If I Only Knew(28)

I get downstairs and stop at the bottom step. I feel ridiculous in this outfit. God only knows what my face looks like, and I can’t walk.

Disaster waiting to happen is what this is.

“Batman or Superman?” Parker asks.

“Are you sure you want to debate this?”

“Are you?”

Parker is very passionate about this topic. I hope Milo knows what he’s getting into here.

“There is no discussion. It’s Superman. Batman isn’t even a real superhero.”

He’s about to get schooled. “He’s an even bigger one than Superman!” Parker yells and I can picture his little face filled with all the fury he can muster. “He has to figure out how to do it without any alien help. He’s better because he’s smart. That’s a superpower. And he doesn’t worry about kryptonite because he’s human, like we are.”

“He’s not faster than Superman or stronger,” Milo goads him.

“He’s better because he could be me or you.”

“Well, definitely you, but I’m not nearly as smart as Bruce Wayne,” Milo tells him casually.

I smile, knowing how much Parker has missed this with his father. They went and saw each movie, read comic books and debated the way things should go, and Parker loved that time with Peter.

My head rests against the wall, willing away the tears that threaten to form because as sad as I am, I’m more so for my kids.

“You can be my Alfred. You have a cool accent and I think you’d do the job,” Parker offers and I laugh.

“All right,” I say walking out into the living room, keeping my eyes on Parker. “I think it’s time for you to go to bed, buddy.”

“Whoa!” Parker says. “You sound like my mom, but you don’t look like her.”

“Is it bad?” I ask with fear.

I don’t make any eye contact with Milo. I’m not ready to see his reaction to whatever I look like. It’s not like I go to work looking like I rolled out of bed, but I was a housewife for sixteen years. I don’t know what’s trendy. My insecurity is at a ten out of ten and if Milo looks at me with disappointment in his eyes, I might lose it.

Which is insane because he works for me and hates me.

Parker smiles at me and puts my nerves at ease. “You look pretty.”

“Well, I’m glad you think so.” I tap his nose. “Ava is upstairs. Go get ready for bed and she’ll tuck you in, okay?”

“Okay, Mom.” Parker walks back to Milo. “Have her home by ten, okay?”

Milo laughs and ruffles his hair. “I’ll do my best.”

“Bed,” I order.

Parker runs off, leaving Milo and I alone. I look at the floor and Milo’s feet enter my view.

“Well.” He clears his throat. “Are you ready to see my charm, as you so call it, in action?”

I laugh at his ridiculousness and do my best to settle the butterflies wreaking havoc in my belly. There’s no denying how unbelievable Milo looks right now. He’s wearing a black suit that’s cut to fit him perfectly. His shoulders are square and his normally light brown hair looks a little darker. The stubble that was on his face is now thicker and more of a beard than before. I’m not sure if it’s the suit or the way he’s wearing it, but Milo is most definitely sexy.

“Are you all right?” he asks as I stand there staring at him.

“Me? I’m . . . yeah. I’m great. Ready to get this dinner over with already,” I say nervously as I tuck my hair behind my ear.

He takes a step closer and I remind myself I’m his boss and this is not a date. This is dinner with a purpose.

“This will work brilliantly. My plan is foolproof.”

“I’m giving you a shot at this, Milo. You’ve got one opportunity to make it work.”

He takes a step closer, and my stomach drops. He even smells fantastic.

Jesus Christ, Danielle, stop it. Focus. Work date with your subordinate.

“I’m fully aware of the terms,” he smirks. “Remember I once had an assistant, and part of being a good boss is knowing when someone can do something for you.”

“Right. And your job is what now?”

Milo’s hand lifts, grazes my cheek and then drops. “Making your life easier.”

I shake my head and focus on putting my nerves to the back of my mind. I have to pretend that I don’t care one tiny bit about how good he looks or smells. I have to remember that it doesn’t matter what Milo thinks of how I look or this dress or the fact that he hasn’t made a single comment. I’m not a woman and he’s not a man. This is war and we’re dressed for battle.

I have to lie like my life depends on it.

“I like your suit, by the way,” I say as I grab my purse off the side table.

He tucks his hands in his pockets and rocks on his heels. “Glad you approve.”

I wait for him to say something about what I’m wearing, but he doesn’t.

I square my shoulders and shake my head, the strands tickling my bare back. “Let’s see if your talk is as good as your walk.”

Milo’s eyes drift to my chest and then back up. “I’m going to rather enjoy myself. I hope you’re ready, Ms. Bergen.”