Page 14 of Ryder
“Festival planning.” I focus on transferring cookies to the cooling rack instead of how good he looks. “Mrs. Henderson called again. Apparently, the competition portion is still on, flood or no flood.”
“Competition?” He pushes off the doorframe, moving closer. Always closer lately, like we’re being pulled together by some invisible force. “You didn’t mention a competition.”
“Best in Show category.” I try to sound casual. “It’s silly really, just a local thing...”
“Sugar.” His voice has that tone that makes my knees weak. “Nothing you bake is silly.”
I look up, finding him right there, close enough to touch. Since the flour fight, the air between us has felt different. Charged. Like we’re both waiting for something to break.
“It’s just...” I gesture at the simple kitchen setup. “Without my usual equipment, I don’t know if I can—”
“Hey.” He catches my hand, flour and all. “What do you need? Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out.”
The simple certainty in his voice makes my chest tight. “Ryder...”
His thumb brushes my palm, sending shivers up my arm. “I mean it. Anything.”
Before I can respond, his phone buzzes. He glances at it and groans.
“Rachel?” I guess.
“Jake. Apparently, there’s a situation with the new calves.” But he doesn’t move away. Doesn’t let go of my hand. “I should...”
“Go.” I squeeze his fingers before stepping back. “The calves need you more than my baking crisis does.”
Something flickers in his eyes. “You sure about that?”
The question feels weighted with meaning I’m not ready to examine. “Go be a rancher. I’ll be fine.”
He hesitates in the doorway. “Dana?”
“Hmm?”
“Save me a cookie?”
I throw a dish towel at him, but I’m smiling. “Don’t I always?”
His answering grin stays with me long after he leaves, warming me like sunshine. It’s getting harder to remember all the reasons this is a bad idea. Harder to keep my walls up when he keeps looking at me like that.
Harder to pretend I’m not falling completely, irreversibly in love with him.
“Stop it,” I mutter to myself, attacking cookie dough with probably unnecessary force
“Focus on the festival. Focus on work. Focus on anything except how good Ryder Winston looks in those jeans...”
My phone chimes with Elena’s ringtone, providing a welcome distraction.
“Please tell me you have good news about the bakery,” I answer.
“Better.” I can hear her grinning. “I have a plan. How do you feelabout a little friendly competition?”
“A bake-off?” I nearly drop my phone. “At the ranch?”
“Think about it!” Elena’s enthusiasm is contagious. “We invite the festival committee to judge, set up stations on that big covered patio by the barn, showcase local talent... it’ll take pressure off Hearts & Grinds being closed AND give you a chance to practice for the competition.”
“That’s actually brilliant.” My mind is already racing with possibilities. “But where would we get all the equipment?”
“Leave that to me. I just have to make a few phone calls. Just be ready Saturday at noon.”
