“Lucky for you we’re not visitors,” Teri-Lyn said. “Tate McGill, I want to put you over my knee right now. What the hell are you doing? I can’t take seeing you cooped up in here. It’s not healthy.”
“It may not seem like it but I’m doing the right thing.”
“Right for who? Joe? Why do you think he tried to sabotage you after all these years? Because he’s jealous that you’re happy and you’ve made something of yourself.”
“Morgan, you still mad at me?” Tate stole a glance at her.
“No, but I will be if you don’t pull your head out of your ass. You write all those damn love songs and you don’t know this is the part in the song where you go get your woman?” Morgan folded her arms over her chest.
“So what’s it gonna be? You gonna put your big boy undies on and act like a man who knows in his heart that he’s in love with a sweet, caring, beautiful violinist who’s in Georgia missing him too?” Teri-Lyn glared at her son.
* * *
Tate tried to take Teri-Lyn and Morgan’s advice, but each time he advanced to the door with his bag, he stopped in tracks. For three days he’d tried to leave for the airport, but something kept him back. This morning he thought he’d do things a little differently. He got up early, put on a T-shirt and a pair of running shorts, and did stretches. It had been a while since he’d jogged. He used to do it religiously when he and Seth were on the team in high school, but with traveling all the time he’d lost the desire for it.
It was six thirty in the morning, and Seth was coming down the road. Seth had been doing a lot of jogging lately. Tate suspected that was his way of staving off the excitement of having another child. Surely, he could keep up with two children, but Tate knew being in top physical form was also how Seth kept things organized in his mind. Seth slowed down when he saw Tate.
“Don’t slow down on my account. Mind if I join you?” Tate smiled.
“Not at all.” Seth motioned for him to come on the road.
For a mile they didn’t say a word. Tate just kept the pace with him. It was Seth who finally broke the ice.
“I don’t believe for a second that you could hurt a woman. Especially Isabelle. Don’t let Joe rob you of your right to be happy.” Seth turned and faced him.
“He already did that a long time ago.” Tate sighed.
“Before Joe appeared you were in my kitchen on the verge of falling head over heels for that woman. I teased you about it, but I saw that look in your eyes. It felt damn good to see you content and hopeful. Don’t ever think you’re not worthy of giving or receiving love. You’ve been a Blake too long not to know it and believe it.”
Seth was right. Tate was hopeful that day. At the time he didn’t know what the hell he was hoping for, but the feeling was there. Isabelle was tugging on heartstrings that had been unraveling since he met her. There were a million reasons why he should stay away from her. But there was only one that compelled him to go get her. They could figure it out together, if she were still willing to give him a chance.
“Can I borrow the plane?”
“The same plane that’s been on standby for three days with a flight plan to Georgia?” Seth smiled.
Tate and Seth headed back to his cabin. If he hurried, he could take a quick shower and be off to the airport within the hour.
Chapter Twelve
Isabelle fussed with the headband that was keeping her curls at bay. Tonight her kids would be performing for some big shot who had booked a spur-of-the-moment private performance and had even rented out the symphony’s concert hall for them to play. She’d almost choked on the croissant she’d been eating when she’d seen the request and the donation amount. It boosted the kids’ confidence that someone was willing to pay that much to hear them perform. The kids were super excited about it, and even though there was no time to get an extra practice session in, it was their night to shine. Everyone looked so nice in their dress-up clothes. She gave them all a big group hug for making the effort to make other kids’ dreams come true.
Isabelle walked onto the stage, ready to give this generous patron of the arts his money’s worth. Her kids were in their places and ready to go. Now all she needed was an audience. A door opened behind her, and the usher spoke, directing someone to the stage. It was show time.
Isabelle turned only to see Tate, handsomely dressed in a navy blue suit and wearing his Stetson, headed down the aisle toward the stage.
Tate’s gaze was so fixated on Isabelle, dressed elegantly in a black dress with her curly hair flowing down her back, he didn’t hear the usher ask him if he were ready to be seated. She looked beautiful.
“Hello, Isabelle.” Tate smiled.
