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

sneakers, and a T-shirt with the logo of the brand he was currently endorsing.
    “Hey.” Riley yawned.
    Seth raised an eyebrow. “Rough night?”
    “I had a date,” the young man replied with a goofy smile on his face. “You remember those? Don’t you? Or has married-life brain washed you?”
    “I have a date tonight with my wife.” Seth motioned for him to come inside. “So the sooner we’re done, the sooner I get to do something I’ll enjoy today.”
    Seth closed the door and went into the dining room. The boys had finally settled down. Connor and Colby were at the table cleaning out their backpacks, while Jake had the program for the school play in his hands. Morgan had sat Mackenzie on her lap and was combing her hair.
    “Riley,” Seth said. “I’d like you to meet my wife Morgan.”
    Morgan smiled. “Nice to meet you, Riley. I’ve heard so many things about you.”
    “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Riley flashed a bright smile at Morgan.
    “These are my sons Jake, Connor, and Colby.” Seth pointed each one out. “And this munchkin right here is my daughter, Mackenzie.”
    “Nice to meet you guys,” Riley replied.
    “Hey,” Jake said. “You’re the guy who thinks he can beat my dad’s records?”
    “I’m going to give it my best shot.” Riley bent down so he was eye-level with him. “Your dad set the bar pretty high, but I’m confident I’ll be just as good as him some day.”
    Jake rolled his eyes. “Good luck with that. I’ve seen your stats. I’m not impressed. My Uncle J.J. says you have lead feet. My dad was a running quarterback, and you don’t like to move on the field.”
    Morgan’s eyes widened. “Jake.”
    Seth snickered but put on a straight face when Morgan shot daggers at him.
    “Wow. You come out swinging, don’t you kid?” Riley stood and reached into his pocket. “How about we call a truce? I brought some autographed trading cards for all of you.”
    Seth could tell by the look on the kids’ faces that they weren’t impressed. The boys knew about trading cards—his extensive collection was on display in his office. Mackenzie flat out refused it when Riley offered it to her.
    “What’s the value of this?” Connor looked it over like he was giving it an autopsy. “My dad’s card quadtripled when he retired.”
    “That’s quadrupled ,” Morgan said, then turned to Riley. “Sorry. They’re very protective of their dad.”
    Riley shrugged as if it was nothing to him, but Seth could tell he was irked.
    Seth kissed Morgan on the top of her head. “Babe, we’re heading down to the stables. Call me if you if feel like you’re getting tired.”
    “I’m fine. Go.” She pointed him in the direction of the front door.
    The horses were saddled and ready when they arrived at the stables. It was Saturday, so there wasn’t too much traffic around there. He thought it would be good to talk to Riley in a tranquil environment. They were getting ready to mount their horses when Avery came around the corner on her new horse Comet.
    “Hi, Uncle Seth.” She said as she pulled on her horse’s reins to make his stop.
    “Hey, pretty girl. I didn’t know you’d be home this weekend.”
    “Have you met Comet? John Jacob and Teri-Lyn got him for me for making the dean’s list again this semester.”
    “I was down here the day Daddy brought him home. He’s a fine horse.” Seth helped her as she dismounted. Out of the corner of his eye, he couldn’t help but notice Riley’s leisurely ogling of Avery. Riley began coughing furiously as if he was signaling for an introduction. Seth ignored it, but Avery, being the polite and kind person she was, spoke up.
    “I see you have a guest.” She smiled.
    “Avery, I’d like you to meet Riley Sloane. He’s the new quarterback for the Tomcats.” Seth turned to Riley. “Sloane, this is my niece, Avery. She goes to Texas University and has made the dean’s list every year since she started.”
    “Uncle Seth!”