It was dusk outside, and the stars were beginning to show. As the sun set in the west, bright gold and pink colors spread across the blue sky. Wisps of puffy white clouds danced in the colors. It all reflected in the lake below. He looked at Donika, looking out at the view. It made his heart boom, knowing that she got to see a beautiful sight like this, with him, today. He reached across the table and took her hand.
A moment later, the sommelier opened a bottle at their tabled and offered them a taste. When they agreed they loved it, he poured them both a glass. Donika sipped from her crystal flute and set her glass back on the table with a satisfied sigh. They both snacked on crusty French bread and butter the hostess had left on their table. The waitress refilled their water glasses and asked if they were ready.
“I’ll have the sirloin steak with baby red potatoes, and a side salad,” she said.
“I’ll have the same,” Grayson said.
After they ordered their meal and received their side salads, she ate her food slowly and carefully, as if she didn't have much of an appetite. She finally finished the salad. When the steaks came, he devoured his. She ate hers more slowly.
“It's hard to work my appetite back up,” she explained.
“You don't have to explain yourself to me, Donika. I want you to be happy. That's all that matters to me.”
“I am happy,” she said. “You've been very kind to me, Grayson. And I like you a lot. To be honest, I like you a lot more than I had expected. The first night out on the boat, I did feel a connection. It's strange. We don't really have that much in common, you know? Not on the surface anyway.”
“I know what you mean. On the surface, it doesn't seem like we should fit together. You're a big fancy lawyer from New York,” he said. “And I'm an ex-soldier who likes to make pastries. Just a small-town guy, with small-town values.”
“The truth is,” she said with a sigh. “I'm a small-town girl myself.”
“Have you thought any more about what you’re going to do about your situation?” he asked carefully.
“My situation is dire,” she said, her eyes glazing over. “I was fired from my job for punching my boss. And I don't even know why.”
“You don't know why you were fired or you don't know why you punched him?” He laughed uncomfortably.
“I don't know why I punched him. And it's making me nervous. I haven't told anyone this yet. It must mean I trust you,” she said with a nervous laugh as she took a tiny bite of steak.
Her words made his heart sing. He wanted, more than anything, to be the one who was there for her, the one to protect her, and take care of her. It was a dream come true.
“I can't unload all of my baggage on you,” she said. “It isn't fair.”
“Let me decide what's fair and what's not fair,” he said. He felt like he was losing her already.
“I'm sorry, Grayson. I shouldn't have said anything about it.”
“You don't understand how much I want to help you,” he said.
“That's just the thing. I'm used to taking care of myself. This is the first time in so long that I haven't been strong and independent. It’s highly uncomfortable for me. Things have been so confusing. My boss is suing me. The law firm I used to work for is the most vicious, most powerful firm in New York City. Maybe the entire country.
“My boss has frozen all my assets, and I'm running out of cash. I don't know what I'm going to do for money once it's all gone. My mother suggested trying to get a job at a law firm in town but… I went to Harvard. How can I work for a tiny firm in Fate Valley?”
“You can do whatever you want, Donika. You’re brilliant and amazing. If you want to work for that firm, I'm sure they would love to have you. If you want to start your own firm, you could do that too.”
“I don't know if I want to stay here,” she admitted, looking outside at the fading light.
He wished with all his heart that she did want to stay in Fate Valley, but he knew he would follow her anywhere she needed to go.
“Whatever you need, I support you.”
“I know that this is your home, Grayson. I don't have a home in New York anymore. I got kicked out of my apartment. I lost my job. I have nothing except my car and a few thousand dollars. I have to start all over, and I guess it might as well be here. This is where my family is. And it's where you are too…”
“I'm honored that you'd say that,” he said, gazing into her eyes. His heart jumped and nearly exploded.
“Well, you know, I do feel a connection to you. It's real. It's not just in my head. It isn't because you're rich or powerful or any of the things that I used to look for in a man. It's because you're you. You’re a sweet, good, down to earth man, and I’d be lucky to spend my life with you. It’s just all so sudden and unexpected. I don't really know what to think.”
“I don't expect you to jump into anything you aren’t comfortable with. I just want you to know that I'm here for you. I want you to feel safe and happy. It may sound crazy to say this, but it's my number one priority.”
“You have the Great American Bake-off to think about tomorrow. I don't want you to worry about me.”
“The bake-off does start tomorrow,” he said.
“Are you excited?” she asked.
“Of course…” he stammered.
“Are you nervous?” she asked.
“Hell yes,” he admitted. “But more excited than nervous. I've been looking forward to this for a long time. I really can't wait. To tell you the truth, Donika, I want to win. I want to win so bad. Is that terrible?”
“Of course not. Everyone wants to win. You know, I've been the valedictorian of every graduating class since Jr. High. I won ninety-five percent of my law cases. You don't have to explain wanting to win to me.”
“Well, I've got big dreams. I told you a little bit about them the last time we were together. I know that if I win that show, I'm halfway to achieving my goal.”
