Chapter 2
The soft warm hue of the string lights above me cast a glow over the bustling party. Every direction I look, it’s a classmate, a friend, folks from Oakwood Valley. A true sight to be seen. As I watch my friends dance with their hands swaying freely in the air, I exhale the most relieving of breaths. High school is over, and this summer is for me.
I pace slowly on the outskirts of the commotion, chuckling under my breath at my soccer teammates jumping up and down to an upbeat song with their arms around each other, howling into the night. Absolute barbarians. I love it.
My eyes shift to a table nearby that houses every school photo of me since kindergarten. Definitely my mother’s doing. I pick up the picture of a five-year-old me, all gap-toothed and cheesing so hard my eyes are nearly closed. I laugh, my heart warming at how much I look like my little brothers in these younger photos. As if on cue, the little hellions appear in my periphery, swiping bits of my graduation cake with their mischievous grins—no doubt hiding from my parents.
I sneak my way over, light on my toes like a ninja ready to strike. I bite my lip to stifle a laugh as I reach my hands forward, gripping their shoulders with force. “Boo!”
“Ahhh!” they shout in unison. Their faces turn as white as the frosting on their fingers. Their shoulders relax when they realize their apprehender is me and a hearty laugh breaks out between us. I pull them in for a group hug, kissing the tops of their heads.
“You’re lucky I’m the one who caught you eating my cake before Mom or Dad,” I scold playfully, squeezing them both tight to me. They beam their wide, brace-faced smiles as I lean forward and swipe my finger through the cake, stealing a taste just as they did.
“Now, if you boys get in trouble, we all will. But Mom can’t be mad at the graduate,” I tease, ruffling their hair in my hands. My eyes flit back and forth between them, my best buds, my little brothers. Wyatt, the middle child, looks to me like I’ve hung the moon. Although he’s fourteen, I still see him as the little kid who followed me everywhere. Then there’s Kerry, the baby of the family. Our sunshine boy, always full of light and mischief. At eleven, he’s a talented artist, always doodling and taking pictures on the digital camera my parents got him for Christmas last year.
Damn, I’m really gonna miss them when I leave at the end of the summer. I lean down once more, kissing their cheeks. “Go on, get out of here. I’ll see you two in a bit. Love you boys.”
“Love you boys,” Wyatt beams.
“Love you boys,” Kerry follows.
Love you boys.
Those words seal our brotherly bond.
Warmth spreads throughout my heart as I watch my little brothers disappear into the party. A small smile tugs at the corner of my lips. I’ll take care of those two for as long as I breathe. I promised him I would. My chest squeezes as the memories of my big brother overtake me. Before I can sit in the moment, a firm clap on my shoulder makes me wince.
“Donovan! Congratulations on graduating, son.” Frank Bozer has a deep, boisterous voice that you can hear from a mile away. Frank is the wine tasting manager at Audrey’s family winery. Matter of fact, where is she? I glance over Frank’s shoulder briefly to see if I can spot a beautiful head of strawberry hair. Frank clears his throat.
I bring my gaze back to him, wrapping my arms around his broad shoulders for a giant bear hug. “Thank you, Mr. Bozer. It’s greatly appreciated.” His collar smells of sweet grapes and rich soil. Just like home.
“Now, I have known you since you were just a spring chicken,” Frank boasts. “I hope you’re proud of your accomplishments leading up to this day, my boy. Your father told me you got All-State and MVP for OV High. Is that right?” I get embarrassed when my father brags about me, but I suppose it’s his way of showing affection—if he even knows the meaning.
I clear my throat before I respond, putting my hands in my pockets and rocking back and forth from my heels to my toes. “Yes, sir. I was proud to help lead our team to state this year,” I say.
“And win. Can’t forget that detail, my boy,” Frank adds. He winks and slaps my shoulder. My eyes beam with pride, remembering the sweet memory of the entire team holding up the state trophy, pouring Gatorade all over each other.
“You deserve that full ride to UC Davis, son. You make us all proud here in Oakwood Valley. I hope you know that,” he gushes.
“I do, Mr. Bozer. I won’t let you down.” Frank shines his big smile and pulls me in again for a hug. Amazing how this man has shown me more affection in two minutes than my dad has in eighteen years. My father is charismatic and personable to everyone around him, apart from his own son.
