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The early morning light filtered through the kitchen windows, casting a soft glow on the chaos surrounding Drew. He stood at the center island, surrounded by an array of fresh ingredients, knives gleaming, and pots waiting to be put to use. Today’s challenge was designed to push the contestants to their creative limits—and as head judge, he needed to be ready for anything.
But no matter how hard he tried to focus, Drew’s thoughts kept drifting to the night before. The memory of Kelsi’s kiss, the way she’d fit so perfectly in his arms, and the unspoken promise they’d shared—it was both exhilarating and terrifying.
“Earth to Drew,” Zak’s voice cut through his reverie. “You with us, bro?”
Drew blinked, snapping back to the present. Zak stood next to him, eyebrows raised, clearly amused. “Yeah, sorry. Just... thinking about the challenge.”
“Uh-huh.” Zak’s smirk widened, mischief dancing in his eyes. “And this ‘challenge’ wouldn’t happen to have pink hair and a killer smile, would it?”
Heat crept up Drew’s neck. “Zak, I—”
“Relax.” Zak held up his hands in mock surrender. “Your secret’s safe with me. But Drew... be careful. I’ve seen the way you two look at each other. It’s great, really. But if word gets out...”
“I know.” Drew sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Believe me, I know. Amelia already cornered me yesterday. She’s onto something.”
Zak’s grin faded, replaced with concern. “Amelia? Damn. That’s not good.”
Before Drew could respond, the studio doors swung open, and a whirlwind of pink energy swept in. Kelsi. She looked radiant despite the early hour, her smile bright as she waved at them.
“Morning, boys!” she chirped, her voice as warm as the sunlight streaming through the windows. “Ready for today’s culinary madness?”
Drew’s heart skipped a beat, and it took every ounce of self-control not to close the distance between them. He kept his hands firmly at his sides, but the pull was undeniable.
“Morning, Kelsi,” Zak replied smoothly. “I need to borrow Drew for a sec. Last-minute challenge details.”
Kelsi’s gaze flickered between them, curiosity in her eyes. “Sure thing. I’ll go set up my station.” She winked at Drew before turning on her heel, her pink hair bouncing with each step.
Drew’s eyes followed her, heart pounding. He had to force himself to look away. The way she moved, the way her presence lit up the room—it was a constant temptation.
“Drew,” Zak’s voice was low, snapping him back to reality. “I’m serious. You need to be careful. Both of you. If this gets out, it could jeopardize the entire show.”
Drew met his brother’s gaze, a mix of defiance and vulnerability in his eyes. “I know the risks, Zak. But I can’t help how I feel about her. She’s... everything I didn’t even know I needed.”
Zak’s expression softened, his tone losing its edge. “I get it, man. Really. And for what it’s worth, I think you two are great together. But please, be discreet. At least until this season wraps.”
Drew nodded, grateful for Zak’s support. “We will. I promise.”
Contestants began filtering in, the usual hustle and bustle filling the studio. Drew shook off his distraction, steeling himself for the day ahead. He needed to be the stern, impartial judge the show demanded. But as Kelsi caught his eye from across the room, giving him a quick, secretive smile, he knew it would be easier said than done.
The challenge kicked off, and Drew threw himself into his role, moving from station to station, tasting dishes, offering critiques. But no matter how hard he tried to focus, his attention kept drifting back to Kelsi. Every time they passed each other, every accidental brush of hands or meeting of eyes sent a jolt through him, a reminder of the line they were dangerously close to crossing.
Midway through the challenge, Drew found himself at Kelsi’s station. She was deep in concentration, working on a dessert, a smear of chocolate on her cheek.
“How’s it coming along?” Drew asked, keeping his voice neutral for the cameras.
Kelsi glanced up, her expression softening when she saw him. “It’s... getting there. I’m trying something new with the flavor profile. Want a taste?”
She held out a spoon, and Drew leaned in to try it. The moment the dessert hit his tongue, his eyes widened. The balance of flavors—sweet, savory, with just a hint of heat—was perfect.
“That’s... incredible,” he said, impressed. “What’s your secret?”
Kelsi’s eyes sparkled with pride. “A pinch of chili and a touch of sea salt. Adds depth.”
Drew nodded, fighting the urge to reach out and wipe the chocolate from her cheek. “Keep pushing those boundaries,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
As he moved to the next station, he caught sight of Amelia in the corner, watching them with narrowed eyes. Unease curled in his gut, but he pushed it aside. He had a job to do.
By the time the challenge wrapped, Drew was ready to announce the winner. He sat at the judges' table, reviewing the final dishes. The level of skill on display was impressive, but Kelsi’s dessert was in a league of its own—bold, creative, perfectly executed.
When it came time to announce the winner, Drew felt a twinge of anxiety. He knew Kelsi deserved it, but he also knew how it might look.
“The winner of today’s challenge,” Drew said, his voice steady, “is Kelsi Martinez.”
Applause erupted around the studio, and Kelsi’s face lit up with joy. Drew caught Zak’s eye, his brother giving him a small nod of approval.
Later, as the crew began packing up and the contestants trickled out, Drew found a quiet moment alone with Kelsi in a corner of the set.
“Congratulations,” he said softly. “You really earned it.”
Kelsi beamed up at him, her eyes full of warmth. “Thank you. It means a lot coming from you.”
They stood there, the air between them thick with unspoken words. Drew’s heart hammered in his chest, the urge to kiss her overwhelming. But before he could act on it, a voice cut through the moment like a knife.
“Ah, there you are!” Amelia’s voice rang out. “Kelsi, I need a quick interview with you. If you don’t mind, Chef Carlson?”
Drew clenched his jaw, forcing a smile. “Of course. She’s all yours.”
As Amelia whisked Kelsi away, Drew’s chest tightened. They were walking a tightrope, one misstep away from everything crashing down. But as he watched Kelsi shine in front of the camera, her passion for food spilling over into every word, he knew one thing for certain.
She was worth it.
With renewed determination, Drew headed back to the kitchen. He had a show to run, contestants to mentor, and a relationship to protect. It wouldn’t be easy, but then again, nothing worth having ever was.
