27. Alice

ALICE

I ’ve been tracking the judges’ progress around the room and time it just right so that I’m mixing the wet and dry ingredients for my batter when they approach my table.

I wouldn’t have been able to focus on measuring with Michael standing across from me, so I had to finish that part before they got here to stay on schedule, but stirring will give me something to focus on.

“Hello, Alice.” Michael’s deep voice rolls over my skin, sending a shiver through my body.

“H-Hi,” I stammer like a fool.

Pamela gives me a motherly smile. “How’re you feeling today?”

Oh good, she’s referring to yesterday’s disaster.

My cheeks flame to a color that probably matches my pants, and I fight the urge to go shove my head in my unlucky freezer.

I can’t stop my eyes from flicking to Michael’s, and of course, he’s staring right back at me with a knowing smirk on his handsome face.

“It felt good.” My eyes widen. “I mean, I feel good.” My words come out like a squeak, and I hope everyone just assumes I’m still embarrassed about my catastrophic display yesterday and not that I’m suddenly thinking about Chef Michael’s tongue on my clit.

“Glad to hear it,” Michael responds as he steps closer to my counter. “Tell me what you’re planning to do.”

“What I’m planning…?” I repeat, my gaze automatically dropping to his waist.

Michael clears his throat.

My entire body bursts into literal flames.

I evaporate into dust.

And my humiliation is no more.