Frank releases me as my father approaches.
“You know Frank, we knew this boy was talented in the sport since he was in diapers. But he’s gotta keep at least a 3.7 GPA to keep playing soccer in college. He’s got a big future here at the vineyard that he has to focus on,” my dad says as the tension in my shoulders heighten. “That’s more important than kicking a ball around. Isn’t that right, Donovan?” My dad clamps a firm hand on my shoulder, revealing his showman smile to Frank. Leave it to Caleb King to rain on my parade.
“Well, Caleb, you’ve got a remarkable boy here. I’m sure he’ll do just fine. Lighten up, will ya? Let the boy enjoy his night,” he says with a soft smile. Frank always knows how to get my dad to chill out. “Let’s get a beer then, Frank. Son, enjoy your party,” my dad says flatly. Frank puts his arm around my father and whisks him away to the bar. Thank god.
My parents went all out. You’d think it was a wedding with all the catering, wait staff, and live music. They’ve got a knack for entertaining. I’ll give them that. I grew up with my house being the main place of gathering for extravagant parties.
The music, the lights, the energy of this party? It’s all absorbing into my skin, getting me amped up to ask out the perfect girl. My ultimate dream girl. If she shows, that is. It’s already half past seven and I’ve yet to see Audrey.
My patience for socializing is running low. There are only so many monotonous conversations I can have when I only want to talk to her. Did I tell her what time to come tonight? I swear I did. I replay our interaction from earlier in my head, sifting through our conversation. God, she’s pretty.
Focus, Donovan.
Surely I told her the party started at seven? What is wrong with me? I scan the space, searching for a glimmer of her sunset hair in the crowd. Everyone from school seems to be here. But no sign of Audrey. I sigh, pacing around the backyard, constantly glancing over at the gate.
I’ve waited years to get a chance with Audrey Winthrop. The quiet beauty lost in her books. My closest friends have known about my crush since middle school, but I never had the guts to do anything about it. Until today. She’s the only girl who makes me nervous—like shaking in my bones nervous. But if she walks through that gate tonight, there’s no going back. Senior year is over and I want this summer to be one I’ll never forget.
“Hey, Donovan! What a turnout tonight, huh?” Rosie chirps in my face, obstructing my view of the gate. “Uh, hey Rosie. And yeah, everyone showed up tonight.” Except the one girl I asked to be here. I crane my head around hers, and I’m hit with a sting of tequila as Rosie breathes in my face.
“You know, Jess has been looking for you since you kind of blew her off when she got here. I know that…” Her voice trails off when I notice a flash of movement at the entrance gate. My eyes immediately lock on as it slowly swings open.
Please be her. Please be her.
I don’t have to daydream about Audrey anymore. She’s really here. Holy shit, she actually showed up.
“Okay Rosie, see you later,” I say mindlessly as I brush past her. My focus is on one girl and one girl only.
She glides in and bites her bottom lip.
Let me bite that lip.
Her silky strawberry-blonde hair shines under the string of lights. Her fair skin looks soft and supple. My mouth runs dry as I try unsuccessfully to coat the inside with saliva. I could fall to my knees at the sight of her. Even in her graduation gown earlier, she took my breath away. But seeing her like this? Wandering in like a fragile fawn, oblivious to her own beauty? It has me completely and utterly done for. I want to reach out and touch her. What’s it like in that gorgeous head of hers? Would she let me in?
I watch her as she walks slowly through the crowd, returning the stares with a nervous smile. In front of me is no longer the girl with the awkward limbs. She’s a woman. A goddamn goddess.
Fuck, I’m so screwed.
Audrey Winthrop is the most beautiful being I’ve ever laid eyes on.
My smile fills my face. One thought echoes through my head.
I have to talk to her.
The band kicks off the intro to “Make It With You” by Bread. This is my mom’s request, no doubt. When I was little, I’d sit on our staircase and watch Mom and Dad dance in the living room to oldies music when I was supposed to be asleep.
Couples pair off, swaying slowly to the music, and drunk giggles fill the surrounding space. I can’t get to her fast enough. My heart beats through my ears. How many more paces between us?
Our eyes meet and I sink into the pools of green that shine brightly at me. She walks towards me and smiles shyly, making my stomach flip.
