For a father to encourage physical retaliation? Yes, his father had slapped her around, even punched her a few times. Kam had always hated it.
He’d hated her... but he hadn’t liked to see her bruised and bleeding.
Memory of the emotional sickness twisted Kam’s stomach. A semitruck full of past baggage parked on his chest, making it tough to breathe.
The questions, so many of them, would always go unanswered because now they were both dead. The only choice Kam had was to prove them wrong.
He’d be a good man, and never in his life would he raise anangry hand against a woman. He’d know the truth, even if his miserable parents never would.
Glory’s trip to the office turned into a nice break in her routine. She visited with familiar employees and a few new hires. The client, who’d brought along his fiancée, was friendly, knew what he wanted, and already had an established plan. She felt certain they could do business together.
For lunch, she joined office friends at a nearby restaurant, carpooling to get there, so Kam wouldn’t worry. Back at the office, she caught up on paperwork, lent her expertise to the new hires, and fielded more phone calls than she could recount.
It was a full day, and by the time she was nearing home, she was ready to kick off her shoes, take a nice long shower, and then share time with Kam. It was later than she realized when Callie called.
“What’s that noise?” Callie asked.
“Sorry, I’m just getting into town. You probably hear the traffic.”
“You’re not at home?”
“I went to the office today but I’m on way back now. I’ll be there in another thirty minutes. Did you need anything?”
“Yes. The full scoop on Kam.”
“What do you mean?” While Glory wouldn’t lie to her, she didn’t want to outright confirm much, either.
“Fine,” Callie said. “Keep all the juicy details to yourself. Just remember, I’m married to his brother, so I have high expectations. Very high. Skyscraper high.”
Unable to resist, Glory said, “To the moon and back.”
“Aha! I knew it. You’ve had that good-sex glow.” Before Glory could say a word, Callie continued, “Good for you. I’m thrilled. You deserve the best—in sex and men, and eventhough Tanner is the best, Kam is probably a close second. Or wait, he could be the bestfor you, right?”
“Callie—”
“Wouldn’t it be amazing if we married brothers?”
Her hands clenched on the steering wheel. “No one is talking about marriage!” As she said it, a car got close to her bumper, making her nervously glance in the rearview mirror.
“Just think, you’d be an actual sister. Well, a sister-in-law, but also a cousin who’s like a sister.”
Deadpan, Glory said, “You like me more now that you’re married to Tanner.”
“More so than if I had married Sutter, that’s for sure.”
“Very true.” For the fiftieth time, with full sincerity, Glory added, “I’m really sorry about my part in pressuring you—”
“Look at how it all worked out. Because I’m so happy now, I’m not sorry about any of it—and I don’t want you to be, either. Promise me you’ll let that go.”
Impossible, but she said, “I’ll try.” Now that she was off the highway, the car trailing her got closer. Glory couldn’t see through the darkened windows, but her pulse was starting to leap in that pre-panic way.
The car eased back, allowing her to release a breath.
“While you’re doing that,” Callie said, regaining her undivided attention, “try giving Kam a chance, too. It would be amazing if we turned into one big awesome family.”
Mouth open, Glory prepared to let her down, but Callie didn’t give her a chance.
“Love ya! Bye.”
