Page 27 of Parker

Got it.

Hang in there, sweetheart. I’m on my way.

Parker had added that last part as an afterthought. His need to reassure her—to protect her—almost primal. Which made zero sense, given that they’d never met. Except…

It somehow did.

Jinx was a friend, and she needed his help. Period.

“Just a heads-up, Sir. We’ll be landing in five.” A male voice filled the private jet’s speakers.

Thoughts interrupted, Parker pressed one of the smooth buttons on his armrest and responded. “Thanks, Mase.”

Mason Walters was a retired Air Force fighter pilot, and one of the few people in the world Parker truly trusted.

Guess Jinx isn’t the only one with trust issues, is she?

No, no she wasn’t. Although something told him the origins of their skepticism were very different.

I need you.

The hesitant woman’s whispered admission carried with it a sense of duty Parker found both confusing and, oddly enough, somehow right. Like Jinx was his responsibility.

His to rescue. His to protect. His to…

Nope. Not going there. Jinx is a friend. Period.

The mental reminder was one he needed to hear.

He and Jinx may have connected on a deeper level than anyone else he’d ever gamed with, but that didn’t mean there was anything else to it. And yes, he was the one she’d reached out to when she was in trouble.

But that’s what friends were for, right? To be there for one another and lend a helping hand when one was needed? That’s all Parker was doing for Jinx.

He was lending a helping hand to a friend in need. Nothing more.

Keep telling yourself that, dipshit.

Okay, fine. Hemayhave imagined their first in-person meeting a time or two.Or a thousand.And maybe during those times when Parker would let himself go there, his mind’s eye would always capture the very moment their eyes met.

He’d look at her…Jinx would stare back at…and bam! That’s when it would happen.

They’d both be struck with the same, mind-altering connection Sydnee and Ash had felt when they’d first met. Like a jolt of electricity, she’d once told him.

It was a nice dream. A fantasy, really. One he needed to put out of his mind so he could focus on what was important…

Get to Jinx and get her to safety.

Everything else would have to wait.

The jet’s wheels hit the runway with ease, the slight jostle cutting through Parker’s wandering thoughts. Minutes later, they were stopped, and Mason was waiting in his usual place at the front of the cabin, next to the extended staircase.

“Your ride is waiting outside, Mr. Collins.” The other man informed him. “Although, I’d feel much better if I was going with you. Just in case.”

Once again, Parker was reminded of Mason’s unwavering dedication and loyalty.

“I appreciate that, Mase. But I’ll be covered. Besides, I need you and the jet ready to go.” He arched a brow before adding a parroted, “Just in case.”

“You’re the boss.”

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