Catch Perfect

By Angela Flowers

Catch Perfect (Silver Linings Book 2)

It’s been five years since Spencer Sexton left Chicago and his best friend behind. He hasn’t spoken to Amber since. Until now. When he runs into her one night after he returns to Chicago, he does what he does best. He runs. It’s too dangerous for her to become part of his life again, especially now. But no matter how many times he runs away, he continues to find himself drawn right back to her and the past she represents.

Five years after he cut her out of his life, Spencer is the last person Amber Matthews expects to see. When she runs into him outside her favorite bar one night, the resentment she’s kept buried for years comes rushing back. She doesn’t need the chaos he’ll bring into her life. She should walk away, but she can’t. His life is in shambles. Even if he breaks her heart again, she can’t turn her back on him. Not this time.

When tragedy hits, will it finally push them together or rip them apart for good?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Angela Flowers
• Release date: Jul 13, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311782304

Angela Flowers

Angela Flowers lives in Virginia with her husband, two sons, and four dogs. When she isn’t writing or homeschooling her two boys, she enjoys reading, listening to music, watching TV and spending time with her family.

Book preview

Catch Perfect

By Angela Flowers

Catch Perfect

By Angela Flowers

Copyright 2015 Angela Flowers

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite e-book retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Acknowledgments

To my readers, you guys are amazing! I could not do this without you. It’s your passion for my characters and their stories that keeps me going, especially on the days (or weeks!) when nothing seems to be going right. Thank you for reading, sharing, and caring about my stories.

Thank you to my friends and family for all of their support and encouragement. When things get crazy or when I’m frustrated and ready to scrap everything, I can always count on you to talk me down and help me refocus.

Katie, I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to read, edit, and review my manuscripts. I appreciate every single sticky note (especially the WTF ones!) and suggestion you give me. You are my eyes and brain when my eyes glaze over and I can’t seem to put a coherent sentence together. I couldn’t ask for a better beta reader. I definitely couldn’t do this without your help. Hopefully, one day I will find a way to repay you. Thank you.

CHAPTER 1

Four-thirty on a Friday afternoon was the perfect time to try to sneak away from work early.

Unless your name was Spencer Sexton.

As if he knew Spencer was thinking about cutting out early, his boss appeared in his doorway. Dressed in his dark navy blue Ermenegildo Zegna suit and Salvatore Ferragamo Italia shoes, Nicholas Mitchell looked every bit the part of CEO. Even after a full day of sitting at a desk, not a strand of his perfectly gelled sandy hair was out of place. There wasn’t a wrinkle to be found in his suit and the knot of his tie hadn’t loosened a bit.

Any big plans for tonight? Nick asked as he sank into the chair in front of Spencer’s desk.

Stomping down his irritation, Spencer replied, Not really.

He couldn’t really blame Nick for being worried. After all, he did have a habit of getting into trouble. Four years ago, he’d ended up in the hospital after being beaten nearly to death. Just three months ago, his ex-girlfriend, Erin Grayson, had been attacked because he’d gotten mixed up with the wrong people again.

Given his history, the fact that Nick had given him a job at his family’s investment firm at all was amazing. Not only had he given him a job, but Nick had also opened his home to him when he’d needed to get out of Lakeford, Virginia.

Have you talked to your brother? Nick asked.

Spencer sighed, No.

It’s been three months.

And?

I thought things were better between you two before you left.

Spencer gritted his teeth. That was before my girlfriend dumped me for him.

It’s been three months, Spence. You should call him and check-in, Nick pushed. He worries about you.

I think I liked it better when you two hated each other, Spencer muttered.

Nick laughed. I never hated your brother.

Whatever.

Well, I suppose we should call it a day, Nick said as he stood up.

Spencer waited until Nick had disappeared down the hallway before shutting down his computer and quickly escaping the stuffy office.

Twenty minutes later, Spencer had changed clothes and was contemplating getting his own place as he headed in the direction of a nearby bar. Living with Nick had been an adjustment. Even though he’d shared an apartment with his brother back in Virginia, Dylan’s frequent traveling had made it feel like Spencer had been on his own.

When he arrived at the bar, he ordered a beer. Bottle in hand, he made his way to an empty stool at the far end of the bar. He’d barely gotten comfortable when a familiar face walked through the door.

