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When I First Met You

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Chapter 1

With a deep bracing breath, Glory McCallahan got herself under control. She would not cry. Absolutely not. Crying made her nose red and her eyes puffy, so by God, she’d withhold her happy tears.

Because, damn it, she was happy. Never mind that things would never again be the same for her; her cousin, Callie, was now happily married to a perfect guy and they’d be starting their life together in her beloved hometown.

All good news. For Callie.

Unfortunately, Glory felt like she’d just lost the best piece of herself. No one had ever loved her like Callie did. Not the parents she’d lost, or the aunt and uncle who’d raised her. Definitely never a man.

Throughout the years, she’d relied on her cousin in so many ways, and now . . .

Now she was alone.

Or at least she would be once the wedding reception wrapped up, and she returned to her new home. Her new life. Her new . . . everything.

She’d only recently purchased the modest house in her cousin’s hometown neighborhood so she’d be nearby but not underfoot. She couldn’t bear being underfoot. Especially not now when Callie was so happy.

Damn it. I will not cry.

“I need a refill,” her aunt called out to her, thankfully giving her something to do other than feel sorry for herself.

With a smile pinned in place, Glory hurried to flag a server for her. After Aunt Liz was settled again, her Uncle Frank slipped her some envelopes. “These are for the staff. See that they get them, okay?”

“Of course.” She turned to the groom’s mother, Addie. “Is there anything I can do for you?”

Addie, always a sweetheart, smiled at her. “You could sit down and take a break. I swear, Glory, you haven’t been off your feet all night.”

Before Glory could answer, her aunt added, “She’s right, Glory. You’re looking a little ragged with your cheeks flushed and your hair flying every which way. Maybe you should run to the restroom and tidy yourself up.”

“She looks beautiful,” Addie replied.

Leaning in, her aunt confided, “She’s starting to get dewy.”

Which was Aunt Liz’s way of saying she was sweaty.

“She glows,” Addie countered with an edge.

Glory almost grinned. Lately, she’d noticed Addie being her champion, even when it wasn’t necessary. “I’ll tidy my hair in a minute, Aunt Liz.” Honestly, she looked forward to the moment alone.

Still smiling, Glory turned to follow the server toward the kitchen of the quaint event hall. Along the way she felt . . . Well, she felt an unnerving tingle that traveled along her spine. Glancing back, she caught Kam Norwood, the groom’s oh-so-hot and annoying younger brother, watching her intently. For a second, her breath caught—and then he looked away as if he’d merely been skimming the room and accidentally focused on her.

Heat rushed into her face and her lungs deflated. Of course, Kam wasn’t checking her out. The man could barely stand her. Most of the time, if he looked at her, it was with a critical eye.

Well, screw him.

No . . . wait. She would not screw him. Not ever—even if she thought about it far too often. Seriously, what red-blooded woman wouldn’t?

Another waiter passed her, giving her a barely-there smile.

Maybe her hair was worse than she thought.

Against her will, her gaze returned to Kam. Of course, he looked amazing whether he was in his usual jeans and a T-shirt or dressed up in a tux for his brother’s wedding, as he was now.

Tall, lean, and strong, with dark chestnut hair, incredible green eyes, and a smile that could cause a girl’s heart to stutter. As the best man, he’d been busy, too, and other than walking into the ceremony together, and the customary dance—which had been crazy-awkward, at least for Glory—she’d barely spoken to him. Maybe she should . . .

A young woman who was part of the staff drew Kam’s attention. He gave her an immediate smile that flowed into easy conversation and a few laughs. The way they talked, Glory figured they were probably hooking up.

Refusing to acknowledge the envious kick to her heart, she got back to her assigned task. She distributed the envelopes to the available staff, leaving the rest with Dan Fellows, the owner of the hall, to share with those who were currently busy—like the pretty young woman engaging Kam.

With that done, Glory grabbed her purse off a table in the corner and darted out of the main room to the corridor that led to the bathroom.

The air here was cooler and a little fresher. Since Callie and Tanner—the bride and groom—had left nearly an hour ago, it was fine for her to try to wrap it up, too. She’d circle the room and make a few subtle gestures that would hopefully get everyone going.

“Only a few minutes more,” she promised herself as she dampened a paper towel under the faucet and then patted it to her face, throat, and the back of her neck. She’d had too little sleep, not much to eat, and her emotions seemed to be in a blender.

She was fighting off the melancholy when she heard a text ding on her phone. Absurdly, she thought it might be Callie. Then she laughed at herself, because Callie was at home by now, with her husband, no doubt setting the sheets on fire.

