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Hot Pursuit by Rhonda Laurel (6)

 

 

 

 

Chapter Six

 

“You have reached your destination,” the GPS voice announced as Parker pulled into the parking spot on the street in front of the gym.

She’d been driving around in her new car for over a week and had a wicked case of guilt. Blue Steel hadn’t even been gone very long, and she was tootling around in its replacement, a much more expensive, luxurious vehicle that turned heads everywhere she went. But guilt or no, when Jen called and told her that Abel Malloy, a personal trainer and former contestant, had opened a gym with obstacles featured in the show, she thought it was worth checking out. The next taping would be coming up in a week, and they both could use some help shaving off performance times.

She looked in her side view mirror. A car coming down the street had slowed down. She tensed when the car came to a complete stop next to her. The driver said something, but she couldn’t hear because the window was up and her radio was on. She cut off the radio and reached into her glove compartment for her Taser.

She rolled down the window as he continued to yell. “Excuse me?”

“I said ‘beautiful, and the car isn’t half bad either.’” The guy winked and pulled off.

Yeah, she’d been getting cheesy comments like that.

She put her sunglasses on top of her head and looked at the building. It wasn’t what she was expecting at all. Abel Bodied Gym was a restored warehouse space dedicated to extreme sports people who wanted to test themselves to the limit. Abel was friendly enough over the phone and invited her and Mel to come in to train. She glanced at her watch and noticed she was right on time. She decided to go in and have a look around while she waited for Melissa. She put the Taser back in the glove compartment, grabbed her gym bag, locked up the car, and went inside.

“Parker!” Melissa waved from the waiting area. She was standing with a big, hulking man who had a shaved head, goatee, and wore a tank top and shorts with the gym’s logo on it. It was the owner, Abel, a legend from the show.

“Melissa. Good to see you.” Parker gave her a hug.

“You too.” Melissa hugged her back. “This is Abel.”

“Nice to meet you, Abel. You’re quite the UC legend.” She held out her hand for a shake, bracing herself, Abel’s hand looked more like a paw. He was a fierce competitor and responsible for the show being thrust into the world of television.

“Parker, it’s nice to meet you. I hear you’re making some waves yourself.” He whistled as he looked past her out the window. “Nice ride.”

“Thanks. It’s new.” She looked back at the Corvette. “I smashed up my old car in a car chase. My boyfriend thought this would cheer me up.”

Melissa raised an eyebrow. “She’s a totallynormal person.”

“I swear. I am. Exotic car notwithstanding.” Parker laughed. “It’s actually a very bad example. I blame Riley.”

“He’s such a sweetheart. Todd is still swooning over meeting him.” Melissa smiled.

Parker turned to Abel. “You probably already know, but Riley Sloane is my boyfriend.”

Abel’s eyes lit up. “He’s my favorite quarterback. You’re in Tomcats country around here.” He pointed to the wall behind the person standing at the check-in desk. There was an autographed jersey from Riley hanging there. “He signed that at a fundraiser last year. I was devastated when the team didn’t get to advance in the playoffs. Is he OK?”

“He’s tough and determined. He’ll be back in fighting shape come the fall,” Parker replied. The statement usually satisfied his fans, and by the looks of the paraphernalia on the wall, Riley had cult-like status with Abel.

“What kind of workout regimen does he have? I’ve never been able to find out. It’s like top secret or something. Does he work with a personal trainer?” Abel asked, his voice dripping with diehard fandom.

Parker looked at Melissa. They’d never get to train if Abel kept asking questions about Riley. “He has his own trainer and occasionally works out with Seth Blake.”

Abel was totally destroying his own tough-guy image. He looked like he wanted to hurry into his office and write Riley a fan letter. The kind of letter she’d probably flag as a potential obsessive threat had it been mailed to the stadium.

“Where can we get started?” she asked, trying to steer him back on track.

“Right. I have a course a lot of the UC people train on.” He shook his head. “Aren’t you going to wait for Sunny?”

“Why would we wait for Sunny?”

“She was in yesterday. I told her I would be training you two, and she wanted to join in. She said it would be good for the show. I think she’s having one of the cameramen come down and film you too.”

