Free Cherishing You (Thirsty Hearts Book 3) by Kris Jayne

scored an important win with that manufacturing plant being built south of the Trinity.”
    “That’s fine work, and it’s good that you show an interest in different constituencies. Just remember where the power center is, Son. It’s not south of the Trinity.”
    Jonah took his spoon for another jaunt around the shallow bowl. He hadn’t the energy to argue city politics with his father. The SDDP was one of the few things he’d worked on that made him feel useful as opposed to spending his time stacking more money in the wallets of his father and his friends.
    “Point taken, Dad. What about your week, Vivienne?” Jonah grinned and winked surreptitiously at his sister.
    “I hired that assistant you recommended,” Vivienne responded, winking back.
    Jonah choked down his cauliflower potage, glaring sideways at his sister with pursed lips.
    “Recommended?” his mother questioned.
    “Jonah has a friend who wants to break into design. He asked that I speak with her and maybe mentor her. I met her, and I think she has promise,” Vivienne expounded.
    “Who is she?” Sheila pressed.
    “You don’t know her. I met her at the café I pass on my way to the office.”
    “This isn’t that waitress with the violent boyfriend, is it?” Tom asked in a huff.
    “I don’t see how the actions of her ex have to reflect on her. She’s a good-natured, hard-working woman,” Jonah shot back.
    “I think it’s lovely that you’re helping her, Jonah. If that’s all this is.” Sheila looked pointedly at her son.
    “What else would it be?”
    “Nothing, of course. A charitable impulse is a noble one. She certainly sounds…less fortunate,” Sheila demurred.
    “And less than,” Jonah finished.
    “I don’t know her, dear.” Sheila shrugged and sipped her wine.
    “I hope this isn’t the woman you’re planning to bring to the benefit. When I asked you to find a date, I meant an appropriate date.”
    Jonah hadn’t any intention of dragging Shannon to that boring-as-hell benefit dinner. He didn’t even want to go. His parents’ sponsorship practically obligated him to. However, the easy way they dismissed Shannon without even knowing her provoked the rebel in him.
    “I might bring her. I haven’t broached the topic with her.”
    Vivienne kicked his foot swiftly under the table.
    “Need I remind you that this is an exclusive social event? Don’t make an exhibition of yourself.”
    “What does she do at this café?” Sheila asked.
    “She waits tables, and she’s saving to go to school.”
    “How old is she that she’s not done with school?” Tom bellowed.
    Jonah paused. He didn’t know.
    “I’d guess she’s in her thirties. Life doesn’t always take a straight line.”
    “No. But it should,” Tom declared. “You cannot bring her.”
    Jonah glared at his father. After all this time, the man had no idea that forbidding Jonah only ensured the forbidden.
    “I told you that I’d let you know whom I’d bring. And once I get an answer from Shannon, I’ll let you know. Do you have a date yet, Vivienne?” Jonah asked, wide-eyed.
    His sister kicked him again.
    “No.”
    “Good. We don’t need a scene.” Tom scowled at his bowl.
    “Eventually, Dad, I will bring someone to an event. I’ll be seen around town with a girlfriend. I’m not a hermit.”
    “I’m not discussing this. Where’s Miranda with the next course? I cannot stomach anymore of this soup.”
    “I liked it,” Sheila proclaimed.
    Practically psychic, Miranda appeared to clear their soup bowls and promised to return with their entrees of scallops and tournedos of beef with roasted vegetables. Finally, Jonah thought, something he could eat.
    After dinner, Vivienne poured two cognacs and pulled her brother outside.
    “Tell me you aren’t going to bring my part-time assistant to the charity gala just to spite our parents.”
    “So now she’s your assistant?”
    “Yes. What else would she be? She’s not your anything.”
    Jonah