For Better, For Worse

By Angela Flowers

For Better, For Worse (Silver Linings Book 5)

Nick Mitchell thought his life would get better after his father’s recent death but everything is falling apart instead. He’s losing control of his family and himself. Now, to make matters worse, just when his own demons threaten to overwhelm him, Carolyn comes back to town. They haven’t seen each other since he walked out on her and now fate has thrown them back together again. Nick still loves her but will it be enough? Can she accept him for who he is?

When Carolyn returns to Chicago, she finds herself thrust back into Nick Mitchell’s world and forced to face the reality of who he really is. He’s holding nothing back this time. When he confesses all of his deepest, darkest secrets, will she be able to look past them so they can have their happily ever after? Or will she be the one to abandon him this time?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Angela Flowers
• Release date: Dec 26, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463685556

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

Chapter 1

Rubbing the back of his neck, Nick tried not to bite his assistant’s head off as she babbled on about his upcoming schedule. Kylie was just doing her job, but her damn voice was like nails on a chalkboard lately.

Are you okay? Kylie asked suddenly.

I’m fine. I just have a headache.

Her lips thinned, fueling his irritation further.

What? he ground out.

You’ve had a headache almost every day this week. Last week, too.

She didn’t even know the half of what he’d been through the past several weeks. If she did then maybe she would just offer him some Tylenol and be done with it.

Yes, well, considering everything that’s happened lately, I think it’s justified.

May I be frank? she asked.

When wasn’t she? Her blunt honesty was one of the reasons she was still working for him after all these years. That and he trusted her immensely.

Without giving him time to respond, she continued, I think you should take a few days off.

I just got back three weeks ago, he snapped, causing her eyes to narrow in disapproval.

Other than the day of the funeral, you haven’t taken any time off since Matthew died. Regardless of your troubled relationship, everyone needs time to mourn the loss of a parent, Nick.

Yes, well, since Evan ran off to California to work out of our office there, I really don’t have the luxury of taking time off right now.

Not that he would take it if he did. The last thing he needed right now was to be idle. Evenings and weekends were bad enough. What he needed was to be here, where he could focus on work. It was all he had left.

As soon as they’d put their father’s body in the ground, his family had scattered. Evan had run off to California with his new woman, and Kyle and Rebecca had gone to Rebecca’s house in Arizona the following day. His mother had remained in town, but she still wasn’t speaking to him. Which was perfectly fine with him. The less interaction he had with her, the better.

Wiping a hand down his face, Nick sighed.

Speaking of Evan, Kylie said. Is he coming back with Lindsay next week?

After being gone for a month, Lindsay needed to get back to work. Her visit to California had been temporary although if Nick knew his brother, Evan was trying to talk her into moving there permanently.

I don’t know.

You haven’t talked to him?

Of course he hadn’t. His brother had run all the way across the country to get away from him. Thanks to that interfering woman of his, Evan believed Nick had manipulated him into shooting and killing their father. That having Evan kill Matthew had been Nick’s plan the whole time.

He said he needed time, so I’m giving him that, Nick explained to Kylie.

Well, at least one of you is taking time to grieve.

He wondered if Kylie would still be so concerned for their well-being if she knew the truth. Like the rest of the public, she believed Matthew Mitchell had been murdered by one of his enemies in a dark alley several weeks ago. Only Nick and a select few knew the real story: Matthew Mitchell had been shot and killed by his second-oldest son in the back room of a laundromat.

That hadn’t been the plan, of course, but Nick had lost control of the situation.

Sean Cisco was supposed to be the one to put that bullet in Matthew’s head, not Evan. Never Evan. Although Evan’s new girlfriend thought otherwise. He could only imagine what psychobabble garbage she was filling his brother’s head with now that she’d successfully stolen him away.

Gritting his teeth, Nick silently told himself he only had one more week and then that meddling bitch would be back in Chicago and he could finally gauge how much of a threat she was to his family.

Nick?

Surfacing from his thoughts, he realized the phone on his desk was beeping with a call from reception. He jabbed at the intercom button, snarling, Yes?

Mr. Mitchell, there is a woman by the name of Cynthia Anderson here asking to see you.

