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safe.”
    â€œI will.” She turned the ignition, watching through the windshield as he climbed into his hunter green Jeep. A lump pressed against her throat, and as she drove to the airport, her thoughts were haunted by the ache she’d seen in his eyes.
    She knew that ache. She saw it in her mirror every day.

– 5 –
    A J rode the elevator to the eleventh floor of the downtown office building, breathing a prayer of thanks this wasn’t his daily routine. Some people might like the prestige of a prosperous business, the panoramic view of the Columbus skyline. But not him.
    He preferred his high school students, even the uninspired ones, over contract negotiations, power lunches, and wearing a tie every day. His cousin was welcome to those so-called perks.
    Pushing open the glass door to Somers, Inc., he shook his head at the irony. Sully had left the business he’d founded, Sullivan Investments, to his new favorite grandson, Brett Somers. Less than a month after the estate was settled, Brett had changed the company’s name.
    AJ greeted the latest receptionist, another mini-skirted blonde. “I had a summons from your boss,” he said, only half joking. Brett had refused to tell him what he wanted over the phone.
    â€œYour name, please.” The blonde gave him the once-over beneath fluttering false lashes. Where did Brett find these girls?
    â€œAJ Sullivan. Would you please tell Brett I’m here?”
    She consulted a calendar program on her computer. “Oh, youcan go on in. Brett”—she giggled—“I mean, Mr. Somers is expecting you. Would you like me to show you the way?”
    â€œI’ve been here before.” Though not that often since Brett had taken over their grandfather’s corner office. Sully’s original plan was for Brett to run the company’s day-to-day operations, and for AJ, with a law degree backing his name, to have control. Until the argument. Then everything had changed.
    AJ rapped on the door of Brett’s office and entered.
    Wearing a blue shirt that almost perfectly matched his eyes, Brett commanded a large oak desk, his back to a wall of certificates, plaques, and VIP photographs. He smiled at AJ. “See, Amy. I told you he’d come.”
    AJ followed Brett’s gaze to the brown leather sofa. His cousin Amy, impeccably dressed in a lilac linen suit, stood and pecked AJ on the cheek. “Where have you been hiding? I don’t think we’ve seen you since Christmas.”
    â€œYou’re probably right.” Christmas. Funny how they still celebrated the holiday together, though only Gran truly enjoyed the family togetherness. The traditional brunch eaten around her antique table. The exchanging of gifts. Her only grandchildren promising to get together again soon before they went their separate ways.
    â€œCan I get you something? Coffee?” Brett asked, walking around his desk to the built-in bar.
    â€œA soda, if you have one.”
    â€œIce?” Brett pulled a Coke from the mini-fridge, and AJ reached for the can.
    â€œThis is fine.” He popped the tab.
    â€œSis?” Brett turned to Amy.
    â€œI’m good.” She swirled the contents of her crystal glass at him. “Here, AJ, sit beside me.”
    AJ followed Amy to the couch while Brett settled in a nearby chair. Double-teaming. So that was their game. He took a long sip of the soda as his cousins exchanged furtive glances.
    â€œDo you still enjoy teaching?” Amy asked.
    â€œI do.” AJ gazed at her. Same ash blonde hair and clear blue eyes as her brother. As in all things, AJ was the odd one out with his darker coloring. His cousins had inherited their father’s Scandinavian features, their mother’s social superiority.
    â€œBut you didn’t drag me here to talk about my career choice, did you?”
    Amy lowered her eyes as if embarrassed, though AJ knew better. She crossed one shapely