Stranded in Paradise (The Blake Boys Book 13) (15 page)

“I’d like us to start over again.” He cleared his throat. “Can you forgive me for being a clueless jerk?”

“I don’t know. There’s someone new in my life. He’s cute, warm, and gentle and likes to cuddle. We hit it off so well, he moved into my place.”

His frown was fierce. Again he felt like he’d been blindsided by a truck. “What? When? You don’t know anything about this guy.”

She smirked. “No worries, Bo vouched for him. As a matter of fact he introduced us.”

How the hell could his good friend Bo introduce someone to
his
woman? “Who is this creep?”

Autumn looked over her shoulder. “You can meet him yourself. He’s right behind you.”

Jared turned around, mad as hell and ready to do battle with the shady lothario. But all he saw was a hyperactive puppy bounding toward them with his nephews. Autumn descended the steps, knelt down, and the puppy leaped into her arms.

“This is Bingo. The new love of my life.”

“Hi, Bingo.” Jared shook his paw. The pup tried to nip at his fingers. “So you’re the competition?”

“It’s pretty serious. We’ve already slept together and everything.”

“You know you shouldn’t let him sleep in your bed. You’re going to start bad habits and ruin his house-training.”

“Nonsense. He’s going to be an exemplary pet. Isn’t that right Bingo?” She scratched under his chin.

“So I get to be the bad guy and train him?”

“You’re assuming I’m giving you a second chance,” she said.

“I am hopeful.” He caressed her cheek.

“As long as you promise you have no more exes out there wanting your sperm.”

He thought for a minute. “There may be a few lovelorn women out there who still want my body—”

Autumn swatted at his arm and put Bingo down to go play with the kids.

“But I am officially off the market.”

“How can I refuse an offer like that?”

“Thank goodness.” He looked at her. She was beautiful and everything he’d ever wanted. “I love you, Autumn. And you can take as long as you want until you feel you can say the words. I’ll wait forever if I have—”

“I love you too.”

Jared pulled her close and kissed her senseless. He was especially happy when Autumn wrapped her arms around him and held on to him like she didn’t want to let go. It felt good to be with her. After all the protesting he’d done with the family, he understood why they were trying to get them together. They were perfect together.

“By the way, I like kids. I am totally in love with your nieces and nephews.”

“And they return the sentiment. I got quite the cold shoulder when they heard we weren’t together anymore. Jake had Sam revoke my access to his tree house.” He raised an eyebrow.

“Why did he let you back in?”

“I promised to fix things with you.”

“Would you like to be my date for the engagement party?”

“I’d love to.” He kissed her again.

* * *

Jared smiled when Autumn squeezed his hand. The engagement party was going great and the night was still young. In addition to the Blakes, Jamisons, and Connellys, Autumn and Summer’s family were in attendance, as well as the Reeds. He had to admit he was pretty nervous to meet Stephen and Judith Waverly, but it turned out they were pretty nice people. They made a date to have lunch with him, Autumn, Sydney, and his dad before they went home.

He and Autumn had done a lot of talking last night and agreed to air their feelings, no matter how raw, to one another. He was content that they were on the same page, and she’d even asked if she could go to Philly with him to see his loft. He warned her she’d be bound to meet a million of his meddling relatives there, but she said she would be brave if he would.

He mingled with the family, while Autumn flitted about doing her hosting duties. For the first time in a long while, all his siblings were under one roof and it was good to see. Charles was in awe of the ranch and he and his family had been enjoying their stay. Sydney and his dad found a house they liked not too far away that they were interested in buying. After having a carefully worded conversation with Robert, he got his big brother to agree to give Avery some breathing room. He also told him about Wyatt’s efforts to keep her safe. They both agreed maybe they’d been too hard on the boy. He gave Morgan a big squeeze, thankful that his little sister was always championing his happiness and showing him what was missing in his life. And what had been absent was a beautiful woman who made his heart flutter and put a smile on his face every time she walked into a room.

