Reflected Through Us (The Reflection Series Book 3)

By Erica Neilsen

Julie Michaels is a carefree, live and love life kind of girl. She loves men, but never gets attached. Then she meets Adrian Jackson, who won’t give up on her. He wants her and she can’t resist. He’s there for her when her oldest and best friend is in a coma after a car accident. He’s perfect for her and she adores him...until the night he says those three little words.
Julie is not a happily ever after type of girl. Or is she? Can she get over her past and find the strength that is inside her? Can she and Adrian find their happily ever after?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Erica Neilsen
• Release date: May 31, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463940600

Erica Neilsen

Erica Neilsen is the independent author of Reflected in You; book one of The Reflection Series. She has lived most of her life in Iowa, where she still resides. When she’s not writing, Erica works at a retirement community. Erica is an avid reader, reading hundreds of book yearly. She loves football, soap operas, margaritas, and white wine.

Book preview

To all the other authors and writers out there- thank you for inspiring and entertaining me!

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Chapter 1- Hot Guy

Chapter 2- Relentless

Chapter 3- BFF

Chapter 4- The Date

Chapter 5- Thanksgiving

Chapter 6- Finally

Chapter 7- Morning After

Chapter 8- Worst Night

Chapter 9- Thoughts and Prayers

Chapter 10- The Party Must Go On

Chapter 11- Merry Christmas

Chapter 12- Pattern

Chapter 13- Stories and Plans

Chapter 14- New Year’s Date

Chapter 15- Back to Reality

Chapter 16- Awake

Chapter 17- Getting Better

Chapter 18- Kidnapped

Chapter 19- Over

Chapter 20- Fake It

Chapter 21- Christmas in March

Chapter 22- Phone Call

Chapter 23- Better

Chapter 24- Spring Break, Baby

Chapter 25- Surprises

Chapter 26- Past

Chapter 27- Happiness

Chapter 28- Floozy

Chapter 29- Meet the Parents

Chapter 30- The Next Step

Chapter 31- Wedding

Chapter 32- Question

Chapter 33-My Perfect Day

Bonus Scene- Meghan and Robert

Acknowledgements

About the Author

Chapter One

Hot Guy

Coffee. Must have coffee. Caffeine was my only thought as I walked into the coffee shop that was conveniently located next door to my apartment building. It didn’t matter that I had already had two cups back in my apartment. My name is Julie Michaels and I am a caffeine addict. I fully admit it.

Caffeine is really my one vice. Every morning before I leave for work I stop by this coffee shop, grab a large coffee, and then I head off to teach sophomore biology. And today was a Monday morning which meant coffee was even more necessary.

I inwardly groaned, looking at the line in front of me. Monday mornings were the worst. I pulled out my phone, meaning to text Meghan Stevensen, my best friend since forever, when a voice behind me interrupted.

This is quite a line this morning, huh?

I turned to look at the man attached to the deep voice that had distracted me. Hello, hot guy! He was slightly taller than me, dressed in a nice gray suit with dark blonde hair and beautiful hazel eyes. Those eyes widened slightly when I turned to face him and a grin spread across his face, revealing a small dimple on the left side of his mouth. I smiled back and then turned back to face the front.

Yeah, Monday mornings are the worst, I stated the thought I had just moments ago.

Do you come here often?

I smirked at the cliché line, but answered anyway. Every weekday morning. I live next door. Wait, why had I just said that?! I didn’t know this guy and I just told him where I lived? I knew better than that. Hot guy had unnerved me which made no sense. I was around hot guys all the time. I was a beautiful woman, I knew that. I wasn’t full of myself; it was just a fact of my life. Although I was born and raised in Iowa, I looked like a stereotypical California girl with long golden blonde hair and blue eyes. I was thin, which was partly due to the fact that I sometimes forgot to eat. I also did yoga weekly to keep my figure. I dated a lot. Never long enough to get attached to anyone. That wasn’t for me, but I did date a lot of good looking men, which was why hot guy unnerving me was confusing.

So, if I was to come back another morning at the same time you might be here?

I turned back to look at him. He had a small, hopeful grin on his face.

There’s a pretty good chance. I’m a hard core caffeine addict.

Good to know. His smile widened.

I shook my head, a small smile on my face and turned back to face the front. The line was moving fairly quickly and it was almost my turn.

I’m Adrian, by the way, hot guy said. Well, at least I could stop calling him hot guy in my head.

Julie. I turned back around and shook his hand. His hands were smooth and judging by the nice suit I had noticed, I guessed he was a work behind a desk kind of guy. An accountant, maybe? Didn’t matter. I’d probably never see him again. But his touch was making my hand tingle just a bit. My eyes were locked with his.

