~
Another fucking interrogation. This time fromthe Deputy Director of the CIA. Hiding his wandering imagination,he struggled to pay attention to his interrogation.
Three weeks. Three weeks since he’d last heldPayson in his arms. All he could think about was getting back toher. Getting back home.
He’d been quarantined, not allowed to contactanyone outside of Langley while they completed the investigationand decided whether they wanted to arrest him or promote him. Thelack of contact was heart-breaking; he couldn’t imagine Paysonwould be pleased with him when he got back after not hearing fromhim for so long, again. Maybe she’d shoot him one of thosespectacular death-glares she was so adept at. At least this timeshe knew where he was and why.
No, I don’t know where Connor Young is. Yes, I hadheard he was the one who shot me.
No, I don’t know who Sharpe’s contact within theterrorist organization was.
Yes, I know I was working without the permission ofthe US government in collaborating with a known mercenary, and whenI recorded the confession of a higher ranking operative.
Finally,
No, thank you for the offer, but I’m finishedworking for the government.
Would she think it was too soon if heproposed when he got home? Before they’d left, Alain had pulled himinto his office. Gave him a gorgeous leaf-patterned ring with anemerald in the center, perfectly matching Payson’s eyes. Alain toldhim the story behind it, and that Payson had seen it and fallen inlove with it. Must be worth a fortune; he’d tried to argue, butAlain told him to get moving and ask her. And to invite him to thewedding.
He had another few days left before he couldgo home, and he still had to teach the fucking ethics seminar. Sarahad managed to ensure he continued to receive hissorry-you-nearly-died income and was left alone for the rest of hislife, but only on the condition he teach the damn ethicsseminar.
Sara popped into his temporary office and saton the cursory cheap plastic chair across the desk. “You didgood.”
Ronan nodded, “I’m ready to get out of thismess. Why didn’t you warn me about the dirty politics involved allthose years ago?”
She leaned back and crossed her legs, lookingout the window at the grounds. Collecting her thoughts. Finally,she brought her attention back to him, “Do you know why I hiredyou? On the spot?”
The corner of his mouth turned up in thedevilish smile he knew turned Payson to mush. “Because you thoughtI was so clever.”
She snorted indelicately. “Maybe becauseyouthought you were so clever. No, really, I hired youbecause I saw something in you. I saw this intensity, thisdetermination to do the right thing, no matter what. We need that…more than another clever smartass.”
Sara rose from her chair and smoothed hercharcoal gray suit. Extending her hand across the desk, she tookhis hand, “Are you sure you won’t stay here and work with me? Nomore undercover work, I promise.”
Ronan shook his head with a laugh and met herhandshake. “Not for all the money in all the world. I found abetter job back home.”
“You take care, Ronan. Call me if you needanything, really.”
“Thanks Sara. For everything.”
Sara headed out the door, out of his life.All the shit he’d been through, he had to admit… he’d had a lot ofcrazy experiences. Had fulfilled the goals of his youth.
Now, to fulfill the dreams of hisadulthood.
~
Ronan couldn’t wipe the smile from his face.He had waited nearly four long weeks to return home. Swinging hisbackpack over his shoulder, he swaggered across the line signifyingthat he was now outside of the secured area. Payson watched androlled her eyes at his arrogance. Stopping a few inches in front ofher, he looked down and grinned at her.
She rested her hand on his cheek, rough withstubble. “Don’t you ever shave?” She tsked and stood on her tiptoesto reach him.
Gripping her waist, he pulled her up againsthim. Ignoring the crowds, the busy airport surrounding them, hefell into the kiss, pouring all of his love in the meeting of theirlips. Breathless, she pulled away with an adorably shy smile.
“I thought you liked the beard?” He teased,pulling her hand into his and letting her lead him out of theairport. She rolled her eyes as they reached the parking garage.Her keys held in her hand, she stood back and watched as he triedto guess which car was hers.
Looking down at the baby blue 1964 and a halfmustang, he laughed out loud. “Why don’t you just bite the bulletand buy an Aston Martin?”
Unlocking the doors, she laughed with him.“Hey, this was my father’s car, and my favorite antique. It wasonly in one Bond movie.”
They hopped in the car, top down with theheat blasting to combat the blue-skied chill of the first sunny dayof spring. She revved up the lion’s roar of an engine and tore outof the garage. The car moved like it was fresh out of the shop.“Who’s your mechanic?” he ran his hands along the dash as headmired the car.
