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 going. 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.