We are face to face. I decide to be bold, grabbing her hands in mine. She gasps, but doesn’t let go.
“Hey,” I whisper, unable to hold back my smile
“Hey,” she whispers back, her smile mirroring mine.
I walk backward, keeping her hands in mine, and lead her to the middle of the dance floor.
“Donovan…I-I just got here. What are you doing?” Her eyes flicker around the room. She’s so fucking cute when she’s nervous.
“I’ve been waiting for you. Dance with me?” I ask, praying I don’t trip on my feet.
I pull her close to me, completely disarming her as my hands wrap gently around her waist. Her hands wrap around my neck in response and we sway to the melody. She looks down at her feet and bites her lip. A smile creeps on my lips and I tip her chin up to look at me.
“I’m not a good dancer. Everyone is staring at me,” she murmurs.
“Audrey, they’re staring because you look beautiful.”
She rolls her eyes and I laugh at the gesture. “You’re quite the charmer, aren’t you?” she teases. One of her eyebrows lifts as she tilts her head.
“I mean it. You are stunning. And I am really glad you came,” I confide softly. “What do you think of all of…this?” I ask, swirling my finger in the air, motioning to the whole setup.
“It’s definitely up to the King standard. It’s gorgeous. I’m pretty sure the entire senior class is here,” she replies, glancing around the party. She’s not wrong. People would’ve shown up, invited or not.
“You looked super cute at graduation,” I tease, admiring the charming specks of freckles sprinkled like stars across the bridge of her nose.
Her cheeks light up with a sudden blush as she groans and rolls her eyes again, a dance of frustration and humor playing on her face.
“Oh my god, that was the most embarrassing moment of my life,” she grumbles, burying her face in my chest.
“Did you not hear your name being called? He said it like three times!” I jest. I can’t help but laugh. I love teasing her. I guess they’re right in elementary school about boys teasing the girls they like.
“You didn’t hear him because you just couldn’t stop looking at me, huh?” I say playfully, biting my lip to stifle a laugh.
“You’re not that cute, Donovan King,” she retorts. I can tell she’s lying since she breaks eye contact.
“Cute enough to make you trip and cute enough that now you’re here at my house, dancing with me tonight,” I whisper huskily in her ear.
I waggle my eyebrows, earning a playful hit to the chest with one of her delicate hands.
“Okay, okay, I’m sorry. I’ll stop teasing you,” I say.
I lift my hands in surrender, give her a grin, and grab her by the waist again, pulling her close to me. Damn, her pink lips look kissable.
“Okay, maybe you’re a little cute,” she chuckles, laying her head on my chest as we sway together.
I press my lips to her head, breathing her in. She smells like a field of fresh flowers and strawberries. We sway together, no words exchanged, just hearts beating.
A flash tears my attention from Audrey as I look toward the source. My friend Isabel holds a camera, her eyes fixed on the preview screen. “Wow, you guys are too cute. Let me take another. Smile!” she beams, pointing the camera at Audrey and me. Audrey chuckles into my chest as I lean my cheek on top of her head, flashing Isabel my best grin. Another bright flash. “Enjoy the night, you cuties,” she sings, winking as she saunters off.
I look down at Audrey, whose face is bashful and coy. I open my mouth to speak, but before I can form the words, a bubbly voice cuts in. “Hey Donovan, you promised me a dance earlier. I’ve been waiting.” I’m met by Jess’ impatient gaze and signature hair flip. She’s fixated on me, completely ignoring the girl who was in my arms only seconds ago. Audrey looks uncomfortable and puts her hands by her side. I immediately miss her touch.
“Jess, I was in the middle of dancing with Audrey,” I grit, hoping she hears the annoyance in my tone and backs off. She doesn’t.
“Oh, I’m so sorry, Audrey, you don’t mind if I cut in to dance with Donovan, right?” Jess asks, giving Audrey the fakest of smiles.
“Go ahead. I’m gonna grab a drink. You two have a nice night,” she replies curtly. As she moves to walk away, my hand instinctively reaches for hers. She looks up, her eyes widening in surprise, a delicate smile forming on her lips.
