Hard Target (All or Nothing Book 1)

by Rhonda Laurel

  Three hours later, he was content as she lay in his arms. He winced as he gently ran his hand over her wound. Both their cell phones were ringing and someone had even knocked on the door a few times. They’d ignored all of that. He didn’t care. The interviews and accolades could wait until tomorrow. This was where he wanted to be.

  “I can’t believe you blew off the post-game interviews.”

  “That’s nothing. I’d like to give a post-coitus interview right now and tell the world how good I feel.” He laughed.

  She propped her chin up on his chest and looked up at him. “Do you know what you’re getting into? What we’re getting into?”

  “Loud debates. Disagreeing about the time of day, the weather, the year. More happiness than I ever thought possible.”

  “I can be pretty stubborn.”

  “And impulsive and belligerent. Not to mention being somewhat aggressive and gun happy.”

  She swatted at his arm. “Wow. You’re listing all my faults in one breath.”

  “Hello, no.” He pulled her up to eye level. “Those are your attributes.”

  “I love you, Riley.” She bit her lip.

  “I love you too.” He ran his hand through her hair. “Does that scare you?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I’ve spent so much time pushing people away, I’m afraid I’ll end up doing something stupid and do the same to you.”

  “This is new for me too. I haven’t exactly had my heart on the line like this before. That’s why I know it’s real. I’ve never been as terrified about losing anything as when I thought Fraser had killed you. A piece of me died thinking I hadn’t told you how I felt about you.”

  “You scared the crap out of me when you tackled him.”

  “Why don’t we try not to scare each other for a while? We could do things that normal couples do. Spend time together, go bowling. Maybe vacation before the new season,” he mused.

  “It’s a deal.” She smiled. “I ask that you have patience with me, and I promise I will make every effort to be an equal partner in this relationship.”

  “I can definitely get on board with that.” He grinned and pulled her closer.

  “Do you think we should answer the phone?”

  “Nah. I need a few more hours alone with you.” Riley pulled the blanket up over their heads.

  “Good answer, MVP.” Parker giggled.

  EPILOGUE

  Three months later

  Riley paid for the food and waited for the change from the cashier. His order would have moved much faster if she hadn’t been trying to figure out if he were Riley Sloane. So he made things easy by taking a napkin out of the bag and scribbling his autograph on it. As he left, he could hear her squealing to her co-workers about how she was going to buy a frame after work for it. Reactions like that never got old. He loved interacting with fans, but he didn’t want to draw attention to himself today. He was on a stakeout with Parker.

  When he’d asked her out to lunch, he had no idea they’d be eating in his car from a greasy burger joint. But he’d come to expect the unexpected from her. She’d convinced him that the lead she had on an embezzler case she was working for an attorney client would bear juicy fruit today, and he couldn’t say no to her. After all, she’d been pretty good lately about not putting herself in unnecessary danger. They’d done a lot of talking about their new relationship and both agreed that they’d support each other in their endeavors. Her PI business had been booming after reports came out about her thwarting the attempt on his life. She’d even told Cassidy she wanted to rent the office in her law firm indefinitely.

  In addition to helping Cassidy’s law firm with their cases, she was also helping Trey track down the old flame that claimed she’d had his child. John Jacob asked her to continue to keep an eye on Joe McGill.

  Life had changed exponentially since the Super Bowl. He was still riding high about his first big win. The parade for the team was awesome, as were the other ceremonies to celebrate their victory. But the best one was when John Jacob toasted him at the first Blake family Sunday dinner after the game. The man of few words had said some pretty nice things about him. He reveled in the compliment until the Blake men took him aside and threatened to beat him senseless if he hurt Parker in any way. He’d known what to expect, but he didn’t appreciate his new friend Wyatt taking so much pleasure in the spectacle. Seth and Wyatt reminded him this was what you endured when you loved a woman in this family.

  The team was excited, and Seth, Logan, and T.K. were on cloud nine. T.K. was so happy that he’d finally decided to let Seth and Logan handle the day-to-day business. He’d finally had a win for his team since he’d purchased it over thirty years ago, and now he wanted his son to take his place permanently. Riley had thanked T.K. for taking a chance on him and signing him a few years ago. T.K. responded that he knew he’d had great potential as a football player and a man, he just needed the right guidance and a nurturing hand.

