“I welcome the diversion,” she says, her hand at his elbow as he leans down to her, turning her cheek a little so she can press a brief kiss to his mouth in answer. “Sit with me,” on a chair or on the edge of her desk, she doesn't mind a touch of informality from Julius, “tell me.”

A moment neither of them is working sounds like a dream someone had, five years ago; for now, she is content that they — and Marcus — have always worked so well together, professionally as much as personally.

(Probably slightly more. She is less frustrating, professionally.)