“I bought some of her cookies. They were amazing, but more amazing than the cookies was the sparkle in her eyes when she talked about baking them. Her eyes are as dark as milk chocolate. I was so taken by her enthusiasm that later that day I asked her for her number to supposedly help sell cookies. Really, I’d planned to call her for a date. I did, and that had been the beginning of a very good relationship.”

“Until?” Lori had that judgmental look on her face, like she was going to give him unsolicited advice again.

“It’s a long story, but if she calls, I definitely want to know.” The thought of her calling made his mood lift. “And for the record, I want to take that call even if it means I have to give up my shot at winning this show to do it.”

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Four

Kelly woke up to a lovely room-service breakfast in that swanky room feeling like the luckiest girl in the world. There’d even been a nice card from the studio on her tray.

She dressed in a pair of black slacks and a black V-neck T-shirt then finished putting on her makeup and fixing her hair. She’d been so excited to receive the Four Square Cooking Show chef’s jacket, but now that she tried it on, it made her a feel like a bit of a fraud. Not being a trained chef, the jacket was a little off-putting. She preferred to wear a pretty apron.

Kelly straightened the jacket, then twisted to see how it looked in the full-length mirror. The fabric was heavy and constraining. It wasn’t nearly as flattering as her apron either. This would take some getting used to. She only hoped it wouldn’t pull her off her game.

Brenda knocked on the door. “It’s me again. Are you almost ready?”

Kelly pulled open the door. “I think so.”

“You look great.” Brenda propped her hip against the door. “I thought I’d get you over to the studio early, so you have time to check out the kitchen you’ll be working in. That’ll give you a chance to get used to where things are and take a mental inventory of all the supplies, the pots and pans, pantry staples. I’ve never had anyone say there was something they needed that wasn’t there, but there’s always a first.”

“That would be great. I can’t wait to see it.” Every minute counted on timed events, so knowing her surroundings would be key.

“Great. The car is already downstairs.”

Kelly turned around and grabbed her purse, making sure she had her room key in the front pocket. “Then let’s go.”

Brenda put her purse on the seat next to her. “We’re in the hotel closest to the studio. If it weren’t for the weather today, we could’ve walked.”