Chapter 27
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Parker
I arrived home from the office and set my briefcase down.
“Paige?” I called out.
“Upstairs,” she shouted.
I walked into the bedroom and stopped. She was standing in the closet, the panel open, staring at her collection as if she were somewhere else entirely.
“Paige? Are you going to tell me why you’re standing there like that?”
“I’m thinking,” she said.
“That doesn’t look like thinking. It looks like you’re somewhere else.”
“Maybe I am,” she said.
A sick feeling erupted in the pit of my stomach.
“Thirty days is all I give myself,” she said.
“What do you mean?” I walked over and wrapped my arms around her from behind.
“Thirty days to figure things out and not a second more. It’s been thirty days, Parker. I told you earlier that I was ready to go back to work.”
The sick feeling inside me intensified.
“What Hearthstone turned me into can be used for good. I want to fix situations for people. I want to be an independent contractor for hire.”
“You’re going to put yourself back into that world?” I asked.
“No. I’m choosing this time,” she said.
“You don’t have to do that anymore, sweetheart.”
She turned in my arms, and our eyes locked on each other.
“It’s exactly what I need to do. You promised, Parker.”
I inhaled a sharp breath. “I worry.”
A smirk crossed her lips. “I’m the last person you need to worry about.”
“I know that, Paige. Fuck. I know that. But a part of me will always worry. I love you too much not to worry. Plus, I don’t want you to leave.”
“Leave?” Her brows furrowed. “Why would I leave?”
“Because Gabriel will send you somewhere across the globe for God knows how long and—”
She placed her finger over my lips.
“I’d only be doing work here in Los Angeles. Nowhere else. I’ve already spoken to Gabriel, and he’s on top of it. Plus, I could do work for your clients if you need me.”
“I don’t know, Paige.”
“I’m not asking for your permission, Parker. I’m telling you.”
“Just this once, do you think you can humor me?” I asked.
Her arms tightened around my neck as a smile graced her lips.
“I would like to go back to work as a fixer, and I would like your thoughts about it.”
I stared into her beautiful eyes and pushed a strand of her hair behind her ear.
“You’re a rare breed, Paige Winters, and that’s why I fell in love with you. You do what you need to. I’m on board and will fully support your decision.”
“Thank you.” Her lips brushed against mine.
There was a knock at the door.
“Who could that be?” Paige asked.
I walked out of the closet and looked at the monitor on the bedroom wall.
“It’s Pippa,” I said.
Running down the stairs, I opened the door.
“Hi, Mom.”
“Hello, darling. I’m sorry to drop by unannounced, but I need to speak with Paige.”
“Hi, Pippa.” Paige smiled, walking down the stairs.
“I need to speak with you, Paige.”
“Of course. Let’s go sit down.”
I walked over to the bar and poured my mother a drink.
“Thank you, darling.”
“What did you want to speak to Paige about, Mom?”
“A friend of mine needs your help, Paige. Her sister has been missing for three days, and she’s worried sick.”
“Did she call the police?” Paige asked.
“No. She can’t.”
“Why?” Paige asked.
“All she said was this is something the police can’t handle. She’s really frightened, Paige.”
Paige glanced over at me. “This is exactly what I was talking about. Why does your friend think something is wrong? Maybe she left to clear her head or something.”
“Three nights ago, she didn’t come home, and her phone is off. She wouldn’t just disappear. That is not who she is.”
“Give me your friend’s information, and I’ll contact her. I’ll find her sister.”
“Thank you, darling. I knew I made the right decision coming to you.”
After Pippa left, I looked at Paige. “And so it begins.”
“I guess so.” She grinned.
“Look who came to visit her Uncle Parker.” Julian walked into my office, holding Brianna.
“Hey there, pretty girl.” I smiled, getting up from my desk, and taking her from him.
“Laurel and I just took her for a well check at the Kind Medical Center. She was so brave when she got her shots.
“A true Hamilton.” I kissed her forehead.
“Laurel and I set a wedding date.”
“It’s about time.” I grinned.
“In six months, she will officially become Mrs. Julian Hamilton.”
“I’m happy for you, bro.” I patted his shoulder and handed him his daughter back.
“My niece is here, and you couldn’t bother to bring her to see me?” Roman walked into my office.
“I’m making my rounds, bro. Relax.”
“I’m glad you’re both here. There’s something I need to tell you,” I said.
“What is it? Are you proposing to Paige?” Roman asked.
“No.” I chuckled. “Paige is working again.”
“Doing what?” Julian asked.
“An independent contractor as a ‘fixer.’ She’s working her first case thanks to Pippa.”
“Pippa?” Roman’s brows furrowed.
“Her friend’s sister is missing, and she came to Paige for help.”
“How do you feel about that?” Julian asked.
“It’s what she’s good at. And if it makes her happy, then I’m happy. I told Paige not too long ago to trust a little and then each day a little more. That’s exactly what I’m doing.”
“Well, you can take worrying off the table. She’s the last person you need to worry about,” Roman said.
“I know, but sometimes I can’t help it.”
“One day at a time, bro,” Julian said. “I have to find Laurel and get Brianna home. I’ll talk to you two later.”