Page 100 of The Nanny and the Heartthrob

She cocked her head to the side. “Like with our cell phones?”

The man nodded. “Mr. and Mrs. Luxe have chosen to employ an informal style for the contest. This gives you control over what the viewers see as you bake. You can share more of your personality and give the viewers an intimate experience. Mr. and Mrs. Luxe are interested in an unscripted feel. The three community groups participating will be gifted an automatic donation, and the team that wins two or more of the three challenges will secure an additional donation to their charity of choice. Of course, there’s a compensation package for the winning team as well.”

Harper perked up. “What’s the compensation package?”

“A lump sum.”

“The winners get a cash prize?” Harper asked, wide-eyed.

“They do.” Paxton removed another sheet from the folder. “Regarding the timeline, this project will start in two weeks and end after approximately six weeks or so. We’re able to work within the parameters of your schedule, Mr. Paige. Your manager provided the dates you’ll be out of town, and the contest will wrap before the Red Rocks Unplugged event.”

“You’re performing at Red Rocks Unplugged?” Harper asked softly, curiosity coating the question.

He shifted his stance. He knew what she was thinking. This gathering of artists was the opposite of a glittery pop production. No backup dancers and no modulated sounds, just musicians, raw and unplugged.

“I’m debuting a new acoustic rock sound—that’s evolving—and currently, nothing has been finalized regarding Red Rocks.” Aka, he hadn’t been invited, nor had he written anything new. But he left that part out.

“Shall we continue?” the attorney interjected, blessedly shifting the attention away from his faltering career.

“Go on,” he said, willing his tone to remain even.

“Your manager has reviewed the contract, Mr. Paige,” the man continued. “Would you like to look it over yourselves before you sign?” he asked, then retrieved two pens from his case.

Mitzi knew what was going down and said nothing. Why would she do that?

He blew out a frustrated breath and studied the top sheet. His vision went blurry as he stared at the jumble of words. “I’d like a moment to speak with my manager.”

The suit nodded. “Of course.”

He glanced at the contract again and felt Harper watching him.

“I’ll skim over the paperwork while you speak with your manager,” she offered.

He nodded, then pegged Mitzi with his gaze. “A word, Mitz.”

“Why don’t you join us, Madelyn,” his manager said, then gestured with her chin to the other side of the room.

The two of them were in on it.

Once they were far enough away from Harper and the attorney, he crossed his arms. “You knew about this baking contest? Why didn’t you mention it when you called?” he pressed, lowering his voice.

“Because you wouldn’t have come if I’d told you.”

Damn right.

“You did sign off on allowing me to pursue this opportunity,” she added.

“When?”

“After your last concert.”

“I didn’t know what I was signing. I trust you to do what you know I can’t. And as kind as the CEO of the Cupid Bakery and her husband were, this reality show contest is bullshit.”

“It’s not bullshit. It’s brilliant,” Mitzi tossed back. “You need this opportunity, Landon. The public sees you as a waning pop star. This will get you in front of a different crowd and let people see another side of you.”

That’s what he expected and feared she’d say.

He pinched the bridge of his nose. “What about my music?”

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