Stranded in Paradise (The Blake Boys Book 13) Read Online Free PDF Page A

headlock without deodorant on, it’s the sweetest revenge.”
    “You were always gross.”
    “Where’s Seth?”
    “He’s overseeing Jake’s toothbrushing while trying to lull Mackenzie to sleep.”
    “She’s still awake?”
    “You know your nephews sound like they’re staging a prison riot when they’re exiting a car. She woke up, so I gave her a bottle. If that doesn’t work, Seth will read her a story. She’ll be out like a light soon.”
    Jared enjoyed his time at Morgan’s house when he visited Texas. The kids stampeding through the house all day and the boisterous dinners were the best. It reminded him of his days as a kid in the Reed household. He’d thought about what it would be like to have kids of his own to create those special everyday memories. Taylor was an only child. She’d said she envied how close he was with his siblings.
    “So what’s on your mind?” Morgan asked.
    “Oh.” He sipped his scotch. “My office manager, Zelda, resigned to move to Kansas with her boyfriend. I’ve been so busy with work that I haven’t had the time to look for a sufficient replacement. I could get a temp but that’s just postponing the inevitable. I hear through the grapevine Charisma is looking for a job. I was thinking about giving her a shot.”
    “Is she qualified to be an office manager?”
    “We’d have to talk about her qualifications and my expectations. I need someone who can present a sophisticated face to the clients and keep them at bay when I’m not there. I think it could work, but I wanted to discuss it with you first. I know you two called a truce, but I wanted you to know that if I gave her a chance that I wasn’t being disloyal to you.”
    “Jared Reed, if you were here I would give you a big kiss.” Morgan sighed. “Thank you for considering my feelings. If she’s capable, and you think she’s a good fit, I say go for it. Charisma does look presentable when she wants and can turn on the charm.”
    “You know I would never do anything to hurt you. I think it’s nice the two of you have found neutral ground.”
    “Well, she said she wanted to change some things about herself, and I believed her. I think she’s ready to be a Reed again. If you get my meaning.”
    He chuckled. “I sure do.”
    “Hold on one sec.”
    From what he could hear, Colby had finished his bath and it was Connor’s turn now. Seth had come into the bathroom with Mackenzie so they could switch duties. Morgan went into the nursery with Mackenzie and put the phone’s video feature on, so he did the same and propped his phone against a book on the coffee table. She propped the phone up on the dresser. The baby became animated when she saw his face.
    “Hey, Mackenzie. How’s the most beautiful little girl in Texas?”
    “You better be careful,” Morgan warned. “You have two nieces in the state.”
    He grinned. “Avery’s the most beautiful college student in Texas.”
    “Nice save.” She gave him a knowing grin. “Say hi to Uncle Jared.”
    Mackenzie reached for the phone and started talking up a storm. He could have sworn she was trying to say his name.
    “Did she just say Jared?”
    “Oh brother.” Morgan rolled her eyes. “Not yet. But the second she does I’ll give you a call.”
    “I will let you put little miss to bed. Thanks for your input on Charisma.”
    “Thank you for considering my feelings. We missed you at the party. Autumn looked really nice.” Morgan flashed a smile at him.
    “I gotta go.”
    “Mackenzie, Uncle Jared is blowing us off,” Morgan kidded.
    “I would never do that to my niece, but I do hang up on my matchmaking sister from time to time.”
    “One of these days you’re going to eat crow, Jared Reed. Autumn is the one.”
    Jared stuffed his fingers in his ears. “I can’t hear you.”
    “Good night, pain-in-my-butt.”
    “I love you, Sis. Love you, Mackenzie.”
    “We love you too.”
    He knew he should have gone to bed, but the last thing he wanted