Next, I heard from the counter. I spun back around, letting go of Adrian’s hand, and taking a couple steps forward.

A smile lit up the worker’s face. Hey, Julie. The usual?

Yes, Ryan. Thank you. I gave him a grin. Ryan was a college kid that worked here every weekday morning before he headed to class. He called out for a large Caffé Americano with an extra shot of espresso. I could hear Adrian chuckle softly behind me. I paid for my drink and then moved down the counter to wait for it. A moment later Adrian joined me.

You weren’t kidding about being a caffeine addict.

I really wasn’t. And I already had two cups this morning. I have a preset coffee maker so my caffeine is waiting for me first thing every morning. The first thing I do when I wake up is head to the kitchen and have a cup of coffee, I said proudly.

He chuckled again, staring into my eyes. I’d like to see that. He broke the connection and glanced back at Ryan. You know he has a huge crush on you, right?

I shrugged. He’s a great kid.

Can’t say I blame him. He definitely has good taste.

I raised my eyebrows at that comment. Adrian was certainly smooth.

Large Caffé Americano, extra shot for Julie. My drink was handed to me.

I turned back to Adrian, taking him in one last time. It was nice to meet you.

It was nice to meet you, Julie. I’ll see you soon.

I smirked and then walked away. Promises, promises. I took a sip of my coffee. Ah, that was good. Time to go teach the youth of America.

Chapter Two

Relentless

I walked into the coffee shop and inhaled the scent of heaven. Yesterday had been a bit rough. It was the week before Thanksgiving Break and the kids’ excitement was making it hard for them to concentrate. I wanted this break just as much as they did.

I joined the line which was slightly shorter than yesterday.

Good morning, Julie, I heard from behind me.

No way. I spun around. Adrian? I gasped. What are you doing here?

His forehead wrinkled as if he was confused. I told you I would see you soon. I asked yesterday if you would be here if I came again at the same time. I thought I was clear, but I apologize if I wasn’t. I’m interested in you, Julie. I’d like to take you out on a date.

Oh wow. That was honest. I can’t believe you actually came back, I blurted out. This was one of those moments I wished I had a filter like Megs. She actually thought about what she was going to say before she said it. I just blurt out whatever popped into my head and usually I was okay with that. For some reason with Adrian it was different.

Adrian frowned. I’m getting the feeling you don’t have much trust in men.

It’s not that exactly. It’s more people in general, I admitted. I don’t trust people I barely know.

Well, Julie, Adrian said with a small smile, taking one of my hands. I would like to become someone you know very well. I would like to earn your trust.

Next, I heard from behind me. I slowly turned around and approached the counter.

Hey, Ryan. The usual please.

Sure thing, Julie. He grinned at me. I paid for my drink and moved down the counter.

Are you okay? Adrian asked when he joined me. You look puzzled.

I guess I’m just surprised. I didn’t think I would actually see you again.

I mean what I say, Julie. I’m not a player. I see a woman I like and I ask her out. It might work out and it might not, but I’d like to give this a shot.

Adrian was different than any other guy I had ever met. Usually the guys I went out with were not ready for commitment. I was definitely getting the commitment vibe from Adrian. And that scared me. As much as I wanted to say yes, I was terrified.

Large Caffé Americano, extra shot for Julie. I grabbed my coffee and took a sip.

Will you wait for me, please? Adrian asked. Maybe sit with me for a couple minutes. I nodded and headed off to grab an empty table. A moment later Adrian joined me. So what do you say? he asked with a smile. Will you go out with me?

Adrian…you seem like a great guy, but you also seem like you might be looking for something long-term. And I’m not that girl, I said, feeling sad to be telling him this. I really did want to go on a date with him, but it wouldn’t be fair. I wasn’t a happily ever after kind of girl.

Julie, I’m not asking you to marry me. I’m asking for a date.

I remained silent for a moment, thinking.

I’ll tell you what. Think about it and I’ll ask you again tomorrow, Adrian said, standing.

Wait, what? I asked, looking up at him in surprise.

I’ll ask you again tomorrow. Have a great day, Julie. He gave me a large grin and then turned and walked out the door.

He was coming back tomorrow? Why was this so important to him? I’m sure there were tons of women in Los Angeles that would jump at the chance to go out with Adrian. Slowly, I stood and walked back to my building to get my car and go to work.

Wednesday morning when I walked into the coffee shop I immediately noticed Adrian sitting a table with his coffee. He waved at me the moment I spotted him. I smiled, still confused, but genuinely happy to see him. Over the years I’ve learned Wednesday morning is usually the slowest morning of the week at the coffee shop, so I got my coffee fairly quickly and headed over to meet Adrian.

