Chapter 22
Chapter Twenty-Two
Paige
I stared at the row of clothes before me. They hadn’t seen a real closet in—I couldn’t remember when. The only life they knew was the inside of a suitcase.
“Welcome home,” I whispered as I hung the last shirt on the hanger.
The word ‘home’ felt foreign. For years, I lived out of suitcases, motels, temporary apartments, and safe houses Gabriel arranged.
Places I never got attached to because I never stayed long.
I couldn’t. It was one assassination after another while Hearthstone was in control.
And when I faked my death and worked for Gabriel, it was non-stop traveling from one place to the next.
My chest felt tight because I didn’t expect this to feel so unsettling.
I knew it would take time for me to adjust to a new way of life.
I needed to wrap my head around the fact that this house wasn’t just another place to sleep.
It wasn’t cold like most of the places I stayed at.
It was warm and lived in. A part of my mind waged a war inside me. It was Hearthstone’s war.
Don’t get comfortable. Don’t depend on anyone. Don’t believe anything could last because it doesn’t.
Then the other part of my mind tried to stop the war by reminding me that Parker wanted me here. He made space. Not only in his home, but in his life for me.
I took one last look at the row of clothes, smiled, and gently closed the door. My hanging clothes were evidence, proof, that this was as real as it was going to get. For the first time since I was twelve, I felt a peace inside me I hadn’t felt in years.
I went downstairs and poured a glass of wine.
Taking it to the living room, I grabbed the music remote from the coffee table and put on Like a Rolling Stone by Bob Dylan.
I began moving to the beat of the music, singing, dancing, and twirling around the living room to the one song that pretty much summed up my life. I could relate to every word sung.
I wasn’t paying attention because I was caught up in the beat of the music and twirled right into Parker, standing there with a wide grin on his face. His hands gripped my hips.
“You’re home.” I smiled.
“I am.” His lips brushed against mine. “I didn’t know you liked Bob Dylan.”
“I do. This is my favorite song of his.”
“Really? The song is basically about someone losing everything. Why would that be your favorite?” he asked.
“It’s not just about that. It’s about what happens after. I moved through life the way the song describes. Detached. Self-reliant. Never staying in one place long enough to depend on anyone.”
“But that’s not who you are anymore, sweetheart.”
“Maybe not.” I softly smiled. “Besides, it’s just a damn good song.”
“It sure is.” His lips brushed mine.
He let go of my hips, picked up the music remote, and restarted the song.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
“Dancing with my beautiful girlfriend.” He extended his hand.
Smiling, I placed my hand in his, and we swayed back and forth to the music. He twirled me around, pulled me closer, and I laid my head against his chest as I laughed. I couldn’t explain this moment. I didn’t want to. I just wanted to enjoy it with him and make a memory that I’d have for life.
“Didn’t you say this morning we were going to the hospital to visit Laurel and the baby?” I asked.
“Yeah. We really should head over there.”
After Parker changed his clothes, we headed to the hospital. All eyes were on me when we stepped into the room.
“Ah, I’m so happy you’re back.” Morgan ran over and hugged me.
“Thanks, Morgan. It’s good to see you.”
After hugging Roman and Julian, I smiled at Laurel, who held her newborn baby.
“She’s beautiful, Laurel.”
“Thank you, Paige. It’s really good to see you again.”
“You too.” I placed my hand on hers.
“Good morning, beautiful.” Parker pressed his lips against my bare shoulder.
“Good morning.” I rolled over and into his arms.
“How did you sleep?” he asked.
“Not bad. You?”
“Never better since you’ve been in my bed.” He kissed my lips. “I need to get ready for work.” He climbed out of bed.
“Save some hot water,” I shouted as he walked his fine ass to the bathroom.
“No can do, sweetheart. If you want hot water, you’ll have to join me.”
My phone pinged with a text message from Gabriel.
Hello, darling. My crew will be there at ten a.m. to go over the designs for your new storage closet.
Thanks, Gabriel. I appreciate it.
When Parker leaves for work, I need you to call me.
Will do.
I set my phone down, climbed out of bed, and stepped into the shower.
“I’m glad you decided to shower with me.” A smile crossed his lips as his hands gripped my hips.
“Me too.” My arms wrapped around his neck. “I got a text from Gabriel. His crew will be over around ten o’clock to go over the designs for the closet.”
“Good. The sooner this thing gets built, the safer I’ll feel. I really don’t like all your military arsenal hanging around, unlocked and unsupervised.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “They’re supervised.”
“All I’m saying is that I’ll sleep better knowing they’re all locked up safely.”
“You just said you sleep great since I’m in your bed.” My brow raised.
“I do. But knowing that all that arsenal in your black bag is sitting in the corner of the bedroom is a little unsettling.”
“Then let me settle you down.” I smiled, getting down on my knees in front of him.
After showering, I got dressed and went downstairs to make some coffee while Parker finished shaving. As the coffee was brewing, there was a knock at the door. My brows furrowed as I looked at the security camera.
“Detective Kind.” I smiled, opening the door.
“Paige.” He grinned. “I heard you were back.”
“From whom?” My brow raised.
“Roman. My wife and I went to the hospital last night to see Julian’s new baby.”
“Come in. Can I get you some coffee?”
“If it isn’t any trouble,” he said.
“Not at all.”
He followed me into the kitchen.
“Where’s Parker?”
“He’s getting ready for work. What brings you by?”
“There was an incident at a mental health facility in Big Sur the other day.”
“Oh yeah? Big Sur, you said?”
“Remote property in the mountains. Three men were found dead. The owners of the facility and a security guard, to be exact. And all the cameras inside and out weren’t working that day.”
“That’s terrible. Nobody else was hurt?” I asked.
“No. The funny thing is that whoever handled it knew exactly what they were doing. Clean. Efficient. No loose ends. Which brings me to my next question. Was it you?”
I rested my elbows on the island and slightly leaned forward as he sat on the stool.
“That’s an interesting question, detective.”
“I thought so,” he sighed.
“And what makes you think I would do something like that?” I smirked.
“Gee, I don’t know. Maybe because you have a habit of finishing things other people are too afraid to touch.”
“Simon.” Parker walked into the kitchen and placed his hand on his shoulder. “What brings you by?”
“I heard Paige was back, and I wanted to say hi.” He smiled. “I also heard you two are a couple now. Congrats.”
“Thanks.” Parker grinned. “I have to get to the office, sweetheart.” His lips brushed against mine. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”