Choosing You (Thirsty Hearts Book 2)

by Kris Jayne

  The swaying tree branches above them flickered the light in Jeff’s light brown hair. Her eyes met his, and he winked and grinned. The sharpness of his tuxedo, perfectly tailored to his tall, broad body, made him look as if he’s stepped right out of a movie. Taryn smiled. When else on a Saturday would Jeff be in anything other than jogging pants? Never. Except today. In a few minutes, she’d be Taryn Elizabeth McConnell.

  “Taryn and Jeff, today you enter as individuals, but you leave as husband and wife, forming a new family with your daughter and stepdaughter Olivia. The story of your life together is still yours to write. And your love and your lives, yours to commit to one another. Ladies and gentlemen, Taryn and Jeff have written their own vows for one another. Taryn.” The officiant raised on open palm at Taryn, prompting her to speak.

  She cleared the lump from her throat and took a deep breath, exhaling slowly to calm her nerves.

  “Jeff, from the minute I met you, I knew you were someone I wanted in my life. You’re everything I’ve ever dreamed and more—smart, loving, and faithful. And loving you has brought the most amazing little girl into my life. Our family means everything to me, and I dedicate myself to you—as your loyal wife—to love you, trust you, laugh with you, keep you organized, and stand with you from this day forward as long as we both live.”

  Jeff squeezed her hands. Taryn suspected it was to steady his as much as to convey his feeling for her.

  “Taryn, I haven’t been able to imagine a life without you since I first saw you, sipping champagne and laughing on our very first date. Since then, you’ve given me your heart, making me the luckiest guy on earth. I love your spirit, your drive, your good sense, and your fierce protection of those you call family. You’ve loved and guided Olivia, and I can’t think of anyone I’d trust more with my daughter. You challenge me and love me. I dedicate myself to you—as your loyal husband—to love you, respect you, and be your safe place to fall from this day forward as long as we both live.”

  Taryn looked at Jeff through tear-filled eyes. He caressed her hands as they alternately declared, “I do.”

  “With the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

  Steeping in the happiness of the moment, Taryn parted her lips, awaiting the nuptial kiss. Jeff took her face in his hands. Taryn saw tears of relief, joy, and hope in Jeff’s eyes as he leaned in and kissed her softly, sweetly, and a bit too long. Someone in the crowd started to whistle. Jeff stepped back. He winked at Taryn, and they turned toward the audience as Mr. and Mrs. Jeff and Taryn McConnell.

  Taryn looked to her right and beckoned to Olivia and her shining smile. Hooking her left hand with its bouquet through Jeff’s arm and taking Olivia’s hand with her right, Taryn and her new family walked back up the aisle. The song “Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes rose above the cheers of their guests. The sound of wind chimes grew louder as they reached the estate house, just able to hear the refrain, “Home is wherever I’m with you.”

  Enjoy Choosing You? Continue Shannon’s story in the book three in the Thirsty Hearts series…

  Cherishing You - Buy Now

  And please leave your honest review!

  Next in the Thirsty Hearts Series

  For news on upcoming books, join Kris Jayne’s mailing list at krisjayne.com.

  The next book in the Thirsty Hearts series is available now! Can’t wait? Turn the page, and enjoy the following excerpt from Cherishing You now. Follow the continuing story of Shannon as she finds love.

  Cherishing You

  New job. New address. New name. Shannon Clifton has one focus. After missing most of the first seven years of her daughter’s life, she’s getting her life together to be a good mother to Olivia. She’ll prove to her ex-husband and the world that her past of drug addiction and crime is history.

  Jonah Moran hasn’t struggled for much. He has a cushy job at his father’s billion-dollar company, a string of socialite girlfriends, and anything money can buy.

  One night, Shannon’s past confronts her in a dangerous encounter that brings Jonah to her rescue. Shannon and Jonah begin a relationship that offers something new for each of them. Shannon’s never had a man sweep her off her feet with elegant charm. Jonah’s never had a woman who appreciates each joy like it’s her first. Drawn together in a novel passion, they find solace in each other’s worlds even as their differences threaten them with ruin.

  Jonah’s family has no intention of welcoming Shannon, and Shannon fights to stand on her own feet for the first time in her life. Can Shannon and Jonah push through the barriers and find lasting love?

