Hot Pursuit

by Rhonda Laurel

  “OK. I’ve already reconciled with that.”

  “You and Parker were a different story. It was about a man growing up and finding a woman who challenged and stimulated him for all the right reasons. Parker ignited something in you deep down, and it reflected in all aspects of your life. You stopped acting like a self-centered jerk and became someone better. Your game improved because you no longer had something selfish to prove—it became about the team and not just you. Meeting the right woman will do that to you.” Seth smiled.

  “When that lunatic was stalking me, I didn’t give a damn about myself. What I worried about was that Parker could get hurt protecting me. It would have killed me if something had happened to her.”

  “Maybe Theo just wants a chance to feel that way about Aubrey.”

  “Just my luck you’d be rational. What happened to the hothead who put an embargo on anyone dating a member of your family?”

  “I do that with the players for a very good reason. Most of them are sowing wild oats. Bridgette might think it would be fun and exciting to date a player, but I don’t see it that way.”

  “I know what you mean. I had a talk with Tristan.”

  “Good. He’s a good cornerback. I’d hate to trade him to Antarctica because he was chasing after my nineteen-year-old niece.”

  “Parker and I put the kibosh on that as soon as we saw it happening.”

  “Speaking of your better half, Parker’s doing great on Ultimate Champion. She’s a natural athlete.”

  “She wasn’t enthused at first, but I think after seeing how much the family supports it, she’s cautiously embracing it. I think it’s the competitive streak in her that keeps her going back. She doesn’t like to lose.”

  “Especially when it’s something that involves chasing criminals. Good going, Ronnie!” Seth clapped as another kid on the team took a base. “She was determined to get your jersey back.”

  “She was reckless.” Riley sighed. “But then again, nothing gets in her way when she’s on a mission.”

  “Morgan is the same way. You tell her something can’t be done, and she will move heaven and earth to find a way. It’s one of the reasons I love her so much. She never gives up.”

  He’d seen Morgan in action. The last thing you wanted to do was piss that tiny woman off. She was a fearless dynamo.

  “Yeah, but Morgan isn’t chasing down criminals, defusing bombs, crashing cars, and getting into bar fights. Only a crazy person does things like that. Which grates on my nerves because the character traits that aggravate me are the same traits that make her so damn sexy.”

  “The conundrum of dating a unique woman. Parker’s strong, capable, and never backs down. It takes a special kind of man to appreciate those strengths.”

  “I know she likes what she does. I worry and have a lot of sleepless nights, but I know having a strong sense of duty is important to her. It’s the damn Carson motto.”

  “J.J. went through the same thing with Sam. You just love her and hope for the best.”

  He nodded slowly. “I’ve been thinking a lot about the two of us lately.”

  “Oh?” Seth raised an eyebrow. “What have you been thinking about?”

  “The future. Whether we’re getting closer to a new chapter in our relationship. Parker’s not big on talking about feelings. We’re together, things are great, but I want more. At the same time, I don’t want to rock the boat and scare her away.”

  Seth kept his eyes on the field. “You know what was my favorite part of Parker’s performance on the show?”

  “What?”

  “The first thing she did when she was finished was give you a hug on national television. Pretty daring for someone with an aversion to the media frenzy that follows you. I’d say you two are on the same wavelength, you’re just expressing it in different ways. Eventually you’ll meet in the middle and hash it out and start planning your future.” Seth stood and started clapping.

  The game was over. The Lone Star Rascals had won. Riley rose and joined the applause. The kids had really given their all today, and there were a bunch of happy little Blakes in line on the field to shake hands with the other team. He liked being part of this family. Who would have thought signing with the Tomcats would have given him so much on a personal level? Seth was right. He and Parker were making strides in their relationship, each in their own way. What mattered most was that she was moving closer to him.

  Riley looked down at the bottom of the bleachers, searching for his sister.

  Aubrey waved at him and smiled. “Riley, you ready to go?”

