by Marchman, AC
A few hours in, my cell phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out and see it’s a text. Oh, I hope it’s Donovan. It’s Livey. I frown, I was hoping Donovan would have gotten in touch with me by now.
It’s going on 2:00. Livey text says:
*hey want me to bring you some lunch?*
I write:
*sure, one of ur famous sandwiches would be good*
Livey says:
*LOL sure thing. Want to talk when I get there*
I tell her:
*K see you then. Thank you!*
I wonder what Livey wants to talk about. She didn’t say anything when I left. I always get a bad feeling when someone says, “we need to talk.” It never seems to end well. It’s probably nothing, so I start sorting out the clubs, waiting for more members to rent them.
At 2:30, my phone buzzes again. I figure it’s Livey letting me know she’s on her way. I glance at my phone. Thank goodness, it’s Donovan! I’ve been waiting all day to hear from him. My spirits lift immediately, and I read the text.
*Hey baby doll, sorry it took me so long to get in touch. It’s been crazy around here today. *
I write back:
*It’s ok. I’ve been busy myself. Lot’s of tee times today. Did you decide on where to go tonight?*
Donovan replies:
*The Sun Dial, if that’s ok*
I gasp. The Sun Dial? That outrageously expensive restaurant with the beautiful view of Atlanta? I think my heart stops, and I might faint. I own absolutely nothing to wear to a place like that. My panic heightens as I realize I won’t have the time to shop before I meet him. I finally write back:
*That sounds really nice, but I don’t have anything to wear. Literally*
Donovan decides to just call instead of the back and forth texting. I hold my breath as I answer the phone. “Hello?” I almost whisper.
“Allie, don’t worry about having something to wear, ok?” Donovan says.
My face turns beet red. “ Seriously, I don’t have anything nice enough to wear to a place like that.”
“Baby, I said don’t worry about it, ok?” Donovan’s voice is so smooth like velvet, I could just melt. How in the world am I ever supposed to say no to him when he can make me weak in the knees every time he speaks?
I grin from ear to ear. “Ok, whatever you say.”
I feel his smile through the phone. “Now you’re catching on. I am actually going to leave a bit early. Any way you could do the same? I can meet you at your place, if you like.”
“I’ll ask my manager if I can leave a bit early. I never do, so I don’t think it will be a problem.” I cross my fingers in hopes that the new boss, Ryan, is in a good mood. He really has been busy since one of the caddies called in sick today.
“Great, baby doll. I’ll meet you at your house at 6:00 sharp. Can’t wait to see you again.”
“See you later,” I practically squeal into the phone. I take off to the greens to see if I can find Ryan. I see him on Hole One with a member’s bag over his shoulders. Honestly, I couldn’t miss him. He stands at over six feet tall with shoulder length red hair pulled into a ponytail and big green eyes. He has on his red polo manager shirt with khaki pants, and he’s wearing horrible golf shoes. He doesn’t look happy, but I stroll right up to him. “Ryan, I have a huge favor to ask you.”
Ryan looks up from the golfer and gazes at me impassively. “Yes, Allison?” Uh oh, that doesn’t sound good. He doesn’t look like he’s in a mood to be messed with. Ryan likes me more than I would care for him to, but right now I will use it to my advantage.
I give him my best puppy dog look and bat my eyelashes. I see him give me a sideways grin. “I really hate to ask, but I have to leave two hours early. I have something important that I have to do, and there is no way I can get around it.” It’s not exactly a lie.
“What? What’s so important that you have to leave early? We are busy, Allison,” Ryan stares at me, seriously checking me out. I shiver on the inside; it really creeps me out. Ryan is not a bad looking guy, but definitely not my type. My type is Donovan, extremely sweet, oozing with sexiness, and exceptional intelligence.
“Well, it’s a personal matter, Ryan, and I have to take care of it. Besides, I came in early.” That part is true. The only thing that can take care of the fire in my belly that has been a constant since last night is Donovan.
“Allison, you owe me, big time. You know that right?” Ryan eyes me through his lashes. I see him look me up and down, and it makes me very self conscious. I don’t owe him anything that he has in mind, but maybe I’ll buy him a soda one day.
