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

him anymore.”
    Seth turned off the radio and began singing the alphabet song that Morgan was teaching Mackenzie. He wasn’t as velvet-voiced as Tate, but his off-key howling always put a smile on his daughter’s face. When they finished, he thought they’d give another side project he’d been working on a shot.
    “Sweet Pea, say ‘mommy.’” He winked at her in the rear view mirror.
    She didn’t answer.
    “How about ‘mama’?” He peered in the mirror again.
    “Morgy!” she yelled.
    He chuckled. “We’re getting closer.”
    He had no doubt that his daughter could say it, but why she was so staunch in her refusal to say the word at such a young age baffled him. He wanted them to have a strong, loving bond. Morgan had missed out on those close mother-daughter moments because her mom had died when she was so young. He had a feeling this was going to be one of many battle of wills between his wife and daughter.
    A half hour later, they picked J.J. up from the airport. He opened the hatch so J.J. could deposit his bags and they were back on the road.
    He looked at his brother. “Did you get a lot of work done in Kansas?”
    “I got the project back on track. Nothing gets people focused like a surprise visit from the boss.”
    “Back on track in a matter of hours? I’m impressed.”
    “I didn’t give them an option. I wasn’t spending another night away from Samantha Jane and the boys.”
    Seth grabbed a parking spot in front of a trendy accessory boutique. “We’re here.” He unclipped his seat belt and got out. J.J. got out too and unfastened Mackenzie for her car seat.
    J.J. looked at the fancy purses and accessories displayed in the window. “What on earth do you need out of there?”
    “Your niece needs barrettes. If I’m going to learn how to do her hair, she needs—” Seth motioned to the window. “—stuff like that.”
    J.J. bit back a smile. “All right. Let’s go shopping.”
    As soon as they stepped into the store, a saleswoman rushed to help them. She cooed at Mackenzie, but Seth could tell she was trying to figure out who they were. Then it finally clicked. She tried to keep her cool and asked him if he was the Seth Blake. The young lady held up her cell phone and showed him that a picture of him kissing the Super Bowl trophy was her screen saver. Then she honed in on J.J.’s face, so J.J. saved her the trouble and introduced himself.
    The salesclerk excitedly ushered them around the store, showing them merchandise, and if Mackenzie reached for it, Seth would throw it into the shopping basket. In addition to the things for Mackenzie, he found a purse and shawl he thought Morgan might like. He knew she would say he went overboard, but he couldn’t help it. Besides, the peace offering served a dual purpose. She complained about being cold lately, even when the weather seemed pretty warm to him. And he hoped his gifts would soften the blow when he came home with all these bags of stuff.
    The saleswoman told them there was new stock that hadn’t been unpacked yet in the backroom and asked if they would wait a few minutes until she sifted through it. They agreed and took a seat on the sofa near the fitting room. Mackenzie pulled a tiara off the display table next to Seth and put it atop his head.
    “Don’t you look precious?” J.J. laughed.
    Mackenzie dug into their basket and put two jeweled combs in her uncle’s hair. It was Seth’s turn to get a few laughs. “Reminds me of Eden’s pageant days.”
    “My niece doesn’t need to hear about the past.” J.J. gave his brother a long look. “When is the chat with Riley Sloane?”
    “This weekend.”
    “T.K. still giving you the hard sell about working with him? Officially, I mean.”
    “Nah. He said he’s given up.”
    “T.K. never gives up.” J.J. bowed his head so Mackenzie could drape a turquoise necklace on him. “I think it’s nice of you to do him this favor though.”
    Seth nodded. “I saw Logan when I went to