Good morning, beautiful girl. How are you this morning?

I blushed. I actually blushed at the term of endearment. I never blush.

Um, fine. How are you?

I’m great. It occurred to me that I never told you my last name or gave you my phone number, so here is my card. I added my cell phone number to the bottom for you. Adrian handed me a business card. Adrian Jackson, Attorney at Law.

You’re a lawyer. I had guessed accountant, I said with a smile.

Ha. No. Numbers bore me. Adrian grinned. I never asked your last name, Julie. Care to share?

Michaels. Julie Michaels.

And what do you do, Julie Michaels?

I teach sophomore biology.

Adrian’s mouth dropped open. No kidding. Beauty and brains. I’ve hit the jackpot.

I couldn’t help the laugh that escaped my mouth.

Adrian glanced at his watch. I’ve got to get going. But before I go, I’ve decided I’m going to give you another day before asking you out again. I was wondering if you would give me your phone number though.

I glanced down at the card he had given me. Fair was fair. Sure. I rattled off my number and he put it directly into his cell phone.

Thanks, Julie. I’ll see you tomorrow. He stood and straightened his black suit jacket and then leaned down and kissed my check. Have a good day, beautiful girl.

I stared after him as he walked out the door. That man had completely thrown me off my game. I was still hesitant about going out with him though. But maybe I should give him a shot. I groaned inwardly and stood to go to work.

Thursday morning I arrived at the coffee shop and glanced around. I didn’t see Adrian anywhere. Maybe he decided to give up. As I waited in line, my cell phone chimed with a text. It was from Adrian. Running late. I’ll be there in a couple minutes, beautiful girl. I smiled. He hadn’t given up. And I didn’t like how happy that made me. I ordered my coffee and just as I sat down Adrian rushed in.

Oh, good. You’re still here. I‘m so sorry I’m late, he apologized as he sat across from me.

It’s fine. Aren’t you going to get a coffee?

I’ll get one before I leave. I don’t want to miss my time with you. He grinned.

And I blushed. Again.

How is your week going? he asked.

A little bit crazy, actually. Next week is Thanksgiving Break and the kids are a bit anxious. They’re having a hard time concentrating.

I’m sure. I’ll bet every boy in your class has the biggest crush on you.

That’s ridiculous.

Julie, if I had had a teacher as stunning as you I never would have learned a thing. I would have just been staring at you the entire time.

I laughed. As a lawyer I’m guessing science wasn’t your thing.

Guilty. Adrian laughed. I took what I had to in high school and college to graduate, but that was it. I got good grades, I just didn’t really enjoy it.

I glanced at the time. I need to get going, I said apologetically.

That’s okay. Before you go though, Julie, will you go out with me?

I’ll tell you tomorrow, I replied with a wink. I stood and headed out.

I’ll be here, I heard him call after me. I smiled. I was going to say yes.

Finally it was Friday. The last day of school before break. And I was ready for it. Trying to teach about cells the week before break was not a good idea. I should change my lesson plans for next year. Although, I’m not sure anything would sink in right before break.

I walked through the door of the coffee shop and found Adrian sitting at the table we had sat at yesterday. He waved me over and indicated two cups of coffee on the table.

I got your usual. I hope that’s okay, Adrian said, pushing the to-go cup toward me.

Thank you. You didn’t have to do that.

I wanted to. He shrugged. So it’s Friday. Are you excited for your week off?

I really am. I was just thinking that I am never going to teach about cells before a break again. I don’t think anyone is learning anything. I sighed.

Adrian was studying me. You really care about your students don’t you?

Of course I do. They’re the youth of America.

He grinned. That they are. You amaze me, Julie.

I shook my head. I can honestly say I’ve never met anyone like you, Adrian.

Julie Michaels, will you go out with me?

I looked up and met his eyes. Yes.

Yes! He pumped his fist in the air making me laugh. Now for the bad news. I’m going out of town this weekend. My parents live in San Diego and they have decided to go on a cruise next week, so I am headed there for a three day weekend to celebrate our Thanksgiving.

I nodded. That will be fun.

I won’t be back until Monday night. Are you free to go out Tuesday night? He looked at me hopefully.

I am. That sounds nice. It really did. I was looking forward to it.

Great! Don’t eat. I’ll take you to dinner.

I nodded.

I’m really excited, Julie. Thank you for saying yes.

Thank you for asking me…repeatedly. I laughed.

We should get going. We both need to get to work. Adrian grabbed my hand and held it as we walked to the door. He turned to face me once we were outside. He kissed my cheek and then stroked it with his thumb, leaving tingling on my skin. Have a great day, Julie. I’ll see you Tuesday.

