Still, there had recently been a subtle shift. Sexy nights were sometimes cuddling on the couch, vegging out while watching a good movie.
Instead, she was focusing on the present. Today she was enjoying a day of shopping with Avery, Mackenzie, and Bridgette. They always had a blast when Mackenzie spent the weekend with them. But their plans were derailed when Bridgette said she wanted to come too. The moody college teen was on the verge of ruining a perfectly nice day by complaining about everything. Since moving to Texas to go to college, Bridgette, the daughter of Morgan’s brother Robert, found trouble at every turn. Now the college student was living with them in the hopes of getting back on track from the wild freshmen year she’d had. At first it seemed like a good idea, but Bridgette was a handful. Sometimes Parker felt like a twenty-four-hour babysitter.
“Ladies, what do you think about this one?” Parker held up the garment for Avery and Mackenzie to inspect. Bridgette, who complained about shopping for baby things, had wandered off.
“Cute and very accurate.” Avery smiled. “I’ve been looking for a cape and a wand. The little prince has been holding court ever since he came home from the hospital.”
Parker giggled. “Par for the course in this family.”
“I like it.” Mackenzie nodded as she held up a big box containing a baby activity gym. “What about this one?”
“Good choice, Kenzie,” Parker said. “That will have Derek Jr. moving around and engaging in the colors, textures, and sounds.”
“I think we’ve done sizable damage. So much for coming in to get a pack of bibs.”
“You knew we wouldn’t be able to get one thing,” Parker replied.
“We’ll get a few more things, then we’re off for ice cream,” Avery said. “Kenzie see if you can find an outfit on that table.”
“OK.” Kenzie walked just a few feet away to the table and started sifting through the clothing.
“Have you set a date for the engagement party?”
“We’re narrowing it down to a few months from now. Wyatt and I are syncing up our schedules. I have a few med school lectures I can’t miss. And I want to make sure everyone in Philadelphia can attend.” Avery held up a colorful rattle.
“I can plan the party. I am the maid of honor after all,” Parker said. “And it would be one less thing for you to juggle.”
“Are you sure? I thought you had your recertification classes at Regency?”
“I do. I’m actually looking forward to Trevor’s new class on surveillance. But it won’t monopolize my time. I can plan the party when I’m not prepping.”
“Thanks.” Avery beamed. “I am on a roll. My mom and Bonnie insist on co-planning the wedding. I don’t know if that’s good or bad, but I’m calling it a win either way. I told them to text you if they saw anything pretty for the bridal party.”
Mackenzie came back with two shirts, one said Lil’ Bro and the other Big Sis. “What do you think?”
“I like it,” Parker replied. “Good selection, Kenz.”
“I like her sense of style,” Avery said. “Kenzie, do you want to pick your own flower girl dress for my wedding?”
“Yes!” Mackenzie’s eyes lit up. “I can’t wait to be a flower girl again.”
“You just have to select one that will come in Alexis’s size too,” Avery said. “I’d prefer that my ladies match.”
“OK. Also, I want to have a floral crown with ribbons in the back.” Kenzie handed Parker the shirts and began moving her hands about to illustrate the flowing ribbons she wanted behind her head. “Ooh. Can I have my own bouquet? The ribbons on the bouquet should match the ones in my crown.”
Parker and Avery looked at her. Little Miss Blake certainly knew what she wanted.
“Do you want to wear your hair in a braid, bun, or curly down around your shoulders?” Avery asked.
“I don’t care. I look cute with my hair anyway.” Mackenzie shrugged. “I’m going over to the stuffed animals. Derek Jr.’s going to need something soft to sleep with.”
They watched as she marched off to the plush toys with Regency agent Simmons in tow.
“She certainly is self-aware and confident,” Parker mused.
“She’s going to be a powerhouse when she’s older.”
“She’s not doing too badly right now. Riley doesn’t call her Little Bruiser for nothing.” Mackenzie was just as tough as her brothers and cousins and twice as vocal. Nothing stood in the way of her speaking her mind, just like her mom.
“I couldn’t help but notice how cozy you and Riley looked the night we announced our engagement.”
“We had a good time with his friends. They all acted like grown-ups, and no one got thrown out of the restaurant.”
“You seem to be more comfortable being the quarterback’s girlfriend these days.”
“It’s getting easier. Riley’s toned down a lot of that loud, manic celebrating. Despite the hoopla that’s always surrounding him, he’s starting to see the wisdom of quiet moments when he can get them.”
“Maybe it’s you having that calming effect on him.”
“Me? According to Rafe, I am more an incendiary device than a source of inner peace.” She laughed.
“You should see the way he looks at you. His eyes were shining the night when we were toasting.”
“Oh, that.” She waved her hand, then looked around to make sure Mackenzie wasn’t in sight. “That’s his horny look. I’d just told him about a trip I’d made to the Erotic Boudoir.”
“I never discount a lascivious look, but I don’t think that was it.”
“OK, Morgan.” Parker rolled her eyes but in jest.
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“You’ve inherited your aunt’s desire to pair up the world.”
