Chapter 29
29
DULCE
A fter the race, Katie called me to tell me we would need to hire more people to help with the influx of orders. Apparently, Ford Keller eating cookies from Sugar Coated Secrets is a big deal. I have to order more supplies. Hell, after delivering all the orders, I can afford to cover all my expenses and buy a new van.
The suite Ford’s team booked is lavish. It’s the nicest hotel room I have ever been in. A king-sized bed with Italian bed sheets and designer flute glasses. Champagne bottles on ice that I can’t even pronounce. Thinking about our lunch date earlier has my thoughts turning to sex. It’s all I can think about since we came back when he said he’s always wanted me.
The suite at the track is just as nice, with an incredible view and more champagne. Food. Water bottles that cost more than an average meal at a restaurant. Sponsors is what he said, making me feel my paltry cakes bland in comparison.
The crowd is going wild on the track. There is a knock on the door of the private suite before the door opens.
“Dulce,” Derek calls out.
“Hi, Derek.” Derek has been nice to me since Ford left to go interview. He keeps asking me if I need anything, and I can tell he cares what I think about him. I wonder if Ford told him to make sure I was okay at all times.
“He’s waiting for you.”
I swallow nervously. “Ford?”
He nods with a grin. “That’s the one.”
I look out the window at the massive crowd. I spot Ford smiling at the cameras. Thousands of women taking selfies with him. “Down there?” Imagine being in the center of the massive crowd. What would people say? Am I pretty enough to be with Ford? Would he tell them that we’re dating, or will he brush it off? I don’t think I have ever been around so many people before. The most was in the gym for the school’s pep rally before the football game.
“Umm…”
“Come on. He really wants you down there to celebrate. He won first place. I don’t think anyone has ever seen him drive like that. It was impressive.” His eyes light up with excitement. “It’s like you’re his good luck charm.”
He was awesome. He beat a record. I look at the smile on his face and have never seen him so happy before. No wonder he couldn’t wait to leave Airy. This is his dream.
I turn around. “Are you sure it’s a good idea, Derek?”
“It is. It means a lot to him if you’re down there.”
I follow Derek through the throng of bodies. The crowd screams louder as we approach the main stage. It’s hot in the midafternoon, but I’m sweating for a different reason. I’m nervous to be in front of thousands of people watching me with Ford. This is his element, and I’m way over my head with all the attention from fans and the paparazzi.
When the crowd breaks apart, giving me a clear view of Ford, my stomach does a familiar little flip. His eyes lock on mine, causing heads to turn in my direction.
He walks over with an exhilarated smile. “Hi.”
“Hi,” I say right back, wanting nothing more than to kiss him. He’s gorgeous in his racing suit. It’s zipped down, revealing a white T-shirt underneath, showcasing his ripped chest and abs, with his hair disheveled.
He slides his hand around my waist and brings me close to his side, giving me a peck on the lips.
A woman sticks a microphone in front of his face. “Who’s the lucky lady, Ford?”
“I’m the lucky one,” he says, squeezing me tight. The crowd fades away in the background. Our eyes lock, the beat of my heart in my ears. “Will you go out with me tonight, Dulce?”
I smile, wanting nothing more than to share this moment with him. “I would love to.”
Rummaging in my bag, I want to kick myself for not thinking of bringing anything nice to wear for an evening out.
I honestly didn’t think we were going to go out for dinner or that he would ask me out anywhere else. I thought I was here to see him race, promote the bakery, and serve the cakes and cookies I baked into the wee hours of the morning the night before the courier showed up.
I ended up watching the race and not having to hand out anything. Ford had Derek hire an entire team with the bakery’s logo and banner. There was a gorgeous pink-and-black tent I have never seen before all made up like I had an entire marketing team at my disposal.
There is a knock on the door. I check the time on my phone. Ford said he’d pick me up at seven, but that’s three hours from now. My anxiety is running high as I open the door, not knowing what to expect. He hasn’t called.
“Are you Dulce Webster?” a woman asks, surrounded by another women about my age and a man with green hair.
“Yes,” I reply tentatively. “Who are you?”
“I’m Jermaine, and this is Tina and Britney. We are here to help you get ready for dinner. Hair, makeup, and…” He pauses, assessing me. “Don’t worry. Mr. Keller said to take good care of you. You won’t have to worry about a thing,” he says animatedly.
“Mr. Keller gave us strict instructions.” Jermaine speaks to the women like I’m not in the room, and I’m a doll they have to dress. “He said not to cut or dye her hair. He doesn’t want to change her; he only wants to enhance her,” he tells Tina and Britney, then turns to me with a smile.
I glance at Tina and notice the garment bag with a box I’m assuming are shoes. Ford thought things through when he asked me to come.
After checking in with Mary and the nurse Ford hired, I let them do their thing and glam me up. I’ve never been to a salon or had my nails professionally done, but a girl can get used to this. It’s one night.
I just hope it doesn’t turn out the way prom night did.