my everything - seth & amber

8/13/2019 My Everything - Seth & Amber

1/226


2/226

My Everythingby

Melanie Shawn


3/226

Cover Design by Hot Damn Designs

Published by Red Hot Reads Publishing at Smashwords

Copyright 2013 Melanie Shawn

ll rights reserved. This copy is intended for the original purchaser of this book. No part of this

used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without permission in writing from Melanie Sh

Exceptions are limited to reviewers who may use brief quotations in connection with reviews.

art of this book can be transmitted, scanned, reproduced, or distributed in any written or electrform without written permission from Melanie Shawn.

This book is a work of fiction. Places, names, characters and events are either products of th

authors imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locations, or perso

living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.


4/226

able of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter SixChapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter ThirteenChapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-one

Chapter Twenty-two

Chapter Twenty-three

Chapter Twenty-four

Chapter Twenty-five

Chapter Twenty-six

Chapter Twenty-seven

Chapter Twenty-eight

Sneak Peek: Friction

Excerpt: My First

Excerpt: Sweet Reunion

Other Titles by Melanie Shawn

About the Author


5/226

Chapter One

Ambers heart races as she walks down the long hallway, passing door after door. She

p staring at his strong back as he stalks in front of her. He moves with an easy grace. His long

ry him forward with a powerful stride.

Finally, he stops. Pulls out a keycard and slides it into the lock with a loud click. The light

en.

This is it. Decision time. Is she going to do this or not?

He opens the door, moving to the side to allow her to walk in. His deep compelling eyes

rs and a shiver runs from the tip of her head to the bottom of her feet. Her legs feel unsteady a

ees weaken from just his stare. Decision made.

Inside, a surreal orange glow fills the room. She realizes it's coming from a florescent lig

adjacent building's neon sign. Good, she thinks. It's best if this seems as unreal as possible. H

ack hair shines from the golden illumination beaming through the window. He takes off his j

d hangs it on the desk chair, causing his button up white shirt to pull taut against his strong, mu

ck.

Do you want a drink? At the sound of his deep, sexy voice, the tiny hairs at the nape o

ck stand up.

No. She reaches down, rolling her delicate gold bracelet around her wrist. She can fee

se rapidly beating as her thumb brushes the soft skin below her palm.

Do you want to sit? He motions smoothly to the small maroon couch that lines the wall bking sized bed.

No. Amber stares directly into his piercing blue eyes.

Do you want to talk? His question sounds more like a challenge than an inquiry.

Amber shakes her head slowly back and forth, her long dark hair softly brushing her shou

o.

She stares, captivated by his tall, athletic form. He stands a few feet away from her,

anted shoulder width apart, hands hanging loosely by his sides. His eyes never leave hers, ay down to her low-cut neckline or further, to the rest of her tight black dress.

What do you want? he finally asks, breaking the electrified silence.

I want one night, Amber replies with a shaky breath. One night where I can forget. One

here I dont have to think. One night where I dont have to take care of anyone. One night wh

nt have to make any decisions. I want one night where all I have to do is feel.

He doesnt immediately respond to her request. Instead, with seemingly none of the sen

gency or intensity that is flooding her entirely, he reaches up and slowly loosens his red tie. T


6/226

er unbuttoning the top two buttons of his crisp white shirt, he removes his cuff links and rol

ch sleeve twice, his gaze never leaving hers.

If it were up to Amber, her cocktail dress would already be on the floor and they would bo

bed. Naked. If she decides she wants something, she takes it. And she definitely wants him.

But somehow, his deliberately easy pace is a turn-on. He has an air of authority an

pearance of someone who is to be instantly obeyed. He seems completelycontained.

How much have you had to drink? he asks flatly, his tone indicating that he is not to b

That rum and coke was my first, and I didnt even finish it, she answers honestly as all o

rve endings begin to tingle with anticipation.

Taking two wide steps, he crosses the room, effectively closing the distance between the

hat feels like a millisecond. He is standing in front of her, his broad, wide chest even wit

ngry eyes. His scent, a combination of soap and earthiness, surrounds her and causes a flutteri

r belly. She lifts her chin as her eyes scan up to meet his.Whats your name? he asks. His gravelly voice sends an aching need through her that b

sing between her legs.

She doesnt hesitate.

Im done talking. She reaches up and winds her arms around his neck as she lifts on her

press her lips to his.

She softly kisses him for just a moment before he engages. Taking over, his firm lips d

ve any question of who is in control. She feels the roughened pads of his fingertips graze the

her neck as his large hand wraps firmly at the base of her scalp, tilting her head even furthe

ving his mouth complete and total access to hers.

A soft whimper of need escapes her lips as they part. His tongue sweeps inside, meeting h

ensual caress. He claims her, owns her, with his passionate kiss.

His hand possessively grips her hip as his other continues to hold her head in place, ex

here he wants it. His dominance creates a fierce desire that quickly spreads through her b

nsuming her like a wild fire. Her hands move down his shoulders. She feels his muscles r

neath her touch, sending a tremor through her arm and down her spine.

He tears his mouth from hers as he quickly pulls her dress over her head. Then grabbin

ck of her thighs he lifts her up, pressing her back against the wall. She feels his erection pre

mly against her silk covered mound.

Is this what you want? he growls as he rocks his hips into hers.

A jolt of pleasure shoots through her core at the intimate contact. Her panties, already d

now soaking wet with arousal.


7/226

Yes, her voice is barely audible above the loud siren.

She tries to ignore the noise. She reaches to kiss him again but she cant. The siren is gro

uder and louder. She closes her eyes and tries to just feel. She wants nothing more in this mo

n to lose herself in animal sensation. She bucks her hips towards him, searching, desperate

ed - but feels nothing.

She opens her eyes again and is greeted with nothing more than the sight of a plain

ling.What the hell? She closes her eyes, willing herself back into the erotic escape, and then o

m once more.

White ceiling.

Damn.

Amber shook her head to clear it, and then turned to look at her alarm clock, sitting o

ghtstand, blaring its unwelcome song.

All of her senses returned to her at once. She realized she was not in DC, back in that

om, at all. She was lying in her bed, at home in Harpers Crossing. And that wasn't a siren

ard just moments ago. It was the shrill cry of her alarm clock, jerking her unwilling consciou

ck to reality. She reached to turn it off as disappointment flooded her. Exhibiting what

nsidered) admirable restraint, she refrained from throwing it at the wall across the room.

Why do I always have to wake up before the good part? she grumbled under her breath.

Then she noticed the time.

Damn!

She picked up the phone and quickly scrolled through her contacts. Before she was able to

correct one the phone began vibrating in her hand as Haleys picture appeared.

Amber pressed the answer icon, Hey

Where are you? Haley interrupted.

Still in bed. I overslept. But I will be there in fifteen.

No, dont rush, its fine. Sophie stopped by to invite us to a party and stayed to help out. I

led because I was worried about you.

Were that busy? Amber didnt think her small boutique shop could possibly be so slam

t Haley wouldnt be able to handle it on her own, especially since they open at ten and it was

-fifteen.

Um...its the fifteenth, Haleys voice sounded confused. Are you okay?

Damn, how had she forgotten the date? On the fifteenth of every month, Amber opened B

r clothing store, an hour early and invited the women that were staying at HCWS (Har


8/226

ossing Womens Shelter) to come and use their gift cards.

Each month, Amber donated gift cards to the shelter, and the women staying there could ea

ds by participating in programs. The shelter offered everything from counseling to self-de

sses. The morning of the fifteenth was Amber's favorite time of the entire month! Some

ppened to a woman who was trying to get her life together when she slipped on a beautiful s

fice dress and looked at herself in the mirror. It was like she suddenly saw herself as the st

pable woman that all of the HCWS counselors had been trying to convince her that she was. Ie the belief in her own abilities magically entered into her consciousness as the fabric slipped

r body.

Amber had seen the transformation happen a hundred times, and would never tire of it i

w it a thousand more.

Dang, girl, she chastised herself get it together!

Her phone buzzed from another incoming call.

Hold on, Hales, Amber said as she checked to see who the call was from.She sighed. Of course! Why was she even surprised? It was that kind of morning.

She put the phone back to her ear to wrap up with Haley. Ive got to take this call, H

nt worry, though, Im fine. Ill see you in a few.

Amber disconnected Haleys call and took a deep breath before answering the other

essed the button and moved the phone back to her ear.

Hi, Mom, Amber tried to sound as upbeat as possible.

Hey, Sweetie, her mother slurred.

Amber felt her entire body tense as she carefully controlled her tone. Mom, where are you

Um, well, I can see the road but cant see the sign, she giggled. Hey handsome, do you k

here we are?

Yeah, a shitty motel. Can she give us the money or what? Amber heard a mans gruff voi

background.