Grinning at herself, glad for the distraction, she took the phone from her purse, swiped the screen—and froze.

Absurd that he still had this effect on her.

Through a haze, she read the message.

Can’t wait to see you again. ☺

Those damned smiley faces made her skin crawl. They’d seemed cute at first, but they’d long since slid into sick territory.

Suddenly, she felt very alone. She breathed faster as she realized no one else was around—and a door to the parking lot was right there. Was it even locked – or could someone have come in unnoticed?

Thankfully, before the fear could dig deep, the laughter of approaching women reached her. Glory dropped the phone into her purse and left the restroom, smiling as she passed the women who were just coming in. She forged back into the hall, determined to get through the rest of her duties. Then she’d go home, enjoy a long hot soak in the tub, and crash for the night.

Tomorrow, her mood would surely be improved.

*

Kam did not mean to watch her so closely. In fact, he tried not to. Yet, he’d noticed when she left the room, and he’d watched for her return. For reasons he didn’t understand, he noticed everything Glory did.

Even today, after a wedding and while hustling at the reception, Glory wore a mask of untouchable perfection. It bugged him big-time. The only time that practiced expression had slipped was at the end of the wedding, when tears had filled her eyes before she’d blinked them away.

Actually, that wasn’t true. She’d been different during the slow dance they’d shared at the start of the reception. As the best man and maid of honor, it was expected. Traditional. Or so he’d been told.

It hadn’t been easy for him to stay casual. Superficial.

Seeing Glory so perpetually composed naturally made him want to . . . What?

Tease her, fluster her, get her mussed so that her light blond hair was no longer so precisely styled?

Maybe steal the shiny lip gloss off her mouth—with his tongue.

Holding her during a slow dance, her body moving with his, led his thoughts to similar movements . . . while they were both naked. He imagined tugging down the front of her fancy dress until he exposed her breasts, until he could touch her and watch her pretty blue eyes go from wary to dark and vague . . .

“Ahem.”

Jarred out of his sultry thoughts, Kam turned to see older blue eyes assessing him. Since adopting him years ago, Addie had caught him doing many things. In comparison to some of them, fantasizing about the maid of honor wasn’t a big deal.

“Keep that up,” Addie said, “and the girl’s going to catch on fire.”

He put his arm around Addie and hugged her close. “Have I told you how great you look?”

“Pfft.” Addie smoothed her graying blond hair and lowered her voice. “I had to wear the dress since your brother and Callie insisted on buying it for me, but you know I’m most comfortable in my jeans and T-shirts.”

Yeah, he felt the same about the damn tux he wore. Again, his gaze went to Glory. Her blue dress fastened over one shoulder, leaving her throat, upper chest, and opposite shoulder bare. Her skin was peachy and smooth. Unlike him and Addie, she seemed comfortable in the designer gown. “Callie’s family is right at home in fancy duds.”

Who knew his brother, also adopted by Addie, would marry the town princess? Her family had always owned half the businesses in Hoker, Kentucky, at least until they’d moved away years ago. Even back then, Tanner had been hung up on her.

Neither of them had ever met the cousin, although apparently Glory had been raised with Callie.

“Be nice,” Addie admonished.

He realized he was frowning and deliberately lightened his expression when he said, “My feet are pinched in these shoes.” Give him work boots or sneakers any day.

Leaning in closer, Addie whispered, “Mine are, too.”

Sympathizing with her, Kam grinned. “Since the bride and groom are gone, we’re allowed to head home, right?”

“I’m catching a ride with Callie’s parents.”

That took him back a step. “How come?”

“To spare Glory, of course.” Resting against the outdated paneled wall, Addie glanced around the room, ensuring that the lingering guests couldn’t hear her. “Drives me nuts how Liz keeps picking at her. That girl has worked her tail off setting up this wedding, and all Liz has done is complain.”

“To you?” Kam asked, feeling his temper rile. Okay, so the wedding venue was small, but it was the only hall in town. Who cared if the chairs had plastic seats or if the linoleum floor had seen better days? Callie and Tanner were happy. Blissfully so.

Addie shook her head. “Of course not. It’s Glory I’m worried about.”

Right. Who could ever be rude to Addie? “So what do they say?”

She shrugged. “It’s silly stuff, like telling her to slow down or she’ll sweat.”

Kam laughed.

“Or saying she needs to adjust the strap on her dress.”

That sent his attention to her dress again. To him, that strap seemed plenty secure. Good thing, because if it slid down her arm, the entire top of the dress would go with it.