“I'm so impressed that you want to manufacture your baked goods,” she said. “Once I’m not having my life hijacked anymore, I could probably help you out. I am a lawyer.”
Chapter 15
Donika sipped her wine and gazed into Grayson's eyes. He really was the most handsome man she'd ever met. As the waitress came and removed their empty plates, she asked if they would like dessert. They both ordered a hot fudge sundae. When the waitress returned with the hot fudge sundaes, they both dipped their spoons into the vanilla ice cream smothered in fudge.
Donika brought her spoon to her lips and the rich, creamy flavor lapped over her tongue. It was the most delicious thing she'd eaten in a long time, besides maybe Grayson's lemon cake.
“I forgot how good food is in Fate Valley,” she said.
Donika devoured the dessert in a few minutes flat. Grayson looked at her with his eyes gleaming as he watched her eat and finished his own dessert. She dabbed the corners of her mouth and set the napkin down on the table.
“That was really good,” she said. She finished her glass of champagne and he chuckled.
“Would you like to go dancing next door?” he asked.
“I'd love that,” Donika said, taking his hand as he stood.
She was feeling good, comfortable, and safe with Grayson. Dinner had been delicious and his company enchanting. They walked through the restaurant into the dance hall and found couples dancing across the big wooden floor. A jazz band played soft, well-known melodies and Grayson swept her up into his arms.
It had been forever since she'd been dancing. Most of the clubs in New York nowadays were loud and rambunctious. By contrast, the energy in the dance hall was romantic and soft.
He put his arm around her waist and held her hand. She placed her hand on his shoulder and gazed up into his eyes, as he led her into a slow swing. She had learned to dance a long time ago. It was common in Fate Valley. Most of the kids learned how to dance in school.
As the music picked up, Grayson spun her around and they really started to get goin
g. The couples dancing around them, many of them older couples and tourists there for the bake-off, stood back to watch the two of them. It had been so long since Donika had felt so free. Grayson's sure and strong hands guided her through the steps as the horns wailed. They really made a show of it. He picked her up and swung her around. By the time they were done they were panting and breathless, like a scene out of a movie. Everyone clapped for them and Donika blushed.
“I can't believe we just did that.”
“I had no idea you could dance like that.
“I had no idea you could dance like that,” she said with a giggle.
“You want to go for a walk before they start to ask for autographs?” he asked.
“Let’s go,” she said.
They escaped the dance hall as the band began to play another song. They grabbed their coats from the coat check, and he guided her outside. They walked around the porch, where the twinkling strands of porch lights sparkled from above. The stars glimmered bright in the sky and the moon hung low over the lake, reflecting mysteriously in the deep waters. He put his arm around her waist and held her to him as they looked out on the beautiful scene.
“It’s so calm and peaceful here,” she said. “I haven't felt this good in a long time.”
“I want to make you feel good.”
He took her hand and they continued walking around the porch until they came to the path that led down to the lake and through the woods.
They passed the docks where the resort’s boats were moored. They continued down the dock to the end to look out at the bright moon shimmering in the black water. He turned to her, his breath puffing out in front of him. His eyes twinkled in the moonlight. He cupped her cheek in his warm hand and tilted her face toward his.
“I want to kiss you,” he said.
She reached up on her tiptoes and planted a kiss on his lips. Soft and unsure. He growled and wrapped her in his arms, holding the back of her head as his tongue darted through her lips. He rumbled low in his throat as she gushed with desire at his touch.
Her body felt liquid fire in his arms, and she knew that if she let this go on for much longer, she would lose control. The taste of him. The smell of him. It was intoxicating. The strength of his arms around her, his hand on her head, guiding her kiss. The flick of his tongue in her mouth as it danced with hers. It was all so erotic and overwhelming. She pulled away with a groan, having to look away from those piercing, sexy eyes.
“Donika…?”
“Let's keep walking.”
He took her hand and guided her back down the dock. They continued along the path until it turned rocky, and she could no longer walk in her heels. They walked back to the main building of the resort, holding each other's hands against the chill. When they returned to the porch, they stood together. He embraced her and breathed hot into the top of her head.
“This was a lovely evening,” he said. “One of the best I’ve ever had.”
“I feel the same,” she said.
“I'd like to see you again, soon. But the bake-off starts tomorrow. I'm not sure when I'll have time.”
“It's okay,” she said as they started back to his truck.
“Will you come and see me in the contest?” he asked.
“Of course I will,” she said. “Won't everyone be there?”
“Everyone in town and half the state of Missouri.” He chuckled nervously.
Grayson opened the door for her and she climbed in. As they drove, listening to soft music on the radio, she didn't want the night to end. Their kiss had been magical. She couldn't remember the last time she'd been so turned on. That was what frightened her. Maybe she'd never been that turned on before.
She pressed her eyes closed and tried to get a grip. Donika didn't want to hand him all her baggage. She had no idea what was going on around her. Her blackouts were a problem. She had no job and no bank accounts. Things were dying around her, and she couldn't explain any of it. It was too much to ask for him to take all of that on. He deserved better than that.
