Then he pulled away, his fingertips skimming down Nat’s spine for a brief second.
Their eyes met. Duke’s gaze was dark, intent, like he was promising Nat something.
Maybe... when he returned home?
Nat swallowed dryly. He turned back to the kids and raised his voice. “All right, let’s hunt for some flowers!”
Teddy and Mallie cheered.
Duke disappeared, but Nat felt the ghost of his touch for a long time after that.
12
CLOCK WARMING
Nat openedhis eyes to find everything in shades of grey. Then, he panicked.Where’s Wanda?
He was about to leap off this—whatever he was lying on—when he looked down.
She was tucked into his side, sleeping soundly. Someone had draped a light blanket over them both.
Nat frowned.I don’t remember falling asleep.
He recognized the worn cobblestones and massive fireplace, though. He was on a couch in Duke’s living room, and before this... He’d been reading Mallie, Teddy, and Wanda a bedtime story. The last thing he remembered was the kids falling asleep around him.
Something moved at the edge of his vision. When Nat jerked around to face the intruder, he found Duke dressed in a pair of boxers.
“Oh,” Nat said, surprised.
Duke frowned. “Did I wake you?”
Nat shook his head. “I woke up a moment before you came in. But this is really awkward because you’re my boss, and you’re almost naked.”
Duke smiled and bit into his banana. “I thought you’d be asleep for longer.”
“What time is it?”
“Four in the morning.”
“Four!?” Nat squawked.
“Do you have somewhere to be?” Duke frowned and stepped closer.
Nat shook his head. “I’ve told my friends where I am. It’s just... You’re my boss. I’m not supposed to stick around in your home.”
“Because you think I might eat you?”
“No, because it’s rude! Your home is your own space, and I have no business being here.”
“You’re helping to watch over Teddy and Mallie. I’ve given you permission to be here.”
“Oh.” Nat blinked rapidly. “I just want to be good at my job. So... That means not overstaying my welcome.”
Duke relaxed—Nat hadn’t even realized he was tense. “I realize that I haven’t made it clear,” Duke said quietly. “You’re always welcome here. Especially on days like today, when you’ve had a very long day.”
“No kidding.” Nat slumped back into the couch, pulling the blanket higher around himself. “But it’s not like I did a lot. I was just on training wheels, getting used to everything.”
“Not true. You’ve been taking over from Hubrie, you helped me unload, and you entertained Teddy and Mallie. As far as I’m concerned, that’s three out of five jobs you’ve helped me with.”
