Reclaiming Tomorrow: Kingsley Series Book 3

by Thorne, Haylee

  “Well congratulations, Ivy league,” I tell him.

  Mika wrinkles his nose—he hates that nickname. Which is another reason why I love it. I may love him more than life itself, but teasing him is one of my favorite activities, and as his sister, it’s my birthright. And if I do say so myself, I am quite masterful at it.

  I chuckle at his facial expression. “Who would have thought, Mika effing Kingsley, a daddy!”

  The smirk on his face threatens to rip his face in half. I rise to my feet as well and embrace my brother.

  “This calls for a celebration! We need to have a little get together. Our closest friends. I’ll arrange it.”

  Mika looks abhorred to the idea, but I can tell that Raeva likes the idea. Which in my mind gives me the green-light. The two of them exchange a look, and Raeva’s lips curl into a smile as she shrugs her shoulders. “You know better than anyone that this one can’t be stopped when it comes to putting together a celebration.”

  Mika rolls his eyes but kisses her temple. He has a hard time saying no to me, but he can’t say no to her, and I love it. “Fine.” He concedes. “But you better keep it small.” He warns with a grumble.

  A triumphant smile appears on my face and my mind starts to plan in overdrive.

  “The party will be here, tonight at eight p.m. Come hungry.”

  * * *

  If I have any talents, organizing events and designing would be them. Cooking, however, isn’t one of those talents. In fact, I am one of those people that could burn water, so to speak. The kitchen in my house is purely for looks. I have never used an appliance besides the microwave or the fridge. I mostly eat out or next door at Rae’s and my brother’s since she is an incredible cook. But I can hardly expect her to cook the food for the party that I am planning for her. Luckily, one of our dear friends, Mackenzie Walker is an incredible chef. And although tonight is her night off from the restaurant she owns and runs in the Village, she’s agreed to prepare tonight’s meal and also attend as a guest along with her husband Ashton. I’ve also invited Raeva’s person and my other bestie Jill and her fiancé Ben, our other dear friends Drew and Hannah Sapphire (Ben’s brother and sister-in-law), Raeva’s brother River, and now am left with one last person to invite. My finger scrolls through the names on the screen of my phone—purposefully delaying my process. I may have lost five years of memories, but Eric Hardwick’s phone number is seared into my brain. I take a deep breath and push his name on the screen. It barely rings once.

  “Lady Kingsley.” He says in greeting.

  The sound of his voice alone sends my heart rate into overdrive. I open my mouth to reply and try to find my voice, but it is stuck somewhere in the back of my throat.

  “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

  What in the ever-loving fuck is wrong with me? Speak. I yell loudly to myself—in my head.

  “Hi,” I say sheepishly.

  I clear my throat. “Um, I am having a little dinner party tonight to celebrate my brother’s and Rae’s good news. If you would like to join us?”

  “Hmmmm. I want to say yes, but…”

  “But what?”

  “I’m not quite sure if my stomach can handle your cooking, Mik.” He says with a chuckle.

  “Jerk.” I bark quasi insulted while a small smile tugs at the corners of my mouth. “Actually, Mackenzie will be doing the cooking, thank you very much. So, you’ll be safe. When it comes to the food at least.”

  I can hear the smile in his voice.

  “In that case, I’ll be happy to attend.”

  “Happy to hear it.”

  I disconnect the call and stare at the phone in my hand for a second. Seeing Eric always comes with dual emotions. I always want to see him, be near him. But I also know that it isn’t healthy for me because being near him so often makes it even harder for me to try and get over my one-sided feelings for him. It would be smarter to just steer clear of him. But that is easier said than done, I can hardly ignore him. He’s a permanent fixture in our lives. What am I supposed to do? Cut him out of my life? It’s not his fault that he’s the star in every dirty fantasy I have ever had. And if I am really honest with myself, I wouldn’t want to not have him in my life, even if I have to be content to just be his friend. The buzzer goes off, indicating that the doorman wants to speak to me. I walk over to the front door and press the button to answer. I’m told that I have a delivery and I open my front door and ask the security guy outside to go retrieve it. He returns just minutes later with a large vase filled with yellow roses. I thank him and carry the beautiful flowers into the kitchen. I place them on the counter and pluck the attached card from the bouquet. My heart sinks when I read the card.

  “I hope you have not forgotten about our little talk, little one. Because I certainly have not.”

  Present time

  Ice fills my veins and dread flows through my body as I read and re-read the note. I force myself to snap out of it as I deposit the flowers into the trash can before washing my hands. I scrub them with force and with thorough determination as if it can help wash off the disgust that I feel. I decide right here and now that I am not going to let my father’s sick and twisted games get to me. Nope, not today, Devil. Today is all about Mika and Rae. I am not allowing him to ruin it like he has ruined our entire childhood. I shake it off and call my office to have my assistant bring me the supplies and help I need to transform my dining room into something worthy to represent a Mikaela Kingsley event. I throw myself in the planning and decorating, just to keep my mind off the unpleasant delivery from earlier. By the time that Mackenzie shows up to start cooking dinner, my dining room is transformed into something straight from a magazine cover. M whistles as she walks into the dining room on her way to the kitchen.