Every muscle in his body tensed. What the hell was she doing here?

Send her in.

Isn’t that Trevor’s grandmother? Kylie asked.

Straightening his tie, he replied, Yes, it is.

What do you think she wants?

I don’t know. Hold everything until further notice.

Nodding, she turned for the door, pausing to let an older woman enter first.

Mrs. Anderson, how are you? he asked, nodding at the chair in front of his desk. Please, sit.

Eyes wary, she sent him a weak smile as she took a seat. I apologize for just showing up like this, but quite frankly, I wasn’t sure you would take my call.

She was right; he might not have. Brushing off his irritation, he said, That’s okay. What can I do for you?

Hugging her purse to her chest, she swallowed. I would like to see my grandson.

He sat back in his seat and looked at her. That wasn’t part of the agreement.

Several years ago, during a custody battle over the woman’s grandson, Trevor Jackson, Nick had learned that her husband had sexually abused Trevor’s mother when she was just a girl. Nick had threatened to go to the police with the truth to get them to back down from their pursuit of gaining custody of the boy. In addition, he had paid the Andersons a hefty sum of money to get them to back down. That part he’d kept to himself because most people wouldn’t understand that in this world, money held more power than threats, especially with scumbags like Anderson.

There were additional stipulations attached, of course. One being that the Andersons didn’t try to contact Trevor until he was at least eighteen-years-old. Then Nick had had the man carefully watched to make sure he didn’t go after any more children. He made it clear that when that happened, the man would be taken out. Of course, Cynthia hadn’t been privy to that particular threat. No, that one had been whispered directly into her husband’s ear.

I-I know. Cynthia’s eyes began to water, and she hastily wiped at them. I’m sorry. I’m so emotional these days.

He silently waited while she gathered herself.

You see, Mr. Mitchell, I’m dying, and I would like to see my grandson before I go.

When he didn’t respond, she pulled an envelope from her purse and leaned forward to set it on the desk.

My patient file, she said. I figured you would want proof. I’ve also given my doctor permission to talk with you about my diagnosis. I don’t expect an immediate answer, just that you consider my request. I won’t waste any more of your time today. She stood. I will be in touch soon. Have a good day, Mr. Mitchell.

She almost made it to the door before he stopped her, saying, Mrs. Anderson?

Cindy, please.

Why should I consider letting you anywhere near that boy after what you let his mother go through?

A small sob escaped her, and she raised her fist to her mouth. After a few seconds, she cleared her throat and said, I’m hoping you might be able to find it in your heart to entertain an old lady’s dying wish to see her last living relative before she passes. I know you just lost your father, and I’m sure there are regrets about not getting to say goodbye yourself. That’s all I’m asking for. Please, let me see my grandson.

Nick’s first instinct was to tell her absolutely not, but he stopped himself. He’d made a promise, one he wanted to keep. So, instead of taking charge of this situation and telling this woman to get lost, he was going to take a step back and let Trevor’s guardian, Dylan Sexton, make this decision.

The words were difficult to say, but Nick said them. This isn’t my decision to make.

She nodded. I understand that. I’m just asking you to talk to his guardian on my behalf.

I hope you understand I can’t make any promises, he said.

She nodded again. All I’m asking is that you try.

Okay.

Thank you. Good day, Mr. Mitchell.

After she’d gone, he hunched over his desk and cradled his head in his hands as he muttered, Well, fuck.

Carolyn choked on a laugh as she watched Trevor spin in a circle and hit Jared in the shin with the plastic bat.

Hey! Jared yelped, bending over to grip his leg.

Sorry, Trevor said.

That’s quite a swing you’ve got there, Trev, Carolyn called out from the sidelines.

I’ll say, Jared grumbled.

Your brother is such a wimp sometimes, she said to Erin, who was sitting beside her watching the boys play wiffle ball.

Maybe if the pitcher could actually get the ball over the plate, Trevor could actually hit it! Eli called from the ‘outfield’.

Turning, Dylan flipped him the bird. Even though Trevor couldn’t see it, Erin still called out a warning to him, making him stick his tongue out at her.

Laughing, Carolyn, said, I need another drink. How about you?

I’m good, thanks.