“I’ll come with you. I’m thirsty anyway.” I’m not planning on leaving her side tonight. I didn’t wait all these years for my chance with Audrey to be stunted by Jess. No freaking way. I’m done being chicken shit. I let everyone else in my life dictate my decisions, especially my dad. He didn’t want me dating or staying out too late. He had me hyper-focused on school, sports, and the family business. With Audrey in my grasp, there’s only one thing I want this summer. And that’s the girl in my hold with the forest green eyes I can’t get enough of. For once, I’m going after what I truly want.
“It’s okay, Donovan. You have a lot of guests here to talk to. Go make your rounds. I’ll be here.” She squeezes my hand and flashes me a reassuring smile.
I lean close and whisper, “Don’t go too far. I’ll come back to find you.”
She bites her bottom lip and nods. I can’t resist watching her beautiful backside as she saunters away. She is definitely wearing the hell out of that dress.
It takes all my willpower not to follow her right then and there. Jess stands firm in front of me with her arms crossed, pushing up her massive boobs. If I could roll my eyes further into the back of my head, they’d fall out.
Sure, Jess is an attractive girl. And yes, she’s popular. Hell, most of my teammates would fantasize about being in my position right now. But I fantasize about one girl, and she’s not the one standing in front of me.
“Are you going to make me wait any longer, or are you going to dance with me?” Her hands snake around my waist as the band picks up the energy with an upbeat pop song. I keep my hands to my side.
“Why are you wasting your time with Audrey Winthrop, Donovan? She’s not one of us,” she scoffs. Jess moves her body sensually to the beat, wrapping her arms around my neck. Discomfort overtakes me. Jess’s touch feels nothing like Audrey’s.
“One of us? What the hell does that even mean, Jess?” I ask in frustration.
“You know what I mean, Donovan. How are you going to deny our feelings for each other? Don’t tell me you forgot about our amazing night after the state game. That meant something to you, didn’t it?” she croons as she moves in closer, her hips bucking against mine. I take her wrists from behind my neck and peel her off of me. It was a drunken mistake to hook up with Jess. Impulsive and stupid.
I sigh, locking my eyes on hers. “Jess, that night didn’t mean what you think it did. We were drunk. It never should’ve happened. I’m really sorry.” I can see the hurt in her expression, like my words are a sharp dagger to her heart. A pang of guilt rises in my stomach. I don’t want Jess, but I’m not a complete douchebag. And what I did to her was pretty douchey.
“Well, it meant something to me, Donovan. I want you…” She trails off, reaching for the collar of my shirt, pulling me in. Her lips graze mine, and I’m quick to shove her off of me.
“Jesus, Jess, that’s enough!”
My voice booms enough to capture unwanted attention, causing heads to turn. “Look, I’m really sorry. Okay? I need to go find Audrey. Enjoy the party,” I say dryly and walk away, refusing to look back at her.
I hear her scoff and shout at me as I leave her in my path.
“You’re such a fucking dick, Donavan!”
Yeah, well, so be it, Jess.
“Dude, this party is the shit. Rosie Teak has been on me all night. Can I borrow your quad and take her down past the sunset house? I think we are totally gonna hook up tonight, man.”
A laugh escapes me as I stare into my best friend’s ardent eyes. Logan has been trying to get in Rosie’s pants since sophomore year. He will probably revoke my bro card if I deny him. I shake my head, clasping his shoulder with a thud.
“Glad you’re enjoying yourself, bud. Keys are already in the ignition. Stay on the path or Jeff is gonna kill you. Don’t make me regret this.” I say sarcastically in my dad voice. Our vineyard manager would shit a brick if he saw any unwanted quad marks on the soil.
Logan rams into my chest for a hug. We’ve known each other since birth. Our moms met in a yoga birthing class, convinced it would make their labor easier. Joke was on them. They bonded over mocktails and the kismet fact that their due dates were on the same day. I always give Logan shit for me coming out first, four days before him. We’ve celebrated every birthday together since we were one. He leaves for college in Texas at the end of the summer—our first birthday apart. Deep down, I wish he wasn’t going so far away. But according to Logan, Austin is home to the most beautiful girls in the world. He’ll need to show me where he cites that source because I’ll have to disagree with him on that one. The most beautiful girl in the world is somewhere in this backyard, and I’m aching to get back to her.
