Page 90 of Chasing the Sun

The guy disappeared into a back room and returned with a bag of women’s clubs. “I’ll have a golf cart brought around. Will your guest be here soon?”

Chloe glanced at her watch. “He should be here any…”

Just then, the bell over the door dinged, and in walked Bryce, his golf bag slung over his shoulder.

A few other people were milling around, but his eyes locked on hers right away.

Before either of them could say a word, the desk clerk said, “Hey, Dr. Bradshaw. I didn’t see your name on our list today.”

Bryce looked from him to Chloe, and it took her a second to find her voice. “He’s with me,” she explained, her voice wavering.

“Oh. Well, let me check on your cart,” the man said and went outside.

“Chloe? What’s going on? What are you doing here?”

Glancing to her left, she saw a group of four women staring at them. “Let’s step outside.”

He nodded and followed her out the door.

“All set, Dr. Bradshaw and Ms. Miller.”

“Thanks, Jonathan,” Bryce said smoothly.

Jonathan had already loaded Chloe’s clubs in the back of the cart, and Bryce set his beside them. Then he turned to her, his eyes searching hers for answers.

She took a deep breath and then choked out, “Surprise!”

He chuckled. “So, I take it Jamie isn’t meeting me here?”

“Nope, just me. It’s your birthday present. Do you like it?”

“Are you kidding? This is great. Now I know why you were in such a hurry to leave the party.”

She nodded, feeling infinitely better.

“Jamie was in on this, huh?”

“Not just him. Your parents and Seb too. Molly’s the only one I didn’t tell because I was afraid she wouldn’t be able to keep it a secret.” She omitted the other reason, that she’d booked them a room, but she’d get to that eventually.

“Wow. Thank you for doing all this. I honestly didn’t expect you to get me anything.”

“Should we start golfing? I mean, since that’s what we’re here for.”

“Sure. Would you like to drive, or would you like me to?”

She hadn’t even considered driving, simply because he’d driven the cart the last time. “You’d have to teach me.”

“It’s easy. Hop in.”

She slid into the driver’s seat while he climbed in beside her. He explained the features of the cart, which seemed simple enough, and off they went to the first hole. She jerked the cart a bit when she came to a stop, but he didn’t seem to mind. In fact, he’d been wearing a wide grin since he’d first seen her.

After they’d pulled out their drivers, he said, “New outfit?”

“Um-hmm. I felt like I should at least look like I know what I’m doing.”

He laughed, the sound of it dripping over her like melted butter.

“You know what you’re doing. You just need more practice.”