“We didn’t approve that.”

“Sorry, I just assumed. She said you were doing this girl-power thing and you were going to be squad buddies or something like that.”

“Melissa and I are the squad. Sunny must have misunderstood.” Parker’s jaw ticked. “We want to train so we can win, not pose for a photo op.”

“I knew you played to win. Sunny will do anything to capitalize on an opportunity. She’s a real piece of work. She jerked Jax around until he lost.” Abel smiled. “You ladies can change in the locker room. Here are the keys. When you’re ready, I’ll show you around from there.”

“Great,” she and Melissa said at the same time as they followed behind him.

Parker and Melissa went into the ladies locker room to change.

“Can you believe the nerve of Sunny?” Melissa laughed as she removed her shoes.

“Sometimes I think the greatest obstacles to maneuver are the fame-whores plotting to make a buck.” She opened a locker. “How’s the job hunt going?”

“It’s still going. I got another freelance gig. It will keep me busy. I created a blog to chronicle my experience with the show. If you ever have some free time, check it out.”

“I will. Just text me the web address.”

“I have to say this experience has been fun. My family is over the moon to see me on television. Todd’s even bragging about it to his coworkers.”

Parker heard the glee in Melissa’s voice. She could see the loneliness in Melissa the first day they met. She’d found something that was filling the void from the recent life changes she’d had to make.

“If you want, we could film our session. You could post it directly on your blog.”

“I get the sense you don’t like cameras.”

“Actually, I don’t like being exploited on camera. But if it would help you get more views on your blog. I can live with that.” Parker put her hair into a loose braid.

“Are you sure?”

“Abel can video it on your phone.”

“That would be neat.”

The ladies finished changing and met up with Abel. He started them off with training on bars and gave them pointers for conserving upper body strength when making the transitions to new obstacles.

It was Melissa’s turn to run the course.

“Let me know when you’re ready.” Parker held up the stopwatch.

“I’m ready.”

“OK. Go.” Abel hit the video app on her cell phone.

“Come on, Mel, you can do it,” Parker said as Melissa bounced off the small trampoline and grabbed onto the bars.

“Do what Parker and I told you earlier,” Abel barked. “When you’re feeling the strain, take a moment to focus your energy to help you get over those rough hurdles.”

“Way to go!” Parker said.

Melissa garnered the rest of her stamina and swung successfully over to the bar where she then did a dismount.

“How do you feel?”

“You were right. I was burning out too fast in some spots. Thanks.”

Abel handed Melissa her phone. “I got some great stuff on there for your blog. You make quite a team. I think you ladies earned a treat. How about a smoothie from the snack bar?”

“Sure.”

Parker and Melissa took seats on the bar stools and watched as Abel threw veggies and fruits into the blender.

“Abel, you’ve been off the UC circuit for a while,” Parker said. “Why did you stop competing?”

“Honestly, I stopped when I got what I wanted.” He looked around. “A kick-ass gym for people from all walks of life to come and get fit.”

“You’ve done well for yourself,” Melissa said.

He poured them each a glass of the concoction. “Drink up,” Abel said.

Parker took a sip and tried to control her gag reflexes. It tasted terrible. “Wow.”

“Words can’t describe it,” Melissa added.

Abel nodded like a proud papa. “I like using a lot of kale. You can hardly taste the beets.”

It was disgusting, but she didn’t want to admit it aloud, especially when Abel was opening up. She took a deep breath and took another sip. “You were saying why you quit the show. Was getting the funding for your gym the only reason you stopped?”

“Oh. You two have been around the showrunners. The show politics are worse than the actual events. The bickering and power moves to get more airtime was sickening. I know it’s a legitimate competition that they’re trying to turn into full-fledged reality TV. I can tell by watching that they love you, Parker.”

“Yeah, but it’s an unrequited love,” she replied. Abel had been around since the inception of the show. He had to be a wealth of information, rumors, gossip, and behind-the-scenes stuff. She wanted the insider view of the show. “And let’s not forget the accidents.”

“Yeah. I can’t believe all of the mishaps they’ve had. I heard you saved Wes at the banquet from a falling light.”

She shrugged. “I was just paying attention to my surroundings.”

