Page 31 of Last First Kiss

Sam guides Amy after his parents.

Jamie lingers. Again, his focus falls on Jordan. The way it used to when it was only them. Hanging out. Being friends… nothing else.

After a second, Jamie turns to Kami. “I really appreciate this.”

“Don’t thank me.” She elbows Jordan’s ribs. “He’s the one that’s gonna make it all happen.”

Jamie grins evenly. There’s a small cautiousness behind it.

“Thanks, Jordan.”

It comes out so genuine. Like everything about Jamie.

“You’re welcome,” Jordan whispers long after the door closes.

He’s not sure why he bothered saying it at all. Jamie shouldn’t be thanking him. Jordan doesn’t deserve it.

Because there’s no way in hell he’s planning this wedding.

-4-?Create Design Concepts

“We need to move fast on this. Which vendors are still available the last weekend of August? Let’s lock them in.”

Kami’s talking. Again.

She’sbeentalking. For two, three minutes now? Jordan lost count. Ever since the McClintocks and Amy left the conference room.

Ever since Jamie walked out.

Jordan should be the one talking. Rattling off fresh ideas to his boss. Making calls, scheduling appointments. He should be taking every little thing he now knows about Amy and Sam and crafting the most memorable day of their lives. Instead, he’s staring off into space.

“What themes are you considering?” Kami asks.

None, he wants to say. Not a single design concept comes to mind. He’s too focused on coming up with a way to get out of this mess.

It’s comical, really. The worst kind of irony.

Yesterday, he was preparing for the next step in his career. All he had to do was plan one damn wedding. Make it so grand, somarvelous, that Kami couldn’t look past him when promoting the next events manager.

It was too easy on paper. He should’ve known better.

“Jordan?”

He grimaces. “Y-yes?”

Kami’s eyes narrow. As if she suspects he’s a clone. Like thereal Jordan has been taken hostage, bound and gagged, his kidnappers demanding a million-dollar ransom that no one’s willing to pay.

If only, he thinks.

“What’s going on?” Kami inquires.

“Nothing.”

“You’re lying.”

“I’m not,” Jordan says unconvincingly.

“Iknowyou, Jordan.”