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  A Prequel Novella: Her London Fling

  Alexa Stevens lives for the new, the exciting, and what’s next. So when she visits a friend in London to cheer her through a divorce, she’s intrigued by meeting the handsome Adam Gadsby. The heat between them chases away the November chill and has him thinking long-term. Her trip draws to a close, and Alexa figures she’ll fly home with fond memories of her London fling and nothing more. Adam has other plans. Can Alexa open herself to the possibility of love?

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  Chasing You

  Alexa Stevens doesn’t do commitment. The ex-model turned personal trainer and gym owner lives a jet-set life. With all the exciting adventures to have in this world—especially of the masculine variety—why get tied down?

  Keeping it light suits Graham Ryan just fine—especially after he finds out their financial interests intersect and conflict. Mixing business with pleasure is bound to cause complications he doesn’t need.

  However, when her old flame Adam Gadsby arrives in town to win her heart, suddenly Alexa's take on long-term love starts to shift. Graham sees her drifting away and wonders if he doesn’t want more. Adam knows what he wants — if only he can convince Alexa she wants the same.

  For Alexa, the question is: how do you know who’s the one? With two men chasing her, can make the right choice before it’s too late?

  Pre-Order Now

  Miss the first Thirsty Hearts book?

  Charming You

  Micky Llewellyn has trusted men before with disastrous results. Now, she’s focused on her career, her friends, and making sure she doesn’t let another charming man lie to her and break her heart.

  Nick Halden’s life has unfolded according to plan. He’s on track to a partnership at one of Dallas’ premier law firms, and he’s marrying a woman who has the beauty, smarts, and connections to be the perfect wife. Or he thought he was.

  Fate and a dead car battery throw Micky and Nick together, forcing them to question what they want. Nick’s charm makes Micky’s heart pound with desire and her gut twist with mistrust. Micky’s fire awakens a passion in Nick that flips his world upside down. With his personal and professional lives colliding in chaos, Nick has one way to make sure he gets what he wants, but it means betraying the woman he craves.

  In their struggle to balance love and ambition, Micky and Nick will have to decide what they want and at what cost before they lose the one thing that matters.

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  Excerpt from Cherishing You

  Jonah yanked open the door to the Scarlet Maple and surveyed the dining room. He hoped to give Shannon an update and let her know the police had assured him they were diligently looking for her ex. When he didn’t see her, he flagged down the hostess.

  “Excuse me. Is Shannon working tonight?”

  The woman tilted her head to the side. Her eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly. “She’s not on the floor. I can seat you in another section.”

  Jonah couldn’t hide his disappointment. “That’s alright. I’ll get something to go. If you see her, can you tell her that Jonah Moran has some news for her? She has my number.”

  “Sure. We take to-go orders at the bar.”

  The woman extended an arm to direct him. Her long sleeves mostly did their job of hiding an arm’s length of tattoos. Too bad. She was cute in a dark,
goth kind of way. His father would definitely find those tats unacceptable for the Magnolia Charity Ball.

  Goth girl took off to the back, and Jonah meandered over to the bar and snagged a menu. He usually got the same thing, but tonight, he figured he might mix it up. Instead his usual sandwich, he ordered the steak frites and a glass of wine to enjoy while he waited.

  “Jonah?”

  He whipped around to see Shannon standing there in her uniform of a black shirt and black pants with a small apron tied around her waist. Her curly hair twisted back into an uncomfortable-looking ponytail. Too bad she couldn’t wear her hair down at work. Long, loose curls would suit her. In admiring her, Jonah nearly forgot what he’d gone there to say.

  “The hostess said you weren’t working tonight.”

  “She was being protective. Everyone’s a little on edge since the other night. She told me you were looking for me. I’m about to get off work.”

  Jonah noticed she had her purse on her shoulder and her keys in her hand.

  “Oh, then maybe you’d want to get something to eat? Have a drink?” he suggested. Shannon twisted her mouth to the side and darted her eyes to the bartender and then to the door, adjusting her shoulder bag. “It’s up to you. You’re probably ready to get home.”

  “No. I can grab a quick bite. Where do you want to go?”

  “I ordered here.”

  “Oh. We can eat here.”

  “I guess when you work here night and day, it’s the last place you want to spend your downtime,” Jonah observed.