  “Holy crap, Mik. You really don’t do things half-assed, do you?” she says with a chuckle.

  I shrug my shoulders and grin at her. “Ain’t no party like a Kingsley party,” I say in a sing-songy voice while pumping my hands up in the air.

  We both burst out laughing. I look around the room feeling particularly satisfied with myself. Going the extra mile is definitely a Kingsley trade, but I can’t deny that I might have gone a little overboard, even for me. Beside the fact that I really needed to distract myself, the news that I am going to be an aunt is worthy of an event like this. My assistant has already stocked the pantry with everything that Mackenzie needs for the dinner, and tell her as I lead her to the kitchen.

  “I really appreciate you doing this on your night off, M.”

  “Girl, you know I got you. After everything you’ve done for me, this is just a drop in the hat. Besides, I am so excited to celebrate the big news!”

  I smile at my friend and thank her before heading to take a quick shower and get dressed. Even though I would never admit this out loud, knowing that Eric will be here tonight, I take a little extra time on my hair and make-up. Not to mention the seventeen outfits I went through before settling on the olive-green suede dress I am wearing. When I step out of my dressing room, heavenly smells tickle my nostrils and pull me towards the kitchen. I walk in just as Mackenzie closes the oven door. She smiles at me as I enter.

  “You look incredible Mik.” She tells me.

  A smile takes possession of my lips. “Thank you.”

  I inhale deeply. “And it smells amazing in here.”

  She beams.

  “I’m pretty much done in here, everything is either finishing cooking or already finished.”

  “That’s awesome, with plenty of time to spare too. I have an outfit laid out for you in my dressing room, or if you don’t like it, you can pick from anything of the racks in there. And if you want to take a quick shower you can use the bathroom in Jill’s old room.”

  “I’m sure whatever you picked out will be amazing, and yes, I’d love a quick shower. Thanks, doll.”

  She looks at me for a moment and a frown creases her forehead

  “Is everything okay?” I ask.
/>
  She smiles awkwardly. “Yes…I was actually wondering the same about you.” She says hesitantly.

  Her voice is laced with concern, which in turn immediately concerns me. My brows furrow together. “Me? I’m doing just great. Why on earth would you think otherwise?”

  M shifts on her feet, clearly a little uncomfortable. “I know that it is really not any of my business, but when I was clearing the kitchen, I saw the flowers in the trash. And I—.” her voice trails off.

  I don’t want to lie to my friend, but I also really don’t want to talk about the flowers. I force a smile onto my face. I am just about to open my mouth when she continues to speak.

  “Seriously Mik. I don’t need to know who they are from or why they are in the trash. I just want to make sure that you are okay.”

  She must sense that I really do not want to talk about it, but she wanted to make sure that her friend is not in need of help. She is an amazing friend. I step forward and pull her into a hug. “Thank you,” I tell her with genuine gratitude. “I promise that I am okay.”

  “That’s all I need to know.” She says with a sweet smile.

  “Okay, well then go get yourself beautified before your hubby comes to find you.”

  She gives me another quick hug before turning her heel. I watch Mackenzie make her way to the bathroom and I grab my clipboard to make sure every item on my list is checked off. I am adjusting a floral arrangement when the doorman buzzes me to alert me that one or more of the guests have arrived. I glance at my watch. Whoever it is, they are nearly an hour early. I walk to the front door to press the button and answer, pretty convinced that it must be Ashton. That man adores his wife, and those two are like Velcro. One thousand percent still in their honeymoon phase. When I hold down the button and answer, my heart leaps like a wild stag in my throat as Carl announces that Eric Hardwick is on his way up. A kaleidoscope of butterflies appears out of nowhere and take refuge in my belly. It’s ridiculous how I turn into a cat in heat when Eric is even mentioned. I wonder why he’s so early? I close my eyes and take a deep breath to help calm my nerves. I quickly look at my reflection in the mirror. I’m not sure if I like what I see, but it’s too late to do anything about that right now. So, I just smooth out the skirt of my dress before I finally open the door, the elevator doors sliding wide before Eric steps out. Every nerve ending in my body screams. He has a large bouquet of wildflowers—my favorite—in one hand and a large gift bag in the other. He saunters towards me and I swallow hard. All tall, dark and handsome with that sexy-as-hell smirk on his face. God, why is this man so incredibly hot? My desire for him emerges the moment my gaze drops on him and hangs between us in the air. His eyes sweep over me and I feel my cheeks burn, I don’t have to see my reflection to know how red my cheeks are right now.

  “Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes, Lady Kingsley. You look beautiful, as always.” He says as he holds the flowers out to me.

  If he wasn’t this charming to everyone, I might take this behavior for flirting, but—sadly for me—I know better.

  “For me?” I ask sheepishly as I accept the flowers.

  “Yes, ma’am. I seem to remember that these are your favorites. Right?”

  I nod, feeling uncharacteristically shy. He leans in and his lips brush my cheek as he greets me. My knees nearly buckle. And I quadruple my efforts to keep myself together.

  “Thank you, they are gorgeous. I will go put them in some water.” I croak.

