Off Season (The Blake Boys Book 15)

by Rhonda Laurel

  “Good catch, Kenzie!” Morgan clapped.

  “Here, Mommy.” Mackenzie bent down and picked up her barrette that had fallen out of her hair.

  Morgan clipped it back into place. “There you go.”

  “Now go have some fun in your new playground. But stay out of trouble and be careful with your sister!” he yelled after them as they ran about the field playing with a football.

  “We will!”

  Mackenzie was doing her best to keep up with them. He liked how they waited for her when they could have easily written her off as too slow or being too small. They wanted her in their lives no matter how much she terrorized them. Jake tossed the ball to her again, and she caught it and spiked it.

  He looked at Morgan. “Did you see that?”

  “Yes, I did. She’s a natural. Just like her old man.” Morgan wrapped her arms around his waist.

  “I think it’s wonderful that she says ‘mommy’ now.”

  “Yes, especially when she needs something done,” Morgan quipped.

  “I think she just needed to say it in her own time.”

  “Or she just wanted to drive me crazy.”

  “Sweet Pea would never do that on purpose.”

  Morgan rolled her eyes. “Go ahead. Defend the daddy’s girl. I’m prepared for years of your whacky excuses for her willful behavior.”

  “She’s a fireball. Just like her mama.” He laughed. “I’m so happy you’re feeling better. I’ll always be by your side, no matter how hectic our lives get. Our family and your health mean more to me than anything in the world.”

  “I know. I’m so proud of you for taking this bold step. I always knew you’d have another future in football. You’re going to be a great owner and mentor for this team.”

  “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

  “Looks like we’re back to the old football schedule. I couldn’t wait until the off season.” She smiled.

  “Yeah.” He sighed. “But I won’t travel so much. And we can—”

  Morgan interrupted. “We’ll manage.”

  “What about, Sweet Pea?”

  “What about her?” Morgan caressed his cheek.

  “She’s going to wonder where I am. At the ranch I was just a stone’s throw away.”

  Morgan beamed. “You can always bring her to the stadium with you.”

  “Really?” Seth’s eyes sparkled.

  “No. Our daughter is not being raised at Tomcats Stadium.” She laughed. “But she can visit often.”

  “It was worth a shot to ask.” He grinned.

  “Trust me, your place in her heart is cemented. And you’ll always be there for her.” She gave him a reassuring smile. “I’m so glad you tackled me trying to save me from that football all those years ago.”

  “Let’s keep that story to ourselves for a little while longer. I want to be the kids’ hero as long as I can.”

  “You’ll always be their hero, even after they find out the hilarious way you tried to get my attention.”

  Seth looked at the kids playing. They looked so happy. He’d never regretted the time he took off after he retired. It had strengthened them all. The reason for his state of bliss was right next to him. He picked Morgan up and swung her around until she shouted for him to stop.

  “What was that for?”

  “I love you so much sometimes I don’t think my heart can take it.”

  “I love you too. To the moon and back.”

  John Jacob and the rest of the family came thundering onto the field. T.K. was joined by Logan and his other son Austin. The Blake dynasty was ramping up and headed into a new, unknown destination that had potential, and more importantly, kept them doing the things they did best. Love, family, and football. He looked forward to the next chapter in their lives.

  END

  ~ About the Author ~

  Rhonda Laurel is a contemporary interracial/multicultural romance writer whose two great loves are writing and landscape photography. She uses both as a vehicle to convey the complexity of the human spirit and the beauty of the world around her. Ebb Tide, For the Love of the Game and Masquerade were released in 2012. Shutter, Memories of You, Star Crossed, MVP, California Bored and Tourism and The Blake Legacy in 2013. The print anthology, The Rhonda Laurel Collection, featuring Ebb Tide, For the Love of the Game and Shutter released June 2013. Texas Heat, Love Notes & Football and The Perfect Storm, books 4, 5 and 6 in The Blake Boys Series released in 2014. Slow Burn, Hollywood Heat, Cowboy’s Heart, Tempting Fate, Executive Desires, Meet the Blakes, and The Final Play released in 2015. Stranded in Paradise and Slap Shot released in 2016.

