He too leaned forward with hope in his eyes that what I said was true. “Will you help me honor my sister’s last wishes?”
Chapter Six
Ikeptnervouslystaringup at Miles between each bite. He was doing the same. We hadn’t said much after our food had arrived and his plea for help. Meanwhile, Henry was enjoying his cheese pizza, at least what was making it into his mouth. He refused to let me cut it into smaller pieces. He wanted to eat it like a big boy. Thankfully, I had thought to tuck napkins into his collared shirt. I’d never seen a young child so properly or expensively dressed.
Miles set his veggie wrap down and wiped his mouth with his napkin. “I’ve frightened you.”
I lowered the spoon for my tomato soup and rested it in my half empty bowl. “Not at all. But you’ve given me a lot to think about.” Not that I didn’t feel the weight of what he was proposing, but it didn’t scare me. Scary was finding a note on your kitchen table from your husband announcing he was leaving, and you were on your own. I imagined Miles might be having some of those same feelings now. There was nothing as terrifying and wonderful as raising a child.
He cocked his head. “What are you thinking?”
I looked between him and Henry, who gave me a messy tomato sauce grin that melted my heart. My eyes landed onhis uncle, who did some other things to my heart that scared me. I was kind of hoping my heart would stay permanently dormant where men were concerned. This way I was sure to never get it broken again. Miles’s thoughtful stare, however, had my heart skipping beats. I rubbed my heart, not sure what to think. It stung like a numb foot once you began to move it to get the blood flowing again. Was it wise to work for a man who elicited such a response?
“Well,” I bit my lip, “I have a few more questions.” That seemed like the easiest way to answer.
He leaned back. “You want more details about my sordid family affairs?”
“Yes, I mean no, I mean . . .” I sighed, feeling foolish.
Miles seemed to enjoy how flustered I was by the playful arch of his brow.
“What I meant to say was, I only need to know if it will impact my employment. If there is a custody dispute, I don’t want to be out of a job.” And from the little Miles had told me, I didn’t want him to lose Henry either—little Henry, whose eyes were becoming very heavy now that his belly was full.
I caught the poor baby mid nod and wiped his sweet face off before I placed him on my lap. His eyes fluttered several times, trying to fight off the sleep his body so desperately wanted. Miles and I both laughed softly at his feeble attempt to stay awake. I employed a tactic I used to use on Chloe when she was a toddler. I stroked Henry’s brow and nose until he could resist no longer and peacefully rested in my arms.
Miles’s gaze was filled with both admiration and envy. “You are a natural. Sophie was too. It was as if she was born to be a mother.”
Ishifted Henry, pulling him closer to me. “It’s the best thing that has ever happened to me, and why I need to know exactly what I’m getting into.”
He pressed his lips together. “And you shall know everything, but first, I suppose I should ask you a bit more about your own situation. Your daughter is twelve, correct?”
“Yes.”
“Where is her father? If you don’t mind me asking.”
My entire body tensed just thinking of Leland. “Supposedly Texas. Why?”
“You don’t know for sure?”
“He hasn’t exactly been involved in Chloe’s life, so it’s not relevant.” I couldn’t keep the bite out of my tone.
He put his hands up. “I apologize if I’ve hit a nerve. I’m only inquiring to see what limitations you have in case I were to move back to London.”
“What do you mean by ‘limitations’?”
“Well, if things work out the way I’m hoping they will, I would want you to continue to work for me there.”
I gasped. I had dreamt about visiting the UK since I read my first regency novel as a teen. I imagined garden parties with handsome, eligible men of good fortune (of course) who would want to be my suitors. That turned into a love affair with the BBC and PBS Masterpiece Theater. Both allowed me to be in love vicariously, not only with the handsome men that starred in their shows, but with the UK itself. I’d always thought one day, after Chloe had graduated from college, I might be able to save enough money to visit, but never had I thought about living there. And most definitely not with someone who I had already had some vicarious dates with.
Miles narrowed his eyes. “Would that be a problem for you?”
I sank back against the booth, careful not to jostle Henry too much. “I don’t know,” I answered honestly. My mind was spinning with the possibility.
“Would your ex-husband prevent it?”
“I doubt it; besides, I have physical custody of Chloe.” Leland did have visitation rights, but if he ever took me to court, I would bring up the little matter of all the child support he owed.
“Is there someone else?”