An intriguing idea.

“There was something about the flowers being wilted, and the cake being too sweet—”

He snorted. “In other words, just looking for things to bitch about?”

“It was a beautiful wedding,” Addie said with a sigh.

“Don’t start crying again.”

“I’ll cry if I want to.” On a groan, she moved to sit on a chair, then slipped off her shoes and wiggled her toes.

Kam followed her. “You sure you don’t want me to take you home?” At seventy-two, Addie was still an energetic woman who didn’t indulge a lot of idle time—but it was way past her usual bedtime. Early to bed, early to rise had always been her mantra.

“Callie’s parents are just waiting on me.” Her gaze slanted his way. “Figured it wouldn’t hurt to let them wait a few minutes more. You need to hang back with Glory and see that she gets home.”

Honest to God, he’d do anything for Addie. Anything. She’d literally saved his life when she’d taken him in as a kid—but he didn’t want to take Glory home. “She’s twenty-five, Addie. She knows how to get herself home.”

“Kam,” she said, her voice stern. “As the maid of honor, she needs to wrap up everything here, and as best man, you should lend her a hand, which means you two will be the last to leave. Do you really want her alone in a parking lot at this time of night?”

It wasn’t a bad area. Hoker was mostly a quiet town. Except, okay, it was a weekend and things got a little rowdier, but still . . . “What’s there to wrap up?” Admittedly, he didn’t know anything about weddings or receptions. Seemed to him it was all taken care of.

Addie stood again, this time with her shoes dangling from the fingers of one hand. “Talk to Glory and find out.” She went on tiptoes to kiss his cheek. “And Kam?”

“Yes, Addie,” he replied dutifully.

“Be nice.”

Smiling, he watched her walk off—barefoot, her long floral dress dragging on the floor behind her.

He waited there until she and Callie’s parents had departed.

In short order, the last remaining guests also filed out. Kam looked around but didn’t see Glory. His brows pulled together, dread settling in his stomach.

Maybe she’d already left, too. Damn it, Addie would have his ass.

He was about to search her out when Dan Fellows, the owner of the hall, approached him with a happy grin. “My, it was wonderful, wasn’t it? Just wonderful.” Sweat beaded on his brow as he took in the remaining decorations on the tables. “A great turnout. Lovely bride and groom.”

“Yeah, it was nice.” Where the hell was Glory?

“I guess I can close it up now, right? You don’t need anything else?”

Honestly, Kam had no clue. “You’re all taken care of?”

“Yes, yes. Paid in full and everyone was given a generous tip,” he loudly confided, “We all love your in-laws. Generous people. Very generous.”

“Not my in-laws,” Kam said. “Jesus, don’t start rumors.”

Laughing, Dan gave him a sly look. “Sorry, Tanner’s in-laws, then.”

Kam was glad they hadn’t scrimped on the tips. With rich people, you never knew. “So . . .” No sign of Glory at all. “I guess if you see anything, like anyone forgot something or left something behind, let us know.” Kam offered his hand.

“Yes, of course, but Glory already made those arrangements.”

Of course, she did. “Then I’ll get out of here so you can wrap it up and get home.” As soon as he stepped out, cooler evening air embraced him. Tension eased as he drew a deep breath, but it didn’t entirely go away. Where was Glory?

Out of the shadows, the girl he’d talked with earlier sidled up to him. “Kam.”

He turned to her, but he’d already forgotten her name. She was young, barely twenty, and while she was cute and obviously interested, tonight wasn’t the night for him. It made him feel like an ass to acknowledge that he might have led her on a bit just because he’d known Glory was watching.

“Hey.” Trying to keep it casual, he said, “Thanks again. The reception was nice.”

“Your brother looked really happy.”

“Yeah.” Tanner had found that once-in-a-lifetime kind of love. It still amazed him. Before Callie had shown up and impacted them all, he hadn’t even known something like that existed.

“So . . . you’re heading home?” she asked, her suggestive gaze holding his.

Kam was trying to think up a good excuse when a new voice intruded.

“Sorry, but I’m not quite done with him yet.” Glory stepped closer, her chin tilted up as if in challenge, shoulders back—which just made him glance at her boobs again—and a glint of determination in her pretty blue eyes.

He forced his mouth to curve in the semblance of a smile. “Is that right? What can I do you for?”

“I . . .” Confused, Glory asked, “What?”

His smile turned genuine. “What is it you need?” Say me. No, wait. Don’t say that. If she did, he’d be all over her, and he didn’t want that to happen . . . Did he?

