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

to do was sleep. He scrolled his contacts and found Charisma’s number and hit the call button.
    “Hey Charisma,” he said when she picked up. “This is Jared. Sorry to call you back so late. It’s been a very long day. Your mom left me a message about your employment situation, and I am looking for someone at my firm. I think we can work something out. How about we have lunch tomorrow and talk?”
    “That would be great. Where would you like to meet?”
    “How about my parents’ house? I’ll be there around noon.”
    “Sure,” Charisma squeaked. “Jared, I know you’re taking a chance on me and—”
    “That’s what family is for. I can be a demanding boss, but that’s because I take pride in my work. But we can talk about all my neurotic tendencies tomorrow.” He laughed.
    “OK.” She laughed too. “Goodnight.”
    “Goodnight.”
    Jared pushed off the couch, put on the alarm, and punched a few buttons on the lighting keypad. The entire first floor dimmed. He loved his loft. Taylor was right. After they’d divorced, he’d really taken stock on the amazing space he had and began utilizing it the way it was intended. Fancy lighting, premium sound system, and a host of other sophisticated gadgets made his living space stand out. He ascended the steps and when he reached the bedroom, he set his drink down on the nightstand, removed his watch, then proceeded to the walk-in closet and removed his clothes. He trudged to the bathroom and stepped into the shower feeling like a zombie. He wanted to talk to someone about his predicament, but who could he call? He could never keep the time zone straight where Charles was living, and Robert was on duty tonight.
    Once the premium showerhead caressed all his aching muscles, he dried himself off and put on a pair of pajama bottoms. That’s when he saw the invitation to the Executive Desires resort on the dresser. It was almost time for Amber’s monthly call to see if he was ready to take that vacation. Right now, he felt like he could use one. He’d been feeling a little run-down lately but refused to admit he needed to take some time for himself. And now that Taylor would be around for a month waiting for his answer, he definitely felt like getting away. A vacation escape wasn’t impossible. He could show Charisma enough so she could keep the office going for a week without him.
    Besides, he needed this.
     
    * * *
     
     
    After the engaged couple gave Cassidy and Channing one last good-night hug and bid them farewell, an exhausted Autumn walked them to the elevator and confirmed the time Cassidy was picking her up for their spa appointment. The caterers had finished cleaning up. There was nothing left to do but take a hot soak in the tub. She hugged Corbett as he was leaving with Courtney to go back to Bo Sr.’s cabin on the ranch, even though Courtney looked like she wanted to kill her. She figured what the hell, they were going to be in-laws soon. The poor guy had to put up with Courtney’s pouting all night and play referee between her and Bonnie. She only saw him smile once the entire night when he was talking to J.J.’s executive assistant Anna Beth. She thought they made a cute couple, but she shook her head, thinking Teri-Lyn was rubbing off on her with this urge to matchmake.
    Autumn went back into the condo to find Summer and Bo slow dancing. She shut the door behind her. “I thought you two would have scurried across the hall.”
    “We have a surprise for you,” Summer said.
    Autumn spied the wicked grin on her sister’s face and knew it was something big. “I don’t like surprises.”
    Bo gave her a quizzical look. “Since when?”
    “Since now. I don’t know what it is, but you can keep it.” She shook her head.
    Summer went over to the desk and pulled an envelope out of one of the drawers. “Since when don’t you like surprises?”
    “How quickly we forget our thirteenth birthday party.” She folded her arms across her chest. Autumn