“Was there a hint of bitterness there? I was trying to make her happy.”

“And you did. No one but you could have identified her dreams with such precision and then made them come true. No bitterness. I love her and I want whatever will make her happy.” She glanced away from him. “It’s not as if I won’t see her. But I’m CIA and my missions are almost always out of the country. It just won’t be as often.”

“The hell it won’t,” he said softly. “Did you think I’d screw this up when it’s going to affect my entire life? It’s got to be just right. If you don’t like some of the pieces, then we’ll throw them out and start somewhere else. But there aren’t going to be any mistakes for either of us.” He reached out and touched her cheek. “Don’t turn your head. I love those cheekbones and I want to touch you. It’s been too long.” He moved his fingers, exploring the hollow. “I’ve thought it all out, and here’s how it’s going to work.”

That touch was gentle and warm, yet she was already tingling. “Lord, you’re arrogant. I’m supposed to sit here and have you dictate to me when it’s my life and career on the line?”

“You’re supposed to listen. First, I’ll go into that nonsense about you not being able to see Sasha as much as you want. The only reason I chose Colorado was that my headquarters are there, and I’ll be better able to control and take care of Sasha there. If it turns out that’s an inconvenience for you, then I’ll move her wherever it’s not. But if your job is the problem then we’ll find a way to get Langley to adjust—or if you choose, you might change careers. You’re brilliant, and I can open any number of doors where you can learn and experiment and grow in any direction you wish. We both know that you’d make a success of anything you touched.”

She looked at him incredulously. “I don’t want you to make a job for me or take me to Colorado because you have headquarters there. I already have a career.”

“Just giving you options. Would you like me to close my Colorado offices and follow you? It would be complicated, but I’d do it.”

“Complicated? You’re joking. It would be a nightmare.”