Free Off Season (The Blake Boys Book 15) by Rhonda Laurel Page A

quarterback to call with an excuse of some sort, but he hadn’t. T.K.’s stern words must have stuck with him. At least he’s capable of listening to the guy who signs his paycheck.
    He smiled when he saw J.J. waiting for him in the distance.
    “I didn’t think you’d make it,” Seth said. “I thought for sure you’d be passed out.”
    J.J. joined him and matched his stride. “Believe me, in my mind I’m still in bed cuddled up next to Samantha Jane, and Jack and Gabe are sound asleep. But the knee’s been getting a little stiff lately, so here I am. Is the big meet today?”
    “Yeah. He’s coming by in a few hours. The run is meant to pre-empt the tension I’m sure will coming my way later. I hope T.K. isn’t expecting any miracles.”
    J.J. laughed. “I sympathize with you. You turned down the man’s offer to play for his team. You won’t work for his organization. Riley becoming some sort of protégé to you is the next best thing. If that doesn’t work out, he’ll try to recruit Jake when he plays.”
    “Jake hasn’t made any mention of wanting to play football.”
    He promised himself he’d never push his kids toward football, no matter how much he loved the game. And he wanted his kids to pursue something they felt passionate about. Jake loved to play sports, but he didn’t express interest in any particular sport. He and Derek bantered all the time about Connor’s future as a professional hockey player. He knew his son had a natural affinity for it but if the time ever came, it would be Connor’s choice.
    “Mark my words,” J.J. said. “My nephew’s going to be the next Blake to play professional football.”
    The house was bustling with activity by the time Seth returned from his run. Morgan was doing some last minute straightening up while the kids dressed for the day’s activities.
    “What is going on in here?” Seth bellowed jovially as the kids sped through the house. Mackenzie rolled by in some motored contraption Tyler and Michelle had bought her.
    “I’ve got them under control. You go change for your date.” Morgan grinned and pointed to the stairs.
    “Please don’t say date like that.”
    He took a quick shower and changed. He checked his watch. It almost noon and no Riley.
    “Looks like he’s a no show,” he announced to Morgan as he trotted down the steps.
    “It’s not noon yet.” Morgan adjusted his collar when he reached the bottom step. “You look nice.”
    “Thanks.” Seth glanced at the paperwork on the table. It was a contract for that new space for the second bookstore. She’d had it for a while and still hadn’t signed it.
    “Are you signing off on that today?”
    “I can’t. It requires both mine and Michelle’s John Hancock.”
    This smelled suspicious, just like her continued avoidance of the doctor. He didn’t know what was going on with her lately. The vibrant, outgoing woman he loved was doing her best to make him believe she was fine, but he knew wasn’t.
    “You can still sign it.”
    She squinted. “If Michelle and I do it together it’s more of a symbolic thing.”
    “You said the space was perfect. Do you have other doubts?”
    She rolled her eyes. “Besides my daughter being my landlord?”
    “Hey, I have to pay golfing fees to Connor and Colby.”
    Just then the intercom buzzed. It was security at the main gate. Morgan went over to the panel and hit the button. “Yes?”
    “Mrs. Blake, there’s a Riley Sloane here to see Mr. Blake.”
    “Thanks. Let him through.” She stuck her tongue out at Seth. “See, you were quick to dismiss him.”
    He looked at his watch. Riley had one minute left. “He’s just under the wire. He did that just to piss me off.”
    “Welcome to my world.” She pointed at Mackenzie as she drove past them.
    Seth opened the front door and watched Riley step out of his Bugatti Chiron like he was going to a photoshoot. His hair was perfectly styled, and he was dressed in a pair of designer jeans,