I’ll see you Tuesday, I repeated.

He grinned before turning and walking away. I slowly turned and walked to my car. That man.

Chapter Three

BFF

I didn’t want to get up. I groaned out loud. My alarm had gone off moments ago, but I wasn’t ready to get up at eleven thirty on a Sunday morning. Megs would be here soon so we could have lunch. We hadn’t seen much of each other lately.

My thoughts turned to Adrian and I smiled. He had texted me throughout the day yesterday telling me good morning and with details about his time with his parents. It sounded like they were wonderful people. His mom was sending him home with all the leftovers since they were going on a cruise, so he would have enough food to have a Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving Day. I felt bad that he didn’t have plans for that day, but I couldn’t exactly invite him to my Thanksgiving dinner with my friends.

I liked him. I had finally admitted it to myself. I really liked him and I was really looking forward to our date. Scared still, but excited.

I heard a knock on my door. That would be Meghan. I groaned and stood, grabbing my bathrobe and sliding it on as I walked to the door.

I opened the door and Megs laughed. Hey, Jules. Are you awake?

I need coffee, I moaned as I headed to the kitchen. I grabbed a mug and poured coffee from my automatic coffeemaker. I took a sip and sighed. Now I’m waking up. Give me a minute to get dressed and I’ll make us lunch. I padded out of the room. I changed into yoga pants and a tank top since I was going to yoga class this afternoon. I pulled my hair up into a ponytail and headed back to the kitchen.

Meghan was at work making a salad. I loved Megs, but she wasn’t a great cook. I had taught her a few things, but Megs was a baker.

Do you want to go to yoga class with me this afternoon? I asked as I pulled ingredients out of the refrigerator to make grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches to go with the salad she was making.

I can’t, Megs replied. I’m meeting a co-worker at one.

I nodded and turned on some rock music to cook to. Five minutes later lunch was ready and we sat at the dining room table and chatted about our final school day before Thanksgiving break as we ate. Megs had it easy. She was a kindergarten teacher. Kids didn’t really understand the concept of Thanksgiving break at that young age. I complained to her about my high schoolers and how I had been trying to teach them about cells and how they constantly weren’t paying attention. I thought about telling her about Adrian, but didn’t. Again, something new. I usually had no problem telling Megs about my dates or guys I met. For some reason I wanted to keep Adrian to myself for now.

Just before one I grabbed my yoga mat and we went down to our cars together. I hugged Megs. We lived next door to each other, but we didn’t see each other daily. A couple times a week was more likely. We were both busy, Megs mostly with work. I wished she would find a man. She always insisted she didn’t want one. Megs didn’t trust easily after her parents were killed in a plane crash. It really affected her. She was a gorgeous woman and she had no idea. I was always trying to set her up and introduce her to men, but she was never interested.

I sighed and got in my car, driving a few blocks to the yoga studio I attended a few times a week. I spent the next forty five minutes bending and stretching, focusing on my breathing and letting everything else go. I loved yoga. It relaxed me and I got to forget about the world for that short amount of time.

I headed home and took a shower and then started flipping channels on the television. A short time later my phone started ringing. I grabbed it and saw Adrian was calling. I grinned and hit mute on the T.V. before answering.

Hey, beautiful girl. How are things in L.A.? Adrian asked.

Great. How are things in San Diego?

Good. I miss you, but it’s good to see my parents.

I rolled my eyes. He missed me? He hadn’t even known me a week.

I’m glad you’re having a good time.

What have you been up to? Doing anything exciting with your break so far?

Well, I had a fascinating morning of sleeping in until eleven thirty. And then my best friend, Meghan, came over for lunch. And then I went to yoga. And now I’m watching T.V. and talking to you.

Adrian chuckled. It sounds like you’re having a very relaxing day. Tell me about Meghan. You haven’t mentioned her before.

Megs and I have been best friends since kindergarten. I practically grew up at her house. We’re originally from Iowa and we moved to California to go to college. Megs’ parents were killed in a plane crash right before high school graduation. We were both crushed. They were like parents to me too. Meghan needed to get out of there so I suggested we move here. We went to college and Megs is now a kindergarten teacher. She lives next door to me. She’s more like a sister than a best friend.

I’m so sorry you had to go through that. What about your parents? Do you ever go back to Iowa to see them? Adrian asked.

No. I have no contact with my family, I said sharply.

There was silence on the other end of the line and then Adrian changed the subject. We ended up talking for an hour before his mom told him dinner was almost ready. That made me laugh. It reminded me of high school at Megs’ house. I told Adrian so.

"Ha ha. I love my parents, but I could never live with