“Thank you, Ryan! I really mean it!” I almost jump with giddiness as I run back to the shop. As I get there, I see Livey waiting for me. She turns her head to me and smiles.
“Looks like you’re in a good mood, baby girl,” she wraps her arms around me. Livey hugs are always nice.
I grin stupidly at my best friend. “Livey, I’m beyond excited. Ryan is letting me leave early so I can go on a date with Donovan tonight. He’s taking me to the Sun Dial.”
Livey’s mouth hangs open. “Are you kidding me? The Sun Dial! A meal there would take my whole paycheck!” She closes her mouth and then gives me her brightest beam. “I can’t believe you are going there! Let me do your makeup! Please?” she pleads with me.
“Of course, Livey. Come on, we’ll go talk in the break room while I eat this fab sandwich you brought me.” I take my lunch, and we walk together to the back. As we sit at the round table, I turn the television off so we can have some girl talk. “So, what did you want to talk about?”
Livey looks at me and frowns. “I saw that guy from the bar last night. I was at the mall, and he was working at that Chinese restaurant. I didn’t know it was him until I saw the bruise Donovan left on his face. His name tag said Jeremy. He looked really angry, and I heard him say that he was jumped at the bar and was going to press charges.”
I stare at her wide-eyed and shocked. Jumped? Press charges? Shouldn’t I be the one that is pressing charges against him? He is the one who attacked me; Donovan was only protecting me. “I don’t see how he could possibly try to press charges on Donovan. He was only coming to my rescue when that jerk put his hands on me.”
“I know, girl, I just wanted to tell you. He looked really pissed off, and he seems like the type to get revenge. Just be careful. I don’t want anything to happen to you or to Donovan.”
My palms sweat, and I feel like my heart is going to explode. “Livey, thank you for telling me.
I don’t really think anything will come of it. I mean, it was only last night, and maybe he was saying that because he had to explain away his busted up nose to his buddies.” I sincerely hope I’m right. My stomach drops just thinking about that maniac and what he is capable of. I certainly don’t want anything to happen to Donovan. I feel nauseous at the thought of any harm coming to him.
“So, anyways, let’s talk about you and your date tonight!” Livey squeals. Good, I’m glad to get my mind off the linebacker. So for a full thirty minutes, Livey and I discuss Donovan’s plans for the evening, and I’m grateful for it. My heart leaps in excitement for this man, who makes my heart soar, and for the night he has in mind for us.
I rush back to my apartment after work. My mind is racing. Donovan went out to buy me a dress, and he’s going to take me to one of the best restaurants Atlanta has to offer. I worry that I won’t fit in there, but I know Donovan will feel right at home. He grew up with money and knows about the finer things in life. I, however, don’t have a clue. I suppose I could fake it, but that’s not my style. I figure if people don’t like me for who I am, then they are not worth my time. I put my car in park and look at the clock. 5:37. I lock my car and head into the apartment. Livey is in the living room, waiting on me to get home.
“Go take a shower! I can’t wait to do your makeup for this evening. You are going to look so freaking hot!” Livey jumps off the couch and ushers me into the bathroom.
>
“Hello, Livey. Nice to see you too,” I laugh as she shuts the door.
“Hurry up! Donovan will be here soon!” she hollers from behind the door. I smile and chuckle to myself. Livey gets so wound up; it’s hysterical. What would I do without her?
I turn the water on in the shower and slip off my clothes. I glance at the mirror. I am still trying to see what Donovan sees in me. I shrug and sigh. I don’t see it, but as long as he does, that’s what counts. I step into the shower and rinse myself off. As I start to shampoo my hair, I hear the doorbell ring. It’s him! Donovan is here! I start scrubbing fast and furiously so I can get out to see him. I finally finish, turn the water off, and grab a towel. Livey knocks on the door. “Donovan is here! So hurry your ass up!”
I open the door, and Livey is standing there with her arms across her chest. “Geez, did you take long enough? And I’m glad you wax because we don’t have all night for you to shave your legs!
Your bedroom, now!”
