When Gabriella was near enough, Henry pulled her to him and kissed her deeply. He wanted to praise her profusely, to congratulate her on her performance and thank her for a spectacular moment, but there was just enough playfulness in her eyes that he decided to keep up the game. Besides, there would be plenty of time for appreciation later, he reminded himself.
He gave her another kiss and smiled. "That was smashing, young lady. I feel very thoroughly thanked."
Henry stood up on his still somewhat shaky legs and cleared away papers and other random objects until he exposed the small futon he'd put in the office to serve as both sofa and emergency nap spot. Reaching a hand out to 'Vanessa', he raised an eyebrow. "I think 'everything' can wait for a while. A pretty girl like you shouldn't have to wait any longer."