** 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’