Cursing under his breath, he took a long pull on his beer.

Kyle Mitchell, Nick’s younger brother, had been his partner in crime until he’d taken things too far a couple of months ago with Spencer’s then-girlfriend Erin. He had drugged Erin at a party by slipping something in her drink.

When Kyle’s eyes found Spencer, an uneasy smile spread across the young man’s face. He nodded in acknowledgment and took a seat at the opposite end of the bar. Although being around Kyle was dangerous, Spencer didn’t want to give Kyle the satisfaction of chasing him away, so he ordered another drink instead.

His phone vibrated in his pocket with a message from his friend, Carolyn, back in Lakeford. She’d taken it upon herself to keep him updated on what was happening back at home. He was pretty sure that she was reporting back to Erin, who was undoubtedly reporting back to Dylan.

He knew he should be irritated, but he was grateful instead. As long as others were reporting back to Dylan, he could stay wrapped in his blanket of denial concerning Dylan’s recent revelation that he’d attempted suicide after their parents’ accident.

Attempted. Suicide.

Jesus, Spencer muttered and signaled for another drink.

He shoved all thoughts of his brother to the back of his mind and typed a quick reply back to Carolyn before tucking his phone back into his pocket. When he looked up, he found Kyle standing in front of him.

He growled, What do you want?

How long are we going to do this? Kyle gestured to the air between them. I mean, you’re living with my brother and working for my family’s business. We can’t avoid each other forever.

You crossed a line, Kyle, Spencer spat. Every time I look at you, I see Erin lying unconscious in my arms that night. She could have died.

Need I remind you that she is now sleeping in your brother’s bed? Why do you still care so much about her?

If he spent one more second with Kyle, he was going to punch him in his smug face, so he shouldered past him. He shoved the bar door open and plowed into a woman, who squealed as she tried to find her balance.

Irritation dissolved into shock when he found himself staring down into a pair of gray-green eyes, dappled with golden brown. A thousand memories slammed into him, pulling him back into the depths of his past as wave after wave of emotion pummeled him, dragging him deeper and deeper into a world he’d spent years trying to forget.

Spencer?

The tremor in her voice pulsed through him, resonating deep within his bones and dragging him back to the present. He blinked several times as if the action would make her magically disappear. He saw her lips moving, but he couldn’t hear the words for the ringing in his ears. Time slowed as she reached out to him.