  Aubrey wasn’t that silly eight-year-old with pigtails and braces who wanted to tag along with him everywhere he went. She was a young woman. She’d been telling him this for the longest time, but he hadn’t been listening. Maybe it was time for him to change a lot of things in his life…

  Chapter Seven

  Parker stopped the passing waiter and grabbed a crab puff. She’d been running around like a mad woman all day and hadn’t eaten anything since breakfast. Wyatt and Avery’s party had been going on for an hour, and everyone was enjoying the food and having a good time. Seth and Morgan’s house was at full capacity, and there were still people on the way. It was well worth all the bustling around she’d been doing for the last few weeks to see the looks on the happy couple’s faces when they arrived. They’d settled on a wedding date, and all that was left to do was count the days until wedded bliss.

  Parker scanned the room and found Riley talking to Tyler, Corbett, Wyatt, and Theo. He looked exceptionally handsome tonight, but then again, he always did. She liked that he was as comfortable in workout clothes as he was in designer duds. They’d barely had time to see each other the last two weeks, and it was difficult to get alone time when they were both free.

  It may have been Wyatt and Avery’s night, but the real star was Derek Jr., who was causing quite the stir in all his adorableness. The perfect blend of his parents, he had thick dark curly hair and curious blue eyes like his dad. Everyone was waiting patiently for their turn to hold him but his godmother Morgan had other plans. Parker went over and joined the group.

  “Morgan,” Isabelle said. “Are you going to let anyone else get in some face-time with Derek Jr.?”

  “I can’t. He smells so good.” Morgan took a whiff of his hair. “He has that new-baby smell. I love that smell.”

  “Me too,” Isabelle said. “I would buy a bottle of that smell if they sold it.”

  Parker took a whiff and sighed. “It is a good smell.”

  Parker held her arms out. “I haven’t been able to hold him all night. I promise I’ll give him right back.”

  “OK.” Morgan sighed. “You can hold him for a few minutes.”

  “Come here, little prince.” Parker gently took Derek Jr. into her arms. He did smell good, and he had on the cutest little outfit. “I hear you were given a very special present earlier.”

  John Jacob and Teri-Lyn had given Derek Jr. a Blake property just liked they’d done with all the kids in the family. They’d also given Joy’s son Isaiah the same gift. Joy was so beside herself she’d been crying for the last hour.

  Avery joined the group. “I was next in line to hold Derek Jr.”

  “I can’t help it, I cut the line. I’m a sucker for those beautiful blue eyes,” Parker said. They were a different shade from Riley’s, but that cool, mesmerizing look was there. The tot was too cute for words, and when he nestled into Parker as she rubbed his back, her heart melted.

  “No worries, you’ll get your chance to spoil him rotten.” Morgan smiled.

  Avery sighed. “I visit the babies in the paternity ward at the hospital. I can stay in there for hours.”

  “Ever thought about being a pediatrician?” Isabelle said.

  Avery tapped her lips with her finger. “The thought crossed my mind. Heaven knows I’ve had my fair share of experiences with the kids in the family.”

  “Pretty soon you’ll be having babies of yo
ur own.” Morgan winked at her.

  Parker gently bounced the baby. “I heard Seth saying he wouldn’t mind having baby number five.”

  “Why did you have to ruin the moment?” Morgan shot her a look. “He loves babies, but he always forgets about three-in-the-morning wakeups, diaper changes, and teething.”

  “He doesn’t mind because Uncle Seth never sleeps.” Avery kissed Morgan on the cheek. “You loved every moment of it. I remember you being over the moon when Jake was born.”

  “My contribution to the family tree has been noted. My time is over. Soon I’ll be Great Auntie Morgan. You ladies are the next generation to keep the family populated.”

  “No time soon,” Parker and Avery said in unison.

  Avery laughed. “Wyatt and I have been talking, and we have a plan. I’ll finish medical school and get a good two years into my career, then we’ll talk babies.”

  “Riley and I are not ready for that conversation,” Parker said.

