BlackJack (A Standish Bay Romance Book 1) by Christine Donovan Page B

close
friend, an avid reader, who dabbled in writing herself, whom she would give the
first draft to and hope for a good reception. Her friend had such a knack in
knowing good work when she saw it. If it needed more work, she was great with
suggestions.
    Shannon’s
relationship with her editor, Kevin, was so good they could always discuss what
changes and improvements needed to be made. She respected and admired his
ability to know a bestseller when he read one. Not to mention their close
personal relationship—a relationship Shannon cherished and never took for
granted.
    So here she
sat, on hard, damp, freezing cold rocks trying to pull the plot for her next
book out of her creative mind, which in truth, felt anything but creative at
the moment. The only thing she was able to think about was Cole and how she
missed him terribly and dreamed about when she would see him again. She knew he
was in Philadelphia now, and she wasn’t quite positive where his tour went next.
She was also anxiously awaiting the trial transcripts, which should arrive any
day.
    Never mind her
terrifying night in Chicago. She’d been on edge, walking around on eggshells,
expecting her attacker to appear at any moment. When she’d been on the road,
she’d hired a personal bodyguard, but now she was at home and she didn’t feel
the need. Her address, as far as she knew, was a well-kept secret. Besides, she
hated having a big-hulking man following her everywhere. She’d received several
calls and texts from Cole, but she knew his tour schedule was crowded and he
barely had time to himself. The fact he called her when his time was free
humbled her and made her heart sing.
    After an hour
or so more of daydreaming about Cole, she beat herself up and rose off the
rocks, stretched her stiff, sore and cold body. Her bottom was numb and her
hands freezing as she made her way back to her house. Five years ago she’d
stumbled purely by chance on this beautifully restored Victorian, complete with
wraparound porch. Some might consider it an upside down house. The first floor
boasted three bedrooms and a bath.
    The second
floor held the large spacious kitchen with white cabinets and black granite
counter tops. There was a large center island with four bar stools. It was the
center of the house. Everyone always gathered around the island. The back of
the house, facing the ocean, housed the large family room with a beautiful
floor-to-ceiling fieldstone fireplace that held a gas insert sending off instant
flame and heat. Shannon had the fireplace on most days from September to May to
help with the chill of living in an old drafty house by the ocean. The wall
facing the ocean was completely taken up with windows and the view,
breathtaking. She could see Mother Nature in all her glory. And many times
since she’d lived here, Mother Nature had tried to come through those windows.
    The third floor
held her bedroom and office. There was a large bathroom complete with a
spacious Jacuzzi tub. The bedroom had French doors that opened up to a small
balcony. In the summertime it was one of her favorite places to curl up with a
good book. A wrought iron bistro set sat on the balcony as well as a
comfortable lounge chair. The best thing about it was the panoramic views. At
times it felt as though she lived at the ends of the earth. But right now it
was time to have her two feet planted firmly on the ground.
    John would be
by soon to drop off Cameron. She hadn’t seen John or Cameron in seven days. Her
son, she couldn’t wait to see. John, hell, she was still mad at him and his
superior attitude. She had to admit though, she and John had a good
relationship compared to some divorced couples who shared custody of a son. Shannon
knew plenty of divorced people who couldn’t stand to be in the same town, never
mind the same room as their divorced spouse.
    She should
count her blessings. She’d been lucky so far. But she still thought John was
being unreasonable. He had his