  There were more endorsement deals, magazine covers, and even an offer to be in a movie, but he’d weigh all his options carefully. Like Seth taught him, his brand was everything, and he needed to be careful about what he recommended by appearing in ads. He wanted to stay in Texas. He and his teammates had a lot of good work left to do, and he wanted to be with Parker.

  He got in the car and sifted through the bag.

  “This is not how I intended to spend the afternoon with you.” He held up a burger for Parker to take a bite.

  She looked around. “I know. Eating fast-food burgers in this atrociously expensive car seems sacrilegious somehow.”

  “We could have taken your car. Eating in there is like visiting one of those nostalgia restaurant chains.”

  “Who could do a decent hood slide on this thing?”

  He sighed. “We shouldn’t have binge-watched those old Starsky and Hutch episodes last weekend.”

  “Yeah, I’ve been calling people a jive turkey all week,” she said as she gazed through the camera’s telephoto lens. “You are the best boyfriend for doing this. You will be richly rewarded for your patience.”

  “Oh yeah? What do you have in mind?”

  “I was thinking we’d take Sam’s yacht out for the weekend. She owes us big time for taking her and J.J.’s rotation for watching all the kids.”

  He laughed. “We deserve Blake Enterprises shares for watching those munchkins.” It had been a crazy weekend watching all twelve of the Blake children, but they made it through and even managed to cuddle a little.

  “Or we can drive to New Orleans for the weekend. Check out some jazz clubs. And I’ll even leave my Berretta at home.”

  “You sweet-talker.” He leaned over and put the burger to her lips. “Eat.”

  She took another bite. “I talked to Aubrey last night.”

  He thought it was sweet that Parker and his sister were growing closer. “What did my little sister have to say?”

  “After careful consideration, she’s not going to pursue acting after all.”

  He beamed. “Really?”

  “I hope you tamp down the cheery attitude when you talk to her.”

  “What? I would rather have my little sis’s head buried in a book that becoming another budding Hollywood statistic.”

  “Yeah, but she came to that decision on her own. No one twisted her arm about it. Take the secret victory lap and count your blessings.”

  “I will. She really likes you.”

  “I like her too. Aubrey is really sweet. But your brother, on the other hand, may be the devil’s spawn.”

  “I don’t know what I’m going to do with him.”

  Parker snapped a photo. “There. I have what I came for, we can go now.”

  “Not until finish your burger and fries.”

  “We’re going to eat a real meal in a few hours anyway. We have our double date with Avery and Wyatt.” She glanced at her watch. “We don’t have much time. I don’t want us to be
late.”

  He looked at his watch. “We’re right on time. We moved the time when you said you had one more thing to do with this case.”

  “You get me.” She kissed him. “So does that mean our vacation is really a week later than you said?”

  “Exactly.” He winked at her. “I was thinking we’d get in a few vacations before practice started again if you’re not working.”

  “Sounds good. Hey, why don’t we host a dinner party for the team when the season starts?”

  “I love that idea, even if it means Keenen will be there.” His friend had taken the news about him and Parker being an item as he expected. He hated him for it.

  “He’ll he over it by then. He’s as deep as a mud puddle. Remember Keenen’s greatest love of his life will always be Keenen. You excited about the upcoming season?”

  “There will be new expectations and a lot of pressure, so yeah bring it on.” He laughed.

  “That’s the Riley I like to see. Confident and ready to take on the world.”

  “I love you, Parker.” He kissed her.

  “I love you too, Riley.”

  Riley smiled as she fastened her seat belt and pulled off in his new Bugatti. They’d been working on that compromise thing. She didn’t mind getting around in something other than her precious car, and he’d become more relaxed about someone else being in the driver’s seat. She was embracing her role as the quarterback’s girlfriend and had learned to ignore the media commentary about their relationship. He looked forward to more madcap adventures with her as they explored their relationship. She challenged him in ways that made him a better man. He prodded her to be more discerning when she was doing her PI thing. He just wanted her to come home in one piece every day. They had a future to start planning, after all.

  She was the one, and he’d do whatever he could to make her happy. His contract with the Tomcats would be up soon, but it was a no brainer that he’d re-sign with them. He’d found his momentum in his professional and personal life in Texas.

  And most importantly, he’d found Parker.

  ~ 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. The multi-published author has written many works since her debut in 2012, most notably The Blake Boys series. The extensive series chronicles the Blake family as they live and find love on the Twelve Horseshoes Ranch.