Hold on! I havent asked her yet, Bubba, her mother whispered loudly.

You can tell Bubba she said no, Amber said flatly, not wanting to draw this conversatio

y longer than necessary.

What? her mother asked, her voice shaking.

No, Mom, I am not giving you any money. I will come pick you up and take you ba

rizons, but thats it.

No, no, no, you dont have to do that, she hiccupped. Just send me the money and Ill t

s back.

No, Mom, Im serious. Im not sending you any more money. Amber felt like her head


9/226

ng squeezed by a vice and her fingers began to tingle. She knew those were signs that her b

essure was shooting up. She needed to calm down.

You know what? her mother screamed through the phone before bursting into tears, A

uld have helped me! He would have never said no to his mother! He loved me! Why do you

be such a bitch?

Goodbye, Mom. Ambers hands shook as she set her phone on her nightstand.

She blinked several times from the tears that were stinging her eyes. She glanced over amed photo that sat beside her alarm clock. It held a picture of her and Aaron taken right befor

t tour in Afghanistan. They stood in front of a chain link fence, both squinting from the bri

ning sun. Aarons arm was draped loosely around her shoulders as she hugged his waist. H

iles spread across their faces as they looked up at whoever they had asked to take the picture.

God, she missed her brother so much. It had been eight years since he was killed in the li

ty. She had thought that it would get easier with time. She had known she would never forge

other or stop being sad. But, man. She really hadnt imagined that, this many years later, she w

l feel the same level of stabbing pain in her chest which she had felt when she had learned th

d been killed, every single time she thought about him.

She knew she didnt have time to deal with it now, though. She picked up her phone once a

After two rings, a womans voice came on the line. Horizons, this is Sherry.

Hi, Sherry, this is Amber Webb. My mother, Susan Webb, is a patient at Horizons. I

eived a concerning phone call from her, leading me to believe she is no longer under your

n you tell me when she left there and why I wasnt contacted?

Amber could hear the clicking sounds of a keyboard before Sherrys voice came back o

e, It looks like she voluntarily checked-in, which means she can check-out at any time. U

se circumstances we are not required to notify anyone of a patients status.

Can you just tell me when she left? Amber had no idea if her mom was on a two day or

ek bender, at least this would narrow it down.

Im sorry, I cant. Its against policy.

Okay, thank you.

Amber knew, logically, that it wasnt Sherrys fault that she couldnt give her the inform

e needed. Sherry was just doing her job. But that didnt change the fact that right now, Amber d

e Sherry very much. Nope, not at all.

--- ~ ---


10/226

Holy shit! Is that your bike? Cameron asked loudly, still looking through the window as

lked into the small office.

Yep. Seth watched his oldest friend's face light up as he held the blinds open, staring ou

th a look of wonder on his face.

She is a beauty. Can I take her out? Cameron asked, dropping the blinds and turning tow

m.

No, Seth immediately replied.Cameron shook his head, a slow smile spreading across his face, Damn, you look good.

ways were a pretty S.O.B. Looks like you just got better with age. Like a fine wine, my man.

you have, a twelve pack under there? Cameron slapped at Seths abs, then, patting his own gu

ded with a wink, I may have lost my girlish figure, but the ladies still love them some Cam.

Good to know. Seth felt a smile tug at his lips.

He and Cameron had always been polar opposites, which was probably the reason they

avitated toward each other in grade school. Together, they had ruled the school. Hell, as teen

y had pretty much dominated the entire town - maybe even the county.

Cameron stepped up and pulled Seth into a hug, Still a man of few words. Glad to see

ngs never change. I missed you, man.

You too, Seth said as he patted his friend on the back.

Cameron moved to sit behind his small desk, pushing his chair back to make room fo

nificant gut. So, what are your plans now that Uncle Sam no longer wants your damaged ass?

Seth sighed as he took a seat in one of the two folding chairs that sat opposite the desk.

aded to Jasons.

Katie, his brother Jasons wife, wanted to throw him a welcome home party. He had al

ed Katie and was glad his little brother had finally ended up with her, so he had agreed to it

snt a big fan of crowds and didnt particularly enjoy parties, but he figured, what the hell - g

awkward conversations out of the way in one fell swoop.

He knew people would be interested in the fact that he was back in town. Since he had le

sic training fifteen years ago, he hadnt spent more than a couple of days at a time back in Har

ossing, and he had only done that a handful of times. But now, he was home.

So much had changed over the time he had been away. He never expected to be back here

eemed that life tended to throw him curve balls.

When he had left, his brothers were young. Riley was sixteen, Jason was fourteen, Alex

elve and Bobby was ten. Now Bobby, Riley and Jason were all married and Alex was eng

ll, Riley even had a baby on the way. In his absence, his dad Bob had suffered two heart at


11/226

d had retired, handing the reins of Sloan Construction over to Seth's little brother Jason.

That wasn't all that had changed. Seth had changed. Even if he had come back to find Ha

ossing exactly the same as it had been when he left, he didn't know if he would have been a

perience his quaint, small hometown in the same pure way as he had when he'd left.

Seth knew it was a clich to say that 'war changes a man' but, damn it, clichs got

chs because they were true. Seth had come back from overseas completely fucked up, an

dn't even know what the full extent of the damage might be. Oh, not just his shoulder. That wasd resulted in his discharge, but it was a mere flesh wound compared to the real scars he c

ound. Those were mental and spiritual.

He thought that if he were only dealing with the PTSD, he could handle that. You could

ink for that. There was a list of symptoms for PTSD. They could diagnose you. They could

u.

How do you treat someone who simply has a blackness at the core of their soul because th

n too much and, not only seen, but donetoo much - horrific shit? There's no name for that. Itisease. You're just broken.

I didnt mean what were your plans today, dumb ass. I meant long term, Cameron clarifie

After the first of the year Fisher wants me to come in and talk to him. A shooting pain sta

ths shoulder. He rolled it to try to get some relief. He still had some discomfort from the entry

t it was better than it had been.

Seth never thought in a million years that he would be in this position - at loose ends, no

had taken for granted the fact that he would always be a Marine. Apparently that wasn't i

ds. After his last injury had caused nerve damage, he had been offered the choice of me

charge or reassignment. Seth had been a member of the elite Marine Corp Force Reconnaiss

Force Recon. It was more than a job, it was who he was. To him, reassignment was not an op

th knew that he would never be able to handle having a desk job.

Carl Fisher, Harper's Crossing's Police Chief, was a family friend who had known Seth

life. When Carl had heard that Seth was coming home, he had immediately contacted him

ning the force. Hell, Seth didnt know if becoming one of the boys in blue was somethin

nted to do, but he figured there was no harm in hearing Fisher out.

Well, if youre anything like you used to be, I know you'll be bored as hell if youre

nging out until then. Cam smiled and clapped his hands together, So I have a proposal for you

No I wont sleep with you, even for a million dollars, Seth said flatly.

Cams eyes widened, Dude, Demi Moore is so hot in that movie! Remember when we b

kets for the Sandlot but snuck into Indecent Proposal instead?


12/226

I remember you almost got us caught and kicked out because you kept talking to the screen

Ah, those were good times. Cam tilted his head, smiling at the memory. But Im not off

u a million dollars for one night. Dont get me wrong, I would if I had it. Youre way hotter

mi, Cam joked. Look, seriously, I could really use some help around here. Were slammed

l, I know that installing security systems is way below your pay grade...but I could really u

ra hand. One that I trust.

Seth was proud of his friend. Since Cam had taken over Titan Security from his father, ht his degree in marketing to good use and had grown the business by over four hundred perc

e years. Seth thought that, even though installing security systems did not sound like the

citing job in the world, it would only be for a couple of months. Besides, he could never reall

to Cam.

He smirked to himself. Since that was the case, maybe it was a good thing Cam had decid

go the (extremely) indecent proposition.

Alright, Seth agreed.

Cam raised his eyebrow, Thats it. You dont want to know the hours, the pay?

Seth shrugged and smiled a barely-perceptible grin, Since we already established tha

llion bucks is off the table, I'm bound to walk away disappointed, he joked dryly, and

ntinued, Im sure we can work something out.

Sweet! Cam and Seth together again. Its going to be just like old times, Cameron

citedly.

Seth shook his head, grinning at his friends enthusiasm. Just like old times. He seriously h

t.


13/226

Chapter Two

Amber sat in Jason and Katies front room and yawned for about the fifth time in so

nutes. She couldnt help it. It had been a long day, starting with her dreaming about him, the

one call from her mom, and finally being late for work. She felt like her entire day had been

aying catch-up. She was spent.

If this was any normal, run-of-the-mill get-together, she would probably bow out early

ch some zzzs. In fact, she probably would have just made her excuses rather than showing

first place. Tonight was not, however, just your average shindig. Tonight, her curiosity trum

r exhaustion. The mysterious Seth Sloan was coming home.

