Page 13 of Ryder (Heart River Valley: Montana Protectors #3)

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.

“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.

“D ana 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…”

Her head falls back as I kiss down her throat, finding that spot that always makes her whimper. “The way you handled those ingredients…” I murmur against her skin. “Those perfect, confident hands…”

“Ryder,” she breathes, threading those same hands through my hair.

“The way you put those stuffy judges in their place…” I unclasp her bra, drawing it slowly down her arms. “So damn sexy.”

She tugs at my shirt impatiently. “Too many clothes.”

I strip it off, groaning as her hands explore my chest. When she rakes her nails down my stomach, my control snaps.

“Need you.” I pull her to the edge of the counter, grinding against her. “Now.”

Her fingers fumble with my belt as I push her skirt up her thighs. The black lace underneath matches her bra, and the sight nearly undoes me.

“Beautiful,” I breathe, hooking my fingers in the delicate fabric. “My beautiful champion.”

She lifts her hips, letting me slide the lace down her legs. The moment it hits the floor, I’m there, tasting her, drinking in her desperate sounds.

“Please,” she gasps, pulling my hair. “Need you inside me.”

I stand, pushing my jeans down just enough. “Like this?” I tease her entrance. “Right here on your victory counter?”

“Ryder…” The way she says my name, half plea and half demand, breaks my restraint.

I push inside in one smooth stroke, both of us crying out at the sensation. Her legs wrap around my waist, pulling me deeper.

“Mine,” I growl, setting a pace designed to drive us both crazy. “Say it.”

“Yours!” She arches as I hit that perfect spot. “Oh god, Ryder…”

Her nails dig into my shoulders as I drive deeper, harder. Every sound she makes pushes me closer to the edge, but I’m determined to make her come first.

“That’s it, sugar.” I slide one hand between us, finding that sweet spot that makes her cry out. “Let me feel you.”

She’s close—I feel it in the way she tightens around me, the way her breath comes in short gasps against my neck.

“Look at me,” I demand, needing to see her face. “Want to watch you come apart.”

Her eyes meet mine, dark with desire, and something in my chest catches. Even like this, lost in pleasure, she’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.

“Love you,” I breathe, working her higher. “Love watching you fall apart for me.”

That does it. She comes with my name on her lips, pulling me over the edge with her. I bury my face in her neck, groaning as pleasure crashes through me in waves.

We stay tangled together afterward, breathing hard, trading lazy kisses as our hearts slow.

“Think they noticed we left the party?” she murmurs against my lips.

I laugh, still inside her. “Sugar, with how loud you just were? Pretty sure the whole county noticed.”

She smacks my shoulder, but she’s smiling. “Your fault.”

“Damn right it is.” I kiss her softly. “And I plan to take full responsibility. Multiple times. All night long.”

Her answering kiss tastes like promise. Like victory. Like love.