Page 23 of Let it Breathe

"Boyfriend." She scoffed. "I didn't know you were dating anyone. I didn't think you left the vineyard long enough to meet someone."

"It's new, but we are very much in love," Donovan said as he kissed my cheek. I blushed, and my cheek grew hot where his lips had landed.

"How are you?" I asked. "What have you been up to?"

"Oh, you know, same old thing. I'm doing events over at Bennington."

"I know." I nodded and tried to concentrate as Donovan moved his hand farther up my thigh. Where was his concern for my reputation now?

"So I heard CJ found a buyer. That's so sad. Your family business sold off to the highest bidder." She threw me a fake pout, but I saw the pleasure in her eyes.

"Yeah, well. That was before. I’ve persuaded Donovan to invest in Darielle. He'd do anything for me."

Donovan stiffened next to me, but the look on Keri's face was worth it. We hated each other. It was childish, but I loved to share news that made her jealous.

"Yeah, I guess it's nice to have a rich, famous boyfriend to bail you out, isn't it?" Her condescending tone caused the hair to stand up on the back of my neck.

"You wouldn't know, would you?" The grin on my face made my cheeks hurt.

"You did what you had to do." She winked and turned to Donovan. "It was nice meeting you. I guess we'll be seeing you in town more often."

She waved.

"Stupid bitch," I said under my breath.

Donovan winced and chewed on his lip as we watched her walk away.

Someone needed to tell me to shh.