I laugh and say, “Yes, Mom!” Livey sticks out her tongue at me and points to my room. I yell down the hall, “Hi, Donovan! I’ll only be a minute!”
“Of course, take all the time you need.” Even though I can’t see him, his voice is enough to make me hot and bothered. It’s amazing what this man can do to me, and it’s a bit terrifying as well. No one has ever had this much of an effect on me so fast, not even Matt, the one and only other guy I have ever had sex with. I refuse to let the ugly thought of Matt put a damper on my evening with this amazingly delicious man. I walk into my room with Livey on my heels. My eyes fly open, surprised by my gift from Donovan. Laying on my light blue comforter is the most beautiful dress I have ever seen. It’s a deep purple halter dress that seems like it’s made of silk.
The neckline dips low, and it looks as though it will fit my curves. I pick up the dress and hold against my form. The color is perfect, and it feels wonderful. I turn to Livey, and she’s grinning like an idiot at me. “Donovan bought it for you. He has great taste, Allie. That’s a Sue Wong dress!”
Oh my goodness, Sue Wong? Is he kidding me? This dress had to have cost a fortune! The price tag is not on it, thank God. I might have fainted if I saw it. I can’t believe he bought me this.
I undress in my closet. I slide the dress over my head, and to my surprise, it’s fits perfectly. The gown is floor length, the neck dips down to my cleavage, and the material feels cool on my skin.
I step out, and Livey stares at me with her hazel eyes wide.
“Oh my goodness! You look amazing!” Livey puts both of her hands to her mouth. I blush at my friend’s sweet words. “Okay, Cinderella. Let’s get your hair and makeup done quickly, so you can go on your date with Prince Charming.”
Twenty minutes later, I don’t even recognize myself. The person that looks at me from the mirror should be walking the red carpet in Hollywood right now. Livey has done an outstanding job on my makeup and hair. She has swept my hair into a half ponytail with cascades of curls down my back. It’s very simple, but it’s very beautiful. She decided to pull my hair back to make my dress “pop,” whatever that means. My makeup is perfection. Livey lightly dusted my face with translucent mineral powder. She then applied a black eyeliner around my eyelids and used different eye shadows to give me smoky eyes. Then she put on some mascara, swept my cheekbones with a rose colored blush and put on an apricot color on my lips. I put on my silver bangle bracelets and my silver pumps. I turn to Livey, hold my hands out, and ask, “Well, how do I look?”
“Allie, you look…breathtaking,” Livey whispers. She has never seen me like this. Actually, I’ve never seen me like this, but I like it. I hug my friend and thank her for her handiwork. I walk out of my bedroom and down the hall. Before I get to the living room, I take in a deep breath and hold my head high. I step into the living room, and Donovan stands. His eyes are hooded, and he gives me a crooked smile. He walks to me and takes my hands into his.
“Wow. You are stunning. Absolutely stunning,” Donovan says as he pulls my hands to his lips and kisses my knuckles.
“I can say the same for you,” I whisper. Donovan looks amazing. He’s wearing a black suit, a crisp white linen shirt with the first two buttons undone, and smart black shoes. His face is cleanly shaven, and I reach my hand to touch his jaw line. His face leans into my touch, and Donovan closes his eyes. When he opens them, his blue eyes are burning with desire. I feel that electricity between us again, and my insides clench. “I can’t believe you bought this for me.
Thank you, it’s beautiful!”
“I’m just glad my sister was there to help me.” He plants a swift kiss on my lips, and it takes everything in me not to jump on him right here, right now. I hear him gasp lightly, and I know he’s feeling the same way. He holds his arm out for me to take, and I slip my hand through. I look back at Livey and smile. She gives me the biggest grin she can and tells us, “Have fun, you two. Enjoy your night.” I’m pretty sure Livey knows that either Donovan is coming home with me tonight, or I’m going home with him. I wave to her as Donovan opens the front door. We walk arm and arm towards his BMW, and he opens the passenger door for me. I slide into the car, being extra careful about my dress, not wanting to get it dirty. Once I’m in he shuts the door and strolls over to his side. He gets in with such grace, I have to envy him. I’m just hoping to get through the night without tripping on my dress.
