“You know something, Fitzy? You don’t have to impress me,” Parker says as we walk into the parking lot hand in hand. “But you kind of are anyway. It’s a nice surprise.”

I flap open my sunglasses and slide them onto my face. “I’ve always been full of surprises. Maybe you just didn’t notice.”

Parker tugs on my hand, forcing me to a stop.

“What?” I ask, using my free hand to slide the glasses down the bridge of my nose so I can get a clear look at her, but Parker’s face is difficult to read, her light brown eyes clouded over and seemingly distant. “What’s wrong?”

Parker lets out a laugh that’s nothing more than a breathy sound between us. “Maybe you’re right,” she says. “Maybe I just didn’t notice.”

When she shakes her head, I swear it’s not to clear her vision but to shake the thoughts away, because her eyes remain sharp and focused.

Right on me.

And I do something I probably shouldn’t. I cup both her cheeks and dip down for a kiss even though I have no idea what kind of eyes we have on us, if anyone in the media convoy is paying attention. It’s short and to the point, but when I pull back and take in Parker’s face, I find it absent of shock or surprise, which I think might be a good thing.

It must be. Because Parker reaches up, grabbing one of my wrists and keeping my hand against her face for another moment. It happens to be a really great moment because the corners of her mouth circle upward.

“Ms. Montgomery, since the walkabout has been cancelled, you’ll ride with the First Lady.”

My hold on Parker’s face slips when she turns her head.

“I rode here with Fitz,” she announces to the agent. “I’ll go home with him too.”

I feel for my key.

“You’ll ride with the First Lady,” the agent repeats, holding out an arm and motioning.

I look over. Candice and her crew have already gotten into cars. Parker laces our fingers together.

I should like the way Parker tightens her hold and steps closer. But it’s impossible for me to enjoy. Not when I feel the hesitancy radiating off her body.

I press my lips to her temple. “Count to fifteen.” When I back away, Parker’s eyes meet mine before I raise my voice. “I’ll see you at home.”

I won’t lie. I hate that when our hands unlatch, there’s a flinch that vibrates off her fingertips. I unlock my car and take hurrying steps before sliding in and turning on the ignition. The motorcade waits ahead of me, a streaming line of SUVs. I give a gentle honk, clearing the agent from behind my space as I reverse out of it.

“Let me grab my bag.”