Sunny's Love (8 page)

The next few hours passed by quickly and soon they were in the SUV Chase used for family outings. John was driving them to the airport and everyone was talking at once, excited about the trip.

The trip to Orlando was perfect. John and Alice visited with their family while Chase, Sunny, and the two children enjoyed two wonderful days taking in everything they could fit into the schedule at Disney World. All too soon, it ended and it was time for Chase to be off for Des Moines.

On the morning Chase was leaving for Iowa, he knocked softly on Sunny’s
door adjoining the bathroom between them. “Sunny, are you awake? I need to talk to you.”

She
’d been sitting on the edge of the bed brushing her hair when he knocked. She got up and answered the door, puzzled he wouldn’t use the main door.

“I apologize for coming in this way, but I wanted to talk to you privately before I leave, and I didn’t want to take a chance on anyone seeing me from the hallway.”

“It’s all right. What’s up?”

“
While I’m away this week, I’ll be finalizing everything for the solution to my problem I told you about. And while I can’t tell you what it is, yet, I need you to do something. I want you to know this will affect the rest of your life. If you agree to help me, that is. This week, will you please take some time to think about what I’ve just said? I want you to think about any future plans you may have. They’ll play a part in the answer you give me, when I tell you what I need from you.”

“This is all so mysterious, Chase.”

“It won’t be…it will all be crystal clear next week, when I can present it to you properly.”

“Okay, I
’ll trust you on that.”

Chase leaned down
and kissed her. Sunny was shaken to the core, heat swiftly spreading through her veins. She responded to his kiss in a way that surprised the both of them.

“
I’m sorry. It seems I keep kissing you and apologizing afterward. It’s just that when you said you trust me…” he said as he broke away from her.

“
Stop apologizing. I don’t think I was exactly fighting that kiss.”

He
had a thoughtful look on his face. “Just maybe…” He abruptly brought himself back to reality and told her goodbye.

“I’m going to tell the kids goodbye then I’m off. I’ll call you midweek to check in. Think about what I said.”

“I will, Chase.”

He left her room the same way he’d come in, leaving her standing there touching the lips that he’d just kissed.

She finished her morning routine and went to Ali’s room to see if she was awake. The little girl was already dressed when she entered the room. “Daddy just left. I miss him already.” She looked so sad Sunny went to her and hugged her.

“It
’ll be okay, sweetie, we’ll find ways to stay busy. Daddy will be back before you know it.”

B
rice came running into the room and wanted to join in the hugging. Sunny welcomed him into her arms.

“Did Daddy tell you bye, too?” Ali asked her brother.

“Yep, he did. He said when he gets back, he might have a surprise for us. But he wouldn’t tell me what it was.”

“Well, little man
, it wouldn’t be a surprise now if he told you, would it?” Sunny laughed as she placed a kiss on the top of his head.

“I’m hungry
. Let’s go see if Alice made waffles today.” Ali took her brother’s hand.

“But if she didn’t, remember, Sissy, be polite.”

Sunny had to laugh as Brice reminded his sister of what their father had told them when they’d first gotten to Florida.

They were happy to discover Alice had indeed made waffles. After they’d eaten, Sunny took them to the patio and
together they made plans for the week. She needed to stay occupied as much as she needed to keep them busy.

The week went slowly at first, but Sunny kept busy
. So busy, in fact, by Wednesday night when Chase called, she was exhausted.

“Sunny, how’s it going?”
he asked cheerily.

“We’ve been
reading, playing games, hiking, swimming, and playing in the sand. I’m actually exhausted tonight. I don’t know where those two munchkins get all their energy.”

“Why don’t you take tomorrow off? I’ll speak to Alice about watching them.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I know I don’t have to, but I want to. Have you had time to think about what we discussed before I left?”

“Yes, I did.”

“Good, I
’ll be home Friday. You get some rest tomorrow. And on Friday, after I spend some time with the kids, you and I are going to go somewhere where we can talk undisturbed.”

“
All right, Chase, I look forward to hearing what you have to say.”

“Sunny…I
…Get some much deserved rest. Goodnight, pleasant dreams. Can you put Alice on the phone now?”

“Goodnight. Here
’s Alice.” She handed the phone to Alice and walked into the kitchen, leaving Alice alone to talk to Chase. She poured a cup of herbal tea from the pot brewing and sat down at the bar.

I wonder what this is all about. How in the world can I help save his company?

When Alice returned, she smiled affectionately at Sunny and said, “I have strict orders from Mr. Chase that you are not to be disturbed tomorrow. I’m to let you sleep as late as you wish, and the children are to be kept out of your way. I believe the man wants you rested when he returns. He said you and he are going out.”

“We are, Alice, but don’t go getting all starry
-eyed on my behalf. I don’t think it’s a date. We have some business to discuss, that’s all.”

“Whatever you say, Sunny, all I know is Mr. Chase said he wanted everything to be perfect.”

Perfect for what?
We’re going to be talking about his company.

She finished her tea and excused herself. “I want to soak in a hot
, bubble bath. After that, I’m going to slip into bed and watch a movie. I believe I’m even too tired to read a book tonight.”

“Enjoy, Sunny, and don’t worry about the kids. Sleep in, do whatever you want tomorrow.”