She had known the Sloan family for almost a decade now. She had briefly dated Jason ba

day. Nothing serious, they had had zero chemistry. This non-event had happened several

fore he was reunited with the girl he had been in love with for his entire life (and who was no

fe, not to mention, was also now one of Amber's best friends), Katie. She and Jason had rem

ends after their failed dates and she had gotten to know his brothers Bobby, then Alex, and

ently Riley, pretty well.

Amber had heard a few stories of the legendary Seth Sloan but she had yet to see a pictu

m. From all accounts, he didnt say much, and had been pretty rebellious as a teen. As an adul

ew that he was part of a specialized, cream of the crop unit in the Marines. Other than tha

dnt heard a lot about him. Heck, none of his family had even seen him in the last six years!

She felt another yawn creep up on her. Man, she thought, maybe she should just go aheadad home, Seth Sloan reveal or no.

Oooh! You look tired! Does this mean that you and Brad hit it off last night?

Amber looked up to see Katies Aunt Wendy staring down at her hopefully. Amber l

endy, as much for her insanely wild fashion sense as for her big heart.

No, we did not, Amber said wryly. I think Im officially done being set up. I think w

nsider Brad the straw that broke the blind-date camel's back. Amber did not honestly think

uld sit through another awful date, set up by one of her friends or customers who swore thauld just loooooove this one. She grimaced.

Why? What happened? Wendy sat down beside her.

Nothing horrible. Brads fine if you like emotionally unavailable mamas boys.

Oh, no! He seemed so nice when I took that Karate lesson from him, Wendy

appointed.

He is nice,Wendy, Amber tried to explain, hes just not

Hes just not Mystery Man, Haley said, sitting down to join them.


14/226

Whos Mystery Man? Wendys expression brightened at this new development.

No one, Amber stated firmly, glaring at Haley. She was not about to go into her one

nd with Katies Aunt. That was not going to happen.

Haley clasped her hands in front of her chest dramatically and swooned, He is the man

mber judges every other man against, and none of them even come close to stacking up. Wh

hy none of her dates even have a chance. Haley lifted her glass of punch and took a drink. A

ndered what was in the punch, and thought that it just might not be Haley's first glass oening.

Thanks, Hales, Amber said dryly. She couldnt believe her friend-slash-employee

owing up the spot on her like this.

Its true, Amber! Haley insisted, Im only saying this because I want whats best for you

u need to face the fact that Mystery Man is gone. I met Brad. He seemed nice. You should give

other shot.

Who is Mystery Man? Wendy asked again, a little louder this time.

Oh, are we talking about Mystery Man? I love that story! Its so romantic! Katie sat

side Haley on the couch.

We're not, actually, Amber snapped, her voice sounding harsher than she had intended.

They all looked a little shocked by her tone. Amber realized she was probably just

nky. If they wanted to talk about the man that still haunted her dreams she figured she shouldn

poilsport. She knew Katie was probably dying to relay the events of the fateful night, and sinc

d never told anyone the more personal details, she thought it would be harmless.

Oh, alright, go ahead, she conceded, nodding at Katie.

Katie's eyes danced with excitement. "Okay, stop me if I get anything wrong, Katie started

Says the lawyer, Amber intoned dryly.

Katie swatted her, laughing, Oh, please! I could have the facts of the case down pat, bu

uld involve me deposing you. Is that what you want?

Amber shook her head, smiling, Too true. Please continue.

Katie turned to her aunt and lowered her voice (which Amber appreciated) to relay the

Well! Amber was in DC to receive a purple heart for Aaron.

Amber felt Wendy pat her leg, giving her silent support.

So shed obviously had a long day, Katie continued. She went down to the bar and thi

s down next to her. Before Amber even looks at him, he has her heart racing. He orders a drin

s this insanely sexy voice and Amber - our Amber - is too shy to even look at him! Then this

y sits on down and starts being a jerk. Amber gets up to leave and the jerk grabs her.


15/226

I hope you punched his lights out, Wendy interjected.

Amber shook her head. No, but I kneed him in the balls.

Thats my girl! Wendy said proudly.

Yes, but he didnt let go of her and he called her a b-i-t-c-h, Katie spelled out. The

ng Amber knows, sexy-voice-guy has the jerk down on his knees and he makes the guy apolog

mber.

Good man, Wendy nodded in approval.Right?! Seriously! Katies arms flew up. Then Amber starts crying

I teared up slightly, Amber clarified.

Whatever, Katie waved her hand in dismissal, She gets upset, and sexy-voice-guy get

t of there, saving her not once but twice. Katie held up two fingers for emphasis.

Then what? Wendy asked breathlessly.

Katies eyes flew to Ambers. Yeah, Amber cringed, this is why she didnt want to get into

Well, they spent some time together, Katie said diplomatically.

Oooo La La, Wendy chuckled, waggling her eyebrows, letting an embarrassed Amber k

t Katie's attempt at diplomacy had been in vain. So did you see him again? To spend a little

me together?

Amber dropped her face into her hands, but she heard Katie continue, Nope. Ambe

thout ever even finding out his name.

How sad. He seemed like one of the good ones, Wendy sighed.

You dont know the half of it, Amber thought.

Well, hes no Jason, Katie said, beaming with love for her husband.

Or Riley! Chelle, who was Riley Sloans very pregnant wife, interjected as she s

ley's other side on the couch.

You dont even know what were talking about, Haley pointed out.

I know, but it doesnt matter. There is only one Riley, Chelle said dreamily, looking like

those cartoon princesses that had birds and hearts floating around their angelic countenances.

She also looked like she was about to give birth any second.

How much longer do you have? Amber asked, relieved to move on to a new topic.

Nine days. Chelles shoulders slumped, I dont know if I can wait that long. I just wan

t. Partly because I am so tired of being this huge, but mainly because I just want to meet her.

Have you guys decided on a name? Haley asked.

Well, Riley wanted to name her Rachelle after me, but I finally convinced him thats c

rls dont get named after their moms like boys do after their dads. So, after much debat


16/226

cided on Mya. Chelle rubbed her belly, Our little Mya papaya.

Thats cute, Haley smiled.

I love it! Katie said as she hugged her friend.

When are you and Jason gonna get one of these? Chelle asked, patting her stomach.

We are just enjoying each other right now. There will be plenty of time for babies la

tie explained, her tone indicating that Chelle was not the first person to bring up the b

estion.I know, but I want our babies to be best friends, Chelle grinned.

Theyll be cousins, thats close enough, Katie countered firmly.

Yeah, I guess, Chelle sighed, unconvinced.

Amber heard a motorcycle rumble up the driveway. Katie stood, looking out the p

ndow that was behind Ambers head, her face lighting up with excitement.

Hes here! Katie yelled to all of the Sloan friends and family who had gathered in the kit

ey all filed out as Katie headed over to open the door to the garage, which was where aothers were playing pool.

Amber stood and turned, trying to catch a glimpse of the enigmatic Seth as he made his wa

front walkway, but all she saw was a motorcycle parked next to Jasons black truck. Hmm

ught to herself, he must have gone in through the garage.

She waited and, for some reason, she was a little nervous. That's weird, she thought, must

built-up anticipation of finally meeting this near-mythical person. Whatever it was, though, i

using her heart to beat faster and her palms to sweat.

Low, mumbling voices came through the door before Katie flung it open...and then she hea

e voice. The voice that had haunted her dreams. The voice of her Mystery Man.

And it was headed her way.

Oh. No. Oh, God. She had to get out of here. She couldnt see him like this, in front of all

ople. She looked down at what she was wearing, taking a quick inventory. Long-sleeved gree

ouse, dark jeans, brown boots. Nope, that wouldnt work.

She felt like she was going to pass out. She looked around at her escape options. She

ybe make it to the front door, but her purse was on the kitchen table. Her eyes darted back and

m the door that led to her freedom to the kitchen, which held (literally) the keys to her freedom

She needed a plan.

Hold on. Maybe it wasnt him! Maybe this was just a figment of her exhausted imagin

at had to be it. After the day she had had, her overtired brain was playing tricks on her. What i

me of God were the odds that Seth Sloan was actually her Mystery Man? One in a million? O

illion? One in a trillion? I mean...it was impossible.


17/226

Right?

Its good to see you, too, the voice rumbled, sounding like it was just outside the door le

o the house.

She was instantly covered in goose bumps and her sex began throbbing. Okay, so her

finitely thought it was him...but that could still just be her ears and her mind playing mean-hor

ful tricks on her.

Then she saw him. He stepped into the house as he turned to hug Katie.Good news? Her ears, body, and mind had not decided to betray her after all. Her sanity

guably) intact.

Bad news? She was going to throw up.

