Page 30 of Ryder
Her laugh turns to a gasp as I find that spot behind her ear. “The competition prep...”
“Can wait.” I pull her closer. “This won’t.”
Chapter 13
Ryder
“IF YOU DON’T GIVE HER FIRST PLACE, YOU’RE ALL BLIND!”
Jake yanks me back into my seat. “Dude. Inside voice.”
“But did you see that sugar work? It’s literally spun gold!” I gesture wildly at Dana’s showstopper piece, a three-tiered masterpiece that somehow captures the essence of Montana sunset in sugar and cake. “That’s art. That’s—”
“We know,” Elena cuts in, fighting a smile. “You’ve only said it twelve times.
“Thirteen,” Rachel corrects. “He also shouted it at Mrs. Henderson when she was examining the structural elements.”
I ignore them all, focused on Dana as she puts the finishing touches on her piece. She’s in her element, confident and graceful despite the pressure. The slight frown of concentration, the way she bites her lip as she places the final decorations… god, I love her.
“AND THE FLAVOR COMBINATIONS ARE REVOLUTIONARY!”
This time three different hands pull me back into my chair.
“One more outburst,” Jake warns, “and we’re moving you to the back.”
“But—”
“No buts. You already made one judge jump so bad he nearly face-planted in the buttercream.”
“He was taking too long to appreciate the texture contrast in the filling!”
Elena pats my arm. “Honey, I know you’re excited, but—”“TIME!” the head judge calls out. “Step away from your pieces!”
I hold my breath as the judges approach Dana’s station. She stands tall, flour on her cheek and pride in her eyes as she explains her concept. Something about capturing the heart of Montana in sugar and spice.
When they take the first bite, I nearly burst out of my seat again. But Jake’s death grip on my shirt holds me back.
“The flavors…” The head judge closes his eyes. “Extraordinary. The way the spice hits just as the sweetness fades…”
“Just like a Montana sunset,” the second judge agrees. “Warm at first, then that subtle kick of…”
“THAT’S MY GIRL!” I can’t help it. “TOLD YOU IT WAS REVOLUTIONARY!”
Dana’s eyes find mine in the crowd, her professional composure cracking as she fights back a laugh. I blow her a kiss, not caring that half the town is watching.
“If we could continue,” the head judge says pointedly, “without commentary from the… enthusiastic gentleman in the audience…”
The next few minutes are torture as they examine each entry. I bounce my leg so hard Jake threatens to sit on me.
Finally, FINALLY, they gather to announce the winners.
“In third place…”
I hold my breath.
“Second place…”
My heart pounds.