  “I used to have plans too.” Morgan pointed to the kids in the family room. “Four of the happiest accidents I’ve ever had.”

  “You didn’t plan the kids?” Avery asked.

  “No. You can plan all you want, but you know in the moment when it’s time. And it’s going to be when you least expect, but you’re delighted about it just the same.” Morgan beamed. “Just you two wait and see. Life has a way of throwing you curve balls to upset the best of plans.”

  Charisma wandered over and joined the group. She grinned at Derek Jr. “Uh-oh. Looks like someone likes your necklace.”

  “He’s a curious little guy, isn’t he?” Parker looked down at Derek Jr., who was playing with the necklace she was wearing. “He’s such a good baby. Is he always this quiet?”

  “No. He’s being nice because we’re around people. Otherwise, he’d be all over the place. He loves keeping track of Alexis. He goes nuts if she leaves the room.” Charisma smiled. “I think he likes all the attention the ladies are giving him.”

  “I think you’re right,” Isabelle said. “Every woman in this room has held him since the party started.”

  “I think this is the first time I’ve seen him since we arrived at the party.” Charisma shook the rattle in her hand at her son. “By the way, Parker, congrats on advancing to the semi-finals. Derek and I are cheering for you. What made you interested in competing?”

  “Thanks. We were shopping, and Bridgette spotted the people who were recruiting for the show.” No need to throw Bridgette under the bus for flirting with Jeremy.

  “How’s the living situation going?” Lisa, Bridgette’s mom, joined them.

  “It’s going well. She knows the rules, respects most of them, but will complain about it anyway.”

  “I worry about her,” Lisa said.

  “As a matter of fact, she’s in charge of my social media accounts. She’s posting and tagging and all that other crap I can’t keep up with on the Internet.”

  “Really?”

  “Bridgette’s different when she focuses on something. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the change in her.”

  Summer and Autumn approached the group.

  Summer touched his hand. “Where do we sign up to hold Derek Jr.?”

  “Ladies, we’re creating a monster.” Charisma sighed.

  “Too late.” Autumn smiled. “I heard Grandma Reed is the biggest culprit.”

  Parker looked at Summer and Autumn. She’d wanted to have a chat with them.

  “Hey, ladies. I was wondering if you were hiring.”

  “We’re always hiring,” Autumn mused. “Why? What’s up?”

  “There’s a contestant on the show that I’ve become friendly with named Melissa. She just moved here because her husband got a new job, but she’s still looking. She’s in graphic design, but I don’t know her full resume. She’s really nice.”

  “Why don’t you have her give me a call?” Autumn said. “Summer and I could have a sit down with her and see what’s what. We’re always looking for new talent.”

  “Great. I’ll do that,” Parker replied.

  “Uh-oh.” Avery pointed to the other side of the room.

  Parker looked in the direction she was pointing to see Riley was talking to Derek.

  “Looks like Derek is on his humanitarian mission to see if he can soften Riley up,” Charisma said.

  Parker sighed. “Riley’s normally a pretty reasonable guy, but you know, it’s his sister.”

  “Riley suffers from the same overzealous protective syndrome as every man in this family. He’ll come around,” Morgan said in a reassuring voice.

  She hoped Morgan was right.

  * * *

  Riley did his best to be in a good mood, but it was pretty hard with Theo floating around the room. The young adventurer had been in a town just a few days, and he was already grating on Riley’s nerves.

  “Derek.” Riley sipped on his scotch. “That’s a handsome boy you have. I think he’s captivated every woman in here.”

  “It runs in the family.” Derek smiled. “But there comes a time in a Popovich man’s life when he has to retire a scandalous reputation for something with more substance.” Derek motioned across the room toward Aubrey and Theo. They were nibbling on food and chatting.

  “Theo’s made a quite change since he met your sister.”

  “Has he?” Riley drawled.

  “I also hear you don’t like him.”

  Riley set his glass down on the bar. “Don’t get me wrong. I love your family, but I don’t think your brother is right for my sister.”