He turned and fled.

~~~

Amber Matthews stared at Spencer’s retreating back with regret pressing down on her stomach. Until a few seconds ago, she hadn’t expected to see Spencer Sexton ever again.

She and Spencer had been best friends and nearly inseparable until the night his parents had died in a car accident. Afterward, he’d withdrawn from all of his friends, dropped out of school, gotten involved with the wrong people, and almost died.

She shuddered at the memory of seeing him lying in that hospital bed and barely clinging to life. Three and half weeks later, she’d watched from the window of her family’s apartment as the two brothers had walked out of her life without even saying goodbye. The only contact she’d had with them since was a single, brief encounter with Dylan on one of his return visits to Chicago, during which she’d politely declined his offer to give her Spencer’s new phone number.

Shaking off the memories, she went inside Roxy’s and ordered a martini. She downed half of it before she realized that Kyle Mitchell was sitting a few stools down from her. To her dismay, he moved closer to her.

Well, hello there, Kyle said. I saw you talking to a friend of mine outside.

She turned to look him dead in the eye. Since I’m willing to bet that you had something to do with the way he ran out of here, I’m not so sure you should call him your friend.

His mouth fell open in surprise, but he quickly recovered, his perfectly sculpted lips curving into a mischievous smile before he asked, How do you know Spencer?

Of course he wouldn’t remember her. Why would he? It’s not like they’d run in the same circles in high school.

If you’ll excuse me, I have to go powder my nose.

She finished her drink and moved towards the ladies’ room, but Kyle grabbed her by the arm.

I suggest you remove your hand before I remove it for you, she hissed.

He let her go.

Keeping her steps slow and confident, she crossed the crowded room and slipped into the safety of the bathroom. Once inside, she released the breath she’d been holding and walked over to the mirror to set about fixing her lipstick with a trembling hand.

The predatory look in Kyle’s eyes told her he was on the hunt. For what, she wasn’t completely sure, and she was fairly sure she didn’t want to know. What she did know was that she needed to get out of here before she found herself mixed up in whatever was brewing between Kyle and Spencer.

Her phone chimed in her purse. She pulled it out to find a message from her friend, Mallory. She’d arrived at Roxy’s. Amber told her she would be right there and rushed to meet her.

Mallory was at the bar, sipping a martini. Amber’s jaw clenched at the sight of Kyle standing beside her. Thankfully, he was ignoring Mallory. Unfortunately, his eyes found Amber immediately and trailed her return to the bar.

Hey! Mallory smiled.

Hi. Let’s go somewhere else, Amber said as she pushed her way between her friend and Kyle.

What? Why?

Oh, don’t leave on my account, Kyle said smoothly.

Mallory’s eyes widened when Kyle draped his arm across Amber’s shoulders. Amber ducked out of his reach and took her friend by the hand and pulled her towards the door.

Once they were outside, Mallory asked, Do you know who that was?

Of course I do, Amber hissed.

Most women would cut off an arm to get a chance with Kyle Mitchell.

Yeah? Well, not me.

Mallory frowned. Because of what happened to that Spencer guy? Do you really think Kyle had something to do with that?

Amber grimaced. Yes. Let’s go.

What’s wrong with you?

Nothing.

Don’t lie to me.

Sighing, Amber turned and began walking. Mallory quickly fell into step beside her.

I saw him tonight, Amber announced.

Who? Spencer?

Amber nodded.

Hold on! Mallory blocked her path, making her stop. He was here?

Mallory was the only person who knew the truth about her feelings for Spencer. Seeing the pity in her eyes now made Amber regret ever telling her in the first place.

"I’m pretty sure he was running away from Kyle when he practically bowled me over as he ran out of the bar.

What did he say when he saw you?

Spencer’s face, drained of color, staring back at her as the past had washed over him flashed through her mind. The pain in his dark green eyes had made her want to run her fingers through his dark strands in an effort to comfort him like she’d done when they’d been friends.

But they weren’t friends anymore. He’d made sure of that when he’d cut her out of his life.

Amber cleared her throat and answered, Nothing. He looked at me like he’d seen a ghost, then he left.

Left?

More like ran away.

Oh, honey. Want to head back to your place?

Amber shook her head. No way. He’s not going to ruin our night.

Okay.

A few minutes later, the two women walked into another bar a few blocks over from Roxy’s. They went to the bar, took a couple of shots, and then made their way to the dance floor. After two songs, they made their way back to the bar.

You ready to talk about it yet? Mallory asked after swallowing another shot.

Nope.

CHAPTER 2

After his surprise encounter with Amber, Spencer abandoned his plan to go back to the apartment and had found another bar to try to drown out the emotions she’d stirred up. He almost choked on his drink when Amber and her friend came into the bar.

He should sneak away and put as much distance between them as possible, but curiosity glued him to his seat. Half hidden in the shadows, he watched Amber and her friend make their way to the nearby dance floor.

Her hair had darkened from a soft chestnut to a deep, dark brown, which made her eyes, a myriad of gray-blue, luscious green and golden hues, even more mesmerizing. She still sported that sexy beauty mark, the one that had haunted his dreams for years, just above the right corner of that luscious mouth of hers.

Reminding himself that Amber was just a friend, or had been at one time, he forced his gaze away from her and on the woman dancing beside her. Slightly shorter than Amber, she had jet black hair and bright green eyes. Together, the two women were a sight to see on the dance floor.

