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Annee
Sneak Peek:DEAN
If you enjoyedHis Curvy Catfish, you’re sure to enjoyDEAN, a short and sweet enemies-to-lovers romcom by Annee Jones!
Chapter One
Dean
“We’re here today with Dean Montgomery of Dean’s Delectable Delights!” The buxom blonde TV news reporter posed in front of the bakery’s storefront window and flashed her famous 10,000-watt smile at the camera.
Dean shifted his weight onto the other foot uncomfortably. He had no problem making small talk with women – rather enjoyed it, in fact - just not in front of thousands of random live viewers at once. However, he realized he’d better get used to it. Fast.
“Dean, we understand that you’ve been selected as one of the contestants to appear on the next season of the popular reality competition showWedding Baker. Is this true?” The reporter, Stormy Matthews from the local station, shoved her microphone in front of his face. Her bright red acrylic nails glittered like rubies in the late afternoon sun.
He blinked, not sure whether he should direct his answer to her or the camera. He chose her and smiled. Seeing the pretty pink hue that rose in her cheeks in response, he knew he’d made the right decision. Yeah, he got this.
“Indeed, it is true,” he said proudly. “I received the call last week from the network.”
“Congratulations! I know the people here in Sugar Grove will be thrilled to see one of their own on the program. Now, tell us, Dean, how did you get your start? What made you decide to become a baker? Could it be that the name of our sweet town was your inspiration?” The reporter winked at the camera with a set of extra-long faux lashes.
Dean chuckled. “That’s a good theory, Stormy. But I’m afraid the answer is even more simple than that…baking has always made me happy. As a kid, my dad…who’s inside right now in fact,” he said, glancing toward the shop’s window, “taught me how to cook and bake. He was the one who raised me, and it was something we did together that brought us both some joy. We began experimenting with different dessert recipes, and well, I guess you could say I was hooked. I’ve always loved the freedom and creativity that baking allows.”
Stormy nodded. “Yes, that makes sense. But it also requires technical skill, something I understand you also have. Isn’t it true that you graduated valedictorian in your high school class?”
“Yes,” he said, recalling the cheers and whoops from his friends as he walked across the stage to accept his diploma.
“And after graduation you attended one of the best pastry schools in France?”
“It was an honor to learn from the best,” he answered, hoping he sounded modest.
“You could have opened a bakery anywhere in the world. Why did you come back to Sugar Grove?” Stormy was moving her microphone so quickly between them Dean could hardly keep up. He glanced toward the producer who stood watching from behind the cameraman. The producer raised his index finger, reminding him to pause and take a breath before responding.
“My dad…his name is David Montgomery…was the reason,” he said. “I knew that I wanted to open this bakery with him. It couldn’t have been easy for him being a single father. And as a child, I was quite a handful. Still am, as a matter of fact.” He eyed the cute reporter, unable to help himself from the obvious flirt.
Stormy giggled. “I’ll bet,” she said appreciatively. “Do you have a signature dessert?”
“I do,” Dean replied with a nod. “That would be my Funfetti Cake. Want to try it?”
“Of course!” Stormy said eagerly.
“Follow me,” he said, opening the door of the bakery and holding it wide for the reporter, cameraman, and crew to enter. Once they were all inside, he walked over to the counter where he’d strategically placed a freshly baked cake and serve ware prior to the interview.
“This is our Funfetti Cake,” he said, waiting while the cameraman zoomed in on the confection.
“Why is it called Funfetti though?” asked Stormy, her brows furrowing. “It’s completely white. I mean, it’s very pretty with all the roses and swirls, don’t get me wrong.” She quickly added. “It has to do with the taste, I assume?”
“You’ll find out in just a second, I promise,” Dean replied. Picking up a shiny silver cake knife, he deftly cut into the soft gooey dessert and lifted a single slice onto a plate. At the same time, sugared confetti in a rainbow of colors burst forth from out of the middle of the cake. The layers of the cake themselves were each in a different color of the rainbow as well, separated by white vanilla buttercream.
“Wow! That was amazing!” Stormy cried. “Steve, did you catch that?”
The cameraman gave a thumbs-up sign.
“Want a taste?” Dean asked.
“Um, is my name Stormy Matthews?” The reporter asked with a laugh.
