Stranded in Paradise (The Blake Boys Book 13)

by Rhonda Laurel

  * * *

  Jared had been sitting in the tree house for hours waiting for Autumn. He’d arrived in town on Wednesday but hadn’t devised a plan. He was going stir-crazy. He must have gone to Autumn’s condo building and NuWave a dozen times, but each time he got to the door, he’d lose his nerve and walk out. He was contemplating his next move when Morgan got the call from Summer that she needed the punch bowl for the engagement party and that Autumn was coming to get it. The sound of the automated system accepting her handprint was like music to him.

  “I can’t believe I fell for this,” she murmured.

  “Why exactly did you think the punch bowl would be in the tree house?”

  “You forget, I’ve spent time with the Blake children. All things are possible,” she replied, glancing around the inside. “This is a tight squeeze.”

  “Well, it was designed for shorter humans. How about we go outside and talk?” Jared ran a hand over his clean-shaven head.

  She shook her head. “I don’t have anything to say to you. I just came for the punch bowl.”

  “Listen, we need to talk.”

  “No matter what you have to say, it’s too late. I wish you much happiness on your weird baby-making plan with your ex-wife.” She turned to leave, but he caught her on the deck before she could descend the steps.

  Jared lifted her chin with his finger. “I talked to Taylor. I told her I didn’t want to do it. Which is what I should have done as soon as we returned from the resort.”

  “What was her response?”

  “Let’s just say all the reasons we divorced surfaced as a good reminder of why we didn’t stay together.”

  “Imagine that.”

  “I want to apologize for not telling her my decision as soon as I came back. I never should’ve let that dangle over our relationship. But the truth is a part of me was scared about us. I’d sworn off love and decided to delve into my career and then I met you. I didn’t plan this, but I’m happy that it happened. I never wanted to hurt you.”

  She leaned against the railing. “I was scared too. It was beginning to feel real to me, and when I found out that you hadn’t told her, I used that as a great excuse to break things off before something else happened.”

  “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

  Star Crossed

  Hollywood Heat Book One

  Rhonda Laurel

  When Hollywood’s sexiest secret explodes, stars are born.

  Music mogul Kate Garrison’s husband is a leading Hollywood director. He also happens to be a cheat. When he’s caught having an affair with an actress, Kate becomes the talk of the town—and not in a good way. So when she stumbles into Hollywood’s new golden boy, Chris Cavanaugh—in the men’s room, of all places—the gossip mill starts working overtime. Especially since Chris is starring in her husband’s next film.

  Chris Cavanaugh couldn’t imagine a woman would have such an effect on his life. But amid the gossip and Hollywood politics, his only option is to ride out the media storm and play house. He never expects to actually fall for her, but when illusion begins to look more and more like reality, Chris has his hands full keeping his career intact and his eye on the target of making the Hollywood A-list. So why does spending time with Kate suddenly seem more important?

  Buy Star Crossed here

  http://www.amazon.com/Star-Crossed-Rhonda-Laurel-ebook/dp/B00CB5J544/

  Hollywood Rush

  Hollywood Heat Book Two

  Rhonda Laurel

  High stakes. High Passion. Winner takes all.

  Atlantis Records mogul Kate Garrison is elated to have married her soul mate, actor Chris Cavanaugh, a crazy counterpart to her uptight nature. After a scandalous meeting that set the paparazzi on fire, and a whirlwind courtship and wedding, she and Chris return to their Hollywood life of movie sets and power struggles. She’s busy with the new business ventures she inherited, which include another record label and part ownership of Pinnacle Studios. As she struggles to adjust to her new elite position in Hollywood, not everyone is happy with her new-found power. And in Hollywood, power is something everyone wants a piece of.

  Chris Cavanaugh’s luck keeps getting better and better. He married the woman of his dreams and his talent is finally getting recognized. The movie roles and award nominations are pouring in. Now if he could only convince himself that he deserves all the attention. But rumor has it that Kate’s pulling strings behind the scenes to launch her husband to stardom, now that she owns a majority stake in the movie studio. And rumors like that could threaten everything they have...

  Buy Hollywood Rush here

  http://www.amazon.com/Hollywood-Rush-Heat-Book-ebook/dp/B00PWO0W84/

  More Romance from Etopia Press

  Touched to the Core

  Touched Book Three

  Elsa Winckler

  He gave her his heart, but can he give her the truth?

  Schoolteacher Dana Roux doesn't need sexy hotel tycoon David Cavallo to add to her troubles. They have absolutely nothing in common—she's a simple schoolteacher in a small coastal town, and he has more money than he knows what to do with. Besides, as a former journalist, he'd remember the news stories about her dad's alleged involvement in a dirty, Ponzi-like scheme, and his subsequent suicide. The last thing she wants is for the dark shadow of that scandal—and tragedy—to fall upon her onc
e again. Especially since she knows her dad was innocent.

  For David, flirting with a beautiful woman comes as naturally as breathing. So when he winds up kissing his sister-in-law's best friend, he realizes Dana isn't just another pretty pair of lips. But things between them get complicated quickly when he discovers who her father was, and that it was David's own news story that blew the case wide open and sent her father to jail—and to his death. David's not sure what to believe, but he knows he can't let Dana blame him forever. Especially since she insists her father was an innocent man. But when Dana's life is threatened, he realizes that he might not have uncovered the whole story. And that now, older and wiser, he just might be the only one who can uncover the truth.

  Buy Touched to the Core here

  http://www.amazon.com/Touched-Core-Elsa-Winckler-ebook/dp/B017M7673W/

  Texas Summer

  Leslie Hachtel

  Greed. Lust. Murder…just another day in Snakewater Texas.

  When Wylie Nichols's car breaks down just outside of Snakewater, the last thing he expects is for his life to irrevocably change. Nothing in the sleepy little Texas town is what it appears, and neither is the pretty, enigmatic Kennedy, who he can't seem to get out of his head.

  Kennedy has been named the beneficiary to her late father’s fortune, and her two half-sisters are none too happy. Seems their father was murdered, and her half-sisters are certain Kennedy had something to do with it. Then one of Kennedy's half-sisters turns up dead, and a third body is found as well. The entire town seems to think Kennedy's to blame, and who better to have as an accomplice than that strange newcomer, Wylie Nichols?