Page 34 of Sleeper: The Palisades Edition

I am now remembering that Nico and I used to crack each other up on set by saying our lines like Austin Powers during read-throughs. “You let Nico know you got here safe?”

“Yes. While you were in the shower this morning. I’m sure he’s already gotten to second base with that model by now.”

I wonder if she knows that second base for Nico is doggy style.

I try to shake all thoughts of sex out of my head as I start the movie and go over to sit on the sofa, as far from where Willa is sitting as possible.

“You’re a good dad.”

I have to chuckle at that. “I try. I mean. I like to be good at things, you know? But ever since I had kids, I’ve felt like I’m failing at everything except keeping them alive and preventing them from murdering anyone.”

“You’re a really good dad. Trust me. You need to absorb that. The father of the family I lived with in Versailles was absent even when he was there. Same with my dad. You really pay attention to your kids. All the time. That’s not a small thing.”

I feel uniquely humbled and moved by this. “Thanks. I don’t think anyone’s ever told me I’m a good dad before.”

“Well.” She flicks her hand dismissively. “Most people are idiots.”

“I’ve noticed that. Did you want popcorn or anything?”

She shakes her head. “I’m still stuffed from dinner.”

“Me too. I’m going to have to do extra cardio tomorrow.”

She guffaws and makes some wry comment, but now I’m too busy thinking that I should put my personal training sessions on hold while Willa’s here, or at least move them to the gym. My trainer’s a fucking stud and he will be all over her.

I mean…I did promise Nico I’d keep her away from guys like that.

Willa’s chair is angled to face the TV, so I can easily shift my gaze from the TV over to her without it being obvious.

She is so pretty and fun and so comfortable with my kids and in my house.

Too bad she can’t stay here all the time.

“Shane. Shane. Shane. Shane. Shane.”That voice. That sexy fucking voice. I never want to stop hearing her say my name.

“Mmph.”

“You should go up to bed.”

I open my eyes a crack to find a shapely pair of legs in tight jeans in front of me, and my instinct is to reach out, hook my fingers into the waist of those jeans, and pull down.

“Whoa.”

I open my eyes all the way and realize I’ve just yanked the nanny down onto the sofa beside me. She places her hand on my chest for balance. I realize I’m lying down. I realize I fell asleep. I realize that she covered me with a blanket. I realize that I was having a raunchy sex dream about her while she was ten feet away and I was about to act it out right here, while my kids sleep upstairs.

I remove my fingers from between the waist of Willa’s jeans and her smooth bare skin. “Shit. Sorry. I fell asleep.”

“Yes. You did.” She pats my arm and stands up.

I sit up immediately, unable to think of many more things I could have done that are less cool. “Is the movie over?”

“Yes.”

“Sorry. I was half asleep…”

She walks over to the TV to turn it off. “It’s fine.” She looks over her shoulder at me coyly. “Do I make you horny, bay-bee?”

Yes. Fucking yes.But I shake my head, frowning. “Don’t even joke about that.”