She went inside to help herself to another beer from the fridge. On her way back out, she paused at the door to watch her friends laughing and playing. Her eyes watered as she thought about how close they’d come to losing Spencer and Amber a month ago. Thank god Nick had been there to intervene. Although he could have handled the situation a little better.

Hey, Care.

Startled, she whirled around. Spence, you scared the crap out of me!

Sorry.

But she could tell by his grin he really wasn’t.

Everyone’s out back, she said as he and Amber walked through the living room. Wiffle ball.

Whose idea was it to let Dylan pitch? Amber asked before opening the door and stepping outside. Hey, Sexton, she called out. Let someone who actually can get the ball over the plate show you how it’s done.

Carolyn and Spencer laughed as the door clicked shut. He turned to her, asking, Are you okay? Your eyes are a little red.

I was just thinking about you. She leaned over and hugged him.

His arms tightened around her as he said, It’s okay. I’m okay.

I know. Pulling back, she sighed. It just sneaks up on me sometimes. You’ve been through so much.

He nodded. But I’m still standing. His eyes dropped to the beer in her hand, and she stepped away from him.

I’m sorry, she said. I didn’t think.

Crossing the room, she dumped the beer down the sink. She should have been more sensitive because she knew he’d been struggling with his recovery recently.

Care, you didn’t have to do that, he said.

I know. She looped her arm through his and led him to the door. Let’s go rescue your brother from your fiancée.

Laughing, they went into the backyard together.

Hey, Erin said, getting up to hug him. Your girl is giving your brother a tough time.

That I don’t doubt for a second, he said. How’s he doing?

He’s dealing with it.

Carolyn’s heart twisted. The two brothers were on shaky ground again because Dylan had recently learned that Spencer had known Kyle Mitchell was responsible for driving their parents off the road the night they died.

As if he knew they were talking about him, Dylan looked over at them. His smile dimmed when he saw Spencer, but he nodded in greeting.

He’s still pissed at me, Spencer said. I can see it in his eyes.

Wouldn’t you be? Erin countered. Give him time.

It’s been a month, Erin.

Hearing the pain in his voice, Carolyn placed a hand on his shoulder. Hey. You guys have all been through a lot lately.

She’s right, Erin said. When he thought you were dead … Her voice caught, and she shook her head.

Spencer stepped forward and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. I’m sorry about that, too.

Eli came trotting up to them and asked, What’s going on?

Nothing, Erin said quickly.

Liar. Eli’s eyes shifted to Spencer. I think it’s time to get the burgers and dogs. Why don’t you help me, Spence?

The two of them disappeared inside, and Carolyn looked at Erin. Should I go supervise?

No, let them talk. Eli has a way with him.

Er, okay.

The others came over and Erin pulled Dylan away, leaving Carolyn alone with Amber and Jared. Trevor was still playing with the ball in the yard.

Why is it the second Spencer shows up, my sister gets upset? Jared asked, tightly.

It’s just a sibling squabble, Amber said. Nothing serious.

It still amazed Carolyn at how easily the lies rolled off the other woman’s tongue. She wouldn’t be surprised if Amber was still in touch with Nick. She claimed she wasn’t, but her ability to lie rivaled Nick’s, so Carolyn didn’t believe her.

You saw what I wanted you to see. It had been over a year now, and those words still haunted her. She still couldn’t believe she’d fallen so easily for his ruse. Recent events had shown he hadn’t changed much; he was still just as deceitful as ever.

Chapter 2

Nick stared at the paperwork in front of him and took another sip of scotch. There was no doubt about it, Cindy was dying. The file in front of him and a phone call to her oncologist both confirmed it. Now what?

He was half tempted to lie and tell her that Dylan had refused her request, but this wasn’t his decision to make. Was it? He could make the call and Dylan never had to know. No one did. Except he wasn’t sure he could trust Cindy not to go to Dylan on her own. She was dying and had nothing to lose now.

Goddammit, he muttered.

How did he always end up in these situations where he had no choice but to hurt someone? He’d promised to stay away from Dylan and his family, and had done a good job keeping his word until a few weeks ago.

Hell, after finding out the truth about Kyle having killed his parents, Dylan probably wouldn’t even answer the phone when he saw Nick’s number.

