Cherishing You (Thirsty Hearts Book 3) Read Free Page B

second wife.
    That’s what she wanted and what she had to remind herself that she deserved—not a loveless marriage glued together by obligation and a child. Remembering her worthiness of love and respect kept her calm whenever she had to deal with her first ex, who meant well, but didn’t trust her.
    “I’m not comfortable with your being out in public with Olivia alone,” Jeff declared. “You know how dangerous Kid can be. Until he’s back in jail, it’s not a good idea. If you want to challenge that and talk to your lawyer, then do what you’ve got to do. I’ll do what I’ve got to do.”
    Shannon wanted to argue. She wanted to be able to say Olivia faced no greater danger with her than when she was with Jeff, but she couldn’t.
    Kid didn’t know Jeff’s new location either. Jeff had quickly sold the house Kid had burgled, being caught in the act by Taryn.
    Shannon spent the past few months working to forget the episode. Kid put Taryn in the hospital. Of course, he’d landed there himself as well. Shannon smiled. She and Taryn had their differences, but she had to give it to a five-foot-two woman who could crack the skull of a man like Kid.
    It taught Shannon a lesson. Just because you’re a woman, it doesn’t mean you have to roll over and take shit from people.
    “Fine. I’ll come to your place, but I want to have her by myself. I’m still entitled to my time with her without you there.”
    “Taryn and I can find something to do out of the house for the afternoon. That’s not a problem,” Jeff agreed.
    Shannon sat in her car outside the gate in Jeff’s subdivision, straightening her shoulders with pride. One realization grew stronger the more distance she had from her troubled past. More often than not, if you speak up for yourself and let people know what you expect, they’ll give it you.
    “Okay, Ms. Nelson, I confirmed you’re on Mr. McConnell’s guest list. You’re all set.”
    “It’s actually not Nelson anymore. It’s Clifton. Shannon Clifton.” She drove toward the gate sliding open in front of her.
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    T rue to his word , Jeff vacated his home for the day. His housekeeper remained, but she kept herself busy scrubbing bathrooms. Plus, on more than one occasion, she’d reminded everyone, “I’m here to cook and clean and see to the house. I’m not a nanny.” Shannon didn’t expect the stout older woman to interfere.
    She decided to keep with her lunch and a movie idea, but do it in house with pizza and a classic Pixar movie, Monsters, Inc., Olivia delighted at the adventures of Sully and Boo.
    When it was over, they dove into the game room closet and pulled out a set of Uno cards. Shannon had just drawn four cards, prompting a cackle of glee from Olivia, when her daughter asked her a question.
    “Daddy said that you have a new apartment. When can I go see it?”
    “I’m not sure. I’m still getting things ready, and I don’t have your room set up yet.” That was true enough. Shannon had bought a mattress and box spring, but the bed hadn’t been delivered, and she didn’t have a dresser or any other furniture for Olivia yet.
    Knowing they weren’t going to have overnight visits for a while, Shannon chose to spread out the expense of outfitting the spare room for daughter. She also obtained her landlord’s permission to change the walls from sterile white to something more kid-friendly as long as it wasn’t too dark.
    Shannon thought yellow might be good. Jeff gave Shannon the bedding Olivia had at the old house, which had since been replaced with new decor. A nice, sunny yellow would match perfectly. Shannon’s days off were few, and she hadn’t done all that she wanted in her new place. She also had plans to paint her own bedroom.
    “I could help. I miss your old place. I liked going to the pool and seeing other kids,” Olivia said.
    Shannon did not miss the old apartment. However, on the few occasions Jeff brought Olivia over, her daughter enjoyed playing in