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Chapter 33
Mikel
Mikel walked into his old bedroom, fresh out of the shower. He opened the drawer and picked one of the neatly folded T-shirts that smelled like pine. The scent transported him to the last time he’d lived here. Memories, both good and bad, brought on by one of the most underrated senses in the human body.
He finished getting dressed, pulling on the fresh tee and black cargo shorts. He ran a hand across his now-smooth chin; he’d put in a little extra effort for his two guests. His black hair hung low on one side over his eye. He was overdue for a haircut. Delicately, he pressed his cheek and winced. It was still a little discolored and sore from the sucker punch Andre had delivered.
Mikel took a few calming breaths before settling into a meditative pose. He reflected on how the week had gone so far. Having Remy in his space had given him a glimpse of what could be—of all he’d left behind. Maybe this was his second chance to be a good father and to take care of the woman he loved. His chest expanded, full and warm as images of Remy filtered in. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever known. Different now, and more grown up, but he could tell she was an amazing mother. She had done everything she’d wanted despite the curveball of the unplanned pregnancy and all the shit he’d put her through.
Was it too much to hope she still harbored feelings for him? Had he destroyed any chance they had to be together? He had to earn his way into their lives, and he would.
Mikel checked his phone. They should be here any minute. Nervous excitement tumbled in his belly. He slipped on his black boots and headed downstairs just as the front door opened.
The little face he had been waiting all day to see appeared. “Daddy!”
He opened his arms wide, catching the wild ball of energy. He was still getting used to the fact that he was her father. Apparently, she was much faster to forgive his absence than her mother.
Brown Timberlands walked through the door, stopping in front of him. Instead of the beautiful Remy, he was met with Andre’s hard glare.
“You gonna hit me again?” Mikel asked, standing tall.
“We don’t hit. Hands are not for hitting. Right, Mommy?” Lyra chimed in, her little voice reminding him of their audience.
Remy came in, setting down a bag before crossing her arms and glaring at her brother. She too had dressed up. A short yellow floral sundress showed off her long legs. Her smoky eyes were darkened and her lips painted with something pink and shiny. He swallowed, fighting the urge to get her alone and dive into that tight little body—feel those curves wrapped around him as she shuddered and pulsed. To take her and remind her how he’d been the one to show her the stars.
“That’s right, honey. Sometimes big boys need a reminder that things cannot be resolved with violence,” she said.
“And sometimes big girls need to be reminded that there are some exceptions,” Andre growled.
“Come on, baby. Let’s get your dinner ready before I go,” Remy said, reaching her hand out for her daughter.
“Go?” Mikel asked, confused.
Remy chewed on her bottom lip as she avoided his eyes. “Yeah, I’ll be back by eight.”
She disappeared into the kitchen with Lyra. Dishes clinked as Andre stepped closer into his space. Mikel turned to face him. “I let you hit me once, and I deserved it. Won’t let it happen twice.”
Andre smirked. “You asshole. Always were a righteous motherfucker.”
“Hey, watch your language near my daughter,” Mikel clipped.
“Oh, now she’s your daughter? Who do you think has been here the whole time watching over this little family?” Andre asked, crossing his arms.
The accusation stung. “I would have been here had I known.”
Andre wiped a hand over his face. “I know. I don’t agree with how she handled everything back then. But you disappeared, man. You could have come to me. I could have helped you. Instead, you ran and I was left to run the business by myself, and deal with all the shit that came out.”
Mikel nodded. “I shouldn’t have gone without taking care of everything. I’m sorry I left you in the lurch with the company. I can sign whatever you need now stating I give up my half of control to you.”
Andre shook his head and laughed. “You’re back. You can pick up the slack. It’s time. I’ve earned one hell of a vacation.”
Mikel sucked in a staggered breath. “What are you sayin’?”
“I’m saying, Seaview Construction is still half yours. And you’re gonna need a way to support this little family. Your portion of the profits have been put aside in an account while you’ve been gone, all except what I gave to Remy for Lyra.”
“What? Why?” Mikel demanded.
“Remy wouldn’t take it. She knew you’d be back and she wanted you to have something. She agreed to come to me if she ever needed some extra help. I figured I’d keep it for my niece if you didn’t return,” Andre explained.