Donovan starts the engine and turns to look at me. He gives me that sideways grin again, and I return it. My Greek god takes my face into his hands and leans in to kiss me. I have been looking forward to this all day, and I feel my pulse start to race. The effect Donovan has on me is insane. He completely overwhelms me, and I love it. When he’s around, all I see is him, and when he’s not there, I want him to be. As his lips take mine, I sigh into his mouth. I have missed those lips, even though they were all over me just last night. I hope they are on me after dinner. Our tongues caress each other, and Donovan lets out a groan. He pulls away first and says, “At this rate, we will never get to the Sun Dial.” I pout, and he kisses my nose. “Don’t worry, baby doll, dinner is not all I had in mind for the night.” Donovan winks as he puts his car in reverse, and we take off down the road to the restaurant. As we ride down the street, he puts his hand on my thigh. In response, I place my hand on top of his.
“You look absolutely beautiful,” Donovan says with a sideways smile on his face. I flush at his compliment.
“This really is such a gorgeous dress. You said your sister helped you pick it out?” I ask, still astonished by his thoughtfulness.
“Yes, Megan actually picked it out. I sat in the chair meant for the guys that have to come with their wives. My little sister adores fashion. When she was little, she used to draw all kinds of outfits for her dolls and then try to sew them. She wasn’t very good at sewing,” Donovan chuckles at his memory.
“Does Megan live in Atlanta, or is she visiting from Savannah?”
“She’s actually visiting her boyfriend in Macon. But she brought him to Atlanta today to shop.
They are heading back to Macon in the next hour or so.” Donovan rolls his eyes. I wonder if he’s annoyed with his sister shopping or her boyfriend. I assume it’s the latter. “Megan goes to school for advertising in Savannah. That was our dad’s choice. The vineyard already makes around ten million a year, but my father insists that she have a degree, especially if it will benefit the business.”
“Ten million dollars from making wine?” I sit, amazed that someone could make so much money off of grapes.
Donovan laughs. “Well, yes, a lot of the money is on wine. But there are also weddings, tours, and wine tasting. There is a lot of money to be made from those things alone. I can’t wait for you to see the property. It’s so peaceful and beautiful. Hence, the reason people like to get married there almost every weekend.”
“I can’t wait to see it, Donovan,” I am suddenly excited to go with Donovan to see his family next weekend.
D
onovan takes my hand to his mouth again and kisses my fingertips. I swoon over him. My pulse picks up a beat when I realize we are in the parking lot of the Westin. “The restaurant’s in here?” I say, looking at the huge hotel.
Donovan covers his mouth to try and hide his smirk. “Yes baby. Come. I’ll show you.” He steps out the car and comes to open my door. I take his hand, hoping I don’t fall flat on my face in these heels. Donovan then pulls me close, so our bodies are touching, and kisses me gently.
His proximity alone is enough to make me want him, now. He pulls away far too quickly. “Let’s get inside before I decide to take you on the hood of my car.”
I inhale sharply, taken aback by his words, as well as extremely turned on. I run my finger along his jawline and feel his smooth skin. “You know, we can skip dinner.” I need him, more than I need the air in my lungs.
Donovan gazes at me through his long dark lashes, his expression lustful. “Don’t tempt me, Allison Marshall, or I might take you up on the offer.” I feel my muscles pull inside my belly.
Donovan takes my hands and locks his fingers around mine. “But first, we need to eat. Come.”
He takes me through the glass doors of the Westin.
I have never been in a place like this before. The lobby itself is sleek and modern. There are huge white columns from the floor to the ceiling with grey leather seats wrapped around the bottom of them. The floor is a glossy granite, and there are lots of welcome desks with friendly people smiling at us. I’m almost sure the women are enjoying the sight of Donovan in his suit.
My man smiles and nods politely to the staff, and I think every one of them blushes, including one of the men.
Donovan walks past the lobby to the elevators. He presses the up button and turns to face me.
I look into his blue eyes, and I see some unknown emotion. I cock my head to the side and look at him, puzzled. Donovan gazes into my eyes, and the blue seems to sparkle, but he looks scared at the same time. How odd. “What are you thinking about?” I ask.