Grayson walked with her to the front door of the inn. Donika saw the curtains on the front window plop closed and knew that they were being watched. She let out a long sigh and looked up at him under the porch lights.
“I had a wonderful evening,” she said.
“So did I.” He leaned in to kiss her soft on the mouth. “We'll do this again soon.”
“I'd love that.”
He said goodbye and turned to his truck. She gripped the door handle and watched him drive away. Inside, she stood with her back pressed against the door and moaned at herself. Grandma Pearl and all the guests were staring at her.
“What?” she said to them.
“Did you enjoy your date?” asked Pamila, the woman who’d come with her group of middle-aged friends.
“Yes. I hope you all will root for Grayson tomorrow at the baking contest.”
“He's my top pick to win the whole thing,” said Martha, the old lady.
“Mine too,” Donika muttered to herself as she walked down the hallway and into the residents’ quarters.
She ducked into her room and locked the door behind her, not wanting to talk to her family or any of the guests about her date any further. It was none of their business.
She really had had a wonderful night. Maybe her best date ever. But that didn't change the fact that her life was a mess and that she was broke and broken. She sat down on her bed and pulled off her coat. Grayson didn't seem to mind that he was taking on all her problems. But she did mind. How could she commit to him until she’d dealt with all of it? She couldn't. At least that's what she told herself. But really, she was afraid.
She was afraid of what loving Grayson would mean. Would he lose control? Would she lose her edge if she settled down with the good ol’ boy in a small town in Missouri? She just didn't know. She kicked off her heels and laid down on the bed in the dark room.
Donika groaned and palmed her eyes. Tomorrow, she was determined to go look for a job. She knew lawsuit documents would be served to her soon. Then she would know exactly what she was up against. Until then, all she could do was try to sleep.
Chapter 16
Grayson went through his list of recipes, looking at them over and over as he flipped the notecards in the deck. He drank an entire pot of coffee, and by the time it was time to go into town, his hands were shaking. He wasn't sure if it was the caffeine or anxiety.
It took forever to find a parking space for contestants among the packed crowd of cars at the event center. But he finally did. He climbed out of his truck and grabbed his chef coat.
Inside, he was immediately swept up by the film crew. They began reciting instructions at him that he could barely hear through the pounding of his heart in his ears. He took off his jacket and slipped on his chef coat, folding back the arms to reveal his tattoos. They took him into makeup and started to dab his face.
“You look perfect. Love the beard. Love the tattoos,” the stylist said.
Grayson was a bit put off by it all. But it was Hollywood, what could he do? Usually, he wore a net over his beard when he baked, but they didn't require him to wear one for the show. He put on a chef hat and when he looked at himself in the mirror, with the makeup, he didn't mind what he saw. His skin looked fantastic.
He chuckled at himself as he followed the crew and other contestants out onto the stage. A kitchen had been set up in the event center on a soundstage constructed by the crew. The entire event center was packed full of people. Most he didn’t recognize. He gulped. Doing a cooking show in front of a live audience was what the Great American Bake-off was known for.
The audience at home loved the interactive quality of the show. Most other baking shows were done in studios, but not the Great American Bake-off. They wanted to film the reaction of the crowd as they watched the bakers sweat.
The crew instructed them on their cues and told them where to stand. The judges sat at a table between the contestants and the a
udience.
Grayson took a deep breath and exhaled as the lights hit him. The audience stared from their chairs. The cameras rolled, and the director counted down. The announcer stood in front of the contestants and opened the show with Hollywood style flamboyance.
Grayson gripped his fists behind the counter and gritted his teeth, plastering on a big, fake smile. There were twelve total contestants in the bake-off and one would be eliminated every day of the competition. As the show opened, the announcer introduced the judges.
There were five judges, master bakers from around the country and the world. Becky Barker, the petite blonde from New York, owned a boutique bakery in Manhattan. She wore a pink skirt suit and a side swept ponytail. The crowd cheered for the well-known star who had her own show on the same network.
Heathcliff York, the Englishman who was known for his blunt talk, bravado, and harsh criticism of the contestants. He wore a herringbone suit, an expensive looking red silk tie in a Windsor knot, and a matching handkerchief in his pocket. He grinned maniacally and waved to the crowd with his perfectly manicured hand. There was hissing and cheering, both equally loud.
Wayne Brown, the famous Hollywood baker, waved to the audience in his LA Lakers fan gear and high-top sneakers. The crowd cheered and a whole section of the audience stood to their feet and started hooting and pumping their fists. Wayne was Grayson's favorite judge by far. And he hoped that he liked his pastries.
Odessa Carver, the hometown girl from Saint Louis, wore a black chef coat over her curves and a big smile. She stood and waved at the crowd, her long beaded braids twisted at the base of her neck. Another section of the audience clapped and cheered, “Go girl, go girl” the tag line from her show.
The last judge was Vanessa Basset from Mississippi. She wore a yellow dress with a white belt and white pearls around her neck. Her red hair was piled in a bouffant up do. She blew kisses to the audience and waved as they cheered her name.