“Is it true it wasn’t an accident?”

“Where did you hear that?” she countered. No one was supposed to know that tidbit. She knew the detective in charge from her police-force days. He’d just told her that morning it was being looked as deliberate sabotage.

“The show’s gossip mill. Some of the crew works out here.”

“It’s a possibility. I know the police are taking it seriously, so who knows what the final determination will be. Were there many mishaps when you were on the show?”

“No, and it’s a damn shame things keep happening. They won’t be able to hide their problems much longer. After season two, it seems like the show had a curse on it.”

“What was so important about season two?”

Abel cracked his knuckles. “The stakes were getting higher. Money started flowing into the show. Heavy-hitting advertisers were investing in the show. The producers were courting semi-pro and retired athletes to give the show an edge. I remember when this was an event held over a long weekend at a hotel.”

“Why weren’t you at the banquet? You were listed on the brochure, right under ‘big announcements.’”

“I had some family stuff to deal with, so I opted not to attend. Besides, I gave my life to that show for three years.”

“What was the big announcement?”

Abel opened his mouth to speak, but the commotion at the door interrupted him. They all turned around to see Sunny coming in with a camera crew.

Parker hopped off the stool. “I think that’s our cue to leave. Abel, thanks a million for the tips.”

“I’ll be sure to give you a mention on my blog,” Melissa told him. “Can I tell everyone where you’re located?”

“Absolutely. I hope you ladies will spread the word about my gym. Having a couple of professional athletes work out here would be great. As a matter of fact, I have some free workout gear for you ladies. And everyone who says they were referred from your blog will get a free T-shirt and a one-day free pass.”

Melissa smiled. “That’s so sweet of you.”

“No problem. Just between us, I’m about to go national with my gyms. I finally have enough capital to make it happen. That was supposed to be the big announcement at the end of the evening. Wes was going to bring me on stage and have me talk about it. You know, as an example to the contestants and what good things can still happen even after you’re no longer competing. I’m going to have a small partnership with the show.”

“So being connected to the show continues to be beneficial to you?”

“Yeah.” He shrugged. “They’d tossed me aside, but after Jax failed to win the contest that year, they came back to me.”

“What for?”

“They needed a champion to keep the momentum of the show going so more hopefuls would try out the next season. Me trying to launch my gym was seen as an inspirational consolation prize to there being no winners. It was a shame too. Jax loved the limelight, and he was set to be a spokesman for the show in addition to the other perks. I think he would’ve been able to get involved behind the scenes and even get a producer’s credit.”

“Hi, girls!” Sunny exclaimed with a phony tone as she bum-rushed the counter.

“Hi, Sunny. We were just leaving. We had an awesome workout with Abel, and he videoed it too.”

“But… I just got here,” Sunny pouted.

“Maybe Abel can help you shave some time off your grand entrances.” Parker smiled and turned to Abel. “You were fantastic and very generous. I’ll be sure to tell Riley you’re a big fan. I’ll have him autograph a football to go with that jersey. I bet he wouldn’t mind taking a photo with you either. We’ll come by one day next week.”

Abel looked like he might have a heart attack of pure gratitude. “Thanks!”

Parker and Melissa headed to the locker room to change.

“Why do I feel like she’s staring laser beams through us?” Melissa asked under her breath.

“You better believe it.” Parker giggled. “There’s a side door we can sneak out of if you don’t want to run into her again.”

“Cool.” Melissa opened her locker. “What do you say we go grab a bite to eat?”

“What? The lawn grass didn’t fill you up?”

“Not one bit.” Melissa stuck out her tongue. “I tried to cover, but it had that gross split pea look to it.”

“I’m in. You can show me your blog while we eat.”

“I love it. Jen put the blog link on the UC page, so I am getting tons of views. But occasionally I get a creep commenting.”

“Really? What do they say?”

“Bizarre crap like I should stay out of the competition and my life depended on it.”

Parker froze. It was similar to what Bridgette said she was seeing on Parker’s social media pages. “You can block them, right?”

“For sure. Jen said sometimes you get cranks who have nothing better to do than troll. So I fine-tuned the comment filter and crazies will go right to the trash bin unseen.”