“Thanks, man. I love ya. Go get your girl. She looks pretty lonely sitting there all by herself.” Logan nods his head over behind me where Audrey is sitting by the fire pit holding a drink, gazing up at the sky.
“And looking fine as hell, might I add,” he quips, waggling his brows. He lands a kiss on my head as I playfully shove him off, attempting to kick him in the nuts. He flips me off with both of his middle fingers as he shuffles backwards, shouting at Rosie to follow him. I shake my head and laugh, making my way to the fire pit with my hands nervously twitching in my pockets.
Audrey keeps her eyes on the sky, and I stand there, unable to stop myself from staring. She must feel my eyes on her, prompting her to turn her head toward me. Our eyes meet just as they did during graduation, and my stomach clenches at the sight of her. I move toward her, instantly pulled by her gravity. The moment I sit beside her, that bright white smiles melts my insides. I’m so gone for this girl.
“You came back for me.”
“I told you I would. Having fun?” I watch the embers dance in her green irises as she stares into the flames.
“I am. I never get invited to parties, so I guess it’s easy to keep me entertained,” she says, her eyes finding mine. “Thank you again for inviting me. It seems I didn’t do a great job making memories in high school. So this is…nice.”
There’s a sadness in her tone. I scoot myself closer to her and take the drink out of her hand, placing it on a side table. I grab both her hands and look down at her dainty fingers, gently caressing her knuckles.
“Donovan…” Her voice is barely above a whisper. “What are we doing?”
Don’t be a chickenshit.
I take a deep inhale through my nose and breathe out slowly. I squeeze her hands and look up at her. “Audrey, I’ve known you my whole life. I know we didn’t run in the same circles growing up, but that doesn’t mean I never noticed you. I’ve wanted to ask you this for a long time and…now that we’ve graduated and have our futures ahead of us, I want to feel free this summer.” I swallow. “I want to spend it with you.”
I try to decode her expression, but her pinched brow unsettles me. She looks back at the flames, and I wonder if I’ve said something wrong.
“But…why? Why now? We barely know each other,” she whispers as her eyes settle on our hands linked with one another. She studies them as if they’re an ancient artifact, curious to how they fit so perfectly together.
I peek up at her gaze. “I know you got into NYU early admission and that you’re one of the smartest girls in our school? I know your favorite author is Jane Austen because your nose is always in one of her books.”
Her eyes widen at the Jane Austen comment. She starts to say something, but I need to say more, afraid she’ll reject me.
“All I’m saying is, I may not know you know you, but I want the chance to. You’re beautiful, smart, kind. I’m drawn to you, and I think I’ll go crazy if I don’t ask you,” I stammer, kicking myself internally on why I sound like a trembling mess of nerves.
Get it together, man.
“So, Audrey…will you go on a date with me tomorrow night?”
I’m known for being a smooth talker, but this girl has me sweating through my shirt. Her hands squeeze mine as she scoots closer to me. With her cheeks adorably flushed, the corners of her delectable lips curve up in the most tantalizing way.
“Donovan, I’d love to.”
Holy shit, she said yes.
Her lips are inches from mine. Strawberries and firewood engulf my senses, putting me in a dreamy haze that’s all Audrey. I lean in, my nose touching hers. This is it.
A loud cough alerts me to my father on the other side of the fire pit, standing with his hands on his hips. Audrey jerks away quickly. An audible sigh escapes me.
“Hey, Dad…uh, you remember Audrey Winthrop?” I stand and straighten myself up while Audrey does the same.
My father doesn’t move an inch.
“Hello, Ms. Winthrop. Donovan, a word, son?”
“Yes, sir.” I turn to Audrey. “I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere,” I whisper and tuck a loose strand of her hair behind her ear.
I walk past my dad, refusing to make eye contact. He puts a firm hand on my shoulder, spinning me around to face him.
“Son, what are you doing?” He looks at me with stern concern, which makes me entirely confused.
“What do you mean? I was talking to Audrey and enjoying the graduation party that you threw for me.” Would have been more enjoyable if he hadn’t interrupted a kiss with the girl of my dreams.
“I don’t appreciate the sarcasm, son. Look, I’m glad you’re enjoying the party, but don’t get involved with that girl. I don’t want you getting tangled up with her family.”