One glance around the bar told him he wasn’t the only one who had noticed them. So far though, no one had been brave enough to approach them and try to break through the confident wall of female solidarity they had erected around them.

Until Kyle entered and made his way to the dance floor. Even though Spencer hadn’t seen or spoken to Amber in years, the urge to protect her blazed through him just as strong as ever. Jaw clenched, he watched Kyle lean in and speak into her ear. When she stepped away from him, he snagged her by the waist and pulled her against him.

Spencer sprang from his seat and pushed his way through the throng of bodies.

Kyle! he barked as he stepped in front of the two women. Stay away from her.

What are you going to do about it? Kyle sneered and moved to step around Spencer, but Spencer shoved him back.

She’s off-limits.

His smirk turned into an impish grin. Is that so?

Spencer growled, "She’s a family friend, as in mine and my brother’s, so I suggest you heed my warning. Unless you want to be on the receiving end of another Sexton beat down."

The muscle in Kyle’s cheek jumped at Spencer’s reference to the beating that Dylan had given him after drugging Erin. He took a step back, held up his hands, and nodded. Message received.

After Kyle had vacated the dance floor, Spencer returned to his table.

Seconds later, Amber sauntered up to his table, while her friend hung back behind her.

What the hell was that? she demanded.

"Kyle Mitchell is bad news. Stay away from him.

Anger flashed in her eyes. I don’t need you fighting my battles anymore. In fact, I think it would be better if you just stayed away from me altogether.

He knew he should let her go, but after ten years of looking out for her, the need to protect her ran deep within his veins. Which was exactly why he couldn’t sit here and let her and her friend walk home alone when there was the possibility that Kyle was still lurking nearby.

Shit, he muttered before he rushed after them.

When he saw their retreating backs, he fell into step behind them. He’d only made it a couple of steps before they whirled around to face him.

I’m sorry. Was I not clear back there? Amber hissed. Stay away from me.

Look, I’m just trying to look out for you. Kyle is dangerous.

Then why are you friends with him? Amber’s dark-haired friend asked.

Mallory, don’t, Amber snapped.

I’m not. Not anymore. Not since he drugged my ex-girlfriend.

The two women gasped.

He swallowed against the lump of regret that had formed in his throat. So, for my own peace of mind, I’d like to make sure you make it home safely.

The two women shared a look before both of them nodded. Spencer fell into step beside Amber. After a few minutes of awkward silence, she glanced at him and asked, So, how’s your brother?

Oh, he’s great, he said bitterly, imagining Dylan curled up on the couch with his perfect little family in his perfect little house back in Virginia.

And that doesn’t make you happy?

Look, I don’t want to talk about my brother, okay?

Amber muttered an apology and awkward silence resumed.

This time it was Mallory who broke it, saying, What do you do, Spencer?

I finished my final college exams this week. Right now, I’m working at Mitchell Investments, he answered flatly. I don’t know what I’ll do after this summer.

Amber jerked to a halt. "What? You work for them? How could you do that after Kyle put you in the hospital?"

Spencer’s stomach quivered at the mention of his time in the hospital. How do you know about that?

I heard what happened at school, so I went to the hospital. She shifted uncomfortably and her gaze dropped to her feet. Dylan was sitting at your bedside and begging you not to leave him.

He grunted at the thought of Dylan begging Spencer not leave him.

Amber’s eyes searched his face. What happened between you two?

Nothing.

Obviously something happened, she pressed. Otherwise you wouldn’t get so hostile every time I mention him.

With a shake of his head, he said, Let’s just go.

She quickly turned away, but not before he saw a glimmer of hurt in her eyes.

They continued on in silence. When they reached her apartment building, Amber said a stiff goodbye and went inside without even a glance in Spencer’s direction. Mallory, on the other hand, hung back.

Well, it was nice to meet you. I’m sorry. It’s just … She glanced at the door before continuing in a hushed voice, She never really got over you shutting her out the way you did.

She told you?

Mallory nodded. She tries to act like she got over it, but she didn’t. I’m not sure if she ever will. Goodnight, Spencer.

On the walk home, he found himself once again treading the memories of his past. His chest ached at the thought of his parents. It had been six years, but the pain was still just as piercing as it had been on day one.

Nick was sitting on the couch reading a book when he entered the apartment. He looked up at the sound of Spencer’s footsteps.

You’re home early.

I’m tired.

Nick’s forehead wrinkled and his eyes narrowed as he set the book on his lap.

Turning away from his prying eyes, Spencer muttered, I ran into Kyle.

What happened?

He was just his usual charming self, Spencer said sarcastically. Nothing I can’t handle. I’m calling it a night.

He slipped down the hall and into his room. For the first time in months, he had the urge to call Dylan, but he knew that would be a mistake. Because he’d always been just as protective of Amber as Spencer, he would jump on a plane the second he learned that Kyle was sniffing around her.

Spencer didn’t need or want the extra complication that Dylan showing up in Chicago would bring to his life. If Kyle was starting to come back around, then it meant that Paul was getting tired of waiting for Spencer to return to the game.

Damn, Spencer muttered as he raked his hands over his face. I can’t do this again.

Only he could. And he would.

The familiar tingle dancing along his skin told him it would be soon, too.

