“Deal.”
Much more of that and she’d be telling him everything, making confessions better saved for another time. “Are you okay with me calling Mike now? I really will feel better knowing how he reacts.”
Bracing himself with a big breath, Kam handed over her phone. “All right. Go for it. I’ll do my best to keep my mouth shut, but let me know if you want me to step in.”
She wouldn’t, because he’d already stepped in enough. It’d be so easy to let him handle her problems, but it was past time for her to take charge.
Removing Mike from the block list didn’t take long. With one press of her finger, she called his number. It might not prove anything, but right now, it was the only proactive move she could make.
12
Endless worry kept Mike pacing around the midsize house. Far from the swankiest place he’d ever been, it was clean but outdated. The maiden aunt decor was atrocious, enough to turn his stomach, but at least it wasn’t the dive motel room he’d had to suffer in Hoker.
Plus renting the house outside of town helped ensure that no one could easily find him. Pending traffic, he could still be back in the small town in ten minutes. He knew because he drove through there every day, hoping he’d run into Glory. He’d see her, she would see him, they would laugh, and he’d finally know that she was okay.
Or at least he’d get a glimpse of her, enough to be reassured that she was up and about, not lying broken in a hospital bed.
That vision consumed him, gnawing on his peace of mind, keeping him on the edge.She’s mine.That would never change. If she was hurt, he should be with her.
It displeased him that she still held on to her snit. Not atall the trait of a perfect woman. It had to be Kam’s influence. That no-good trespasser should find his own woman instead of trying to steal Mike’s.
Once he reunited with her, she’d learn not to act out so impetuously.
Thinking of all the ways he’d school her deepened his breathing. Jenn had let him down. Her perfection had only been skin-deep, and once she was pitifully begging, even that was gone.
Glory was different, pure through and through, and smart enough to learn what was expected of her. They were meant to be together; she’d understand that soon enough.
The sudden ring of his phone jarred him from that favorite fantasy. He didn’t want to talk to anyone. He didn’t want to have to be social. He wanted Glory, back with him where she belonged.
Out of sheer habit, he glanced at the screen, and his heart nearly stopped. Hands fumbling, he grabbed up the phone, dropped it, then fell to his knees to snatch it up. He swiped his thumb over the screen and, at almost the same time, shouted, “Glory! Oh, thank God. Do you know how worried I’ve been? I didn’t know what happened or how badly you were hurt, and no one would tell me anything because I’m not a member of this godforsaken town.”
When she didn’t reply, his excitement died.“Glory?”
“Um... Mike?”
That uncertain voice took the strength from his bones, and he sat back on his ass with a raspy laugh. “Of course, it’s me, sweetheart. I’m so glad to hear from you.”
More seconds ticked by before she asked, “You said you were worried. Does that mean you know I was in a wreck?”
“Yes, and I’ve been going insane worrying about you.” Dropping his voice, he rebuked her. “You shouldn’t have blocked me. You can’t know how hard that was for me.”
“How,” she interrupted, her own tone sharpening, “did you know?”
“Everyone knows. Apparently, nothing happens in this town that isn’t reported and shared and gossiped about. I’ve been so frantic I’ve barely been able to sleep. I called different hospitals in the area, but no one would tell me a thing.”
Again, she took her time in replying. “So you overheard something?”
Hadn’t he just said so? Her distinct lack of concern for him, especially after he’d worried himself sick over her, left him peevish. “I was in a...” No, he wasn’t about to tell her he’d been in a bar. She might frown on it because they both held such high standards, plus it was where he met Shara. God knew that woman had been a disappointment. She hadn’t been able to make any headway yet with Kam. He’d be happy just to be done with her—and he would be, soon.
Amending his explanation, he continued with, “I was in a store and overheard people talking. I don’t know of any other woman driving a cherry-red Mustang in this town, so I was immediately concerned and started listening in.”
“You eavesdropped?”
“Believe me, the ramblings of quaint country people normally bore me, but I felt sure it was about you. When they said a blonde woman had been taken away in an ambulance, I almost died.”
Bypassing any concern for his mental anguish, she asked, “Was it you following me when it happened?”
Immediate rage washed through him, clenching his heart—and his fists. How dare she blame him? How dare she be so cold? “You’re accusing me?” The words snarled from his throat, but he couldn’t help that.