Page 31 of Ryder
“And in first place, with a piece that truly captured the spirit of Montana…”
“Just say it!” I shout, earning more death glares from the judges.
“Dana Lewis!”
I’m over the barrier before anyone can stop me, lifting her into a spinning hug as the crowd cheers.
“Told you!” I pepper her face with kisses. “Told you you were amazing!”
“Ryder!” She’s laughing, trying to keep her chef’s coat clean. “Put me down!”
“Never.” But I set her on her feet, keeping her close. “You’re incredible. Revolutionary. Extraordinary. They should have made up new awards just for—”
She cuts me off with a kiss that tastes like victory and sugar and pure joy.
“I love you,” she whispers against my lips. “Even when you’re being completely ridiculous.”
“Especially then?”
“Especially then.”
The celebration at the ranch is in full swing, but I can’t take my eyes off Dana. She’s radiant, floating through congratulations with flour still on her cheek and victory lighting her eyes. Every smile, every graceful movement has me burning to get her alone.
“You’re staring,” Jake comments, handing me another beer.
“Can’t help it.” My voice comes out rough as I watch her demonstrate a technique to Mrs. Henderson. “Do you have any idea how sexy she is when she’s in her element? All confident and commanding…”
“And we’re done with this conversation.” Jake backs away. “Though if you’re going to kidnap the guest of honor, at least wait until after the speeches.”
I barely hear him. Dana catches my eye across the room, a slight flush coloring her cheeks. She knows exactly what I’m thinking.
To hell with speeches.
I make my way to her, sliding an arm around her waist. “Having fun, sugar?”
“Mhmm.” She shivers as my fingers find bare skin under her chef’s coat. “Though someone keeps distracting me.”
“That right?” I breathe against her ear. “Maybe we should do something about that.”
Her breath catches as I press closer. “Ryder…”
“Need you.” The words come out more desperate than I intend. “Been wanting you since you put those judges in their place.”
“That why you were shouting so much?”
Instead of answering, I take her hand and pull her toward the guest house. The moment the door closes behind us, I have her pressed against it, claiming her mouth in a kiss that has us both groaning.
“The party…” she gasps as I find that spot behind her ear.
“Let them party.” I lift her, her legs wrapping around my waist as I carry her to the counter. “Right now, I’m showing my champion exactly how proud I am.”
Her laugh turns to a moan as I strip off her chef’s coat. “That proud, huh?”
“Sugar,” I growl, running my hands up her sides, “you have no idea.”
She gasps as I set her on the counter, already working the buttons of her shirt. “Someone’s eager.”
“Been thinking about this all day.” I push the fabric off her shoulders, revealing black lace that makes my mouth go dry. “Watching you create magic. Being all commanding and perfect…”