  “Pretty much. But that’s okay. You’ve already ordered. I’ll get a sandwich too. The food is good here.”

  “I didn’t get the sandwich this time. I got the steak.”

  “Branching out, are you?” she laughed. He couldn’t tell if it was with him or at him. “I’ll get the roast chicken. Stefan does a great job with that dish. We can eat at the bar.”

  Shannon draped her bag on the back of a bar chair and hopped up into the seat. The bartender came by and greeted her, glancing back and forth between her and Jonah. She ordered her dinner and a glass of water.

  “No cocktail?”

  “Not right now.”

  “Okay. I came by to let you know that I spoke to the police today.”

  “They called you?”

  “I went down to the station and spoke to the detective. He took my statement, and I let him know that I expected they would investigate more aggressively than they have been. I think you should see a little more movement,” he assured her.

  “Thanks. I guess I figured they were looking into it already as much as they could. The police have their slow way of doing everything. At least it seems slow. Until they’re coming after you,” she joked and then blushed.

  Shannon must have had some run-ins with the police in her day. Jonah wondered what for. Had she actually been arrested?

  If he were his father, he would call a private investigator and run a detailed background check on her. Jonah straightened in his chair with his jaw set. He wouldn’t do that. He would ask her, but judging from her embarrassment, she didn’t like discussing her past legal troubles.

  “I got arrested for a minor in possession in college. I don’t know how fast or slow it all happened. I was blasted,” Jonah explained.

  “A criminal record, huh?” A dubious look sparked humor in her eyes.

  Jonah paused. He’d been arrested, but he had no criminal record. He doubted there was even any record of his arrest. His father had taken care of that. Something told him not to mention as much to Shannon, so he dodged the question.

  “Yes. I’m a real menace to society.”

  “I can tell.” She smirked.

  Was she laughing at him again? Jonah realized he knew nothing about her except that her ex-boyfriend was a dangerous, violent asshole. Maybe that’s what she liked. He wasn’t a choir boy, but he’d never been in any serious trouble. For once in his life, he could play the saint instead of the bad boy. Jonah snickered to himself.

  “I’ve had my moments. Just ask my dad.”

  “Your dad is a straight arrow, huh?”

  Jonah laughed. “In his own way.”

  “There’s something to be said for that.”

  “Do you like straight arrows?”

  “Honestly, I don’t like much of any guy these days. No offense. My track record is pretty shitty. But you know that, don’t you.”

  Shannon pressed her lips into a tight line, challenging him with her wide, baby blue eyes. Color rose in her cheeks. Her mortified flush mixed with her show of will sent a charge through him.

  After a beat of silence, her expression softened. She exhaled slowly and took a sip of water. Her lips parted over the edge of her glass. She set her drink down and licked her wet lips. Jonah shifted his leg and turned his bar seat away from her as much as the tight space under the bar would allow.

  Her suspicion of him—and every man—already turned her off. Watching him spring a tent in his pants would probably kill his chances with her.

  That’s all he needed. A chance. While her track record with the opposite sex was shitty, Jonah’s was stellar. He smiled at her.

  “Everyone has dated a loser or two.” Shannon opened her mouth to argue, but he held up his hand to stop her. “Everyone. That just makes the winners all the more fun.”

  Jonah kept his gray eyes focused on her. He could imagine that halo of blond curls spread out on his pillow. Her plump lips parted in desire. The feel of her soft body writhing underneath him.

  He held her gaze until her blush deepened to near scarlet. She twisted away from him on her stool. Jonah took a swallow of wine. He’d have her. And he’d show her the time of her life.

  Buy Cherishing You

  About the Author

  Kris Jayne is a devoted writer, reader, and traveler. She spends her days blissfully sweating out the writing process in the Dallas area with her dogs, Otis the Shih Tzu, Rocco the Terrier, and Red the Foxy Mutt.

  Her passion for writing is only matched by her passion for the adventures of travel. In 2008, she let a friend talk her into sleeping outside for the first time in her life when she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro.

  P.S. If you're buying her a gift, she has a penchant for single-malt Scotch and scarves.

  Contact Kris at:

  @kris_jayne

  krisjayneauthor

  krisjayne.com

  kris@krisjayne.com