She froze. She couldnt move. She couldnt breathe. She couldnt tear her eyes away from

ong profile. She felt her cheeks flush at the sight of his mouth. Oh boy, that mouth.

Thankfully everyone was crowding around him and no one was paying any attention to he

dnt even looked her way.

Then a thought occurred to her. Yes, she remembered the night they spent together becau

d been the best night of her life. However, that didnt mean that he had ever given it a se

ught. There was a very good chance he didnt remember her at all.

Mystery Man (aka Seth, she now knew) turned towards her to bend down and give Che

g. Seeing his face again, full on, made her heart feel like it was going to explode in her chest

es briefly met hers and she felt a jolt of awareness shoot through her. He, on the other hand, se

mpletely unaffected. His eyes moved away as quickly as they landed on her.

She started to breathe again. Okay, crisis averted. She swallowed hard. That was close

ught.

Then she began to feel an annoying, niggling disappointment at the fact that he didnt reco

r begin to build in the back of her mind and heart, but she quickly shut that down. It was bette

y. It was better all around.

Amber decided that she would quietly go grab her purse and head out the back door, aroun

use, to the front, and finally to her car. As she started towards the kitchen she felt her head tur

if of its own accord. She just had to take one more look at him.

Oops, bad idea. His crystal blue eyes were locked onto hers, his jaw held tight, and - i

snt mistaken - that was definitely recognition written all over his handsome face.

Time to go.

She double timed it in through the swinging kitchen door and was just grabbing her purse

e heard her name. Her ears were ringing so loudly that she wasnt sure who it was that had c


18/226

r.

Turning, she saw Katie standing in the doorway with a worried look on her face. Are

ay?

Amber nodded and turned to get out of there quickly. Before she blinked, however, Katie

nding in front of her, blocking her path.

Do you guys know each other? Katie asked, slowly and deliberately, as if she were tryi

rk out a puzzle in her head.Freakin Katie and her damn detective skills. Why did she have to pick now to be Sherlock

Amber shook her head, a wordless denial. She didnt trust herself to speak.

Katies eyes narrowed, Because...I only noticed you leaving because Seth got the most in

k on his face. When I checked to see what he was looking at, I saw you rushing in here. T

me in here and you look like youve seen a ghost.

Amber shrugged, pretending to have no idea what she was talking about. Weird. Gotta

e chirped, beginning to move around Katie and toward freedom.Katies eyes widened as she whispered, Amber, hes not

Seriously, how did she do that?!

Amber closed her eyes for a moment and sighed. She knew Katie would never let this go.

is, Amber confirmed reluctantly.

Seth is Mystery Man!? Katie exclaimed, her voice rising with every syllable.

Really? Amber said in disbelief. You had to scream that?

No one heard... Katie waved her hand dismissively, just before her attention was div

t over Amber's shoulder and her eyes grew wide.

The hairs on the back of Ambers neck stood up.

Hes behind me, isnt he? Her voice was barely audible. She searched Katies eyes fo

rdict, and then reached out and grabbed her hand so she didnt fall over.

Katie smiled, and then said with a shaky voice, Hey, Seth. Have you, uh...met Amber?

Amber was gonna kill her. Well...right after she passed out or threw up, she was gonna kill

Voices filled the room as people started making their way into the kitchen, probably to se

est of honor.

Katie patted Ambers hand as she pulled her arm away, taking control of the situation.

ys, lets give Seth a minute. Hes had a long day. Lets let him grab some food and eat in peace

n catch up with him in a few.

She heard the sounds of people mumbling that they wanted to eat, too, and Katies too-

ppy voice ushering them out.

Amber knew the mature thing to do would be to turn around. Maybe even to say hello. In


19/226

e reached for the doorknob. She would be mature later when she could feel her legs again.

Amber. His deep, sexy voice stopped her dead in her tracks.

Okay, well, looks like maturity was on deck. Better just walk up to the plate and swing.

She slowly turned, trying to regulate her breathing so she didnt hyperventilate. What she

nding before her did not help her efforts. Somehow, he had actually gotten better looking. E

t or her memory and dreams had just not done him justice. Either way, he was...incredibl

oked taller, more filled out, and his face, well - that was still, well...perfect.Hi, Seth, Amber said, going for casual coolness.

--- ~ ---

Seth could not believe that she was really here. In his home town. In his brothers housd's sake. Standing in front of him. And her name was Amber. And she was even more beau

n he remembered.

He had been trained to effectively deal with pretty much any situation you could think of, b

d no idea what to do in this one. Not a day had gone by since that night in DC that he had not tho

out her.

When he had woken at five a.m. and realized she was gone, he was furious with himse

ling asleep, and sleeping so soundly, at that. He never slept soundly. It was an occupational h

t could cost him his life.

He hadnt even meant to close his eyes that night. The last thing he remembered was her n

dy draped over him and the soft sounds of her breathing as she slept. The next thing he kne

s waking up in bed. Alone.

So, yeah, uh...small world, huh? she said nervously.

Why did you leave? he heard himself ask bluntly.

She flinched at his question. He quickly assessed that he was going about this all wrong

oked unsteady. She was shaking like a leaf.

He pulled out the kitchen chair beside him. Do you want to sit down?

He realized what he had said the second the question left his mouth.

Her eyes shot to him as her cheeks flushed. She obviously remembered the ques

nificance. At least she didnt look like she was about to pass out anymore.

She looked down at the chair as if she was battling with the decision to sit down and talkm. Finally she said, This isnt the time to do this. You have a house full of people waiting to ta


20/226


21/226

Chapter Three

Sunlight shone brightly through the bedroom window. Amber squinted her eyes as she rea

oss her pillow and turned off her alarm before it even had a chance to buzz. She had not over

s morning. Of course, that was mainly due to the fact that she would have actually had toslee

ersleeping to occur. Sadly, she had just tossed and turned all night and hadnt drifted off once.

Amber had not been able to shut off her brain since leaving Jason and Katies the prev

ght. Her head was...spinning, turning, flipping...with so many conflicting thoughts and feelings

in two were disbelief and shock. There were a few (hundred) others in there as well, but

uld definitely be the two emotions overriding all of the others.

Next was embarrassment. Normally, Amber faced things head on. If something needed

alt with, she did just that. She dealt with it. She didnt run away. She didnt hide. Last night sh

ne both of those things. Why? Because her Mystery Man was no longer a mystery at all...alth

was certainly still all man, Amber reflected ruefully. Still, he wasn't a mystery. He had a n

w: Seth Sloan.

She dropped her head into her hands. Of course! Fricking of coursehe would end up be

oan. Right?

Not only did she now know Mystery Mans name, she knew his whole family! And not ju

ssing, but really well. Her amazing, out-of-this-world, incredible, anonymous night was n

onymous anymore. Not even close.

She knew she was going to have to deal with this. Deal with him. Harpers Crossing wrly small town and obviously they knew a lot of the same people. In fact, probably more than

her inner-circle were related to him. So yeah, she was going to need to address the elephant i

om, and being Amber she would be taking care of that sooner rather than later.

First, before any addressing, facing, or dealing with occurred, she needed a shower. She s

r legs over the side of the bed, and reaching her arms up high over her head, she stretched her b

Yoga. Thats what she needed before her shower. She needed to find her Zen place.

Amber didnt believe she had ever actually achieved finding said Zen place in the twosions that she had attempted. But, what the hell? Today was a new day, and if there ever w

me in her life that she needed to feel centered and stress-free (which was what Zen was, right?)

day was that day.

Just as she was pulling her barely-used yoga pants from her drawer, her phone rang.

Seth! The thought popped unbidden and instantly into her mind, but she realized a

mediately that it was completely ridiculous. He didnt have her phone number. Duh! Still

lization did not stop her hands from shaking as she picked up the phone.


22/226

She looked at the caller ID. Great.

Well, at least her hands were steady as a surgeon's now.

Hi, Mom, she tried to cover the stress in her voice.

Hey pumpkindoodlebug, her mother slurred brightly.

Ambers eyes slowly closed and her hands began shaking for an entirely different reason

y had a moment before.

Taking a deep breath, Amber could feel her nostrils flaring as she asked, Where areom?

Well, thats the thing, I dont know. But if you could just put some money in my account

m sure that I could figure it out, her mom reasoned.

Thats not going to happen. I already told you I am not giving you any more money, M

ll come pick you up, wherever you are, and take you back to Horizons. But thats it. Nothing e

mber stated firmly as she tried not to let her blood pressure spike.

Please doodlebug, just this one last time, pleeeaassee, her mother begged. Amber fel

mach clench as she called upon her steel will to help her stay strong.

No, Mom. No money. Where are you so I can come and get you?

Ill never ask you for anything ever again! her mother pleaded.

Where are you? Amber repeated the question.

