Read Stranded in Paradise (The Blake Boys Book 13) for Free Online Page B

hash all of that out when you get back.” She patted his knee.
    “When I get back with my decision,” he replied.
    “Right.” She smiled. “So, was this a planned trip? It seems kind of spur-of-the-moment. I thought you’d be in town for a while. I looked forward to getting reacquainted with you.”
    “Actually it’s been on my agenda for some time now, I’ve just been procrastinating about taking it.”
    “Is this a resort or something?”
    “Yes. I will be getting some sun and relaxing on the beach.”
    “It’s a shame you didn’t tell me. I could have joined you.”
    Jared glanced at her and to his surprise, she looked totally serious. “I recall lots of hectic vacations until we finally gave up traveling together.”
    “I’ve changed. I’m not so uptight anymore.”
    He didn’t believe that for a second. She was still wound tightly, even if she thought she was playing it cool. Jared glanced at the highway signs. “You’re going to take the next exit.”
    “I thought you were leaving out of Philadelphia International Airport?”
    “I’m taking a private plane.”
    “Oh.” She put on her blinker. “Fancy.”
    “The Blake family has a plane on standby at a private airport for traveling. I get to use it whenever I want.”
    “My how things change,” she murmured as she curved the exit and kept to the right.
    He cleared his throat. “I’ve learned to embrace change. We can’t stay the same forever.”
    “Hence jet-setting off to a tropical locale with the bikini-clad bunnies frolicking on the beach?”
    “Don’t forget the tropical drinks and long, lazy afternoons swinging in a hammock,” he added. “Take a right at the light.”
    She met his eyes as they pulled into the parking lot and the car stopped. “It will certainly give you some time to think about my offer.”
    “I’ll get the bags. Thanks for the ride.” He unclicked his seat belt and bolted out of the car to get his bags from her trunk. When he was done, he slammed the trunk. Taylor was standing there looking at him.
    “Have a good time.” She gave him a hug.
    “Thanks.” He hugged her back. “I hope you have a great time visiting your family and friends. I’ll call you when I get back.”
    “Sure.” She jammed her hands into her pockets. “I know it sounds wonky, but we can iron out all of this when you get back. Just promise me you’ll keep an open mind.”
    “I will. You need directions back to the city?”
    “No, the car has a GPS.” She smiled and kissed him on the lips.
    Jared watched as Taylor pulled off and turned back onto the main road. As soon as she was out of view, he headed toward the entrance and was in the air within a half hour.
     
     
     
    As soon as the plane landed, Jared got into the limo waiting for him and turned on his cell phone. The first notification to pop up was a voice mail from Tyler. He said he’d held out as long as he could, but Michelle, who suspected something was up, made him a kick-ass peanut butter and jelly sandwich and wheedled it out of him. The successive notification pings were from family members putting in their two cents about the situation. The advice ranged from a heartfelt “follow your heart” from Sydney to a “run for your life” from his brother Robert. Morgan, who normally weighed in with a tirade, didn’t say anything at all. But the best one came from his brother Charles who rarely sent text messages. It said “once a fool, twice an idiot.”
    Taylor left a voice mail too, wishing him a great vacation, but he could tell she wanted to mention the baby thing again. This was no way to start a vacation. There was plenty of time to obsess about things later, but right now he was being driven through paradise and missing the wonderful scenery. He put down his phone and rolled down the window. It was a nice warm day. The sun was shining brightly, there were palm trees everywhere, and the smell of the ocean immediately put him at ease.
    The limo turned