“Not at all,” I say hurriedly, facing him. “It’s a wonderful way to look at life.”

“Well, someone very wise once told me the sun always rises again after a dark day. And when it does, it makes the happy days so much better. I started to see the proof of that firsthand.”

“That person sounds like a genius,” I whisper, attempting to diffuse the heaviness settling in the enclosed atmosphere. My heart twists at his easy memory of my words.

“Smartest person I know. Hey, how did your interview go? I was going to ask earlier in the week, but I figured you were probably decompressing.”

“Really well, I think. I answered all the questions they threw at me. I might have come across as a bit aggressive with my vision for the future of the firm, but I don’t have any regrets.”

There’s almost an invisible nudge against my back when Henry smiles, trying to propel me closer to the man in front of me.

That’s attraction you’re feeling.

“I’m not surprised; I’m sure you knocked it out of the park. Those men deserve to be challenged. Things shouldn’t always be comfortable and cushy in our job; you’re the one who can make them look at things differently.”

I fiddle with the ends of my hair, blushing at the direct compliment. “It’s scary to put yourself out there. I say I don’t care about the opinions of others, and I try not dwell on what small-minded people like Brad think. I can’t help but wonder, though, how I’ll be treated if I get the position, no matter how badly I want it.” I cringe at the implication. “I’m sorry. I don’t want this to be weird to talk about.”

“Don’t you dare apologize for manifesting a dream,” Henry says fiercely, taking a step toward me. “Speak that shit into existence and don’t hold back on my account. It’s going to happen whether we address it or not. We might as well be open and talk about it. I’m cheering for you, Emma. I’m always cheering for you. That job is yours.”

“I’m cheering for you, too, Henry.”

Silence again. This high up, I can’t hear any of the outside sounds of the world. It’s just me and him, two confused souls staring at each other, wondering how to proceed from here.

He breaks first, clearing his throat and cocking his head to the side. “Ready to get busy in the kitchen?”

“That’s awfully forward of you. I don’t get a tour first?”

“Where are my manners? Of course you do. Come on.”

Henry guides me through the space. A dining room sits off the kitchen and a hallway leads us to the master bedroom, passing a spare bedroom and guest bathroom.