It doesnt matter! Her mother began to sob. How can you treat me like this? You are my

ughter! Im your mother!

Dont remind me, Amber thought to herself as she calmly explained, I know that, Mom

ts why I will drop everything to come pick you up.

Her mothers sobs instantly turned into anger, You really are a bitc..

Amber disconnected the call. She had no desire to listen to her mothers drunken opinion o

r chest felt tight and her limbs were heavy.

God, she missed her mom.

Not the person that her mother had become since they lost Aaron. That was not who A

ssed. She missed the mom that had been front row at all of her ballet and jazz recitals, who

ssed one of Aarons baseball games no matter how far they had to travel to get there. The mom

de sure that there was always food on the table and a roof over their heads even if she had to

veral jobs to make that happen.

She sniffed as she felt moisture welling in her eyes.

No, she told herself firmly. She was not going to waste one more moment of her life crying

ngs she could not change. She had spent a good part of the last decade doing just that and she


23/226

ne.

She had good friends. An amazing business that was thriving even in tough economic times

d too much good in her life to constantly live under a dark cloud of sadness.

The past was behind her. This was a new day. Out with the old, in with the new.

--- ~ ---

As Amber pulled into the back parking lot of Bella, the boutique clothing store she own

rper's Crossing's postcard-perfect downtown main street, she noticed both Haley and Sop

s parked in the back lot. Strange.

Haley was an employee at Bella but was not scheduled to work today, and Sophie h

rked there for a couple of years. Of course, she stopped by a lot now. But, Amber reflected wall smile, even when she had been an employee, she had never arrived this early. Sophie w

ght owl, through and through. So even if she had the opening shift she wouldnt roll in unti

nutes before they unlocked the doors.

Amber looked at the digital clock in her dashboard, it read 9:05. Hmmm. She figured

obably knew about Seth and wanted the scoop. Well, it looked like her past was not as f

hind her as she had wanted, after all. She sighed, thinking to herself that it was just better to ge

er with.Stepping through the black beaded curtains that separated the employee break room from

essing rooms, Amber saw that, not only were Sophie and Haley both in attendance, it looked

tie and Chelle were there as well.

They were all seated in the small lounge area Amber had recently added to the boutique so

hen customers were shopping, those accompanying them would have a comfortable place to

e might have thought twice about putting it in if she had known that it would so quickly be use

ace where her friends would comfortably wait for her, with an interrogation in mind!

Oh, boy.

Amber stepped around the corner and was faced with four very eager expressions. Sh

wn beside Katie on the small red loveseat that faced the dressing rooms.

Really? Amber intoned dryly as she turned to Katie, whom she assumed had been the o

everyone off about the newest development in Ambers wacky world of crazy coincidences.

Hey, they wanted to go to your house last night but I convinced them to give you a little sp

tie said, sounding proud of herself. Youre welcome.


24/226

They all continued to stare at her. Amber had the sudden urge to go back home, climb into

ow the covers over her head, and stay there for the next.mmm, year or so.

Alright, go ahead. What do you want to know? Amber resigned herself to the inevitable.

So its really him? Sophie asked.

Amber nodded her head. Yes.

Seth, my cousin, is Mystery Man, Haley clarified.

That appears to be the case, Amber confirmed.Everyone was staring at her with varying degrees of disbelief on their faces.

Yeah, I know, Amber shook her head, its crazy.

The room erupted as each girl spoke in a rush, putting forth their own unique take on just

zy it was and what the odds were of this happening. Basically, voicing all of the thoughts tha

en crashing into each other like bumper cars in her brain, for the last twelve hours.

Katie spoke over the loud chatter, asking, So what did he say to you when I left?

The entire room fell silent.Not a lot, Amber replied.

All of her friends facial expressions told the same story. Namely, that there was no

mber was going to get away with an answer that vague.

Fine. Amber sighed in resignation. He asked why I left. Then asked me if I wanted

wn.

Which had immediately taken her right back to the room in DC, but they didnt need to

t. Then he asked me to say his name again.

What? Katie asked, her head tilted to the side.

Ooookaaay, it looked like Amber was going to have to go the verbatim route for this cr

ckily, she had a really good memory.

Ambers hands flew up in exasperation as she explained, He wanted to talk. I said This

time to do this. You have a house full of people waiting to see you, Seth. He said, Say

ain. I tried to explain again and he said, Amber lowered her voice an octave in a sad attem

reate Seths deep timbre, my name, say my name again.

Her friends remained sitting, all staring at her, waiting.

And then Katie prompted.

Then I said his name again. Then the room filled up with people. Then I left. Then...no

ats the whole sordid tale.

There. Now that they knew that nothing noteworthy had happened, maybe she could just

th her day.What did he dowhen you said his name? Katie continued the line of questioning as i


25/226

re cross-examining Amber in court.

Amber hung her head slightly. Really, Katie?

He closed his eyes and just... Amber didnt know how to explain what he had done,

tbreathed.

Wow, Katie and Haley said in unison.

Okay, not to be the one that has to inject a little reality into this romantic Ripley's Believe

t situation, but did anyone else notice that Bobby and Seth look exactly alike? Sophie aoking at Amber in disbelief, You never noticed the resemblance?

No, Amber replied honestly. Bobby was a teenager when I met Mysterer, umSeth.

member, I only really got to know Bobby when you two started dating. Which wasyears la

ver crossed my mind.

So what are you going to do? Chelle asked, and she seemed to be beyond being m

apped up in the salacious drama of it all, but was rather genuinely concerned.

Nothing, Amber stated flatly.

Nothing? All four women repeated in disbelief.

What am I supposed to do? Amber did not know what these ladies wanted to hear but sh

en running possible scenarios of how this could all play out in her head and she still had no

w to handle the situation at hand.

You have to talk to him, Katie explained. Obviously that night meant something to him

made a beeline for you. He wanted to talk to you. He wanted you to say his name. Dont you

he very least you could get some closure?

Ambers stomach dropped and her heart sank at that word. Closure. Because if she were

nest with herself she didnt want closure with Seth. That night, her onenightwith him, had g

r through some pretty bad times in her life and she wasnt ready to lose it as her go-to c

thod.

I honestly dont know what I would even say to him, Amber confessed.

Well, lets start with his opener. Why did you leave that night? Katie asked.I left because, I justI dont do well withIm not very good at This was exactl

son she didnt want to talk to him about it. She was a mess.

Katie came through with the assist, You dont do well with what? Emotions, feelings?

Yes. Those things. Amber realized that it was odd to feel those things after knowing a p

ly a few hours but thatwas exactly the reason she had left the hotel room. The whole nigh

nnection she felt to him, was just too intense to process.

Well, werent you just saying last night that you are done dating emotionally unavailable m


26/226

aybe that means you are ready for more. I mean how old were you when you and Sethum

nighthappened? Haley asked.

I was twenty-two. Amber remembered at the time how very old and mature she had fel

w, looking back, she realized how young she really was.

See! Haley exclaimed. Now youre thirty! Thats a big difference!

Thanks for pointing that out, Hales, Amber said dryly.

Haley just smiled at her. Arent you even a little bit excited about the fact that you now kystery Mans identity? And hes here. In Harpers Crossing.

And hes related to you, Amber pointed out.

Okay that parts a little weird, Ill give you that, Haley chuckled. I used to be upset abo

t that you wouldnt tell me thegoodstuff, but now I have to admit that I am glad I dont hav

ormation floating around in my head. I would have had to go to a counselor or a hypnotist to g

it!

Sophie leaned forward in her chair, But come on, you have to be a teensy, weensy bit ext you know his name and heshere.

I guess a little bit, Amber begrudgingly admitted for their sake.

All the girls started talking at once about how romantic and amazing the whole thing

mber didnt want to be the wet blanket (or party pooper as Chelle was so fond of calling pe

d ruin everyones fun. But really, if she was being completely honest, she wasnt excited. She

ared. Totally one hundred percent terrified.


27/226

Chapter Four

Before his first day at Titan Security, Seth had agreed to meet his brothers at Gerards Din

eakfast. Pulling into the dirt parking lot he was stunned by how little the diner had change

dnt recognized a lot of the town he had seen so far, everything looked so much more built up

splace looked exactly the same as it always had.

He had mixed feelings about coming here - to Gerards. When he was growing up, befor

om Cheryls bi-polar disorder had gotten severe, she had taken him and Riley here every Satu

breakfast. The time they spent here were some of the best memories he had with her.

Part of him was hoping that the building would have changed. Maybe they would have add

structure or something. At the very least, that it would have been painted differently. And, alth

th realized they must have painted the building since the last time he had been there, it was sti

th a forest green trim. His chest felt tight.

He stepped in through the front door that had the Gerards Diner decal etched into the g

e smell of pancakes, syrup, and coffee hit him smack dab in the face. Sure, over the years he

en to dozens of diners in several different countries and they all smelled of pancakes, syrup

ffee. But there was nothing like this. This smelled like home.