  I turn quickly and biting my bottom lip I head towards the kitchen, trying to compose myself. Praying for a few moments away from the intense pull I feel when I am near him. But that hope is dashed when I realize that he follows right behind me.

  “Wow, it smells incredible in here.”

  I keep my back facing him while I fill a vase with water. “Mackenzie is an incredible chef. Have you not yet eaten at Indigenous?”

  “I’ve not had the pleasure. But just judging from the delicious aroma in here, I am sure that will change soon.”

  I turn and face him with the brightest smile I can conjure up. “Well, it is hard to get a table there.”

  Eric raises a brow in amusement. “Is that a fact?”

  “It is,” I tell him. “Luckily for you though, you have amazing connections. I am sure I can hook you up.” I add with a wink.

  He smirks at me and I beam back at him. Talking to Eric is as natural as breathing to me. It feels so easy and unforced. “Would you like a drink?”

  “After the day I had today, I could use about six. But let’s start with one.”

  “Is wine okay? Or would you prefer something with a little more kick?”

  “Wine is fine.”

  “Do you still prefer white?” I ask.

  Eric raises his brow in surprise. “I do, actually.”

  I smile and walk towards the fridge, pull out a bottle and pour him a glass of wine. When I turn to walk over to him and hand him his glass, he’s standing right behind me. I gasp. He’s so close. I slowly raise my head and look up at him. Our eyes meet and I swear the temperature in the room increases drastically. It feels as if the planet has stopped turning on its axis. We stand there for a moment not saying anything. There are so many things that I wish I could tell him. And I swear a couple of times it looks as if he wants to say something too. But neither of us speaks nor looks away. I feel as if I am under his spell, drowning in the silver pools that are his irises. I bite my lip in an attempt to avoid confessing my feelings for him and making a fool of myself. The reigning silence is broken by the voice of my sister-in-law that comes from a distance.

  “Knock knock!” she croons.

  My eyes flicker to the door, and just like that, the moment is gone. When I look back at Eric, he has stepped away and is no longer looking at me. Raeva walks into the kitchen, followed closely by Mika. Eric puts even more distance between us.

  “You’ve outdone yourself, Mik. And it smells amazing in here.” Rae says enthusiastically when she walks into the kitchen. “Oh! Hey, Eric.”

  She stops for a second when her gaze falls on me. I’m not sure if she can read my emotions on my face, but judging from the look on hers, she knows something was interrupted. I push down the disappointment and try to school my features to match that sentiment. Eric smiles at her and strides towards her.

  “Congratulations, momma-to-be.” He says with a grin as he pulls her into a bear hug.

  Raeva giggles as he twirls her around.

  Eric puts her down gently and smirks at my brother. “And of course, congratulations to the father to be. Who would have thought that you could actually fill a stroller?” he says as he drapes his arm around Mika’s shoulder.

  Mika shakes his head and chuckles. The two men make their way out of the kitchen, but Rae lingers. I know she is dying to ask me. She looks at me pointedly and mouths “what happened?”

  “Hey, Rae!”

  We both turn at the sound of Mackenzie’s voice. I am grateful for the interruption and use it as my escape. Mackenzie starts to talk to Rae and I make my way into the dining room. Pretending to busy myself with last minute details…

  * * *

  The dinner is a huge success. Everyone seems to have enjoyed themselves. Mackenzie certainly outdid herself with the meal she cooked for us. After dinner, everyone sticks around for a while, having some drinks and chatting. Even my brother, who usually stops after a drink or two, is already on his fourth. He hasn’t done that since his college days. Rae is the only one not drinking—for obvious reasons—but she doesn’t seem to mind that the rest of us are indulging for her. She is having just as much fun as the rest of us. Eric is the first one to leave, and I am simultaneously relieved and disappointed. I, myself have had a few glasses of wine and who knows what trouble some liquid courage may land me in? I’ve been stealing glances his way all night, and I had to admonish myself several times when I caught myself actually staring at him. Ben and Jill are the last ones to leave. I am so happy for her, but I have
to admit that I miss her living here. She lingers at the door as I hug her goodbye.

  “You gonna be okay, Mik?”

  “Yes. I am fine.”

  She looks me up and down, clearly skeptical. “Uh huh.”

  “No, I’m serious. I am doing just fine.” I tell her with an admittedly weak smile.

  Her forehead wrinkles.

  “Can you grab the elevator, honey?” she asks Ben.

  He nods his head before he leans in and kisses my cheek. “Goodnight, Mik. Thanks for a great night.” He says as he walks towards the elevator.

  I smile as I watch him walk away. “That man is crazy about you,” I tell her.

  She smiles. “Well he put a ring on it, so I hope you’re right.”

  Jill pulls me in for another hug. “Are you sure you’re okay? Do you want me to stay the night?”

  I shake my head and smile at her, grateful for the offer. “I am fine, I promise. Go! That yummy man of yours is waiting.”

  She doesn’t look entirely convinced, but she nods and starts to walk towards the elevator. “Lunch tomorrow?” she calls over her shoulder.

  “It’s a date,” I reply as she takes the hand Ben holds out and steps into the elevator.