“Good.”

A few minutes later they were dressed in their street clothes and ready to leave. Most of the people in the gym were at the front watching Sunny tape a monologue of some sort. It wasn’t too hard to discreetly leave the locker room and head down a corridor that held some of the staff offices to the rear exit door. As they passed what looked like a storeroom, you could see a lot of Ultimate Champion signage in there.

Abel was trying to distance himself from the show but still needed it in a way. He also sounded a little bitter about how the intent of show had changed once big money was in play. The fact that he’d skipped the banquet for a family emergency, which she didn’t believe for one second, was odd too. There was something he wasn’t saying.

“Since I’m new to the area, you pick the restaurant,” Melissa said. “Do you have any suggestions where I can grab a bite to eat?”

“I know a place that’s nowhere near here, but the people are amazing, and the food is good. It has an old Texas feel complete with sawdust on the floor and a cantankerous cowboy owner named Cal, who is family.”

“Sure. What’s the name of it? I’ll program it into the GPS just in case we get separated. I don’t know if my little car can keep up with your Corvette.”

“I won’t lose sight of you, and I promise to obey the speed limit. It’s called the Bright Star.”

Melissa suddenly pointed toward the window. The cameraman had turned the lens in their direction. “Uh-oh. Let’s get out of here. We’ve been spotted.”

“Right.” Parker flashed a smile and went around to the driver’s side and opened the door to her Corvette. Sunny’s mouth gaped open in disbelief, while the rest of the crowd gave her a thumbs-up and cheered her on. Sure the Corvette attracted losers with cheesy pickup lines, but it also put uppity fake bitches with ulterior motives in their place too. But what she loved most of all was that Riley bought it for her to lift her spirits about losing her car. He cared about her, and listening to him the other night talk about not wanting to lose her touched her heart.

She got in and turned on the car. When Melissa signaled she was ready, she pulled out of the spot. She’d learned a lot about the show today, and it wasn’t about how to navigate the obstacles. There was an undercurrent of resentment with nearly everyone who’d ever been part of the show. But which person was bitter enough to maim and possibly kill people?

 

* * *

 

When Aubrey said she wanted to go shopping after breakfast, Riley began to feel at ease. He’d had his best conversations with her while out spending money on his kid sister. Little had he known that she wanted to shop for camping attire for her hiking expedition with Theo.

Now they were walking around the outdoor sports store. He still thought the expedition was a bad idea, but he resolved that harping on her about it wasn’t doing any good. She wanted to go, and more importantly, she wanted to be with Theo.

It seemed like time had flown by since she’d arrived and she was getting ready to leave for Tennessee.

“What do you think about this?” He held up a water canteen.

“Do they have it in pink?”

“I can ask.” He smiled. “How long is the hike?”

“I think it’s a week.”

“What are your plans after that?”

“Some friends want to go on a cruise. I said I’d think about it.”

“You could always come back to Texas.” He held up a small first aid kit. “I’m sure someone will have one, but this is small and can fit in your backpack.”

“That’s a good idea. Put it in the cart. I think I’ll need a sturdy pair of boots.”

“And some insulated socks.” He picked up three packs of socks in her size and threw them into the cart.

“How are things with you and Parker?” Aubrey asked.

“Great. We’re in a really good place.”

“I’m happy to hear that. This is the longest relationship you’ve ever had.”

“Yes. It is.”

“I thought for sure you’d be a bachelor until you were in your nineties.”

“Sometimes the right person comes along and you know it’s right.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”

Uh-oh. He’d just painted himself into a logical corner. It was time to change the subject. He went over to a shelf filled with toiletries and picked up a bottle. “You might want to think about shampoo.”

“You know I have a special shampoo.”

“I meant the kind you rub in but don’t wash out. The wilderness isn’t a luxury hotel. It’s going to get pretty rough.”

“I can handle it,” she shot back.

“OK.”

“I didn’t mean to snap.” Aubrey’s expression softened. “Thank you for doing this.”

“It’s my job to look out for you. And I’m always here for you.”

“I know.” She looked at her watch. “We’re late for the baseball game.”

He looked at his watch too. “You’re right. Do you have everything you might need?”

