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“Yes, and they’re the major shareholders in Luxe Media and Entertainment. They own the LookyLoo platform and are expanding its content. That’s what we wanted to discuss with you. Cupid Bakery is one of the sponsors for a reality TV contest,” Soren explained.
“A reality TV contest?” Harper repeated.
“Yes, and we hope you and your husband will sign on,” the man replied.
“It’s called Celebrity Charity Bake or Bust,” the baking CEO supplied. “As the name implies, it’s a baking contest that donates money to charities.”
Had Harper crashed into a tree and this was some delusion he was having while hospitalized in a coma?
He shared a look with his bonbon bandit wife. “You want us to participate in a baking contest? I hate to break it to you, but we’re not bakers.”
“You don’t have to be bakers—just celebrities with a connection to the music industry. That’s the focus of this competition,” Bridget answered. “Cupid Bakery will connect you with a baker to guide you through the competition and give you tips. That’s why we’re here. We wanted to introduce you to your baking mentor, but he had an emergency and can’t be here.”
“But I’m not a celebrity,” Harper added, her voice kicking into opera mode.
“The internet begs to differ,” Soren offered. “In the last few hours, news of your marriage has been splashed over every major media outlet. You’re the mystery woman who married a pop star. The buzz online is electric.” His phone pinged. He pulled his cell from his pocket and stared at the screen. “Perfect timing! The Luxe attorney should be here any minute. He’s got the contracts and can provide further details. Unfortunately, Bridget and I need to get going. We’ve got a flight to catch.”
“This whole reality show contest must seem like the last thing you’d want to do,” Bridget began, “but after watching your wedding videos, we agree with Mr. and Mrs. Luxe. You’re a fit. Please tell us you’ll consider the proposal.”
The woman seemed genuine, and if Mitzi wanted to get him in front of a new audience, he couldn’t deny this was one way to do it.
“It sounds fascinating,” Harper answered, her voice jumping another octave.
He couldn’t blame her. It was as if they’d entered the twilight zone. Had someone told him this morning that he’d be offered a spot on a celebrity reality baking show, he’d have laughed his ass off.
A few seconds passed before a short man in a crisp black suit carrying a briefcase entered the bakery through the back door and strode toward them. They said their goodbyes to Soren and Bridget as the attorney set his briefcase on the table and removed a file.
Contracts.
He hated contracts.
“Mr. and Mrs. Paige, if you wouldn’t mind, and your advisors as well,” the attorney said and waved them over.
Mr. and Mrs. Paige?
Neither he nor Harper moved.
“That’s the two of you,” Madelyn supplied.
Christ, that’s right! They were Mr. and Mrs. Paige—or Mr. and Mrs. Presley-Paige, or maybe Harper would stick with using her last name?
It didn’t matter because this union couldn’t last.
He joined the women at the table with the attorney and willed himself to keep his cool.
“I’m Paxton Cleary, one of the Luxe attorneys. I’m here to explain the proposal. Would you like me to begin with an overview and then explain the parameters of the contest?” the attorney asked, plowing ahead.
“Yes, we are sorely lacking in details,” he answered, tossing a sharp look at Mitzi.
A heads up from the woman would have been nice.
But his manager looked as pleased as punch—and this woman rarely exuded pleased as…anything. Before he could ask more about what she’d gotten him into, the attorney removed two packets from the folder and slid them across the table, one for him and one for Harper.
“This is the formal offer from Luxe Media and Entertainment to participate in theCelebrity Bake or Bust, which will be filmed here, in Denver, Colorado,” the man explained. “By signing, you agree to participate in three baking challenges. The challenges entail preparing baked goods and delivering said goods to a local community group. You’ll compete against another Celebrity Denver-based team. The winner of the challenge will be decided by the recipients of the baked goods via a taste test. Luxe Media and Entertainment will stream the events on their LookyLoo platform. You’ll be provided with the recipes ahead of time. Cupid Bakery will supply a mentor baker, which you may accept or decline, as well as deliver the ingredients. You, in turn, agree to film yourselves preparing the items in your kitchen. Luxe Media and Entertainment will provide a crew to livestream the community event.”
“You want us to bake and record ourselves?” Harper asked.
“Yes,” the suit answered.