The celebration was in full swing when J.J. asked for quiet. In true Blake fashion, he announced that he and Sam were expecting baby number two. Not to be outdone, Tate took to the floor to announce that he and Isabelle were expecting as well. The couples were teased about their seemingly timed pregnancies, but everyone was happy about the announcements of the new arrivals. The family was growing again. John Jacob took to the floor and asked the remaining couples when they would be contributing to the family tree. Tyler almost choked on his beer. Bo gave him a sly smile, and Channing had a hopeful look in his eye. It was all too precious until Teri-Lyn told him and Autumn they weren’t exempt. She predicted they’d be joining the mix soon, because she knew true love when she saw it.

It was the perfect time to give Autumn the gift he had for her. Luckily he was able to get to the jewelry store that morning. He pulled Autumn to a quiet corner and gave her a kiss.

“I love your kisses.” She grinned.

“I have something for you.” Jared pulled a box out of his pocket.

Autumn opened the box. It was diamond-studded dog tag with “in case of emergency” information on it. “Bingo Waverly Reed. He’s going to love it.”

“I figured since we’re back together. We’ll be sharing custody.”

Autumn laughed. “You got a kid after all.”

“I figure he’s good practice for the real thing someday.” He winked at her.

Isabelle came over. “What’s going on? I saw a box.”

“Look, it’s a dog tag for Bingo,” Autumn squealed.

“Wow. That’s gorgeous,” Morgan chimed in as she approached.

“He’s going to be the snazziest-looking pup in doggie daycare,” Summer added.

“You know, there’s a little shop in town that makes the cutest outfits for dogs. We should go there one day,” Cassidy said.

“He has fur, that’s nature’s outfit for his kind,” Tyler quipped.

Seth laughed. “Don’t let Rowdy see it. He’ll want one too.”

As the family continued to discuss the dog tag, Jared put his arm around Autumn and smiled. They were parents to the most spoiled puppy on the planet. He hoped Bingo didn’t mind, but Autumn asked if he’d like to keep some of his things at her place instead of at the guesthouse. He knew it was a big step for her to open her heart and her home and trust. But he was determined to show her she wasn’t mistaken. He looked forward to the next chapter in their lives.

~ 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.

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 ~

Executive Desires

The Blake Boys Book Ten

Rhonda Laurel

Bo Jamison isn't looking forward to going home. While he does look forward to seeing his mom, he’s less than eager to see his less-than-friendly younger half brothers. And as CFO of Blake Enterprises, he's got his hands full with a new business deal that demands his full attention. Bottom line: he doesn't need the drama. But when the beautiful Waverly twins move into the condo across the hall, he finds the drama has just begun. Autumn Waverly is sexy and sophisticated, and definitely interested. Summer, not so much. Quieter and more down-to-earth, Summer seems as if she'd rather Bo just go away. Or is it the other way around? Between trying to figure out which twin is which, and finding reasons to spend time with both of them, Bo finds himself in the enviable position of having two beautiful women on his arm.

But when one of them knocks on his door late at night and invites herself into his bed, Bo's not sure what came over him. Or who. The passion between them is electric, but the sisters aren't talking. In fact, it almost seems as if they're toying with him. The who's-who game is fun at first—until Bo finds himself falling for his mysterious midnight visitor. If only he could figure out who she was—and why she wouldn't tell him...

Buy
Executive Desires
here

http://www.amazon.com/Executive-Desires-Blake-Boys-Book-ebook/dp/B011T6AULM/

The Final Play

The Blake Boys Book Twelve

Rhonda Laurel

Can the star quarterback make it to the final play?

Star quarterback Seth Blake cannot believe how fast time has flown by since he announced the timeline for his retirement. He's determined to drive the Philadelphia Titans to one more championship before the clock runs out and secure his place in football history. But when tensions flare between Seth and a problematic wide receiver, the whole season and Seth's legacy are threatened—not to mention the newest addition to his family.

Morgan Blake is pregnant and excited about all the coming changes in their lives. She knows life on the Texas ranch will be great for their growing family, and the bookstore and non-profit that she runs will definitely need to make some adjustments without her. But outside drama might ruin everything right at the goal line. One thing's for sure, there's a storm coming for the Blakes...

Buy
The Final Play
here

http://www.amazon.com/Final-Play-Blake-Boys-Book-ebook/dp/B017M6A8Q0/

The
Hollywood Heat
Series