Seth easily spotted his four brothers waiting for him at a large round table in the back o

taurant. He was having a hard time adjusting to the fact that his brothers werent kids anym

ey were grown men. It was odd.

Okay, whats the deal with you and Amber? Jason asked abruptly, his brow lifting as ok a seat between Bobby and Riley. There was a plate of pancakes, eggs, sausage, and bacon w

p of coffee waiting for him.

After Jasons blunt question Seth stared at the plate full of food and realized he should hav

abbed a bagel and coffee and skipped the family breakfast.

Look, Jason continued, I wouldnt ask, but Katie wont let it drop.

Chelles pretty curious, too, Riley added.

Bobby, who Seth had noticed over the last few days didnt say much, chose this time to Sophie wont stop asking.

Is this why you guys invited me here? Seth asked, feeling a little ambushed.

His brothers just stared at him.

I just came for the show. Alex smiled happily as he shoveled pancakes into his mouth. J

snt said a word about it.

Seth wanted this conversation over. Nothing is going on.

But you remember her? Jason lifted his coffee cup to his lips.


28/226

Yes. Seth could not believe his brothers werent dropping this.

And... Jason gestured for Seth to elaborate.

I remember her. End of story. Seth did not want this to become a running theme, tha

others felt like they could ask him about his personal life. He was an extremely private perso

t was not going to change because of his unexpected homecoming. Yes, these were his brother

t didnt make this any more their business.

Sadly, Jason said looking almost apologetic, It is not the end of the story. Because if I home from this little pancake intervention with some answers, I will never hear the end of it

tie. So, sorry, bro, but you need to start talking.

Looking around the table, it seemed that Bobby and Riley were both backing Jason up.

ght as well have been holding a bucket of popcorn as he watched the proceedings. He seemed

ertained.

Seth didnt want to talk about Amber, about their night together, but obviously his bro

rent going to let it go. Since there wasnt much to tell anyway, he decided he might as well

er with.

I want to make it clear that this is the one and only conversation we will have on this sub

derstood? Seth looked around the table; his brothers all nodded their heads in agreement.

Seth inhaled deeply through his nose. On August 14th 20

August 14th? Bobby interrupted his brow creasing.

Yes. On August 14th 2005 I was at the Four Seasons in DC

Thats the hotel where the police found you and Mom, when you were in fourth grade and

ss was on that field trip to DC, right? Riley interrupted.

Do you want to hear this or not? Seth asked his brothers sharply. They just silently star

m so he continued, I had just had dinner and wanted a drink.

His brothers nodded in understanding and he saw them glancing at each other, probably si

mmunicating the importance of the date.

I went to the bar and sat down. There was a girl seated to my right. An asshole came ove

rted hitting on her. She stood to leave. Asshole grabbed her hand. She kneed him in the balls.

rners of Seths mouth twitched as he remembered how impressed he had been with the gorg

anger. The idiot called her a bitch, I made sure he apologized. She was upset. I got her o

re. We went to my room. She left sometime in the middle of the night. The next time I saw he

sterday. I tried to speak to her. She left.

Yeah. We knew all that, Jason said as if that story was common knowledge.

You knew what? Seth asked, not really comprehending the statement Jason had just made


29/226

Not the date, and not the exact hotel, that was all new info but the other details, yeah.

mbers Mystery Man, Jason said matter-of-factly. Ive known about it for years.

Years? Seth clarified.

Yep, about five years, Jason explained. But Ive known Amber longer than everyone

e went out a few times back in the day.

You did what? Seths jaw clenched as he felt a surge of anger spread through his chest.

Wow! Soooo nothings going on with you two, huh? Alex smiled from ear to ear. ction was for nothinggoingon. Interesting.

Seth ignored his brother. He had always maintained that Alex thought he was a lot funnier

actually was. He continued staring at Jason.

It wasnt serious. Jasons eyes grew wide as he raised his hands in mock surrender. W

e first moved to town we went out a couple of times. Thats all. But we quickly realized we w

better off as friends. No chemistry.

No chemistry. What the hell? They could not be talking about the same girl. Amber wa

xiest woman Seth had ever laid eyes on. How could any man be in the same room with her an

ve chemistry? Still, it made him feel better to know that Jason and Amber had not really date

Although the tightness in Seths chest was lessening, he still didnt like the feeling that Ja

ormation had caused to riot through him. He figured he would just get through this breakfast

al with that later.

Seth began to eat. The sooner he was out of there, the better.

Jason must have sensed his fight or flight response because he quickly said, Look, Im

nna ask you all the things Kit Kat has been asking me and then I wont bring it up again. Deal?

You still call her that? Seth asked. He seemed to remember that when they were kids K

d hatedthat nickname.

Jason just smiled a mischievous smile. Yep.

Okay, whatever. It was none of Seths business. Just like anything between himself and Am

s none of his brothers' or their wives' business.

Do you plan on seeing Amber? Jason asked.

No, Seth answered honestly.

Let me rephrase. Do you wantto see Amber?

No, Seth said flatly.

Jason just stared at him, doubt written all over his face. Why?

Bobby and Riley had been fairly quiet during this interrogation, he appreciated it.

He just wanted to eat and get to work. No more talk about Amber. Him seeing Amber. His


30/226

th Amber.

Is it because she left? Twice? Bobby asked. The question hit Seth right square in the

e a punch, knocking the wind out of him. Where the hell had this kid come from? His balls h

en dropped the last time Seth had seen him, now he was coming out with shit like this.

Seth didnt answer, just took a drink of coffee.

Thats not what shes like Seth, Jason defended Amber. Shes not like mom.

Who the hell said anything about mom? Seth couldnt believe his brother had actuallyought up their mom in thisconversation.

Im not trying to piss you off, Jason quickly said. But I just want you to know Ambers

ke. Shes brilliant. She owns her own business. She has a lot of friends. She volunteers a

mens shelter. Sure, shes got issues like anyone else, but not like that. She doesnt just leave.

Could have fooled me, Seth thought to himself. This conversation was just getting wors

rse. He could feel the tension radiating off of him in waves. He was normally so controlle

dnt let things get to him. He never let things affect him this strongly. Except, it seemed, whme to Amber.

Okay, one more question - and this one is all me, not Katie, Jason prefaced, and from the

his eye Seth, was pretty damn sure he wasnt going to like the question that was to follow.

Seth nodded at him to continue.

You really didnt even know her name?

Seth hated to admit it, but...No.

Damn, Jason shook his head slowly.

Well, kids, Alex said as he stood, as fun as this has been, Ive got to get to the station.

d youre back. Ambers one of the good ones. I wouldnt count her out just yet. Alex slapped

the back as he left.

As he watched his brother leave his chest constricted with another emotion. This time i

de. Although Seth didnt really know how to tell Alex or, actually, any of his brothers -

oud he was of them without sounding condescending or patronizing, it didnt change the fact th

s, very proud of them. They had all made good lives for themselves. They were successful in

ir personal lives and their professional lives, and that was more than Seth could currently sa

mself, if it came right down to it.

Jason and Bobby had both gone into the family business. Sloan Construction was his dad B

st baby. He had started the company a year before Seth was born. Jason was in charge now

bby was a foreman. Jason and Bobby were both happily married to great girls who they had

ved most of their lives.

Riley had recently gotten out of the Marines, but unlike Seth, had planned ahead for his ci


31/226

e. He had opened a bar that was quite successful down in New Orleans with a couple of the gu

d served with. His plan had originally been to head down there to live, but he and C

onnected and now they were married with a baby on the way. Riley was able to handle a lot o

rs business from Harpers Crossing thanks to the wonders of technology.

And Alex - who was the only brother that Seth had ever really worried about, due t

mantic history and seemingly blas attitude about life - was a firefighter and engaged to a gir

d just met but could instantly tell had her head on straight. Jamie was a nurse and a waitressd a six year old son, she was stunningly beautiful and seemed to adore his brother, sordid pas

.

Seth had carried around a lot of guilt over the past decade for taking off on his dad

others. He had left the second he could and basically hadnt looked back. Months at a time w

by and he would have zero contact with them. He had never really dealt with the loss of his m

even her absence when she had left when Seth was ten. Being around his brothers brought up

things that Seth had pushed down into the darkest places of his soul. He didnt really want

ming to light.

A young waitress that looked to be a little intimidated by Seth and his brothers came by to

ir coffee cups and Seth took out his card to pay the check. Jason and Riley tried to argue tha

d invited him so they would pay. Seth made it clear that it wasnt negotiable. He was paying

others wisely backed down. They all made plans for Thanksgiving, since it was less than a

ay, and said their goodbyes.