I take a step back from him and scoff. “Her family? The Winthrops have been nothing but amazing to us. I don’t get where this is coming from, Dad.” Now I’m pissed. “You don’t even know her. Just let me enjoy my summer, please,” I plead, on the edge of losing my temper.
I begin to walk away, but he holds me firmly in place by the wrist. “Son, I’m trying to help. You never met her father. That man is a dangerous drunk. Don’t forget about what happened to your brother.”
The tips of my ears flame with heat. I face him with annoyance and square up my shoulders, huffing an exasperated breath.
“You think I care what people say about her dad? It doesn’t matter. She’s nothing like you think she is,” I mutter, keeping my tone stern and even. “And using James’s death to dictate my dating life?” I scoff. “Low blow, Dad. Even for you.” I try to keep my voice restrained once I notice I’m getting unwanted eyes and ears around me.
“I’ve done what you’ve asked. I graduated with honors. I was MVP and helped lead the team to state. I didn’t date. I was always home on time.” My frustration bubbles inside my chest. “The last thing you want is to push me away before I leave for school. Let me live my life. I’m not gonna stop seeing Audrey.” His expression is hard like stone, but I can tell I’ve hit a nerve. I didn’t expect to go toe to toe with my dad tonight, but here we are.
“Boys, everything okay here?”
Mom to the rescue. Grace King is a saint. My mom has a mythical way of calming the waters around her. Her ultimate super power. Since my big brother James passed two years ago, she’s really been the one to hold us all together. The literal glue of our broken family. It was a drunk driver that killed James on impact, fresh off a debaucherous and deadly day of winery hopping. Grief hasn’t been kind to my dad, and I’ve taken the brunt end of that. My brother was his golden child, his legacy—and my best friend. If he were here, he’d be slapping us both on the back of the head, wondering why we’re always at each other’s throats. James was always the voice of reason. The heartbeat of this family. He and my mom have that in common.
I stare at my dad, giving him the look of “Don’t you dare ruin this night for her.”
He reads my expression and puts his arm around her waist.
“Everything is fine, dear. Just telling Donovan here that we are very proud of him,” he says with a hefty breath.
I smile at my mom and kiss her on the cheek. “Thanks for the party, Mom. I’m gonna head back to my friends. Love you.” I reach out and give her hand a squeeze.
“Have fun, sweetheart. Let’s get back to our guests, Caleb. Duke Taylor is looking for you. He says he has a proposal.”
I roll my eyes at the thought of Jess’s father trying to snake his way to do business with my dad. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Duke has been hounding my father for years, trying to get our grapes in his production line—but we’ve got a strict agreement with the Winthrops, regardless of my dad’s personal hangups with Audrey.
“Okay, honey. Let’s see what he has to say. Donovan.” My dad gives me a nod.
“Sir.”
I walk past him, my eyes dead set on a mission.
Make Audrey my girl.
Audrey’s eyes widen as I stride with purpose toward her, my lips curling as I close in on the distance between us. “Donovan, what?—”
Feeling a sudden rush of daring, I grab her hand, and together we run. With her hand laced in mine, we dodge bodies on the dance floor as the music thumps to the same rhythm as my heartbeat. Wild and free. Audrey’s excited squeals set lightning to my feet as I bring us closer to escaping through the gate that leads out to the vineyard.
“Donovan! I’m wearing heels!” she giggles, catching her breath.
I stop in my tracks and stand in front of her. Her eyes twinkle under the stars, full of wonder and intrigue. I reach out and tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. Her cheeks flush with the prettiest shade of pink, matching her lips that I ache to kiss.
“Hop on my back then. I need to show you something,” I murmur, grinning as she nervously averts her gaze. I lightly grip her chin to bring her gaze back to me, brushing my thumb along the bottom of her pillowy pout.
Her breath hitches at the touch. My hand rests on her delicate cheek, the other reaching out to hold her hand.
“What has gotten into you?” she whispers, her smile piercing straight through my soul.
This girl is going to be the death of me. I swear it.
“Come on, Audrey. Do you trust me?” I breathe out.
Our chests rise and fall together, feeling the surge of adrenaline and electricity forming between us. Without hesitation, she responds.
“I trust you.”