Sunny's Love - By Anna Kristell Page 0,1

before how handsome he was. He was a tall, muscular man with dark brown hair showing the slightest hint of gray at the temples and the most beautiful green eyes she’d ever seen. He looked the part of distinguished businessman, but when he smiled his whole face lit up. And when he looked at his son a different side of the man was revealed. He was quite evidently a devoted father. Obviously this man knew how to balance the priorities in his life.

“I’d like to thank you, ma’am, for helping us tonight. I know I’ve kept you late. Could I make it up to you by inviting you to have dinner with us tonight?” Chase flashed a smile that would melt any woman’s heart, especially one that had been badly broken. Brice was giving her a similar, little boy version of the heart-melting look, making it even more difficult to resist the two.

Her heart skipped a beat as she looked up at the gorgeous man standing in front of her. Every sensible bone in her body was telling her to decline the invitation, but her heart was telling her to accept. What else did she have to do anyway besides go home to another lonely night in her apartment and eat a frozen dinner in front of the television, until she was so bored she went to bed. Alone. Dreaming of a life that just doesn’t seem to be within her grasp.

“Well, I…I don’t know.” She looked at him in surprise.

“I’m sorry, I guess I should have asked if you were married, but I didn’t see a ring.” The man apologized, flashing a smile once more that made it very hard for her to say no.

“No, I’m not married. And yes, I would like to have dinner with you and Brice.” Sunny finally gave him an answer, as she smiled back at him.

“Actually, I have a daughter, too. Allison’s back at the hotel with the absent-minded nanny. I hated to leave her with that woman after what happened at the playground, but I just grabbed Brice and ran when I got the call.”

“In that case, I’d like to have dinner with the three of you.” Sunny laughed as she looked from father to son. Brice had stopped crying by now and was busy looking at the stickers she’d given him. As his father held him in his arms, he clapped his hands, apparently happy that she’d said yes.

“Great. Would you mind meeting us at the hotel? I want to get Brice back there and check on Allison. I need to have a few words with my nanny, as well.”

“Tell me where and when and I’ll be there. I need to finish just a few things here and run home to freshen up a bit first.”

“We’re at the Country Inn. Come by in about an hour or so, don’t rush yourself. Whenever you’re ready will be fine. I’ll leave word at the desk to let me know when you arrive.”

“Okay, I’ll be there. See you soon, Brice.” She looked at the sweet little boy who was shyly smiling up at her.

The Duponts left, waving to her as they walked out the door. Sunny locked the door behind them before she finished closing up for the night then Dr. Rose walked her out.

“Do you know who that was, Sunny?”

“No, should I?” she asked as she unlocked the door to her gray Camry.

“Chase Dupont is one of the wealthiest businessmen in the state. He owns a chain of restaurants. The Li’l Taste of Heaven, I believe they’re called.”

“Are you serious? I just agreed to have dinner with him and his two children.”

Surprised, Dr. Rose said, “That’s unlike you, Sunny, to go out with someone you’ve just met, isn’t it?”

“Yes, but he was so nice and so concerned for his little boy. He said he wanted to thank me for staying late.”

“His wife passed away about two years ago, if I remember correctly. It was a tragic accident.”

“I remember reading about that now that you mention it.”

“Well, have fun, Sunny. I’m sure he’ll treat you to a nice meal. Just be careful.”

“Thanks, Dr., I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Sunny drove home to change out of her scrubs, thinking about what Dr. Rose had told her. Why in the world would a man like Chase Dupont, who could have any woman he wanted, ask me out to dinner? But wouldn’t it be nice, just for once, to be wanted by a man like Chase?

When she arrived at