I want to wake up knowing you are arguing with someone downstairs.” His voice grew rough. “I want Dominic to know the sound of your laugh. And I want the chance to become a man you would choose when you no longer owe me anything.”

Chloe’s eyes burned. “That sounded dangerously close to honesty.”

“I disliked it.”

“You survived.”

“Barely.”

She reached for his hand. “I’m not taking Dominic to East Hampton.”