“I think so.” Aubrey looked into the cart. “Oh wait. There’s one more thing.”

Aubrey went over and picked up a S’mores maker. “Now I’m done.”

“Of course. A campout isn’t complete without one of those.” He laughed. She really had no idea what she was in for, but he paid for the items, and they were on their way.

While they were in the car, she got a call from Theo. He listened to her prattle on with him until they reached the baseball field a half hour later. She ended the call and hopped out of the car.

“I want two hotdogs with mustard and onions and a water please,” Aubrey said before he could ask. “Oh and some popcorn too. I’ll go grab us a seat.”

“OK.”

Aubrey went over with the family while Riley got the snacks. Several of the family were here today to support the kids, but then again a few of the Blakes and their security detail always looked like an entourage. Isabelle, Michelle, John Jacob, and Teri-Lyn were cheering them on from the stands.

He kept his eye on the game as he walked from the concession stand and took a seat with the family. Aubrey took a hotdog while chatting away with Isabelle and Michelle. They were happy to see her and wanted to know what she’d be doing for her summer vacation. He tuned out, knowing any second Theo’s name would come up.

Bases were loaded, and Colby was up at bat getting ready to hit the ball. It was two outs and runners on base, and the game was tied. There was quite a bit of tension in the air for a children’s baseball game. But then again it was Texas. Everyone took sports seriously.

“Good going, guys! Great teamwork!” Seth, who’d been talking to the coach in the dugout, clapped as he climbed the bleacher steps and took a seat next to him. “I was beginning to think you weren’t going to make it.”

“And miss the big game? Not on your life. Aubrey wanted to go shopping and time got away from us.”

“I see.” Seth looked him over. “How’s the offseason treating you?”

“So far, so good.”

Seth glanced back at the field. “Come on, Colby! Remember what we practiced! Matt, keep your eye on the ball. Jack, keep your guard up.”

Seth took a rabid interest in the sports all of his kids played. What made this even sweeter was that a lot of the Blake kids were on the team.

“Guys, do you mind watching the kids while we go get more hotdogs?” Michelle asked.

“Of course not.”

“Seth, did you want something?”

“I’ll take two chili dogs,” Seth replied.

The kids started spouted off their preferences.

“I know what everyone wants.” Michelle eased down the bleacher steps. “And grape juices all around.”

A guy walked past the bleachers and called out to Seth. “Seth! How’s it going?”

“Good, Andy. The kids are doing great.” Seth yelled back as he waved.

“We should talk—”

“Maybe after the game,” Seth replied.

“Oh. Right.” Andy gave him a thumbs-up and kept on.

“Another parent willing to pay you to coach their budding football superstar?” Riley asked.

“No. He wants me to invest in a new hydro therapeutic hot tub designed especially for athletes.” Seth scratched at his five o’clock shadow.

“It doesn’t sound like a bad investment.”

“He wants me to endorse it and be part of the publicity campaign.”

“And you wouldn’t do something like that unless you knew everything about the project from soup to nuts because it only takes a second to spoil a sterling reputation with the public.” Riley smiled. He’d just mimicked his mentor’s own words.

Seth gave him a surprised look. “You remember.”

“I remember everything you’ve taught me. Thanks to you, I avoided getting involved with that clothing line that had that sweatshop scandal.”

“I’m happy to hear that.” Seth suddenly stood and clapped. “Good going, Gabe!”

“Do you always coach from the sidelines like this?” Riley mused.

“I can’t help it.” Seth gave him a sheepish smile. “You should see me at Kenzie’s soccer games. Luckily, I haven’t been asked to leave.”

“Come on, Rascals!” Deacon clapped, smashing his hot dog between his hands, sending mustard flying everywhere.

“Why don’t I hold on to that for you, Deacon?” Riley took it out of his hands and wiped his face and hands with a napkin. He turned back toward Seth. “No one in their right mind is going to ask Seth Blake to leave anywhere. You are a Texas institution like sweet tea and barbecue.”

“I’ll remember to put that on my resume.” Seth grinned. “Did you have a good time at Patton’s football camp?”

