Page 69 of Parker

“A day.” He straightened and faced her with a wink. “Less if I’m lucky.”

Pretty sure I’m the lucky one.

Countless orgasms notwithstanding, that crooked smile of his left her heart warm and her body aching for more.

“But don’t worry.” He spoke as he walked toward his front entrance. “I’m not leaving you here alone.”

My protector.

“I’m safe here, Parker.” Quinn followed closely. “I mean, it’s not like whoever’s after me would think to look for me here. Besides, you just said you’ll be gone a day at the most.”

“I’m not leaving you alone.” He let go of the suitcase’s retractable handle to open one of the two large doors. “Not until we catch the son of a bitch.”

With the luggage in tow once again, Parker stepped over the threshold. It’s tiny wheels bouncing as they maneuvered themselves across the bump.

“I get that you’re worried, Park.” The morning breeze made its way through a few strands of her hair. “And I appreciate it. I really do, but—”

Quinn cut her own words short as she noticed the car that had just pulled up to the house and parked. Unlike the black Cadillac waiting to drive Parker to his private hanger across town, this was a big, dark gray truck that looked like it could take on a tank.

A man who looked to be around Parker’s age stepped out from behind the wheel. Tall. Good looking. Short dark hair and muscular build.

Ah, you must be my babysitter.

The passenger door opened, but instead of the equally built man Quinn had expected, a woman appeared. A beautiful, petite brunette with bouncy curls and striking blue eyes.

Dressed in a pair of cute jean capris, a white flowing blouse, and thin brown sandals Quinn found adorable, the woman’s eyes held a suspicious gaze when they landed on her. But when the stranger turned in Parker’s direction, those same eyes softened with a genuine smile.

“Hey, Park.” She went right in for a hug.

He reciprocated the gesture, pulling the woman close with his own sweet smile.

An unexpected jolt of pure jealousy left Quinn’s gut tight and her stomach churning. She’d never been the jealous type. Not ever. But seeing this man—her man—holding another woman so closely…

She so much as thinks about making a move on him I’ll—

“Hey, Syd.” Parker let the woman go and reached for Quinn’s hand.

Syd.

The name rolled through her brain as she slid her palm against Parker’s. She’d heard him say it before, but for the life of her, Quinn couldn’t remember when or why.

Syd…Syd…Syd…

Then it hit her.

This woman wasn’t trying to move in on Parker. This was Sydnee. The woman he’d been talking to on the phone that morning at the safehouse. If she remembered correctly, Parker had told her Sydnee was a doctor, and she was married to…

Quinn looked at the man still waiting patiently in the wings. Studying his physique with a closer eye, she realized he wasn’t just fit. He was also on high alert.

Feet firmly planted shoulder-width apart. Hands clasped tightly in front of him. Eyes that were hidden behind a dark pair of sleek sunglasses yet were constantly taking in their surroundings.

He’s the sniper.

Misplaced jealousy gone, Quinn’s shoulders relaxed with understanding. These were Parker’s friends. His happilyengagedfriends.

Aaaand…now she felt like a big jerk.

Down girl.

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