~~~

It was almost five o’clock in the morning, and Amber had barely slept. Dreams about Spencer, Dylan, and their past had invaded her dreams. The two brothers had always been so close. Now they could barely stand each other. At least, that was the impression she’d gotten from Spencer.

Giving up on sleep, she went to her desk. Within minutes, she’d booted her laptop and typed Spencer’s name into the search bar. There wasn’t much. Just a few school-related accomplishment articles from his time in Chicago and his social media accounts. Unable to resist, she clicked on a link to open his profile, but it was private.

On a whim, she did another search, this time on Dylan.

Wow. She’d forgotten that he and his friend, Eli, had been discussing plans to launch a computer game that Eli had developed right before the accident had happened. Not only had they moved forward with their plan, but it also looked like it had been successful. They had recently launched a second installment to the game.

Her eyes nearly popped out of her head when Dylan’s name came up in a recent local crime report. About three months ago, he had been arrested for being in contempt of court right here in Chicago.

What was that about?

She clicked on the link to his profile, which was public. Most of his posts were in regards to business, but she continued to scroll.

With his father’s dark hair and striking blue eyes, Dylan had always had girls falling at his feet. She was willing to bet that hadn’t changed at all.

A post about a new acquisition to his business team caught her eye. Jared Grayson. He looked young, maybe still in high school even. Intrigued, she clicked on his name and his profile came up.

A picture of Dylan with a pretty brunette caught her eye. Amber was immediately struck by her resemblance to Jared. Same brown hair, same brown eyes, same round chin. His sister maybe? She kept scrolling and then stopped at a picture of Spencer and the same girl.

They were kissing.

Wait a minute, Amber muttered and scrolled back up to the picture of her and Dylan.

His arm was around her waist, and her head rested against his shoulder. If Amber didn’t know any better, they looked like a couple.

She scrolled back down to the picture of this girl and Spencer. It was dated seven months ago.

What the hell?

Gnawing on her lower lip, she clicked her way through several links before finally ending up on Erin Grayson’s profile.

Holy shit, Amber gasped as she stared at a picture of Dylan and a little dark-haired boy along with a status stating that Erin was hanging out with her guys.

Head spinning, Amber sat back in her chair and stared at her computer screen. Dylan was dating Spencer’s ex-girlfriend? No wonder Spencer hadn’t wanted to talk about his brother.

She had to be missing something. The Dylan Sexton she knew would never do something like steal his brother’s girlfriend.

Hey, what are you doing awake? Mallory mumbled as she stumbled into Amber’s bedroom.

Couldn’t sleep, she muttered.

Mallory’s eyes brightened when she looked at her computer screen. Who is that hunk of hot sex?

Uh, that would be Spencer’s older brother.

That’s Dylan? Mallory stared at the screen. Holy shit. What a gene pool. Is he single?

Funny that you should ask that. Apparently, he’s dating Spencer’s ex-girlfriend.

You’re kidding. Although, good for her. Mmm … sexy brother sandwich …

Hey! Amber snapped her fingers in front of her friend’s face. Focus!

Sorry. Who’s the kid?

I have no idea. I can’t believe this.

Wonder who’s better in bed, Mallory mumbled.

Mal, cut it out, Amber scolded. Can you get your mind out of the gutter for two minutes?

Not with that picture on your screen.

Amber closed her laptop with a snap.

As if a switch had been flipped, Mallory’s eyes focused on Amber. So you think that’s what, or I should say who came between them?

Amber scowled. I’m not sure. I have to talk to Spencer.

Why do you care? Just last night you were saying that you never wanted to see him again and he could go to hell.

I just can’t ignore this. Spencer and Dylan used to be so close growing up. We all were. I have to find out what happened between them.

Mallory started to say something but stopped when Amber glared at her.

Amber showered, dressed, put on her makeup and then went to the kitchen for coffee. Mallory had apparently gone back to bed since her bedroom door was closed, and she was