“Sure did. We got in some serious talks in between running plays. Some of the kids were sharp. They asked smart questions about safety and how to have longevity while taking care of their bodies.”

“Good. Sounds like the next generation is a step ahead.”

Colby swung and connected with the ball, sending it skyrocketing through the air. The runners advanced toward home while everyone cheered wildly. Colby rounded the bases quickly and ended up on third base by the time the other team got control of the ball.

Seth glanced at Riley. “Did Jake ask any questions?”

“He’s ready for his football debut in the fall.” Riley bit back a smile. “Jake was on point. He asked questions I’m pretty sure he already knew the answers to, but they weren’t things the other kids were asking.”

“That’s my boy.” Seth clapped, keeping his eyes on the field. “Did you two coordinate your schedules?”

“Yes. I am officially Jake’s football mentor. It took some time to find a mutual opening. That kid has quite a social calendar.”

“Yeah, he’s popular. But his siblings and his cousins always come first.”

“You taught him well. What I don’t fully understand is why he needs a coach. He lives with a legend.”

“If he wants to play football successfully on the field and off, he needs to learn from the best,” Seth said thoughtfully.

“But you are the best. You set records in your career for completions and yards thrown that still haven’t been broken, and believe me I’ve been trying to break them. You’re in an elite club of four-time-winning Super Bowl quarterbacks. And you’re a hall-of-famer. Need I go on?”

“I did accomplish those things in my career.” Seth nodded. “I also want a good relationship with my son. I can’t be his coach and his dad. I’ve seen too many times with parents who tried doing double duty and it ended disastrously. I’d rather be Dad a million times over than his coach or agent.”

Riley nodded. Family was important to Seth, and even though he saw potential in Jake, he didn’t want to ruin their close-knit relationship. He got that.

“I feel honored you think I can teach him something. Not so long ago, I thought I knew it all.” Riley laughed. “I believe you once told me to get a lasso on my ego before it became too big to tame.”

“Look how far you’ve come. You went from a smug, self-obsessed brat to a man with integrity who leads his team and gives it his all every time he steps onto the field, not expecting to win but expecting to get better.”

“Because winning championships can only be attained by reflecting on the decisions we’ve made in our darkest times,” Riley uttered. Seth had told him that during one of their many talks over the last couple of years.

“You remembered.”

“Wise words are unforgettable. Got any sage advice about sisters picking the wrong mates?” Riley asked in a low tone so Aubrey wouldn’t hear him.

“The cat’s officially out the bag, eh?” Seth mused.

“No. I’m thinking everyone else knew, but I was in denial. Do you like Theo?”

“He’s a good kid. I know he seems like he aimlessly roams around, but he’s young. Tyler went through the same thing. He didn’t want to go to college. He didn’t want to live in his big brothers’ shadows. He’d take off for parts unknown to find himself and had plenty of fun in the process.”

“How do I know Aubrey isn’t the fun Theo is having?”

“Because Austin and Alex would have wrung his neck by now. They watch those two from a distance. The last thing they want is for either of them to get hurt. And from the way I hear it, Theo is at just as much risk of getting hurt.”

“How so?”

“Austin says he tries to impress Avery so much, it’s like watching a squirrel pushing a boulder up a steep mountain,” Seth drawled.

“What?”

“He’s smitten. Aubrey hasn’t been that easy to impress. The young man loves to chase adventure, but he keeps going back to Harper’s Grove for Aubrey.”

“And Alex, Peyton, and the kids.”

“I think they’re more like a bonus feature to his visits. He goes there because his heart is there with Aubrey. You can sympathize, right?”

Unfortunately, he could. Damn it, he was counting on Seth’s’ notorious protective streak to surge and tell him to chase Theo away with an angry, torch-carrying posse. After all, Seth had chased Riley off when he thought he was interested in Avery.

“I suppose so. So why did you raise holy hell when you thought I liked Avery but didn’t give me the same flak when Parker and I got together? Is it because she wasn’t your niece?”

Seth shook his head. “I treat everyone in the family the same. I love Parker just as much as I love Avery. If I thought for a moment your interest in Avery was genuine, I would have eventually relented. But at that time you were focused on getting under my skin, and Avery was the best way to do it.”

“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…

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