I appreciate you looking out for Spencer and Amber, but that doesn’t mean I’ve forgiven you for any of this. Stay away from us, Nick. I mean it.

Calling Amber wasn’t a good idea because that would be putting her in the middle. He didn’t want to put her in that position, especially when Spencer was already struggling with his sobriety and his relationship with his brother. Even though he was the one who chose to hide the truth from Dylan, Nick couldn’t help but feel responsible for that, too.

Shaking his head, he moved on to his next option. Erin. No, she had her hands full with trying to manage the fallout with Dylan after finding out Kyle had been the one to drive Dylan’s parents off the road that night. Nick knew the man well enough to know he was struggling with the news that Kyle was responsible for his parents’ death. Dylan already hated Kyle and it didn’t help that Spencer had known and hadn’t told him. Yes, Erin definitely had her hands full.

That left her.

He finished his drink and got up to get a refill. Returning to the sofa, he stared hard at his phone sitting on the table in front of him. Telling himself to stop being such a wimp, he reached for it but pulled back as if it had stung him.

What if she refused to answer?

Just make the damn call, he hissed at himself.

Matthew’s voice whispered through his mind, calling him weak. Would he never be rid of that man?

When he reached for the phone again, he saw the slight tremble of his hand and huffed out a laugh. This was absurd. He was Nick Mitchell, one of the most powerful men in this city, and he was acting like a schoolboy about to ask a girl to the prom.

A couple of months had passed since he’d seen Carolyn outside of Atlanta. She’d been wearing one of those cute little dresses she liked so much. It was a lighter shade of blue than he preferred for her because it wouldn’t bring out her eyes, but as much as he hated to admit it, she had looked good. Really good.

He shifted in his seat and took another sip of his drink. She’d been walking with the Grayson boy. Laughing with him. Were they together now?

The thought had him gripping his glass so tightly he was surprised it didn’t shatter. Draining it, he set it down beside the phone with an audible thunk and covered his face with his hands. Taking a deep breath, he stamped down the anger threatening to boil over.

Snatching up his phone, he clicked a couple of buttons to bring up that picture of her and the Grayson boy from the airport a month ago. They were standing too close for his liking.

Only she wasn’t his. Not anymore.

He’d told Evan she wasn’t cut out for their life. This life would destroy her. It was bad enough Matthew had already tarnished her reputation. She deserved someone like Erin’s brother or even — he cringed just thinking about it — Dylan’s friend Eli.

Nick saw the way the man looked at her. It was just another reason for him to find Eli annoying.

The screen on his phone had gone dark, so he tapped it with his thumb and her image filled the screen once more. Searching her face, he saw the worry in the downturn of her soft mouth and the small crease between her eyes.

Why had she come to the city to see Kyle anyway?

When he’d asked his brother, he’d been treated to Kyle’s signature noncommittal shrug and a clipped ‘she was checking on me’ response. Why on earth would she need to check on Kyle, of all people? Why risk returning to the city? Surely, she knew he would learn about her visit. Was that it? Was the visit some kind of message for him? A way to let him know she still thought about him? That she worried about him?

He couldn’t help the tiny spark of pleasure the thought brought him, and he instantly felt guilty about it. She deserved to be happy, not hanging on to impossible maybes.

He would say the same for himself, but lord knows he didn’t deserve happiness. Closing out the picture, he pressed a button to put a call through to the elite escort service he’d been using more frequently as of late.

Carolyn awoke with a start, the remnants of the dream still flashing vividly through her mind. Chest heaving, she pushed her hair back from her face with trembling hands. It had been months since she’d dreamed about Nick.

Holy crap, what a dream. She could still feel the warmth of his lips on her skin, the pressure of his fingers on her hips, the scrape of his teeth along her neck. Eyes stinging, she covered her face with her hands as the sadness swamped her.

It never failed, just when she thought she was finally over him, he’d reappear in her dreams, scraping the scab over her heart right off and leaving it raw and bleeding once again. How long would it be before that wound would finally heal?

She blamed it on being back home. When she was in Atlanta, she rarely thought of him, but there were so many memories of him here, especially in this bed. That’s why she often found herself sleeping on the sofa downstairs and lying to her mom about falling asleep watching television.