  “Based on?”

  “He’s one of those slick-talking pretty boys who go through women like Kleenex.”

  Derek let out a dry laugh.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “I wasn’t sure if you were talking about Theo or yourself.”

  “That kind of behavior was a long time ago.”

  “I know, and not so long ago you would have been describing me too. Look around this room. It’s former-bad-boy central. But each of these men knew love when it came calling and knew it was time to abandon the fun and games for something real. It’s the moment you realize all that fun and media attention was empty and ostentatious.” Derek sipped his drink. “Your epiphany is holding my son.”

  Riley looked around the room. Derek was right. Most of the men here at one time had been notorious chick magnets until some wonderful woman entered their lives. His wonderful woman was over there smiling with Derek’s son in her arms. She was a natural with kids. Parker was the tough auntie who the kids adored because of the action-packed life she led. She’d been a great inspiration to Mackenzie, who thought Parker was some kind of superhero.

  “You may have a point.” He shook his head. “But she’s my sister. It’s been my job to keep her safe my whole life. I can’t just turn it off.”

  “I know how you feel. As a father, I’ve been doing a lot of soul searching myself. I don’t know what’s going to happen when Alexis gets older. I already know no one’s going to be good enough for her. I also know that will make me seem like a hypocrite.”

  “How do you think you’ll handle it?”

  “Charisma is going to have to reel me in before I take things too far. Because at the end of the day, my daughter’s happiness and independence are going to trump any fiercely protective feelings I have. Aubrey is a smart, beautiful young woman. She keeps Theo on his toes. It hasn’t been an easy courtship. It was at least a year before she started taking him seriously.”

  “It was?”

  “Talk to Alex. Theo went from the occasional visit to Harper’s Grove to scheduled monthly visits. Sure, he loves our brother and his niece and nephew, but I think knowing Aubrey would be at the house babysitting was his true motivation for the repeat visits.”

  “I didn’t know he’d been making the effort.”

  “Look. I’m doing my duty as a brother. He’s been miserable since he arrived a couple of days ago. He called
me and asked if I would talk to you, but to be honest, I was going to do it anyway. I knew you had concerns because you’re a great big brother. Aubrey talks about you all the time.”

  Derek’s eloquent words were packing a punch despite the soft delivery. It made sense, and for the first time, he saw Theo as a guy who was doing everything in his power to impress someone he cared about. And Theo cared about Aubrey.

  “Thanks, Derek.” He gave him a pat on the shoulder and went over to the couple. “Aubrey. Can I talk to you for a moment?”

  “OK.” She took Theo’s hand. “Whatever you have to say, you can say it to the both of us.”

  “OK. Let’s go into the hallway.” He turned to lead them out of the room when he caught Parker staring at him. He winked at her, gave her a thumbs-up, and smiled. That seemed to relax her. He knew she’d join him if he wanted, but he knew he had to do this on his own.

  As soon as the coast was clear, he opened his mouth to speak, but Aubrey started in on him.

  “Yes, we are dating.” She held up a hand. “Before you give me the big lecture, I want you to know that I have my priorities straight. I’m still as focused on school as ever. I like Theo, but the sun doesn’t set on his ass. But he’s been making an effort, and I think it’s sweet. Somehow we’re making it work.”

  Both men stared at Aubrey in amazement.

  Who was this savvy woman he was talking to? His kid sister had a good head on her shoulders. “Well, that’s good to know. But I wanted to apologize to the both of you for being snide and dismissive. I thought I was just doing my due diligence as a big brother, but I didn’t realize I was hurting you both.”

  “Apology accepted.” Theo extended his hand for a shake. “I know you have valid concerns.”

  Riley shook his hand. “As long as we both want what’s best for Aubrey, I guess we’re on the same team.”

  “Riley, you’re an awesome big brother. I know you’re just looking out for me.” Aubrey jumped into his arms and gave him a hug. “I expected nothing less.”