Page 87 of Chasing the Sun

“I could use some lessons,” Seb teased.

“I’ll teach you,” Angel purred, her meaning perfectly clear to the adults.

“I mostly teach children, anyway.”

“She’s teaching me,” Molly said happily.

“I know, and we can’t wait to see your recital,” Mary enthused.

“Just a couple more weeks, and she’ll be ready,” Chloe said.

“Hey, Bryce, wasn’t there a dance studio in the plaza next to your office?” asked Don.

“Yes, but they moved to a bigger space.” He’d just speared a bite of pasta salad, and paused, an idea hitting him over the head like a crowbar.

“Hmm. I bet some of Molly’s friends would like to take dance lessons from Chloe too,” Mary said.

“Forget about going back to Michigan. Stay here and open your own studio,” Seb suggested.

He’d just given voice to what Bryce had been thinking, and Bryce mentally kicked himself for not having said it first.

Angel didn’t look thrilled with the idea, and then she confirmed it. “I’m sure Chloe wants to get back home to her family.”

Chloe looked at them all with a bewildered expression, and Bryce wondered if she felt bombarded. Certainly, she hadn’t considered moving to Florida permanently.

She smiled and said, “That’s a nice idea, but I don’t have the means to open my own studio.”

They moved onto another topic after that, but Bryce’s mind continued spinning with possibilities. He’d like nothing better than to pull Chloe into another room and tell her his ideas, but he wouldn’t get the chance. After lunch, he was off to meet Jamie, and she’d be spending the rest of the weekend with Elle.

He had so much to say to her, so much apologizing to do, and he felt like time was running out. In the meantime, her leg kept brushing against his, sending the blood rushing to a part of his anatomy that, thankfully, was concealed underneath the table.

“That was delicious, Mom,” he said when everyone had finished eating.

“Thank you, but we’re not done yet. There’s still cake!”

“Why don’t we let Bryce open his presents first and then have cake?” Don suggested.

Everyone nodded their agreement, and Mary said, “Okay. Just let me clear these dishes, and then I’ll join you in the living room.”

“I’ll help you,” Angel said before anyone else could offer.

Seb looked at her and grinned, while Bryce thought she was trying to compete with Chloe. And he’d thought men were competitive!

Bryce pulled out Chloe’s chair, and then everyone but Mary and Angel filed into the living room.

This time, Bryce claimed the loveseat before Seb could, and he motioned for Chloe to sit beside him. She hesitated for just a second before joining him.

“So, what do you think of Naples?” Don asked, taking over the interrogation.

“I love it here,” she replied immediately.

His dad went on to inquire about her family and kept her engaged in conversation until Mary and Angel rejoined them.

“Time for presents!” Molly said, acting just as excited as if it were her own birthday.

Mary picked up an envelope from the coffee table and handed it to Bryce. “It’s hard to shop for a man who has everything,” she said with pride.

I don’t have everything, he thought, resisting the urge to glance at Chloe.