“What are you doing here?” She scowled at him.
“I’m here for my private performance.”
She shook her head. “You shouldn’t have done this.”
“I’ve heard these kids play. I am more than sure I’ll get my money’s worth. And this is a very desperate, lame attempt to get you to talk to me.” Tate put his hat in a chair and ascended the stage.
The kids were clustered together, talking about Tate.
“Hello, class.” He waved at them.
“Hi, Mr. McGill. It’s so nice to meet you in person.” June stepped forward and extended her hand.
“Nice to meet you too, June.” Tate looked past her to see Donovan right behind her. “Donovan, still practicing your guitar?”
“Yes. You were right. I’ve learned a few things by studying the instruments in my band.” Donovan gave him a half smile.
Tate looked at Isabelle. “I see you got your cast off. How’s the arm?”
She lifted her chin. “Can we get on with the concert?”
Tate walked toward her. “Care to sit with me?”
Isabelle took a step back. “I have to stay up here.”
“Don’t worry, Ms. Reed, we got it,” June said. “Take a seat with Mr. McGill.”
“If you’re sure,” Isabelle murmured.
“It’s fine.” June nodded but she was staring at Tate.
Tate seized the opportunity and took Isabelle’s hand and escorted her to her seat. June signaled to someone in the control room, and the lights dimmed. The kids began performing the first piece of music, and even though she squirmed to sit away from him, Isabelle finally relaxed and became immersed in their performance. Tate was listening to the kids, but his gaze was glued to her face. He missed that smile. He missed the way she rubbed his cheek in her sleep. It felt more like forever than the few months that he’d known her.
Two hours later the kids were performing their last piece, Vivaldi’s Spring Concerto. When they started, Isabelle grabbed Tate’s hand. It was the piece that Isabelle had been coaching June through when he’d horned in on her lesson. Her violin solo was coming up. Tate felt the tension rising within him too, hoping June made it through the song. June had a difficult start but she powered through it. Tate could see her confidence rising when she realized she’d just overcome that obstacle. Isabelle threw her arms around his neck when June nailed it. Tate leaned in to kiss her but Isabelle turned away and narrowly missed his lips. They both stood and applauded.
“Bravo!” Isabelle yelled so loud her voice echoed around the concert hall.
She congratulated them all for a job well done and informed them Tate had arranged for them to have dinner at the fancy restaurant attached to the concert hall. When the kids left the stage, Isabelle started to follow, but Tate jumped in her way.
“Isabelle, I need you to give me a chance to explain.”
“Why do you want to explain now? You made up your mind about us all on your own.” She bit her lip.
Tate shook his head. “I want to stop running, but I can’t do that without you. I want to be with you and have the life I was always too afraid to have. You told me if I ever wanted to stop running, you would walk with me. You said you would walk with me forever.”
“It was that Texas heat. I must have been delus
ional.” Isabelle swallowed.
“Maybe I was delusional too. Thinking I could live without you for even one moment.” Tate put his hands on her arms and pulled her to him.
“Then why did you start hatching an escape plan? You were happy. I know you were because I was happy too.”
Tate shook his head. “I was busy fixating on the bad, I forgot about the good that was infused in my life. I think a part of me is still running to that shed for shelter, even though that part of my life is over. It’s something I can’t simply shake off. Believe me, I’ve tried. I don’t want to end up like Joe. But as much as I am his son, I was raised by another man who taught me something about life and women and family and love. The last thing Joe said to me at the funeral was if I loved you I’d let you go because I’d only end up hurting you. I fell right into his trap. I love you. I’ve looked at those stars every night since you left wishing I was holding you in my arms.”
“What took you so long to come to your senses, McGill?” Isabelle played with his tie.
“I was holed up in my cabin feeling sorry for myself. Even Rowdy thought I was too depressing to visit.”
Isabelle looked into his eyes. “You don’t need that shed for shelter anymore.”
He squeezed her. “Think you can forgive me for being a stubborn fool?”
“Only if you can forgive yourself for thinking we couldn’t be happy together.” She squeezed him back and looked up at him.
