Sunny's Love - By Anna Kristell Page 0,2
her apartment, she raced into her bedroom, stripping off her clothes as she went. She quickly showered and chose a summery, floral sundress for the evening and a pair of white, strappy sandals. Casual, yet feminine, she thought as she twirled in front of her mirror. She brushed her shoulder-length, blonde hair until it shone, deciding to wear it down for the evening. After dabbing a little light cologne on her wrists and neck, she grabbed her purse and keys. On the way to the Country Inn, she realized she should have known who he was when he told her his name. Somehow it just hadn’t clicked with seeing him playing the role of devoted father instead of restaurant entrepreneur. What business could he have in a small place like Clinton?
When she went to the desk she told the girl behind the counter that Mr. Dupont was expecting her.
“Yes, ma’am, I’ll let him know you’re here.” The girl picked up the receiver to make the call. She smiled at Sunny, gave her the room number, and told her to go on up.
Surprised, Sunny went in search of the room. She had expected they’d come down to meet her. She timidly knocked on the door. A little girl, slightly older than Brice, answered the door and led Sunny into the suite.
“You must be the pretty lady from the doctor’s office my daddy and Brice told me about.” The girl was cute with blonde curls and the same remarkable green eyes as her father. She was looking at Sunny with a quizzical look on her face.
“Well, my name is Sunny, and yes, I do work for Dr. Rose. You must be Allison. Your daddy told me about you, too.”
“He did?”
“He sure did. How’s Brice doing?”
“He’s watching television. Daddy and me have been trying to keep him quiet, but that’s hard to do.” The little girl rolled her eyes dramatically.
Sunny laughed and said, “I’ll bet it is.”
“Jenny, she’s our nanny, had a big fight with Daddy and she quit. He was mad at her because she was talking to her boyfriend on the phone when Brice got hurt.”
“Oh, I see.”
“Sunny, you’re here,” Chase said, coming into the room, looking every bit as handsome as he had earlier, but was now in casual khakis and a sport shirt. “I hope you don’t mind that we’ll have our meal here. I’ve taken the liberty of ordering take-out for us. I hate to take Brice out after the ordeal this afternoon.”
“That’s quite all right. Allison and I were just getting acquainted.”
“I’ll bet that was interesting. She’s quite the little chatterbox.” Chase laughed as he affectionately ruffled his daughter’s blonde hair.
“We’re getting along just fine,” Sunny answered, smiling at Allison.
“Would you like to come into the other room and say hello to Brice? I’ve finally gotten him settled on the bed with the television to keep him company. He’s already eaten.”
“I’d love to see our brave boy again.”
Chase led her into the bedroom the children apparently shared. She saw that Brice was indeed comfortable. Settled against several pillows with a DS in one hand, television set blaring, he looked quite content.
“Hi, Brice, are you feeling better?”
“Yes, ma’am, I’m feeling lots better now. Daddy said I could play my Mario Brothers game if I stay in bed.”
“I’m glad to hear you’re feeling better. I’ll be sure and tell Dr. Rose in the morning.”
“He’s a nice man.”
“Yes, he is. He’s been just like a father to me.”
“Don’t you have a real daddy?”
“Yes, I do, but my real daddy is in heaven with the angels.”
“That’s where my mommy is. Maybe they know each other.”
“I’ll just bet they do.” Sunny caught Chase’s eye.
He was smiling at her as he mouthed the words, “Thank you.”
“We’re going to eat our dinner now, big boy. If you need us, ring that little bell by your bed.”
“Okay. Ali, will you stay with me?”
“Sure, Brice,” the little girl said, as she sat on the bed next to her brother.
“Has she eaten?” Sunny asked as they walked back into the living room of the suite.
“Yes, both children ate earlier. I guess Allison told you about the run in with the nanny. I thought I heard her as I came into the room.”
“Yes, she did. I’m so sorry. What are you going to do?” Sunny asked, remembering he was in town on business with no one he could call on close by.
“My business will be finished here in a few days,” he answered wearily. “I can work it