  The author is happily building her backlist.

  Discover more about Rhonda Laurel here

  http://www.rhondalaurel.com

  http://www.facebook.com/authorrhondalaurel

  http://www.twitter.com/rhondalaurel

  http://pinterest.com/rhondalaurel/

  ~ Also by Rhonda Laurel ~

  The Blake Boys Series

  For the Love of the Game

  The Blake Boys Book One

  Rhonda Laurel

  This quarterback is making the greatest play of his life…

  Quiet bookstore owner Morgan Reed can’t wait to lie on the beach on her much-needed tropical vacation, but getting tackled by a tall, green-eyed stranger playing touch football isn’t exactly what she had in mind. Neither is falling for said stranger, or going along with the eccentric islander who sends them off with a mock wedding. But all’s fair when it comes to vacation romance, and Morgan has plenty of time to get back to reality when she gets home.

  When he slams into the beautiful Morgan on the beach and sends her to the infirmary, superstar quarterback Seth Blake insists on helping her recover—if she agrees to share his bungalow with him. Seth is nothing less than smitten, and the best part is that the beauty has no idea who he is.

  But when he finds out that their little “wedding” was the real thing, Seth finds himself in a sticky situation. Especially when Morgan finds out the man she fell for isn’t at all who he made himself out to be…

  Buy For the Love of the Game here

  http://www.amazon.com/Love-Game-Rhonda-Laurel-ebook/dp/B00A3X2NS6/

  MVP

  The Blake Boys Book Two

  Rhonda Laurel

  The game has just begun…

  Morgan Reed-Blake discovers that being the wife of MVP quarterback Seth Blake has its perks…and its challenges. Thrust into Seth’s high-profile world, she must wade through the celebrity, status, and the ghosts of girlfriends past. So when Seth takes Morgan home to his ranch in Texas and introduces her to his family and friends, she’s not surprised when his high school sweetheart comes to call. Morgan suspects she wants to rekindle the flame, and how can she blame her? Distraught over the changes their relationship has caused for Seth, Morgan wonders if maybe he’s better off without her.

  Pro quarterback Seth Blake is elated that his wife Morgan is giving their “fake” marriage a real chance. But he doesn’t anticipate running into the woman who broke his heart years ago. He hasn’t told Morgan about the complicated relationship with his ex, but as he guides Morgan through the maze of his celebrity lifestyle, can he convince her the past is in the past? The MVP does not accept defeat, and he’s determined not to lose. But winning Morgan might be the most difficult game of his life…

  Buy MVP here

  http://www.amazon.com/MVP-Rhonda-Laurel-ebook/dp/B00DI9WD3W/

  The Blake Legacy

  The Blake Boys Book Three

  Rhonda Laurel

  Two lovers. Two dreams. One hell of a hard decision…

  NFL quarterback Seth Blake is having an unbelievable hot streak—he’s won his third Super Bowl title the same day his wife Morgan gave birth to their son. Life couldn’t be better for the new father and MVP. His contract with the Philadelphia Titans expires in a year, giving him a chance to make a professional dream come true: to play in his home state for the Texas W
ildcats and return to his much-missed Twelve Horseshoes Ranch—this time, for good.

