Chapter 32

** Paige’s POV ** Parker’s words soothe something inside me. I nod slowly, blinking back the tears behind my eyes. “I don’t even know where to start.” “Then don’t.” Parker’s voice is calm, solid. “Start later. Right now, just be here.” I glance toward the living room. Jaxon’s laughter floats out, and Ryder’s amused voice follows. That should be enough for me. It is enough, but then I glance back at Parker, and there’s this current between us. A quiet hum. Not loud or overwhelming like it is with Callen or Ryder, but it’s no less real. “You have this way of saying the right thing,” I murmur, part accusing, but mostly grateful. He shrugs. “Comes with the territory.” “What territory is that?” I ask, my voice soft. His eyes linger on mine a little too long. “The one where I care.” It’s too much. I look away. I can’t do this. I can’t. But that warmth in my chest says otherwise. That flutter of recognition I’ve felt around all of them that speaks of something more. I turn back to the counter