Page 15 of My Irresistible Enemy

Mental note—no metal in the microwave.I’d have to remember that for later.

Before I could do anything about my butter, though, Tanner swooped in, coming to a stop right between my workstation and Nolan’s. Jesus, were they ever going to let me actually bake? Tanner had a camera with him too, of course—this one was manned by Nolan’s friend, Em.

“So, Aiden, Nolan,” Tanner said, holding his arms out like he was giving some kind of sermon. “How’s it going?”

I frowned, wondering why he was talking to both of us at the same time. I thought they’d be focusing on individual interviews in this first episode. Then I noticed Em turning the camera towards me, and I plastered a smile on my face instead.

“Just peachy.” I added a self-deprecating little laugh.

Nolan didn’t even look up. He just said, “Not bad,” and kept on working.

Now it was Tanner who frowned. I got the impression he wasn’t used to being ignored. But he brightened as he asked his next question.

“And how does it feel for you two, representing the LGBTQ portion of our audience?”

His tone was just as light and airy as it had been for the first question, but my head whipped around in shock. What the hell did he mean byyou two?

Did that mean—it couldn’t mean that—was Nolan…gay? He certainly wasn’t ignoring Tanner anymore. He was looking right at him, and his face was furious.

Shit, I’d just been teasing him before, trying to get a reaction. Was he actually gay and just really, really closeted? Was he straight, and Tanner was trying to rile him up in front of the camera? Or had I misunderstood the question entirely?

Tanner looked at the two of us expectantly. Someone had to say something, and clearly, Nolan wasn’t prepared to.

“Oh, well, you know,” I said, trying to keep my voice bouncy, “I wouldn’t say that I’m representing anybody other than myself. I would never want to presume.” I looked right into the camera and grinned. “But if there are any baby gays out there wondering if there’s a place for them on this show, I hope you know that you, too, could one day set your microwave on fire on TV.”

Just off-camera, I saw Nolan roll his eyes.

“Are you hoping to win the competition?” Tanner asked.

“Well, I’m hoping to winsomething. Whether it’s the competition, or just the attention of one of those delectable-looking dads a couple of ovens in front of me, I’m not too picky.”

Em made a choking noise. I couldn’t tell if he was horrified or trying not to laugh. Maybe both.

“So you’re not in a relationship, then?” Tanner said, which was a little weird. We’d wandered rather far afield from the topic of baking. But, hey, if the camera was rolling and focused on me, I was going to milk it for all it was worth.

“Hard to believe, right?” I batted my eyelashes at the camera. “So if there are any guys out there who are looking for a boy who sucks at math, but also sucks…other things. Well, feel free to vote for me.”

This time, Em’s chortle was unmistakable. I blew him a kiss. He might be Nolan’s friend, but at least he had a sense of humor.

“So, do you feel like you’re an inspiration to people, then?” Tanner asked.

“What, for my good looks and charm?” I arched an eyebrow. “Or for being on this show?”

“Either one.”

“Well, in that case, absolutely.” I made my voice as dramatic as possible. “Follow your dreams, babies. Love is love and baking is baking, no matter what kinds of holes you like to stick your butter in.”

“Jesus.” The word from Nolan was quiet but unmistakable, and Em swung the camera over to him.

“What about you, Nolan?” Tanner asked.

“What about me?” Nolan was back to focusing on his work, opening a carton of eggs. He didn’t look up.

“Do you feel like you’re an inspiration to anybody?” Tanner pressed. “With America growing more tolerant, even celebratory, of differences—”

“I wasn’t aware that my sexuality was anybody’s business.” Nolan cracked an egg sharply over the edge of his bowl.

“So youdon’twant people to know you’re bisexual?” Tanner asked, his voice mild.

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