  Morgan Reed-Blake has never been happier. She’s got the best husband, the cutest baby, and she’s successfully juggling career and family. Her bookstore is expanding, her charitable organization is growing, and she’s been offered her dream job on the literacy council. Everything in her Philadelphia world is coming up roses. Until Seth’s contract with the Titans expires, and his dream of returning home comes close enough to touch…and the powers that be in Texas start romancing Seth in earnest. Morgan and Seth both have dreams. But a choice has to be made…

  Buy The Blake Legacy here

  http://www.amazon.com/Blake-Legacy-Boys-ebook/dp/B00GO4J81I/

  Texas Heat

  The Blake Boys Book Four

  Rhonda Laurel

  Isabelle Reed is having a bad year. The classical violinist is struggling with a divorce, and a broken arm has left her unable to play. So when she receives a wedding invitation from her cousin Morgan, her heart just isn’t in it. Going to the wedding will mean seeing everyone from back home, and seeing everyone back home will mean facing the music about her divorce. Unable to miss her cousin’s wedding, she bites the bullet and takes off—and lands right in the arms of Morgan’s brother-in-law, country western music star Tate McGill. She’d heard about the singer and his bad-boy reputation, but there’s something about those storm-filled eyes that made her yearn to look deeper. Even though she should know better than to risk being the subject of a song on his next album.

  Country western singer Tate McGill is living the good life. He’s surrounded by beautiful women, hit music, and a great family. But he gets more than he bargained for when he agrees to babysit his nephew Jake for his brother Seth Blake, and finds a beautiful woman in his way. Isabelle Reed is talented and strong-willed, and she’s a natural with little Jake. But she’s keeping a secret from Tate, and he’s determined to find out what it is...

  Buy Texas Heat here

  http://www.amazon.com/Texas-Heat-Blake-Boys-Book-ebook/dp/B00JRFGIQY/

  Love Notes and Football

  The Blake Boys Book Five

  Rhonda Laurel

  New baby. New adventures. Love deluxe.

  Philadelphia Titans quarterback Seth Blake couldn’t be happier. Toddler Jake is growing like a weed, and Seth’s wife Morgan is expecting another baby. He’s just signed a new contract to play football for five more years and has a plan for retirement. Things couldn’t be better...until an unexpected family crisis turns the world upside down for them all.

  Morgan Blake is ecstatic to become a mom again. The bookstore owner is happily balancing work life, homelife, and love life while preparing for their new arrival. But the family is keeping a secret from her. And the secret will threaten the very happiness she’s worked so hard to find.

  Buy Love Notes and Football here

  http://www.amazon.com/Love-Notes-Football-Blake-Boys-ebook/dp/B00MPTF2HA/

  The Perfect Storm

  The Blake Boys Book Six

  Rhonda Laurel

  Sometimes you have to tear everything down and start over…

  Private security specialist Samantha Jane Carson gets the surprise of her life when she arrives at Blake Enterprises for the annual security audit. Instead of her usual contact, she’s greeted by the company president himself, the sexy and elusive J.J. Blake. It’s her job to know everything about the Blake family, and J.J.’s recent divorce is the talk of the town. Women are lined up to become the next Mrs. Blake, and who wouldn’t want to be? J.J.’s gorgeous, rich, and has stormy green eyes that hold women captive.

  J.J. Blake is making some major changes in his life. Freshly divorced from ex-wife Eden, he’s building a new house, coming to terms with the injury that ended his NFL career, and is ready to start fresh—without romance complicating things. His friends and family encourage him to get back into the dating pool, but he’d rather not be sucked into those rough waters again. Work is the obvious diversion, and he opts to handle the security audit himself for some good old-fashioned guy/tech work. But when Sam Carson walks into his office, J.J.’s brought up short. The “Sam” he was expecting turns out to be Samantha—beautiful, smart, and a tough-as-nails ex-cop in a polished, professional package. And she’s just the kind of woman who could drag him under…

  Buy The Perfect Storm here

  http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Storm-Blake-Boys-Book-ebook/dp/B00OMCEPGW/

  Slow Burn

  The Blake Boys Book Seven

  Rhonda Laurel

  Tyler Blake is making quite a name for himself in the racing circuit and has everything he’s ever wanted—fame, the support of his family, and hot women clamoring for his attention. But he can’t get a certain bookseller out of his head. The passionate night he spent with Michelle Bradley on the eve of his brother’s wedding still haunts him. He’s too busy living the dream to want commitment, but when he hears Michelle is seeing someone, it bothers him more than he’s willing to admit.

