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“Why?”
He turns to face me and raises a brow, but says nothing.
“Why would it ruin you?”
“If things don’t go well this year, my mom will take back the resort and demote me. I’ve worked almost my whole life to take over this place. I don’t want to lose it when I’ve barely had the time to make a difference.”
“Oh.” I get caught in his penetrative gaze, and my breath catches in my throat. I force it out and as I do, the words just tumble out. “I can do it.” His eyes open wide, and his mouth opens and closes a few times, but no actual sound comes out. He can join the club. I’m surprised too, but I can’t take it back, so I repeat it in a much calmer voice. “I can do it. You know, if you want. I can plan the party.”
I didn’t expect him to throw himself down at my feet or shower me in praise, but I definitely didn’t expect him to throw back his head and laugh. I’m momentarily distracted by how throaty and delicious it sounds. But then I come to my senses and cross my arms in a huff.
“Sorry. Sorry.” The way he’s clutching his stomach, still laughing, tells me those words aren’t true. “It’s just… what do you know about…. anything?”
“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” I fly out of my seat, hands waving in the air.
“Hold on. Calm down.” He holds out his hands like the simple gesture could placate me in any way, shape, or form. “That didn’t come out right.”
I prop my hands on my hips and narrow my eyes. “Well, no shit. Care to try again?”
“I mean… You don’t exactly… It’s not like you have a job or responsibility or anything.” He scrubs a hand down his face and groans. “I don’t think there’s anything I can say to unfuck myself.”
“I may not have a proper job, but I’m a socialite. I know how to plan a party.”
He gestures to the other side of the couch and offers me a small smile. “I don’t need your help, sweet cheeks.”
I scoff, but sit down on the couch. I should let it go and leave first thing in the morning. I really should, but I can’t help the indignation that spreads through my veins. This feels like a challenge, and I refuse to back down, not until I showDonnyjust how very wrong he is.
“It looks like maybe you do. I can’t see you getting everything done in time. How much do you know about caterers? Fireworks? Hiring a live band? Perfecting the perfect summer menu and cocktail list?” I pause, searching his face. “I’m going to say that blank look on your face says nothing. You need me. You just don’t want to need me.”
Donovan’s hands are back at his hair, and he groans. “Fine. I need you.”
His blue eyes meet mine and a shiver works down my spine and settles in my clit. Why am I imagining him splayed out on the couch, his cock firmly in his hand, as he says those words to me?I need you.And why do I really like that idea?
I may have gotten myself into a bit of a pickle.
CHAPTER FOUR
Donovan
I wakeup with the biggest pain in the neck, and I don’t mean Violet. At least not yet. I’m sure she’s still in bed, fast asleep, with no concept of when you actually have to get up for an actual job. As a Nashville socialite, I’m sure she doesn’t have very many early mornings on her busy schedule.Socialite. Whatever the fuck that really means.
I push myself up from the couch—my very uncomfortable couch—and stretch my arms. I roll my head from side to side and try to rub the knot from the back of my neck, but that sucker is persistent.
“Good morning.”
Violet’s cheery voice has me pulling the blanket securely around my waist and covering my lap with a decorative throw pillow. I don’t need her spying on my morning wood and getting the wrong idea.
“Don’t worry, Donny, I wasn’t spying on your nipples. Or checking out your morning chub.”
With a groan, I lay back on the couch, pulling the blanket up to my shoulders. It’s way too early for verbal jousting. I haven’t had the tiniest sip of coffee, and I can’t function without it.
And what the hell is she doing up this early? Not that I didn’t want her up, I’m just super surprised and without my morning magic elixir, nothing is making sense.
Maybe she’s a mirage, a figment of my imagination. Maybe if I lay back down on the couch, she will go back to Tennessee and be out of my life forever. And then there’s a chance that Karla didn’t call me last night and that she will be here and everything for the end of the summer celebration will be booked and taken care of.
I close one eye, keeping one in her general direction, but then close it as well. I take a few breaths, concentrate on my chi? My core? I’m not sure, but it’s not working. I can hear Violet’s soft hum, so I know she’s still here.
“Not a morning person?” My eyes snap open as Violet’s head pops over the back of the couch, and she smiles down at me, making a point of looking at my covered nips before meeting my gaze. “I made some coffee.”
