“Sorry. Forget I said that.”
“No!” I say far too loudly, then lower my voice. “You just caught me off guard.”
I glance around to make sure the coast is clear before standing and taking his hand. His fingers tighten around mine, grounding me.
“I’ll tell her ten tomorrow,” I whisper. “And I’d love your help tonight.”
He smiles — soft but full of promise — and I swear my knees almost give out.
The tension between us for the rest of the day is unbearable. Every time I look up, Henry’s already watching me from across the office. I can’t think straight. Every look feels loaded.
At two o’clock, he’s in a meeting with Julie from accounts. I pass by to drop off a file and catch his eyes on me — a flash of heat that shoots straight through me. I have to walk away before I combust. Behind me, I hear his quiet laugh, followed by Julie’s confused pause. He mumbles an apology as I flee for the break room.
“Hey stranger,” Natalie calls when I walk in. She’s sitting with Thomas and two new hires.
“Hey, Nat,” I mumble, going straight for the coffee pot, praying she won’t notice the colour still high in my cheeks.
“Where did you go the other night?”
My hand freezes mid-pour. “What?”
“At the bar,” she says, grinning. “We looked for you, but the bouncer said you’d been picked up.”
My heart skips. Please don’t say Henry’s name.
“So who was it?” she presses, her voice playful but curious.
“Oh, just a friend. I’d had too much to drink and figured that was my cue to go home.”
“A male friend?”
Before I can answer, the door opens — and of course, it’s Henry. He walks in calm as ever, grabbing a mug, not even looking our way. My pulse races. He definitely heard that.
“Yes,” I answer finally.
“You didn’t tell me you were seeing anyone,” Thomas pipes up.
Behind me, I feel Henry go still. His presence sharpens the air.
“Erh… well…” I can’t lie to save my life, and my brain feels like scrambled eggs.
Then, Henry’s voice cuts through the silence — smooth, controlled, infuriatingly confident. “Is this the same guy you were telling me about?”
The table goes dead silent. Henry never joins these conversations.
“Yes,” I say carefully, eyes locked on his, wondering what the hell he’s doing.
“He sounds like a good guy.” That smirk again.
“Oh my god,” Natalie gasps. “Who is he, Matilda?”
“It’s… still really new,” I manage, cheeks burning. Henry’s lips twitch, clearly enjoying himself.
“Anyway, I should get back to work.”
“You can’t leave without details!” Natalie calls after me.
“I’ll head back with you,” Henry says smoothly. “Have a good day, everyone.”
