Page 20 of Let it Breathe
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As we finishedthe tour of the orchard, we reconvened back in the main building.
"It was great meeting all of you. Thanks for the wine education," Donovan said.
"Of course, son. No problem at all. I hope we answered all your questions," Dad said to Calvin.
"Of course. I'll have our people look into some things and get back with you soon."
We all nodded and said our goodbyes.
I walked Donovan to his car. Calvin stood off to the side, talking on his phone.
"You heading back to San Francisco?" I asked.
He smiled down at me and pushed a piece of hair behind my ear. When he touched me, a chill shot through me.
"Unless I get a better offer," Donovan answered with a wink and a sexy grin.
"I could drive you back home later tonight." I looked off toward the vineyard. "Or, you know, tomorrow," I whispered. I knew how dumb and childish the coy smile on my face made me, but I couldn't help it. From the grin on his face, he liked it. That made me happy.
"Why don't we go grab a bite to eat?" Donovan asked as he pinched my chin.
"Okay." I took a few steps back. "Wait here. I'll go grab my stuff."
I walked through the back entrance to the office. I put my head down and grabbed my blazer and my bag. I avoided eye contact with CJ. Lori was on a call, and I heard her try to hang up. I didn't wait around for an interrogation; I had twelve hours to convince a certain football player not only to invest in my company but also to pretend to be my boyfriend at the same time.
It was only my family legacy at stake.
No pressure.
By the time I returned, Calvin had left. Donovan stood next to the fence near the main road.
He turned when he heard me walk up. He locked eyes with me, and I reminded myself to breathe. His gaze was powerful.
"What do you feel like eating?" I asked.
He grabbed my hand.
"Why don't we continue my wine education? Take me someplace that serves your wine."
"Okay."
We pulled into Matthew's Steak House a few minutes later. The restaurant had a tasting contest each year where any vineyard could submit their wine for consideration. If you won, they served your wine in the restaurant. He selected two to three labels per type of wine. Our riesling and cabernet were selected this year because of CJ. We updated our process, and the wine was better than ever.
"Welcome to Matthew's," Kim, the hostess greeted us. "Well, hello, Chai. I haven't seen you in here in a while. How are you, hun?" Kim gave me a hug and gave Donovan an approving nod.
"Hey Kim, this is Donovan." I pointed at him.
Donovan shook her hand, and she pulled him in for a hug. He went with it.
"It's a pleasure."
I grinned when he raised his eyebrows and looked at me.
"Here you go, hun." Kim showed us to a round booth near the back. If she recognized Donovan, she didn't let on. I wished I could say the same thing for the waitress, the busboys, and the other patrons.
Donovan was gracious to everyone. He shook hands and signed a couple of autographs.