  Other works include: Ebb Tide, Shutter, California Bored and Tourism, and Memories of You. She also writes the Hollywood themed series: Hollywood Heat, which features Star Crossed, Hollywood Rush, Double Exposure, and the upcoming Vendetta Inc.

  The author is happily building her backlist.

  Discover more about Rhonda Laurel here

  http://www.rhondalaurel.com

  https://www.facebook.com/authorrhondalaurel

  https://www.twitter.com/rhondalaurel

  ~ Also by Rhonda Laurel ~

  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

  https://www.amazon.com/Love-Game-Blake-Boys-Book-ebook/dp/B00A3X2NS6/

  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 Wildcats 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

  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GO4J81I/

  Leap of Faith

  The Blake Boys Book Seventeen

  Rhonda Laurel

  Sometimes a leap of faith is all you need...

  Channing Blake thought he couldn't be happier. He's working for Blake Enterprises. He's married to Cassidy, the woman of his dreams, and her cancer is in remission. Now he's ready to start a family, but his wife is haunted by the fear they may not be able to conceive children. Meanwhile, a case Cassidy is working on spills over into their home life, complicating everything. As the clock ticks to help her client, he must convince his wife to take a chance. To try for a family of their own...

  Cassidy Blake should feel like she's the luckiest woman in the world. Her family law practice is thriving, and her handsome husband supports her in every way. So why can't she escape this fear of trying to start a family and failing? So when a troubled new client needs help keeping custody of her son, Cassidy quickly throws her heart into the high-stakes case. But helping the young mother and son only makes her yearn for a budding family of her own, even as she worries any change might steal their happiness forever.

  Buy Leap of Faith here

  https://www.amazon.com/Leap-Faith-Blake-Boys-Book-ebook/dp/B01LXXQYJA/

  Worth the Wait

  The Blake Boys Book Sixteen

  Rhonda Laurel

  The best things in life are worth the wait.

  The minute handsome college student Wyatt Connelly laid eyes on Avery Reed at a Blake family gathering, it was love at first sight. She's smart, gorgeous, driven, and they're attending the same college in Texas. But the path to romance gets off to a rocky start when the Blake men warn him to stay away from their sweet and inexperienced niece. And to make matters worse, Tomcats quarterback Riley Sloane has been flirting shamelessly with her. Wyatt's trying his best to look out for her without crossing the line as he struggles with finding his own future career path. But watching Riley make a play for her is killing him. If Wyatt isn't careful, he might just lose the thing he wants most—the very person he's been waiting for...

  Avery Reed can't figure out Wyatt Connelly. They'd grown close since attending school together, but Wyatt's sudden cold shoulder has her rethinking their relationship. The change leaves her confused and disappointed, so when quarterback Riley Sloane shows interest in her, she quickly develops a friendship with him. The sports star is fun, handsome, and successful, but she can't get her mind off a certain gorgeous, brooding college student who loves to tease her. As Avery gets ready
to graduate college, she has to navigate passionate feelings and a complicated friendship headed into uncharted territory. Wyatt's certainly taking his time, but will she believe their love is worth the wait?

  Buy Worth the Wait here

  https://www.amazon.com/Worth-Wait-Blake-Boys-Book-ebook/dp/B01IYH8NCW/

  Begin Again

  The Blake Boys Book 18

  Rhonda Laurel

  Finding true love is the ultimate gift.

  Christmas is coming, and Anna Beth is looking forward to a tropical vacation with her friends—anything to help her forget about Corbett. Their relationship had been racing in the right direction...until it went completely off the tracks. All evidence points to the fact that the hunky Corbett is still hung up on his ex. But when she accidently shreds her passport the night before her trip, it suddenly looks as though she'll be staying put. Now it would take a holiday miracle get her in a good mood again. Too bad she misses Corbett something terrible...

  For Corbett, the holidays this year are anything but happy. His family will all be away, forgoing family tradition. Even worse, the beautiful, vivacious Anna Beth tells him she doesn't want to see him anymore. All thanks to an unfortunate mix-up with his ex-fiancée. Corbett is all out of holiday spirit. But he's hopeful that if he can just get Anna Beth to talk to him, he might just change his mind about the holiday tidings.

  Buy Begin Again here

  https://www.amazon.com/Begin-Again-Blake-Boys-Book-ebook/dp/B01N3YHPPT/