83. Michael

MICHAEL

A lice’s grip loosens on mine, and she starts to lean lazily away from me.

Spinning toward her, I grip her shoulders.

“Alice.” I hold her steady. “Look at me. Are you okay?”

She blinks.

“Alice,” I say sternly.

“Sorry. Sorry. I’m okay.” Alice glances around. “The surprise was surprising.” She tries to laugh.

“Dammit, Baby Cakes.” I huff out a breath. “You took a damn year off my life. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Totally fine.” She leans around me to lift a hand at one of the camera guys. “Just excited for the contestants.”

Someone on set chuckles.

Sighing, I slide my hands down her arms, then move back to her side.

“That was fun. Alrighty.” Joey grins at us. “Chef Mike and Baby Cakes, you ready to meet your contestants?”

I want to strangle him for daring to call her that. But shouting at him during a live-stream episode will only ensure that everyone will call her that. And it was my fault for saying it. So instead of inflicting bodily harm, I just stare daggers at Joey.

“Um, yes, please.” Alice’s answer is soft, but our body mics are sensitive, so they pick up every little sound.

Joey turns toward a door at the far side of the spacious room. “It’s my pleasure to introduce the four celebrities competing this weekend. First up, we have the Oscar-winning actor, and stealer of hearts, Drake Daniels.”

The door opens, and I recognize the man who steps through.

Drake walks up to the first workstation, the one closest to us, and grins. “Pleasure to be here.”

I’ve watched some of his action movies. He’s a good actor.

He’s also known for being very good looking.

I squeeze Alice’s hand. My silent warning for her not to stare at him.

“Next.” Joey pauses as the door opens again. “We have Colby Canterbury. Stand-up comedian with a no-longer-secret knack for baking.”

Colby stops at the table across from Drake. “Jokes and yokes. I’m here to serve both.”

I’ve heard of this guy but have never seen his act.

I’m annoyed they’re springing this celebrity shit on us without warning. I’m not just the talent, this is my show. I should know about things like this. Not only so I can be prepared, but so I can vet the guests. Make sure no one is problematic. Make sure they don’t choose someone I have an issue with.

I bite back the urge to growl.

So far the contestants are fine, but I’m still gonna have someone’s neck later.

“Baker number three is the talented and brilliant Canadian pop singer, Zelle,” Joey announces, and Alice gasps.

A short woman with long brown hair moves to the bench behind Drake. “Hello.”

“Oh my god, I love her so much,” Alice whispers beside me.

I have to fight my smile. The contestants can’t hear her, but her sentiment is still being live streamed. I’ll have to remind Alice tonight that every word is picked up and just hope she doesn’t say anything sexy to me before the end of the challenge.

“Last but never least.” Joey lifts a hand toward the door. “Amber Addison.”

My head snaps over to look at Joey.

He says something about Amber being a popular soap opera actress.

Mentions something else.

But I’m not listening. Just watching.

Joey doesn’t look any different than usual.

Isn’t acting like a guilty man.

Isn’t acting like anything is wrong.

So maybe he doesn’t know.

But someone knew, and inwardly, I seethe as my ex-girlfriend walks to the fourth and final workbench.

The redhead lifts her hand. “Hi, Joey. It’s so good to be here.”