“It’s not a bad thing. I want my friends to be happy. You and Riley don’t express your feelings enough. You’re both ecstatically happy, but neither one of you will say the words. It’s cuckoo, but at the same time it’s fitting.”
“Riley and I made an exclusive commitment. We spend a lot of time together. I think it’s a hell of a lot of progress for people like us. We’re not at the level you and Wyatt are on but—” She stopped and took a deep breath before continuing. “It’s a work in progress.”
“I agree. Baby steps I suppose.” Avery sighed and held up a small raincoat. “How precious is that?”
“Very.” Parker put her hand up. “That’s the last thing you will pick up.”
“I can’t make that promise. I want to buy out the entire store.” Avery looked around. “Where’s Bridgette?”
They walked around the store for a few minutes in search of the wayward college student, but there was no sign of her. As they came to the front of the store, Parker spotted her outside talking to a guy.
Parker pointed. “There she is.”
“Figures she’d be somewhere flirting.”
“Hot Pants is at it again,” Mackenzie said.
Parker and Avery looked at Mackenzie.
“Kenzie, where did you hear that?”
“Mom said that when we went to the supermarket,” she said in a matter-of-fact tone. “She said Bridgette was flirting with the stock boy.”
Parker bit back a smile. Kids were little digital recorders.
“That girl is a raging hormone. You can’t leave her alone for a minute.” Avery put her hand on her hip. “I’ll go get her.”
Bad idea. Avery and Bridgette didn’t have the kind of relationship that came easy to the women in the Reed family. The cousins fought about everything.
“Why don’t you and Kenzie go to the register and I’ll take care of Bridgette?” She held up the items she had in her hand.
“OK.” Avery took the clothes and stalked toward the register.
Parker pushed the door open and went over to Bridgette. The guy she was talking to was tall, muscular, and looked like he was in his mid to late twenties. He was looking at Bridgette like she was a pork chop. “Bri
dgette. We were looking for you. Who’s this?”
“Parker. This is Jeremy.” Bridgette grinned.
“Jeremy. Nice to meet you.” Parker moved closer.
“Beautiful women do travel in packs.” Jeremy flashed a cheesy grin.
“Do you spend a lot of time trying to pick up college girls around shopping areas? Because Bridgette here is still in her teens and I’m a protective family member with a short temper.”
“Parker!” Bridgette squinted at her. “I’m nineteen.”
“No! No!” Jeremy squawked. “I was just telling Bridgette that we’re holding tryouts in the amphitheater for Ultimate Champion. Have you heard of it?”
“I’ve heard of it.” She shrugged, trying to sound casual even though her heart began to race at the news. Ultimate Champion was only her favorite show. Everyday people testing their physical limits maneuvering through cleverly designed obstacle courses. But the challenge wasn’t just about the putting the body through its paces. It was just as mentally engaging as it was a physical effort. She also liked the camaraderie among the contestants and the fans. Everyone seemed to be cheering each other on and sharing inspirational stories. There was no undercutting to get ahead. One of the show’s favorites was Jax Jones. He’d been an underdog in the beginning but soon became a competing favorite and face for the show. The camera loved him, and he even had a cult following. He was a true champion that had quite the inspirational story, but a technicality in the final obstacle had cost him the championship and the prize money.
“She watches that show religiously.” Bridgette rolled her eyes. “I was taking a flyer from Jeremy for you, being as you’re a total health nut.”
“I am not a health nut. I like to exercise.”
“She runs five miles a day, exercises, and does all sorts of martial arts. She’s in great shape.”
“Wow. That’s great. Sounds like someone who’d have no problem getting through the mock course,” Jeremy said. “We’re definitely looking for female contestants. And if you have an interesting hobby or occupation, we’d love to hear about it. The viewers love to hear human-interest stories.”
“Parker’s a private investigator, and she dates a pro football player. I know you know who Ri—”
Parker shook her head at Bridgette to be quiet.
“—um, she’s also a private person,” Bridgette finished quickly. At least she hadn’t blurted out Riley’s name. She didn’t want that out there.
“Private or not, the camera would love you,” Jeremy said. “Just think about it. We’re here until eight o’clock tonight. If you pass the preliminary round, then you’d be invited to compete at a scheduled taping.” He handed her a flyer.
“Thanks,” she said as Jeremy smiled at them and walked away.
“Hey,” Avery said as she and Mackenzie approached them. “Who was that?”
Bridgette took the flyer out of Parker’s hand and held it up. “They’re holding auditions for Ultimate Champion on the other side of the mall. Parker should totally enter!”
“You love that show.” Avery beamed. “You should give it a shot.”
Bridgette nodded eagerly. “You’d be great. You workout with a professional athlete.”
“That’s different.” Working out with Riley was foreplay for the two of them. Sure, it was quality time together, but it was also a prelude to hot sweaty fun after the workout. She looked at Mackenzie, trying to think of something clean to say. “Riley and I use that time to—”
“Kiss.” Mackenzie giggled.
“I think you should do it,” Avery replied. “You’re dressed for it.”
Damn it. She did have on one of her fancier workout outfits.
“I can keep an eye on everyone on the sidelines. And we have someone from Regency watching us too,” Avery added, pointing to Simmons.
