Page 6 of Slashed By You (Chicago Steel #5)
Chapter 6
Kenzie
H aving your own bakery is a lot of work. Late nights, early mornings, burns, a sore back, and aching muscles are all part of it. But I love it. It’s been my dream as far back as I can remember, and I’m determined to make it successful. Having my bakery allows me to try new recipes and experiment at making them better. The best thing about it is making people smile when they taste what you’ve poured your heart and soul into.
Last year, when I met Stephanie, she mentioned the idea of my getting involved in Steel Your Heart . It’s a gala sponsored by the non-profit she works for, Embrace You, and the Chicago Steel. All proceeds raised go to help those fighting breast cancer. When she first pitched me the idea of supplying all the desserts for the event, I scoffed at her, thinking she was silly. My bakery is small, and even though I’m proud of what I make, I was hesitant about committing to such an enormous event. What if I failed?
For months following our initial meeting, she’d stop by the bakery and talk me through all my fears. Once I was comfortable with the expectations, our business arrangement turned into a friendship. Before I knew it, she was helping me plan the menu. Stephanie is the big sister I never had, but always wanted.
About two weeks before the gala, Stephanie comes into the bakery, flustered. “Kenzie, we have to talk. I forgot to tell you something about the gala.” My heart thumps in my chest and my stomach sinks. What is she going to say? Worry fills my mind. Is she going to tell me we need another two hundred desserts? Did she forget to tell me I was supposed to avoid an allergy like almonds? Concern seeps into every corner of my body, and my breathing speeds up, making me feel lightheaded. I settle my hands on the countertop next to the display case I’m emptying. Each night, I bring any leftovers to the homeless shelter a few streets over. It’s never anything huge, but they seem to appreciate it.
Stephanie stands in front of me, chewing on her bottom lip, making me even more anxious.
“Spit it out,” I beg. She wrings her hands together before she speaks. The suspense is killing me.
After clearing her throat, she dives right in. “Kenzie, you know this is a gala, right?” I nod. “I know you figured you’d be behind the scenes all night, hiding out in the kitchen. But we actually need you out front so we can introduce you to everyone there. You’ll need to dress up like everyone else attending.”
I gasp. I don’t have the money for a fancy dress. What am I going to do?
Panic grips me tightly. Stephanie must see the worry on my face and reaches for my hand. “Don’t worry. We’re the same size, and I know I have something you can borrow.”
“Are you sure?” I tentatively ask, hoping she doesn’t recant her offer.
Smiling widely, she says, “Yes, you can totally borrow something.”
Relieved, I go back to boxing up the leftovers. “Thank you.” I’m not above asking for help when I need it, especially when I know I’m in over my head. And I’m just that with this gala.
I feel like Cinderella when I enter the Museum of Art History in the bubble gum pink dress I borrowed from Stephanie. The shimmery material of the form-fitting dress I’m wrapped in reminds me of the majestic sunrise pictures I saw in National Geographic as a kid. Depending on how the light hits it, I sparkle. I’m wearing my blond hair down and my makeup is simple because I use all my creativity on my cakes.
They decorated the museum with silver, pink, and snow white. Right away, I know that the Steel Your Heart gala is the fanciest thing I have ever been to. The round tables are covered in pressed white tablecloths and housed in the center of each is a dazzling pink bouquet. Silver-tipped white china dishes are at each place setting. Blush pink crystal glassware joins it. Everything from the chair covers to the rest of the table swag is in various shades of pink, matching the centerpiece.
Checking the dessert table, I see everything from the pink champagne truffles, death by chocolate cupcakes, fruit tarts, and sea salt chocolate chunk cookies made the transport from my shop this afternoon. In total, I have over ten different desserts that will hopefully satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.
When Stephanie was planning this event, she insisted that I be the one supplying all the desserts for the evening. Honestly, this entire experience has been so humbling. A literal dream come true. Stephanie informed me I needed to bring business cards for CakeStop so I could hand them out when people raved about the desserts. I’m doubtful anybody will want one, but I still packed them. Standing behind the table, I feel nervous and out of my element. I’m a shy baker offering myself up to some of the richest and most influential people in Chicago. I have nothing to worry about, right?
“Kenzie, come here,” Stephanie whispers at me from the other side of my display. Scurrying over, my gaze falls upon a very handsome, very familiar man. “Tristan,” I gush.
“Hey, Kenzie, you look fantastic.” I blush at the compliment, despite knowing it’s as platonic as a brother gives his sister. I’ve seen the way Tristan looks at Stephanie. And it isn’t one-sided. I know from conversations with her they had a difficult past, but she still cares deeply for him.
Looking around the room, my breath catches when I see all the people filtering in. Tristan nudges me and asks, “Are you ready for this?” When I look at him, his face morphs from a carefree smile to concern. “Hey, you got this. You have nothing to worry about. I think Steph and I have tasted everything you bake and can attest that you are a certifiable baking genius.”
Again, I’m flattered, but he isn’t kidding about one part. I had him and Stephanie try everything I was making for tonight. I wanted to make sure everyone would like it. “Thanks, Tristan. So, this event is co-hosted by Embrace You and the Steel? Will the entire team be here? I don’t think I’ve ever met a professional athlete before. I’ve heard they’re big eaters. Will they eat all my desserts… or save some for everyone else?” Stop rambling.
He laughs. “Your desserts are safe.”
“Why? Aren’t they good enough?”
Giving me a stern look, he says, “Kenzie, they are delicious, but most of the players are on special diets where desserts or sugar are limited. Most of them will avoid the temptation, even though I’ve raved about you for months and they had your cupcakes at Samantha and Lucas’s party.” He leans in closer and whispers, “In fact, Josh, our captain, had several there, and he is the strictest eater I know.”
“Oh. Wow. I guess that’s a great compliment,” I say with a smile.
Offering one in return, he tells me again, “You got this. Now, I have to go say hello to a bunch of people, but I’ll see you later. Let me know if any of my players are problematic.”
Sucking in a breath, I whisper, “Will they be? I’m not sure I can take on a professional hockey player.”
Laughing, Tristan wraps me in a side hug. “They won’t be any trouble, I promise. Now, go show everyone what an amazing baker you are.”
“Thanks, Tristan. See you later.” Stepping back to the table, I make sure everything looks perfect before I stand and wait.
About an hour into the evening, after dinner plates have been cleared, Stephanie makes an announcement about the desserts and CakeStop, and my heart goes berserk in my chest. My body sweats and my hands grow clammy. You got this. I think. Anxiety washes over me, and I question how I will respond if someone asks about any of my desserts or the bakery. “Suck it up, Kenzie,” I chastise myself. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I see the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen. He’s tall, over six feet, and the way he fills out his tux has me salivating. He’s expertly styled his white-blond hair. I can’t see the color of his eyes from where I’m at, but they are full of emotion. He fiddles with his cufflinks and bow tie, and it’s obvious he’s more comfortable in casual clothes. I understand that completely. At one point, the man next to him leans in and says something, and the most melodic laugh carries across the room. And the smile that covers his gorgeous lips is one that makes my heart skip a beat. I could stare at him all night. From his perfect cheekbones to his rugged chin, I have never seen such perfection on a human face.
Swallowing hard, I try to avert my stare from him, but no matter what, I always find myself drawn back. Shit. He’s heading my way. Looking over, I see Stephanie at the next table, telling people about the desserts, me, and my bakery. This is really happening. Controlling the urge to break into a happy dance, I look at the ceiling and quietly cheer, “Yes!”