Page 23 of Last First Kiss

From his research, Jordan knows exactly what to expect when the happy couple steps off.

Sam McClintock, twenty-five. A classically handsome white man. Tousled dark blond hair, big rock-candy-blue eyes, boyish cheeks. Son of BAFTA award–winning director Tom McClintock.

Then there’s Amy Welch, twenty-four. Half Korean, half white. Sweet-faced with caramel highlights in her dark, blunt bob. An infectious, dimpled smile. Jordan doesn’t have as much intel on her, but he knows she’s Atlanta-raised.

Sam and Amy are college sweethearts who graduated from Emory together.

They walk toward him, hands clasped.

Not far behind are Sam’s parents, Tom and Lydia. They fell in love over taxes. Lydia was Tom’s accountant. It’s not the sexiest love story. But who is Jordan to judge?

No matter how long he showered, he still reeks of last night’s failure.

Kami’s smile sparkles. “Sam, Amy. Mr. and Mrs. McClintock. Welcome to the 24 Carter Gold offices. We’re so excited to have you here!”

Jordan steps forward, his iPad under one arm. He flashes a practiced, electric grin. As he reaches to shake hands, Amy blurts, “Oh, wait! There’s one more.”

He pauses, eyebrows raised.

Their meeting was scheduled for four people.

“Of course,” Kami says. “I figured he’d show up.”

“Sorry,” Amy says to Jordan, no doubt noticing his confused expression. “He’s parking the car.”

Jordan forces his smile not to slip. “Um, right.He, as in—”

A second later, the elevator doors open again.

Jordan prepares himself for Amy’s dad. Maybe another family member.

But that’s not who steps off the elevator.

Instead, Jordan’s met with wavy brown hair. Broad shoulders. Tan skin and a pair of not-just-brown eyes. The man’s posture is easy, relaxed as he advances in their direction. His crooked grin stretches the left side of his mouth higher than the right, his lips soft in a way Jordanshouldn’tknow about.

But he does.

Jordan knows exactly how soft—and dangerous—those damn lips are.

It’s him, in the flesh. Standing right in front of Jordan.

Jamie fucking Peters.

-3-?Choose a Theme

Keep it together, Jordan repeats obsessively in his head.

This mantra is the only reason he’s still on his feet. Why he hasn’t vomited all over Amy’s beautiful coral sundress. Those three words are preventing him from turning his resignation in to Kami, effective immediately, and flinging himself into morning traffic.

In the middle of 24 Carter Gold’s lobby, Jordan’s doing his bestI’m not panickingimpression while staring at the last man he expected to see today.

Or, like, any day. Since he’s been, you know,actively avoiding him.

“Jamie,” he says hoarsely. “W-what are you doing here?”

Jamie’s lips open. Amy answers first: “He’s my best man.”

Something lodges in the back of Jordan’s throat. It’s most likely his soul trying to evacuate the premises.