“You can do it, Parker. You can do anything,” Mackenzie said.
Parker looked at the ladies, who had so much hope in their eyes, but it was Mackenzie’s expression that tugged at her heart. She was a fierce little girl who didn’t back down, and Morgan said that it was because she emulated the strong women around her. What the hell, she’d give it a shot. If she fell on her ass, at least she had Riley to slather on the muscle cream when she got home.
* * *
Riley listened from the kitchen to the recapping of the ladies’ day in the living room as he set the table. Hanging out with the ladies was the perfect end to a hectic day. He’d dropped by Rusty’s to check on Parker’s car. He’d known it was a goner the night of the accident, but Rusty made a promise for Parker’s sake that he’d do a full inspection before he deemed it totaled. But a few weeks later yielded the same conclusion. The car she loved partly because it was a reminder of her dad was beyond repair. He hated having to break the news to her.
Next, he had lunch with Seth who’d continued to congratulate him on giving it his best shot all season. They were more friends now than mentor and mentee, but he appreciated the time the Super Bowl champ always took with him. They made plans to talk again and formulate a strategy for the upcoming season, but for now Seth’s best advice was to take a break and enjoy the good things in his life. It was, after all, why he played so hard all year.
Later on in the afternoon, he’d done an interview for Luscious, a women’s fashion magazine. He’d modeled nice clothes but declined to take pics with his shirt off. Typical modus operandi for the non-sports tabloids. What he didn’t expect was being subjected to their 10 Questions to Ask a Hot Guy segment. They wanted to know all sorts of silly questions like his turn-ons and what he found sexy in a woman. When he was asked to describe the perfect woman, Parker immediately sprang to mind. He then launched into a fifteen-minute conversation about how happy he was to find someone like Parker, who challenged him and inspired him to be the best he could be.
By the surprised look on the interviewer’s face, who’d been flirting with him throughout the entire photo shoot, it wasn’t what she wanted to hear and suggested they edit that part out. After all, sexy, rogue, half-naked Riley was what sold magazines. But that’s where she was wrong. There was more to him than that. He’d done a lot of maturing the past couple of years. He had a girlfriend he adored. He wasn’t that guy anymore, and it was time the world knew about it. He put his foot down and demanded nothing be changed or he was out of there. The staff acquiesced, and he continued to answer their questions.
The sound of laughter brought him out of his haze. It sounded like the ladies had a good time today. They always made sure Mackenzie had a good time when she came over. Parker looked cute in her yoga pants and the makeshift ponytail Mackenzie had given her. He missed Parker today. He’d seen her in the morning before he left to run errands, but it felt like it had been an eternity when he came through the door.
When he and Wyatt returned home with the pizzas, the ladies were sitting on the couch, looking over the multitude of things they’d bought for Derek Jr. Well everyone except Bridgette. She was sitting in the armchair with her earbuds in and fingers flying furiously over her phone screen. The rebellious Reed cousin was always tuning out or pretending to do so. Bridgette thought she’d gotten one over on Parker and Avery when she convinced them to let her stay with them. Little did the college student know it was by design. The Blakes had gotten together and come up with a different way of dealing with the high-strung college student. Once she moved in and was bombarded by a list of rules as long as her arm, Bridgette quickly learned she should have lived on the ranch.
For all the fuss she put up about wanting to be treated like an adult, he got the feeling it was attention she craved. Tonight they were going to have some fun, eat pizza, and pig out on ice cream. The ice cream was usually for Mackenzie, but he’d bought extra and brownies. A brownie sundae with hot fudge and a cherry on top would hopefully soften the blow that Blue Steel, her trusty car, was destined for the junkyard.
Wyatt walked into the kitchen holding up an infant-sized Tomcats jersey. “Look
at this get-up. We got them in at the team’s store today. Meet your competition.”
“They’re getting younger every year.” Riley laughed as he put another plate on the table.
“We may need a second jet just to transport all the baby gifts the family’s sending with us to Philadelphia.” Wyatt took another look at the jersey. “I don’t know how Derek’s going to feel about this.”
“He’ll love it. Seth said as godfather it’s his duty to try and recruit Derek Jr. from infancy. Besides, turnabout is fair play. Connor’s a natural-born hockey player and Derek is nurturing that.”
“True.” Wyatt sighed.
“Very adorable.” Riley looked at his friend. He’d been around that family long enough to know when someone was catching the baby bug. “You ready for that?”
“The cute clothes and toys, yes. The diaper changes and worrying, no.” Wyatt laughed. “But I do think about having babies with Avery someday. When we’re both in a place where it’s right, and we’ve had enough time as a married couple.”
“Wow.” Riley scratched at his beard. “That’s very mature.”
“That statement is a summary of the advice I’ve gotten from every married man I know. I expect to be having many talks in the coming months.”
“You’re rounding down.” Riley raised an eyebrow. “I see you being counseled for years by the men in this family.”
“I know. I’ll probably need to drink a fifth of bourbon before I talk to Avery’s dad again.”
“Why? The hard part is over.” Riley chuckled. “You held up pretty well when you went to Philly to have the talk with him about you proposing.”
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