What was wrong with her? Nick had done so many bad things and repeatedly hurt her friends over and over again. She should be repulsed by him, but she wasn’t. What kind of person did that make her?

He didn’t lie in bed at night thinking about her. That was quite clear by all the pictures she’d seen of him with numerous women at various functions. Part of her knew he used escort services for his business functions, but it was the non-business ones that drove the point home. The pictures of him with women outside his apartment especially.

Just thinking about them made her heart ache.

Then there were the constant trips. She knew he traveled a lot for business, but this past year the pictures of him at the airport had nearly tripled. Where was he going? Who was he seeing when he was gone?

He hadn’t even shown up when she’d gone to Chicago to visit Kyle. When she’d gotten that text asking her to go there, she’d expected him to show up, or at least contact her afterward, but he hadn’t. Knowing Nick, her visit was some sort of message to someone. She wasn’t sure who exactly, but she’d clearly been nothing more than some sort of pawn in whatever game he was playing. Like the loser she was, she’d fallen for his manipulation. Again.

You saw what I wanted you to see.

Forcing thoughts of Nick from her mind, she got out of bed, showered, and dressed. As much as she wanted to stay in bed and wallow, she had plans to meet Bethany and Erin for lunch in a few hours. If she didn’t show up, they would just show up at her door, so she would put on her happy face and pretend her heart wasn’t bleeding Nick-stained tears. It was a routine she’d grown used to after all this time.

She did, however, indulge in a quick cry in the shower. Hell, she was only human.

Both of her friends were already at Upton’s when she got there. Taking a deep breath, she straightened her shoulders, raised her chin, and smiled as she made her way to the booth.

Hey, Beth said as she nodded at the glass of white wine. We ordered you a drink.

Thanks. She slid into the booth, avoiding eye contact at first. When she did look up, she found Erin watching her closely. Forcing a smile, she asked, Everything okay?

I was about to ask you that, Erin answered.

Feigning confusion, she frowned. Why wouldn’t it be? Not giving Erin a chance to answer, she looked at Beth. How was the visit with your dad?

Rolling her eyes, Bethany said, "Fine. My step-brother is so annoying though. He did nothing but complain about school all through dinner. He acts as if no one else has ever gone to college. And he brought his girlfriend."

Beth made air quotes when saying the word girlfriend because her brother had a new girlfriend almost every week. As she continued to tell them about her visit home, Carolyn was careful to play the part of an attentive friend even though she really couldn’t care less about Beth’s family drama. She found it trivial and repetitive, but she didn’t want to be a bad friend. Plus, she could feel Erin watching her as if she knew there was something going on with her. How did she always seem to know?

The waitress appeared with their bills just as Carolyn’s phone beeped with a text message. Glancing at her bill, Carolyn absentmindedly opened up her messages without looking at the screen. When she did, she sucked in a breath, immediately drawing her friends’ attention.

Nick was texting her from his regular number this time, probably because there was no need for secrecy now that Matthew was gone.

What is it? Erin asked.

Oh, um, nothing, she said quickly. Just an inappropriate text sent to the wrong number.

Beth rolled her eyes. I hate when that happens. It’s so awkward. You don’t want to respond, but feel like you should so the person knows they sent it to the wrong person.

They paid their bills and left the restaurant together. Once outside, they said their goodbyes and parted. Carolyn waited until she rounded the corner and was out of sight before she took out her phone again. Heart pounding, she stared at the open message saying he needed to see her. See, not talk. Did that mean he was in town?

She looked around her. Feeling stupid, she shook her head. He wouldn’t just show up here unexpectedly like that. Not after everything that had happened. Dylan was still pissed at Nick for letting him believe Spencer was dead. Erin, too.

She swallowed. But wouldn’t that be just like him though? He lived by his own rules.

Well, she wasn’t going to jump just because he said so. Not this time.

She started to tuck her phone away but paused when it went off again. Telling herself to ignore it, she shoved it in her purse and took two steps before it went off again. Sighing, she stopped and yanked the infuriating device out.

Nick: Come to MI.

Nick: Please. It’s important.