“You don’t have to twist my arm, Alice. See you tomorrow,” she said as she headed for the stairs. Filling the tub with warm water and lavender bubble bath, she allowed herself to indulge. She’d poured herself a glass of wine and lit three candles. It was the ultimate relaxation. When she’d soaked in the tub for what seemed like hours and the water was beginning to grow cold, she stepped out carefully. After drying her skin to a rosy glow, she blew out the candles, poured another glass of wine and slipped into a light summer nightgown. She’d just settled into the cool sheets when her cell phone rang. Picking it up from her night table, she answered softly, “Hello.”

“Sunny, it’s Chase. Were you asleep?”

“No, I just got into bed. I was planning to watch a movie before I go to sleep. Is something wrong?”

“I’ve had a change of plans. I’
ll be home late tomorrow night. Please have the children in bed early. We need to talk when I get there.”

“
All right, that shouldn’t be a problem. Chase, has something happened?”

“Let’s just say we need to move with my plan. I need to talk with you as soon as possible
in order for you to make a decision as to whether or not you can do what I’m going to ask of you.”

“You’re really piquing my curiosity, you know.”

“I know, and I’m sorry. Hopefully you’ll be agreeable to what I’m going to propose. I’ll let you get to your movie. And remember, you do whatever you want tomorrow. Alice is taking the kids to a nearby playground and to the beach. The day is yours. I want you to have a clear head when we have our talk.”

“Okay.”

“Sweet dreams, Sunny. I…I miss you.”

“Oh, that’s sweet. I’ve missed your smiling face this week as well.”

“I like hearing you say that, but this conversation needs to wait until I get there. So don’t worry about it, get some rest and I’ll be there tomorrow evening around nine.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

She hung up and wondered again what in the world was going on. She tried to watch a movie but couldn’t concentrate, so finally turned off the television and tried to sleep. She finally did fall asleep but dreamt about being in Chase’s bed. For some reason, it seemed like the most logical thing in the world for her to be there. When she awoke in the middle of the night, she was more confused than ever.

Sunny slept late the next morning. When she awoke, she remembered the dream she’d had the night before.
I have got to get a handle on my feelings for my boss. With each passing day, I find myself more and more attracted to him.

She dressed and went into the kitchen. Alice and the children had apparently already left on their outing. John was nowhere to be seen either, he must have gone with them.

There was a fresh pot of coffee and some sweet rolls on the counter with a note attached. It was from Alice, telling her that she, John and the children were out for the day and to enjoy herself. She also told her she knew the boss would be home tonight and that he wanted to speak to Sunny alone when he arrived. She had drawn a smiley face in the shape of a heart on the bottom of the note.

Oh, Alice, you sweetheart. You and Alma are such romantics
. She sat down at the bar and decided to take her coffee and rolls to the patio. She sat in the lounge chair and as she sipped the steaming hot coffee, her thoughts returned to the talk she and Chase were supposed to have that evening. Why the mystery?

She spent the rest of the morning trying to figure out his plan and when she came up with nothing, decided to read a book instead.

She fell asleep, reading. When she awoke and looked at her watch, she jumped up. It was six o’clock. Where was everyone? She went inside to find the other four at the table eating pizza.

“Hello, sleepyhead, you looked so peaceful we hated to wake you.”
John grinned.

“I’m so sorry.”

“What are you sorry about? It’s your day off. If you want to sleep, that’s your choice. Now sit down and have some pizza. These kiddos are tired and after they’ve eaten, I’m going to draw them both a bath and get them ready for bed.” Alice looked pointedly at Sunny, knowing Chase had asked for the kids to be put to bed early.

“I can do that,
Alice. You have to be tired after a day with these two.”

“
All right, I’ll let you do that. I believe I’ll turn in early tonight myself.”

Sunny helped herself to pepperoni pizza and got up to get a Coke out of the fridge. She noticed Brice was about to fall asleep in his plate.

After getting them bathed and in bed, she decided she had just enough time to take a quick shower before Chase returned.

She had just dressed in a casual pair of lounging pants and a tee shirt when there was a knock on the bathroom door. She opened it to let Chase into her bedroom.

“Is it okay to talk in here? I don’t want to go back out and we’ll be undisturbed here.”

“It’s fine. Let’s sit on the love seat over there. I have some wine. Would you like a glass?”

“My nanny keeps wine in her room. Should I be worried?” he teased as he accepted a glass.

“Not at all, I sometimes like a glass of wine to unwind in the evenings.
I hope sweet red is okay, it’s my favorite.”

“I’m not worried about you in the least, Sunny.
And sweet red is fine with me. If it’s your favorite, we’ll have it every day.”

“
I don’t think we need to go to that extreme.” She giggled. “Now, tell me what’s going on? You’ve kept me in suspense long enough.” She sat next to him.

“Sunny, I don’t know how to begin…”
He looked her square in the eyes, took another sip of wine, and went on. “I told you a large chain is trying to take over my company, but I didn’t tell you everything. The company is owned by a man and his daughter, Lindy. Lindy has been trying to get me in her bed since before Brittney died. My guess is she plans to convince me to marry her. After she gets her claws in my company, she’ll divorce me, leaving me with nothing.”

“That’s horrible, are you sure that
’s what she’s up to? Maybe she genuinely wants you.”

“There
’s nothing genuine about Lindy, believe me. But being the sweet person that you are, you probably wouldn’t understand that. I’ve been on to her for a long time, hopefully she doesn’t realize that.”

“I see. Is there more? Where do I
fit into this bizarre scene?”

“Ah…here comes the part
I’m unsure of. I’m not unsure of the plan, or of my part in it. I’m just unsure of how to best present it to you. I don’t know how you’ll react to what I’m about to ask you.”

“I’m listening,” she
said, gently urging him to continue.

“I need to get married.”