As Seth got on his bike and looked at the diner one last time before pulling out of the pa

He had a gut feeling that this was going to be a long day.


32/226

Chapter Five

As Amber drove down the frontage road that ran alongside the picturesque Riverwalk o

y to Bella, she tried to wrap her brain around the fact that it had been three days since she had

r Mystery Man. Threedays and she hadnt seen hide nor hair of Seth Sloan.

Every time her phone had rung or someone came to her door, she had just knownit was h

snt. When she was at the shop, she kept expecting him to walk through the door. He hadnt.

It was driving her a little bit crazy! She felt off balance. The brief conversation they had h

tie and Jasons kitchen kept playing in her head. Not just the words but also every look,

ovement, every breath he had taken was on constant repeat in her brain. She was trying despe

dissect the exchange, to find some concrete meaning in each second of their brief reunion.

So far, she hadnt come up with that much.

Could she have handled it better? Yes. Did she wish she would have stayed at Jasons

oken more than a handful of words to Seth? Yes. Did her behavior warrant his complete and

missal? No.

Granted, Amber may have a better memory than most, but Seth had obviously remembered

ht together. I mean comeon;he had asked her to say his nameagain. That wasnt somethin

d with people that didnt have any impact on you. Right?

Their night must have meant something to Seth for him to remember her all these years

ok at the facts. He had followed her into the kitchen, leaving behind a house full of familyends that had gathered for his homecoming.

When she had tried to make small talk granted it was awkward small talk, but whatever

st words out of his mouth were why did you leave?- so he must have wondered about her

me to time. You dont ask a question that specific if you barelyremember someone.

And if Seth had felt even one-tenth of the same heat that Amber had felt when they were i

chen, face to face, a foot away from each other, then he hadto still feel the insane attraction

s sizzling between them.Their chemistry was almost like a living, breathing thing. It was not harness-able. It was

d unforgiving. It was scary.

Seth did not strike her as the type to be scared off easily.

Granted, normally the same could be said for Amber - but this situation was not normalb

etch of the imagination! This situation was unique unto itself. If it weren't happening to her, in

e wouldnt even believe it to be possible.

Now, pulling into the back parking lot of Bella, she tried to pull her scattered brain tog


33/226

e needed to get some sort of a reign on her current emotional state. She wasnt going to s

ough another day without having some sort of a grip on her sanity.

Amber had always prided herself on being logical. She had an I.Q. that was higher than

a child she had excelled in G.A.T.E. (Gifted and Talented Education). She had graduated

gh school with a 4.0 GPA. And, unlike some of her other intellectual contemporaries, she

ually street smart, and not socially awkward in the least.

These qualities had served her well in life. These natural-born gifts had given her an nfidence that she could handle anything that came her way. She had never doubted herself.

Until Mystery Man. Until now. Until Seth.

Amber was at a loss as to how to internally deal with the volcanic eruption of emotions S

ka Mystery Mans) appearance in Harpers Crossing had caused. She was equally uncertain

hat she should do externally about the situation. She knew their paths would inevitably cross.

hat?

That was part of the reason she was so frustrated by his non-appearance over the last few e had, in a way, been banking on the assumption that Seth would seek her out. Take charge. Th

uld take control of the situation just like he had done all those years ago in room #511 of the

asons.

Unfortunately, that had not been the case, which was the main reason for her unbalanced

mewhat foul mood. Never one to rely on others' actions for her own happiness, Amber decide

er work today, she would make a game plan. She would find out where he was staying (how

uld that be, after all, she knew his whole family), and then she was going to go and have a

t-chat with Mr. Seth Sloan.

Even though, at this very moment, she had no idea what she would say to him, she was

tain that over the course of an entire day at work she could come up with a rough idea. She

ilient. She was smart. She could figure it out.

Amber unlocked the back door and made her way into Bella through the employee break r

she walked the familiar path, a strange sensation crept through her veins. She stilled for a mo

mething feltoff.

She tried to ignore the odd feeling, to shake it off as she pushed through the black-b

rtain that separated the dressing room area from the back of the shop. As she drew even wit

d painted doors of the dressing rooms her entire body tensed up as if it was on alert.

A strange smell hit her nostrils. She was trying to figure out what it was when she he

und behind her and sensed furtive moment. She whipped her head around to see what the move

s just as she heard a loud cracking sound echo through the silence.

An intense pain shot through her head as she felt her legs give way beneath her. Her


34/226

umbled to the floor and the last thing she clearly saw was the black blades of the fan above h

y spun around and around

--- ~ ---

Oh my God! Oh my God! Amber! Haleys panicked voice penetrated through the fo

mbers throbbing head.

Amber opened her heavy lidded eyes and saw Haley hovering over her, tears streaming

r cheeks. Amber remained still. She moved her eyes, scanning the area without moving her hea

She was lying flat on the ground beside the dressing rooms. Haley knelt beside her. She h

one to her ear as she cried.

I think there was a break-in, Haleys shaking voice was telling whomever was on the d of the phone. I found Amber unconscious by the dressing rooms. The place is trashed.

What?! Bella, her store, was trashed? She needed to find out exactly what was going on

ed to sit up.

Haleys big brown eyes shot down to her. Youre awake! she cried.

Amber tried to nod, but the pain that shot through her head convinced her that that was a

a. Haley was a clever girl. Amber was sure she could gather enough evidence to suppor

nclusion about Amber being awake without the benefit of the nod.

Yes, shes awake, Haley announced excitedly into the phone.

See? Amber thought, my confidence was not misplaced.

Looking back down at Amber, Haley instructed, They said you need to lay still. Dont m

mber. The paramedics should be here shortly.

Paramedics. Store trashed. Throbbing headache.

None of this was adding up. She tried to piece it together, to make sense of the events, but

e trying to escape from quicksand. She just kept getting pulled back under. She closed her

uring she would rest. Then she would be able to think more clearly.

No Amber, stay awake, talk to me, Haleys voice had more than a little hint of desperati

They want me to keep you awake!

Amber felt bad for Haley. She seemed really upset. She opened her eyes to make sure H

s okay.

She saw Haleys face light up, Good, thats good! Keep looking at me.Okay, Amber weakly replied, trying to reassure Haley. She winced at the sharp, high-pit


35/226

und of several sirens blaring through the air, growing louder as they approached.

Oh, thank God! Theyre here. Just hold on. Haley sat beside her holding Ambers hand a

gers wrapped tightly around it.

Hey, girls, looks like you threw quite a party in here.

Alex. Amber heard Alexs voice. She instantly felt more relaxed. Alex was here. He w

e care of Haley. She could go to sleep. She closed her eyes.

Uh, uh, uh, sleepy head. No shut eye just yet, Alex said, and Amber realized that he wasside her.

Backs clear. Amber heard a mans voice, one she didnt recognize, announce.

She looked up as Alex shone a bright light in her eyes. He had placed something hard be

r back and was taking her blood pressure and checking her pulse. She heard a hiss escap

outh as she tried to lift her head to look around.

What hurts? he asked, his green eyes filled with concern.

Just my head, Amber moaned.

Lay still, he instructed, with a tone of authority Amber had never heard him use.

As Alex continued to examine her, she noticed several police officers walking around her

nted to sit up. She needed to see what kind of damage had been done to the store. But she kn

s no use fighting Alex, he wasnt going to let her get up until he was sure she was okay.

Sloan men were so frustrating.


36/226

Chapter Six

The hard metal chair dug into Seths bad shoulder as his patience quickly evaporated. He

ce again seated in his childhood friend Camerons small office at Titan Security. He had only

re for a half an hour and was already wondering if he had made a big mistake.

Come on, dude. Just one time. Let me take her out, Cam pleaded. He had not let the subj

ths bike drop since Seth had walked through the door.

No, Seth repeated the same answer he had been giving his friend for the last thirty minute

Damn, you were a lot more fun in high school, Cam complained as he pushed a laptop a

small desk towards Seth. This is yours. For work purposes only. No looking up porn

onitor it. Then, waggling his eyebrows, he added, Unless its really good porn, then please p

aybecause we monitor it.

Seth shook his head at his friend.

Alright, so heres the deal. You will be hanging with me the next few days, getting a fee

ins and outs, so to speak. Then after the holiday, you'll be out on your own. Think you can h

t?

Seth stared directly into his friends eyes as he leaned forward giving his shoulder a b

ting his elbows on his knees.

Cams blue eyes sparked as a huge smile spread across his face. You realize when yo

aling with clients you will have to speak...like, with actual words? Not just the intimidating

guage which seems to be your preferred method of communication?Seth felt the corners of his mouth pulling up into a grin. Cam had always had the gift of ga

ded to rub people the wrong way at times, but Seth had always appreciated his friends abil

y exactly what was on his mind.

