That earned me his smoldering smile. The organs in my body certainly liked it. Heart was zinging more than stinging and my stomach was swishing. I reminded them both he was my boss and we all really needed to become immune to his charm.
I pulled the covers back on Henry’s bed.
Miles kissed the top of Henry’s head before laying him down.
I pulled up the covers and tucked him in tight with his teddy. “What should we read tonight?” I asked Henry.
“Caterpillar!” he shouted.
I noticed Miles winced but took a deep breath as if to remind himself he should get used to the noise. The sooner he got used to that the happier he would be. Kids tended to get louder the older they got. Thankfully, they did get better at controlling it.
I reached forThe Very Hungry Caterpillarand handed it to Miles. Miles took the book, cracked it open and began reading in the most monotone voice known to mankind. Not even his sexy accent was saving him.
I pushed the book down and gave Miles a strained smile. “Perhaps you could put a little more life into it.”
Miles gave me a quizzical look. “What do you mean?”
“You know, how the narrators for your books add inflection and emotion. Try that. Pretend like you’re doing reader’s theater.”
Miles smirked and handed me the book. “Why don’t you demonstrate?”
“You’re only trying to get out of it.”
“I assure you I’m not. I’m only trying to learn from the best.”
“Fine.” I snatched the book from him.
“Do the funny voice,” Henry requested.
“Yes, do the funny voice,” Miles taunted me.
I sat up straight, ready to rise to the challenge. I tapped Henry’s nose before I used my “funny” voice, which was ridiculously high-pitched at times or deep and low depending on the page, but Henry loved it as we read about all the foods the silly caterpillar ate until he became a big fat caterpillar.
Miles too was highly amused, smirking at me through the entire book, holding back a laugh.
When I reached the end, Henry and Miles clapped. I bowed, taking in the applause.
“Again,” Henry wished for an encore.
This time I let Miles have the honor, and this time he rose to the occasion. I might even admit he did a better job than me. Henry certainly enjoyed it and wanted to keep on enjoying it. He loved to stall during bedtime. Miles wasn’t as big of a pushover as me, so after two readings ofThe Very Hungry Caterpillar, Miles told Henry it was time to go to sleep. Henry looked at me to save him, but I felt like I needed to let Miles call this shot. Henry whined, but Miles was firm with him. “I need to talk to Nanny and it’s late. Time for little mates to be asleep.”
Henry pouted but didn’t argue.
I leaned down and kissed Henry’s brow. “Sweet dreams.”
“Sweet dreams, Nanny.” Henry turned to his Uncle, waiting for him.
Miles patted his head. “Good night, Henry.”
Henry blinked at him, waiting for more. At first Miles paused, not sure what to do, but then a dawning crept across his face. “I love you, Henry.”
Henry snuggled deeper into his covers. “I love you, Uncle.”
I was beginning to see why he did.
Chapter Sixteen
Istoppedandcoveredmy eyes before I entered Miles’s office. “Did you want to turn around your whiteboard?”