  Michelle Bradley is making some major changes in her life. Fed up with months of pursuing the elusive Tyler Blake, she’s ready to throw in the towel. The night she spent with Tyler might as well never have happened, because he doesn’t seem to know she’s alive. But when a cooking class inspires Michelle to funnel her passion into the fine art of cuisine, she finds a new outlet: writing a food blog. Until a glimpse of Tyler on television kissing a woman after a big win sends her into a tizzy. With the help of the Blake women, Michelle kidnaps Tyler and takes him to a secluded cabin so they can have it out once and for all. She hopes the fabulous meal she’s prepared will entice him to stay, at least long enough for dessert…

  Buy Slow Burn here

  http://www.amazon.com/Slow-Burn-Blake-Boys-Book-ebook/dp/B00RHB6VEO/

  More Romance from Etopia Press

  Heart of a Marine

  Wounded Warriors Book One

  Patty Campbell

  Falling in love wasn't part of the contract...

  Single dad and wounded warrior, Dwayne Dempsey, has no idea what he’s bargained for when he signs a construction contract with the curvy Marla Danaher to honcho her condo conversion. The last thing he needs is a sexy property developer breathing down his neck every step of the project. Her strong-minded bossiness should turn him off, but oddly, only makes her more desirable to him.

  Marla Danaher has no time for dates, flirting, or marriage. She leaves that up to her twin sister, Charlene. Building a solid financial future and determining her own destiny are her top priorities. Unfortunately, the former Marine running the construction project she's poured everything into only complicates everything. His teasing sexual innuendos drive her to distraction, and she can't ignore his raw physical strength and masculinity. They're on each other's nerves day in and day out, but that does nothing to diminish their strong attraction sparking between them. Too bad love scares them both.

  When the mother of Dwayne's daughter suddenly reappears, things take a nasty turn as she fights for sole custody of the child she'd abandoned. There's no way he's giving up his daughter, but when a series of break-ins and threats begin, his protective side flares to life. How can he protect those he cares for most without driving them away?

  Buy Heart of a Marine here

  https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Marine-Wounded-Warrior-Book-ebook/dp/B01ELTGR02

  The Hourglass

  Sharon Struth

  Can forgiveness survive lies and unspoken truths?

  Until Brenda McAllister's husband committed suicide, she appeared to have the ideal life: a thriving psychology practice, success as a self-help author, and a model family. But her guilt over her affair with Jack's best friend prevents her from moving on. Did Jack learn of her infidelity? Was she the cause of his death?

  The release of Brenda's second book forces her into an unexpected assignment with arrogant celebrity author CJ Morrison, whose irritating and edgy exterior hides the torment of his own mistakes. But as she grows closer to CJ, Bre
nda learns she wasn't the only one with secrets--Jack had secrets of his own, unsavory ones that may have led to his death. While CJ helps Brenda uncover the truth about her husband, she finds the path to forgiveness isn't always on the map.

  Buy The Hourglass here

  http://www.amazon.com/Hourglass-Sharon-Struth-ebook/dp/B00CIX1YDO/

  The Ranch Hand

  Hannah Skye

  A rugged cowboy, an ambitious cowgirl...and a whole lot of rope.

  After growing up on her uncle’s ranch, Carol McCreedy has longed for a place of her own to put down roots, raise a big herd of cattle, maybe a few horses, and make a name for herself. And now, with the ink barely dry on the deed, she’s finally made it happen. But leaving Snowbrook to go off on her own isn’t going to be easy. Not only is she in debt up to her eyeballs, but she won’t have the excuse to flirt with her uncle’s long-time ranch hand, Harlan Lee. He’s a mighty fine specimen—rugged, hard-working, and drop-dead sexy, and Carol’s going to miss watching him ride the fences and haul bales of hay in the Colorado sun. There’s heat between them, she can feel it every time his eyes meet hers and that slow smile spreads across his amazing mouth. But she just can’t get the man to make a move.