wanted to be with Seb, she wouldn’t have replied to his texts. At least, that’s what he wanted to believe.

A few minutes later, he heard the front door open and close and then Chloe walking across the kitchen floor in her heeled ankle boots. He sucked in a breath and called up every ounce of courage he had before she pulled open the door to the lanai.

She looked the same as when she’d left except for her expression, which was a mix of wariness, curiosity, and hopefulness.

“I’m home,” she said, pausing just inside the door.

“I’m glad.”

“You said you wanted to talk.”

“I do, but first, why don’t you change into your bathing suit, and I’ll pour us a glass of wine.”

Her chest was rising and falling rapidly, and she licked her lips. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

He didn’t blame her for being doubtful, but he wanted to erase her doubts. “Positive.”

Her lips spread into a smile. “I’ll be right back.”

“Hurry.”