Martin shoved a red chef’s jacket that bore the television show logo on the front left pocket in her direction. “Four Square Cooking Show has selected you to be one of the contestants on our new Valentine’s Day Bake-off!”

She gasped, taking in so much air so fast that she almost doubled over. “Oh!” The back of her throat seemed to be closing, and boy, was she going to be mad if she had a heart attack and died right here and now before she got to compete on that show.

“You know the show?”

Kelly struggled to keep her wits about her. “Do I know it? I—”

Sara ran to her side. “We love that show. We even have a TV in the factory. Everyone that works here loves your show.”

“I’ve created new recipes out of some of the challenges you’ve thrown your contestants. I might add that I think mine would have won.” Kelly glanced at the gray-haired man. “I remember how much you liked my ‘Avocado Get Home’ cupcake.”

“Guilty,” he said. “I still can’t believe there was avocado in that frosting.”

“Excellent!” Martin turned his attention back to Kelly. “Then you know our bake-offs are a blind competition. No one can know you’re going to be on the show. That means both of you have to keep this a secret.”

“We can do that,” Kelly said.

“Scout’s promise.” Sara raised her fingers in a Girl Scout salute.

“Excellent. We’ll get this camera put away before we have to swear anyone else to silence, and our gal Jennifer here will go through all the details of the Four Square Valentine’s Day Bake-Off with you. You’ll have to sign a non-disclosure and be ready to fly out to the studio kitchens on February seventh.”

Kelly blanched. “That’s so soon.”

“A problem?” Martin swiveled his head toward Jennifer.

“Of course not,” Kelly and Sara sang out in unison.

They both sucked in a breath at the same time. That wasn’t that far off. “How long will I be gone?” Kelly asked.

“Depends on how good you are.” Martin’s laugh had an evil undertone. “If you win, we’ll hold you for a few extra days to do some promo. You’ll be back by the eighteenth at the very latest. Call it ten days.”

“Let me get y’all something to snack on while Kelly signs those papers.” Sara ran behind the counter and started pulling dessert plates and forks out.

“This is a dream come true,” Kelly said. “Who nominated me?”