The girl beside him put her arm through his. “But, Kam, we had plans.”

Damn it, Kam couldn’t even drum up her name. He patted her hand and attempted to free himself from her hold without much success. Giving up, he let her cling while he asked, “So what’s the problem, Glory?”

Her gaze tracked over his arm, then over the girl attached to it. Smile tight, she replied, “I could use some help with . . . things.”

“What things?”

Emotions flitted over her face, and stubbornness set in. “You know what? I just thought up another solution.” She fluttered her hands. “You’re free and clear to enjoy the rest of your evening.” Pivoting on her heeled sandal, she marched away.

Damn it. To the other woman, he said, “Sorry, sugar,” as he peeled her fingers away. “In case you couldn’t tell, she was pissed, so I’d better see what’s up.” Without waiting for a reply, he broke into a jog to catch up with Glory, whose militant stride had already taken her around the corner and into the darkness of the back lot.

It wasn’t until he got closer that he heard her low voice. “What are you even doing here?”

Another voice, a male voice, replied, “I’m picking you up.”

Brows coming together, Kam took in the scene before him. Some guy was standing in the lot with Glory, but she was keeping her distance.

Without noticing him, Glory said to the dude, “No, you’re not.”

“You’re alone,” the guy crooned. “I’m alone.”

“I told you I’m not alone.”

With a smug smile, he asked, “Then, babe, where is he?”

“I’m not your babe, and he’s delayed, but he’ll be here any minute.”

“Right. He’s hanging out in the empty event hall?” He moved closer.

Pointing, Glory said, “His car is right there.”

The jerk shrugged. “But he’s not with you.” He reached for her, and she jumped back, almost stumbling.

Kam debated on how to handle things: Stomp the guy into the ground, which was currently his preference, or try to use some tact.

“Come on, Glory. Don’t be like that. I’m the only one here for you, your car is out of commission, and it’s late.”

Out of commission? Kam looked at her car—and saw flat tires. Two of them, both the rears. Worse, he looked at his SUV and saw flats on it as well. “What the hell?”

Glory whirled to face him. “Kam.”

“Sorry, babe.” He relished saying that and was relieved when Glory didn’t snap at him as she had the other guy. “I got held up.” In a few long strides, he was at her side. Surprising her, he slipped his arm around her and drew her close for a soft kiss.

She did a great impression of a frozen pole, but he didn’t mind. He still savored the press of his mouth on hers. Two seconds, three. Damn, he wouldn’t mind doing that all night, turning his head for a better fit, teasing her stiff lips apart . . . but it’d probably be better if he got it together before she slugged him, especially since her pushy Romeo still stood there.

Keeping her snug against him, he nodded at her car. “What happened?”

“I—we—um . . .”

Clearly, he’d thrown her for a loop. A good thing, considering how many times she’d left him floundering.

Satisfied with her response, he gave her a little hug and a quicker kiss to her temple.

Finally finding her voice, she said, “Maybe we drove over something?”

Yeah, right. Kam cut his attention to the intrusive guy. He was tall, trim, dressed in casual clothes, and had obviously hoped to stake a claim on Glory. Not happening, bud.

“If that was so, Callie’s parents would have had flats, too.” They’d all taken the same route. “And how the hell are the flats only in back? If we drove over something, the front tires would have—”

“Hey, I’m Mike.” The guy pushed forward, hand extended.

Kam had to release Glory to accept the handshake, but as he did so, he stepped slightly in front of her like a shield. “Hey, Mike.” The handshake, at least, was congenial enough. “I take it you two are friends?”

Affection softened Mike’s smile as he looked at Glory. “We’ve been dating a while.”

“No, we haven’t,” Glory said quickly, her voice a little too high. “It was three dates. Only three.”

“Babe, come on.” Looking at her over Kam’s shoulder, Mike affected cool forbearance. In an aside to Kam, his voice low as if that might keep Glory from hearing even though she was right behind him, he confided, “We had a little disagreement. Guess she’s still riled.”

Mouth firming, Glory quickly moved away. Not closer to Kam, but away from Mike. As if the other guy wasn’t there, she said to Kam, “We should get going.”

Mike grinned and shook his head as if amused. “Guess I took too long to call. You know how it is.”

“I’m not sure I do.” Kam didn’t know what was happening, but he didn’t like it. Men who hassled women went instantly on the list of things he despised, right up there with child neglect and animal abuse. Never, under any circumstances, would he take part in such a thing.