We have a consult over at the new office building on Eleventh St. It's for a company c

feline Insurance. You can ride with me. Next week, we'll have a company truck for you. You

l up to appointments on that beast. A hog doesnt exactly scream safety and security,

plained as he stood, gathering his keys, and then grabbed what looked like a gym bag on stem a locker in the corner of the room.

A quick glance inside the bag showed security cameras, monitors and several other device

th assumed they would be presenting to their new clients.

I know we havent really gone over your job description, but basically what I need is fo

do the initial consult and analysis. I have plenty of guys that can install and Ive got a

rketing and sales team, but I havent found anyone - other than myself, that is - who can qu

vey an area and see where the blind spots and weak areas are, the ones that would need


37/226

vered. I know that sounds crazy, but these idiots just dont see it.

Not a problem. For Seth this job would literally be the equivalent of Picasso doing a pai

mbers portrait.

As they climbed into Cams company truck, Seth thought that it might not be such a bad thi

ve some zero-stress, no-brainer work for a change. He could use the mental downtime to figur

hat he wanted to do now that his military career was behind him. What he saw for himself i

ure. Hell, maybe he could even come to terms with some of the ghosts that haunted his past.So how does it feel being back in your old stomping grounds? Cams loud voice bo

er the country music blaring from the sixteen inch speakers, interrupting Seths inner dialog.

Good. Seth looked down at the river as they drove across it.

As a kid, this had been his favorite place to be. He would spend hours down at the bank

d his first kiss on the bridge they were currently driving over when he was ten. He drank his

er that same year, and underneath the very same bridge.

It all looked so different now, though, with the new Riverwalk development that lined the bthe water. He understood the need for commerce in the small town and was happy to se

rpers Crossing seemed to be thriving, but he did feel a little bit of disappointment over th

t nothing, save the small and picturesque downtown area and the bucolic rural areas in the

unty surrounding the town, looked the same as it had in his childhood. All of the commercia

ail districts surrounding that gem of a downtown area- which, in Seth's childhood, had been sl

wn the gradual path to eventual decline - had, in the intervening years, been spruced up

odernized. 'Revitalized' they called it. It wasn't a bad thing, he knew- in fact, it was good.

od. Just jarring. Somehow, you never really emotionally expect life to move on when you'r

re, even though logic tells you that it will.

Well, Seth ruminated, if there's one thing you can depend on in life, it's change. Things

nstantly change.

--- ~ ---

Seth and Cam walked out of the offices of Lifeline Insurance, their newest clients, and

ook his head in amazement. Wow. If all of the consults went that easily, Seth would be don

on every day. They were in and out of there in under forty-five minutes.

Is that normally what to expect in a consultation? Seth asked as Cam fired up his truck.

Cams head fell back as he laughed. Hell, no! Normally I have to explain over and over


38/226

ch devices use, then tediously outline each feature.Neverbefore has it been that simple. I th

u would have told them that jumping up and down on one foot while they barked like a dog w

ep them safe they would have done it.

Seths brow furrowed. But I didnt really say anything.

I know! Cam exclaimed. That was the beauty of it all. You werent trying to sell, you

swered their questions, and just barely did that. It was like how men go crazy when a girl

rd to get. By the way, you are totally the girl in this scenario. Cam laughed at his own joke bntinuing with awe in his voice, They just trusted you. I could see it in their eyes when they a

your opinions, it was like they innately knew you could keep them safe.

Seth didnt really think it was that deep. He figured it had more to do with them knowing

military experience (thanks to Cam) than anything remotely personal to him. But Cam se

ppy and Lifeline Insurance now had a security system that would protect them and the confid

ormation stored at their facility. So Seth figured, that any way you looked at it, it was a win-w

Man, forget what I said about talking more to the clients, Cam said excitedly as he tuto the frontage road. This silent-strength thing youve got going on is working just fine.

The radio on Cams belt chirped and he grabbed it. Helloooo, Darla. How ya d

autiful?

Darla, Cams seventy-something year old secretarys gravelly voice came over the airw

ou done with the Lifeline job?

Cam whispered loudly to Seth, She likes to get straight to the point.

Seth remembered Darla from when he and Cam worked for Cams dad at Titan Security

ir summer breaks in high school. The main thing he remembered about her was that she sm

e a chimney, but he also seemed to recall that she was a no-nonsense, no-muss, no-fuss lady

n. She had not seemed to mellow with age.

Sure am. Were ahead of schedule thanks to Mr. Smooth Talker over here. Cam wink

th as he spoke to Darla.

Good, then you need to head over to Cranston Square. There was a break in at Bella

meone was assaulted. The police cant seem to reach Mr. Cranston to get the video surveil

otage.

On our way. Cam replaced the radio on his belt loop.

Old man Cranston still kickin? Seth asked.

Barely, but yes. Hes not gonna like that there was a break in at one of his properties. C

gers tightened on the steering wheel and he nervously looked over at Seth, You know, your co

rks there.Seth looked over at his friend, Where? He was unclear if one of his cousins worked fo


39/226

n Cranston or at the place where the break-in had occurred.

At Bella. Haley works at Bella, Cam said, his tone growing serious.

Seths blood ran cold. He picked up his phone but realized that he didnt have any o

usins' numbers programmed into it. So he did the next best thing and began calling his brother

e picked up. Just as he was about to call his dad, the truck came to a stop. That was one of the

ngs about living in a small town, it never took too long to get anywhere.

As they passed under the police tape, Cam gave his name and showed his I.D. to an offices stationed at the door. Seths heart was pounding and he just wanted to get inside the store

ke sure that his cousin was okay.

Finally, the officer moved to the side and let them pass. They stepped into the room, pi

ir way around mounds of hastily tossed clothing. Seth surveyed the scene before him. The

ng he saw was his cousin, who seemed perfectly fine. The next thing he saw stopped him de

tracks. It was her. Haley was crouched besideAmber.

She was sitting in a chair with an ice pack pressed to the side of her head, smiling at some

ex was saying to her. He crossed the room in three strides.

His brother was the first to notice his arrival. Hey Seth, youre a little late for the party.

He looked down at Amber, who was good-naturedly rolling her eyes at Alex.

Are you okay? he heard the intensity in his own voice.

Her eyes widened a little at his tone then her lips turned up into a half-smile. Im fine. J

le shaken up. What are you doing here?

I'm working at Titan Security, Seth explained.

He wanted to touch her. He needed to feel her so he knew she was okay. He balled his h

o tight fists at his sides to stop himself from doing just that. His eyes scanned down her body t

visually assess if she was in fact, all right.

Small world, Alex said looking between Seth and Amber. His face breaking out into a

ile.

Seth raised his eyes to hers, remembering that was the first thing she had said to him amecoming party. She smiled a knowing smile, he assumed at the same memory.

What happened? Seth asked.

Ambers voice had an edge to it as she explained, Apparently, someone did all of this,

stured around her shop, in the process of looking for my safe. I must have interrupted their s

d they knocked me over the head with that ceramic vase.

Seth was barely able to contain the anger he felt boiling inside of him. He would find wh

s, and if they were lucky, he would just kill them. He asked tightly, Did you see who it was?


40/226

No, Amber said, seeming frustrated. Then her eyes narrowed as if a realization was daw

her. But I did smell him.

You what? both he and Alex asked at the same time.

Yeah! Right before I got knocked on the head I smelled reallybad B.O., Amber explaine

Did you tell the police? Seth asked, knowing that any piece of information could help

d the assailant.

No, I just remembered when you walked up, she said, her eyes darting away frommewhat furtively, her expression taking on the barest hint of a guilty cast.

Man, Bro, Alex slapped him on the back laughing, I think that means you need a showe

east some better deodorant.

I meant because he smells... Amber sighed in frustration as she looked at Alex before tu

ck to Seth, her beautiful hazel eyes meeting his as she stammered, I mean, you smell so

od andjust exactlyyou knowhow I remember. So that made me remember about the

ell.

You need to tell the police what you remember. Seth motioned for a few officers that

eaking in low tones at the front door.

The tall one came over. Seth stepped to the side and Amber told the young officer what she

t remembered. The officer knelt down and placed his hand on her knee asking her if that w

d giving her his card in case she remembered anything else or just wanted to talk.

Seth, for one, certainly didwant to have a little talk with him, and the subject of that talk w

the officer's much-too-friendly behavior.

As they continued speaking, Seth looked around the store. It was pretty thoroughly tossed b

uld see how amazing it must be when everything was in order. So this must be the business Am

ned.

Alex leaned over to him whispering, She not only owns Bella. She designs most of the cl

t she carries here.

It was unnerving the way his brothers kept reading his mind. Seth had never thought of him

an open book type person. Usually people struggled to figure out what he was thinking or fe

t it seemed that his brothers did not suffer with any such challenges.

Cam entered the room, st

my everything - seth & amber

Documents