One of Claire’s friends, I think her name is Jen, starts talking. “Daniela is such a bitch. She’s gorgeous, and no one knows it better than her. Of course, she’s in O Chi A…that’s the slutty sorority, FYI.”
We all turn as a unit to stare at their table when Jen starts up again. “She’s always up Vincent’s ass. But I’d bet he messes around on her all the time. Last year, Jillian Samson said she gave him a blow job—” She keeps talking, but my mind has gone static.
He has a girlfriend? Holy shit. And she’s gorgeous. Actually, I remember her from the fight the first night Vincent and I met. The redhead. She moves from her own seat onto his lap, wrapping a pale, skinny arm around his back with a smile on her face. Her hands move to his hair; he looks relaxed but disinterested. She puts her lips near his ear for a moment and then looks around the room, making sure that we all see she’s with him. I want to scream and cry right now. Instead, I take a slow sip of my water, keeping my face as neutral as I can while I continue to watch. No wonder he didn’t want more with me. He already has someone, and she looks like she just walked out of Vogue magazine.
Vincent Borignone. My life just got a hell of a lot more complicated.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I am indebted to the following people for their help and support:
To Jon, I love you through and through.
To my kids and Lina, for being patient while I write.
To Billi Joy Carson at Editing Addict, you aren’t just an editor but also a partner and a friend. Your moral support is simply invaluable. You’re also just a brilliant editor, who managed to turn my story into something I never dreamed it could be. Thank you really isn’t enough. You’re a #goddamngenius for sure !
To Ellie at LoveNBooks, for squeezing me into your hectic schedule and for taking a chance on an unknown author. You took my first manuscript and gave me THE edit that turned my book into something truly viable. I am forever grateful.
To Autumn at Wordsmith Publicity, thank you for helping me get this labor of love off the ground and dealing with my mania.
To Sarah at Okay Creations for the killer cover.
To my Beta readers: Lauren, who read those earliest drafts and believed in me. Candice, who has been on this journey since day one. To Leigh, there’s no other way to describe this book except to say that it was a partnership—with you. Andrea at Hot Tree Editing, thank you for your kickass beta read! Jana, Jayme, Ronna, Amee and Roxy, your feedback was essential! Thank you!
VE-Book1
Table of Contents
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Rising (Vincent and Eve Book 1) Page 19