It would make him too much like his parents, a fate he would never accept. Past accusations and his tainted bloodline was something he’d deny to his dying day.

With her composure slipping, Glory asked Kam, “Does the town have any kind of ride service?”

At first, he’d thought it possible that she was just teaching the dude a lesson. Maybe he’d let her down, or somehow insulted her and she’d hoped to use Kam to even the score.

Now, with the car tires flat and that look in her eyes, he knew it was more. “Normally in a pinch I’d call Tanner, but not on his wedding night. One tire I could have changed with a spare, but not two.”

Mike held out his arms. “I can give you both a ride.”

Glory’s expression twisted his heart and expanded his uneasiness. Protective instincts, learned in his youth and honed in his maturity, rose up, urging him to study Mike more closely.

Just then, Dan Fellows joined them. “I was about to leave but heard you talking. Problem?”

Kam glanced around. “Where are you parked?”

“In the side lot for employees. Everyone has gone and I’ve locked up, but if you need something—”

“A ride?” Kam gestured to the cars. “Glory and I both have flats.”

“Hmm. That’s curious.” Dan circled the cars.

They all ignored Mike—until he introduced himself. “I offered them a ride, so you can—”

“Dan Fellows.” Around the handshake, Dan asked, “Your tires flat, too?”

“No, sir. I’m just here to give Glory a ride.”

Glory sidled over next to Fellows. “I know it’s a huge imposition, but if you’re able to help us out, I’d be so grateful.”

Fellows smiled down at her. “I’d be glad to. Plenty of room in my car.” In a quick dismissal, he said to Mike, “Nice to meet you. Drive safely now.”

Dumbfounded, Mike watched as Glory rushed to the driver’s side of her car, opened the door and got out her purse before locking it again. Without glancing at Mike, she gave Kam an expectant look. “I’m ready.”

“I’ll call you,” Mike said.

“That’s okay.” Again, she turned to Kam.

“I’ll be right there, honey. Give me two minutes.”

Her gaze shifted from him to Mike and back again before she worked up a smile. “Of course . . . babe.” Her heels clicked on the blacktop pavement as she kept pace with Fellows.

“Take your time,” Fellows said before he started a low conversation with Glory.

Fighting a grin, Kam turned back to Mike. “So.” He walked to the back of Glory’s red Mustang. “Hell of a thing, right?”

Distracted, Mike stared after Glory.

Kam didn’t like the intensity in his gaze “Don’t you think?”

“What?”

Yeah, old Mike was very lost in thought there, and Kam was willing to bet none of those thoughts were appropriate, given how Glory had turned him down. “Flat tires on the only two cars still in the lot.” He glanced around. “Where are you parked, by the way?”

“On the street.”

As if that made sense, Kam nodded. “How is it you’re here? Did Glory call you?”

Mike hesitated, then probably realized that Kam could find out the truth easily enough. With another happy-go-lucky grin, he said, “Nah, you see that she’s upset with me right now.”

“I noticed that, yeah.”

“I was out with our group earlier today, making plans, when Tina called to see if Glory would want to join us. She said she couldn’t, that she had the reception tonight.”

“And somehow you got all the deets?”

“From Tina, yeah.” All magnanimous and shit, he lifted a shoulder. “I knew she’d be alone because she hasn’t dated since our disagreement.”

“When was that, by the way?”

“I don’t know. A month, maybe? Anyway, I figured I had let her stew long enough, so I came to save her.”

Kam could barely suffer the ass. “Save her, huh?”

“Glory hates going to functions alone.”

“She’s not alone,” Kam reminded him. Before Mike could protest that, he asked, “Did Tina tell Glory you were coming here?”

“No idea. I took off to play her hero, but you see how that worked out.” He gave a little chuckle. “Shouldn’t have wasted my time.”

“Probably not.” Kam made a point of looking beyond him, toward the section of street he could see, but there were no parked cars in view. “So you and Tina and other friends live nearby?”

“Not really.”

Interesting. “How far was your drive?”

Congeniality faded from Mike’s expression. “What is this? Why are you grilling me?”

“Seems to me that Glory has been clear.” Kam watched him. “That should be the end of it.”

Mike deflated. “It can’t be. I love her.”

“Sucks for you, but I’m telling you right now: leave her alone.” He turned and walked away.

Mike said nothing else.

Having him at his back didn’t feel right, so Kam glanced over his shoulder, and saw that the guy was already gone.

Gone where, he didn’t know, but Kam had an awful feeling it wouldn’t be the last he saw of him.

End of Excerpt