Wasn’t it always with him? Biting her lip, she contemplated what she should do. What she should do was ignore him. The only problem with that was he didn’t like for his requests to be ignored and he would probably show up at her house. That was not a good idea. It was better to meet him at his office, where there were other people around.

That’s him isn’t it?

Nearly dropping her phone, Carolyn said, Jesus, Erin, you scared the crap out of me!

Where had she come from?

Those texts are from Nick, aren’t they? Erin asked.

Knowing she was caught, Carolyn nodded.

Erin cursed under breath before asking, What does he want?

He wants me to go to his office. He says it’s important.

Go.

Her eyes rounded in surprise. What?

See what he wants, then send him on his way, Care. Tell him he’s not welcome here.

What if it’s important like he said?

Come on, Care. You and I both know this is just some attempt to try to worm his way back into our lives.

But he’s stayed away this long. Well, except for a few weeks ago, but you guys kind of asked for it going to Chicago.

Hearing her own words, she gasped. I-I’m sorry. That’s not what I meant.

I know what you meant, Erin snapped, rubbing above her eyes. Please, Care, send him away.

I …

"Please."

Seeing the desperation in her friend’s eyes, Carolyn nodded.

Thank you, Erin said, her shoulders sagging in relief.

With that, Erin turned and walked off in the opposite direction of Mitchell Investments.

Swallowing nervously, Carolyn smoothed her hair and forced herself to put one foot in front of the other until she arrived in front of the building. Her lunch weighed heavily in her stomach, making her wish she’d had something lighter. A salad maybe. She also wished she’d had more than a single glass of wine because she could use the extra courage right now.

Was she really going to do this?

Her head began to spin, making her realize she was holding her breath. How long had she been standing here staring at this stupid building?

Here goes nothing, she muttered as she reached for the door.

Chapter 3

Feeling her presence, Nick tensed seconds before the knock sounded on his door. He’d told Tabitha to send Carolyn right back when she arrived.

Come in, he said calmly, finishing the sentence he was writing before looking up.

When their gazes met, his cock jerked to attention. Jesus, she looked even better than he remembered, even though she was dressed in simple jeans — thank god, not a dress — and a t-shirt.

When did you get to town? she asked.

Early this morning.

She hovered near the door as if she were frightened to get too close to him. That was good.

I would say I’m sorry about your father, but …

It was inappropriate, but he laughed anyway. I would say thank you, but …

She smiled and his cock twitched again.

Dammit.

Clearing his throat, he said, Please, sit. I’m sure you’re wondering why I asked you to come.

Her cheeks colored, and he realized what he’d said. Fuck. He needed to get this over with and get her out of his office as quickly as possible.

She slowly came into the room, stopping beside the chair in front of his desk. He could feel the apprehension rolling off of her. Telling himself that was a good thing, he watched her perch on the edge of the chair. She kept her arms drawn tightly to her side and her hands clasped together in her lap.

What is it? she asked coldly. What do you need?

You.

The word almost slipped out of his mouth but he bit his tongue to prevent it. Instead, he asked, What makes you think I need something?

Come on, Nick, just get to the point. I don’t have time for your games.

The anger in her voice made his heart stumble. Reminding himself again that this was exactly what he’d wanted, he licked his lips. She tried to play it off by clearing her throat but it was too late. Not only had he heard the soft gasp, but he’d seen her eyes drop to his mouth before jerking away.

Shifting in his chair, he dropped his gaze to the manila envelope on his desk. It was time to get to the reason for this torture.

I have a favor to ask of you, he said.

Her eyes snapped back to his and her brows jumped on her forehead. A favor? Are you serious?

It concerns Trevor.

The fight in her eyes quickly turned to fear. What is it?

He quickly explained the situation, ending with asking her to speak with Dylan on his behalf.

Are you crazy? First of all, how can you possibly consider letting that woman near Trevor after she was more than willing to give him to that monster?

He’d expected this reaction; after all, he’d had the same.

Her husband was abusive to her, he said.

She stiffened. Was?

He died several months ago. Heart attack.

Her lips thinned, and he could see the silent question in her eyes. They weren’t going there, at least not today.

Full disclosure, he said, "I considered telling her no and