“I’m willing to do whatever it takes. I love you, Isabelle Reed.” He pushed a curl away from her face.
“I love you too, Tate McGill.” She stood up on her toes and kissed him.
He looked over at her violin. “I’m in the mood for a song. Let’s see what you got now that the cast is off your arm.”
Isabelle shook her head. “I went to the doctor. I’ve lost too much function in my arm. I don’t think I’ll be playing anymore. Definitely not like before. I have a long road of therapy before me.”
“It’s just the two of us here in your favorite concert hall. I would love to hear you play.” Tate rubbed her cheek.
“I can’t sound horrendous my first time performing for you. And what if I can’t do it? What if my talent is gone?” She bit her lip.
“Just because it may not sound the same doesn’t mean it won’t sound good. The Isabelle I know is a fighter. Isn’t ‘Fight, Fight, Fight’ the Reed motto?” He laughed.
“I hope Morgan didn’t give you a hard time after I left.”
Tate smiled. “Morgan didn’t pull any punches, and I’m grateful for that. She didn’t want to see you hurt, and she didn’t want me to deny myself real happiness.”
“I feel like I’m standing in the ruins of my former life. I confronted Ned about the accident and made it clear I don’t want him contacting me again. And I told my family how I really broke my arm. This is all so much at one time. I may need a strong shoulder to lean on while I go through therapy and a possible career change.” She gripped him tighter.
“You can have any body part of mine you want.” Tate kissed her. “J.J. saw an excellent orthopedic surgeon in Texas when he injured his knee.”
“I know. He told me that a good doctor and the support of family helped him recover.” She smiled.
“How would you feel about getting a second opinion from his doctor? You could still video chat your lessons with the kids while you’re at the ranch.”
“I’d like that.” Isabelle kissed him, then went to the chair and took out her violin. She stood there for a moment, then said, “Too bad you don’t have that precious guitar of yours, I might be able to teach you a thing or two.”
“Well, what do you know? I brought it with me.” Tate laughed and went behind the curtain to retrieve his guitar case.
“OK. It’s on.” Isabelle laughed and put her hair into a messy bun on top of her head.
Tate put his guitar strap around his shoulder and looked at her. “So what do you want to try? Beethoven, Bach, or maybe Vivaldi?”
Isabelle put her hand on her hip. “You know any bluegrass, Tex?”
“What does a Philly girl know about bluegrass?” He raised an eyebrow.
“You’re about to find out. Do you know Burnett’s ‘Man of Constant Sorrow’?” She winked at him.
Tate smiled as Isabelle lit into her violin and let her go on for a bit before he caught the rhythm and joined in. Her sound was incredible, and he hoped she wasn’t judging herself. The poise and grace she exhibited while playing the instrument was wreaking havoc on his heart. He could see the music that would be made around the house as they both taught their kids how to play.
Later they would call the family and let them know that he’d succeeded. Right now he was enjoying playing with the love of his life. Tate smiled. They played pretty well together. It would be great if they could record something together. As a matter of fact, it gave him inspiration for a new song.
~ 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 and California Bored and Tourism in 2013. The print anthology, The Rhonda Laurel Collection, featuring Ebb Tide, For the Love of the Game and Shutter released June 2013.
The Blake Legacy, book 3 in The Blake Boys Series released November 15, 2013!
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://www.goodreads.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…
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…
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…
Ebb Tide
Rhonda Laurel
Simmering passion at play.
Natalie Griffin is an attorney who is practical, smart and good at her job. Legalese is the least of her worries, for much of her time is spent keeping her employer, playboy extraordinaire Evan Darchon, out of trouble. Natalie has managed organize everything for him--his company, his home, and his women--but if she could teach him to control some of his wilder impulses, her job would be a heck of a lot easier.
But what about her impulses? Her cool, controlled demeanor is the perfect complement to Evan’s wild side, but she craves the carefree way he makes her feel. His attraction is obvious, but can either of them afford to rock the boat of their professional relationship?
Texas Heat Page 14