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Parker touching? Willingly?

The thought still boggles my mind. Just what did Tara do to make that sweet little antisocial thief of mine social? I feel the flush heating my cheeks at the realization of my possessiveness. It's not my place to make that call, not after the way I left. Never let it be said that I don't make dramatic entrances and exits.

After Nate let Sterling arrest him as a deal to let the rest of us go free, we scattered to the four winds once again. It's funny how we seem to need to do that on a yearly basis. I'm still not completely sure what the hell Nate was up to, but that kiss of his had me confused enough to retreat to my villa in Tuscany.

It's been two weeks and I haven't heard from any of them. I did see a report that Nate had been hurt somehow in that last damned job, but that was the last I heard of it. No one else was responding to my calls, and I wasn't about to call Sterling and ask him.

Sighing heavily, I shift on the stone wall and stare out at the sun setting over the water. The flowers I purchased from the market are throwing off a heady blend that further soothes my still-frazzled nerves. It doesn't matter anymore. I can't be what Nate needs, not if I want to take care of Sophie first.

The sensation of arms wrapping around my waist from behind startles me, but only momentarily as I catch a whiff of Ivory soap. Relaxing slightly, I don't move until my visitor is comfortable behind me. As her legs stretch out to either side of my own, I lean back slightly.

"I was worried," finally slips past my lips when the silence is too much.

"Had to check on Nate. Sterling's not taking any chances with him." She stops me from turning to face her and rests her chin on my shoulder. "He's okay. It looked worse than it was. Typical of a gut shot wound."

She sounds like Eliot and the thought suddenly makes me giggle hysterically. Before I know what's happened, she's standing in front of me, holding me close and murmuring softly. When the frustrated, impotent tears finally stop, my eyes lift to meet hers.

"You didn't--"

The words are cut off as she kisses me. "I did. I missed you, you know. Don't ever leave like that again, Sophie. Please?"

"Parker, I--"

"No, you don't understand. None of us are the same when you're gone. You hold us together, you hold me together. Tara was great and all, but she's not you." She drops little kisses along my lips and cheeks. "Don't you get it? I don't touch people willingly, Sophie, but I want to touch you."

Cupping her face in my hands, I press my lips to hers, deepening the kiss as soon as she allows it. Somehow, my sweet Parker has found what I've been searching for: my reason for being in this world. If she can make such a major change, so can I.

"You never have to ask to touch me, Parker," I murmur huskily and genuinely smile for the first time in a great many months. "Let me take you inside, where there's a bit more privacy."

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