Adrian smiled faintly.
“We should have done it years ago.”
“Yes.”
“I know.”
There was no defensiveness in him.
Only acceptance.
I walked closer.
“You made a mistake.”
“Several.”
“You’re correcting it.”
“Trying.”
“That counts.”
His eyes searched mine.
“I spent years thinking being a good leader meant making myself necessary to every important decision.”
“And now?”
“Now I think a leader who cannot leave the room has probably built the room badly.”
I smiled.
“That’s annoyingly insightful.”
“I have occasional moments.”
“So I’ve heard.”
His hands settled lightly at my waist.
Then his expression became serious.
“There’s another thing I need to tell you.”
“London?”
“Yes.”
My stomach tightened.
“I’m not going.”
I searched his face.
“Because of me?”
“No.”
Relief surprised me.
He saw it.
“You’re happy I said no.”
“I’m very happy.”
He smiled.
“I’m staying because I don’t want the job.”
