Chapter 39

Chapter

Thirty-Nine

The mid-morning breezesweeps through the pavilion, mingling the salty tang of the ocean with the sweet scent of sugar from the surrounding ingredients. I set up our final station with a light heart, buzzing from the thrill of making it to the last round of the competition and the anticipation of seeing Morgan again.

As I arrange my utensils, I spot Morgan sitting with Gigi in the lower stands, close enough for easy access, given Gigi"s crutches. Morgan catches my eye and offers a warm, supportive smile that makes my heart skip a beat. Despite the chaos of the competition, that smile grounds me, reminding me of the moments we shared the night before.

Eliza nudges me, her voice teasing. "I see someone"s still flying high after last night's superhero antics."

I feel a blush creep up my cheeks. "Oh, stop it. It was just a kiss," I mutter, trying to focus on my preparations.

"Just a kiss? Upside down, in front of all his friends? That"s the stuff of legends, Claire," Eliza chortles, not ready to let me off the hook so easily.

I shake my head, my smile betraying my embarrassment and secret pleasure at the memory. "Can we just focus on the baking? We have a title to win here," I try to change the subject, but Eliza"s grin tells me she"s far from done with the teasing.

However, our banter is cut short as Tomas approaches our station. His presence casts a shadow over my buoyant mood. I stiffen, my hands tightening around a mixing spoon.

"Can we talk?" Tomas asks, his voice low, seemingly aware of the tension his presence causes.

I shake my head without missing a beat. "I think you"ve said enough," I respond curtly, hoping to dismiss him quickly.

"It"s important, Claire. Just a second, please," Tomas insists, his tone urgent. "Please."

With a reluctant sigh, I nod, setting down my utensil. "Fine. Make it quick."