Kamila rolled her eyes while tying her most subdued apron, a pale-green linen, over her dress. “I’m pretty much done cooking. But since you’re here, you can wash the new dishes. Then set the table.” She gave him a once-over. “You’re looking good. I like the sweater. That’s almost a color.” His beard was growing in well—and the chunky charcoal knitwear was a nice change from his suits, even though the whole look was still pretty preppy. More intellectual academic preppy instead of finance-guy preppy, though. “Did you go shopping just for me?”

He smiled. “What, this old thing? Show me the dishes that need washing, boss.”

Kamila put on a playlist on her stereo, and they worked silently for a while—Rohan unboxing the new dishes and giving them a quick wash, while Kamila cut the stems of the flowers and arranged them in the bowls. Rohan’s sunflowers would be the brightest thing on the table, but they went well with the white lilies she’d picked up.

“Did you work today?” she asked. The rest of the HNS team might do casual on a Friday, but not Rohan.

“Worked from home. Did you buy all these plates just for tonight?”

“Yup.” She pulled out the bamboo skewers and set them to soak in cool water.

“Seems overkill.”

“It’s to set the mood. Create an air of sophistication.”

“But why? You’re already pretty…urbane.”

She preened before taking one of the bowls of flowers to the dining table. “Look at you! That’s almost a compliment. I’m so happy you came early to shower me with praise.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “It’s my duty, isn’t it? Honestly, though, Kam, I came early because…I wanted to apologize. I’m sorry I was discouraging you from taking on Anil’s nonprofit. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

She looked at him, head tilted. She had been upset with him. She’d actually been pretty furious on Saturday. The puppies had helped. But also…it was hard to be mad at Rohan. Kamila had never been good at holding grudges—except, of course, when it came to Jana. But still. “Do you still think I’m not capable or qualified for this incubator thing?”

He shook his head. “No. I never thought that at all. I just wanted to make sure you knew what you were signing up for. But I may have gone too far. I am sorry for that. People underestimate you, Kam, but I do see how hard you work. You’d be an asset to any team. I spoke to Anil and told him his project would be in good hands with you. I think this will give you the credibility you were looking for without torturing yourself by working with me at HNS.”