Page 36 of Last First Kiss

A tightness moves from Jordan’s back molars down through his shoulders. “What’s your point?”

“Oh, nothing.” Javi waves a dismissive hand. “You’re obviously good. I doubt the CEO would promote someone who wasn’t. Unless…” he trails off.

Jordan doesn’t need him to finish the sentence. The implication is obnoxiously loud.

It’s not something Jordan hasn’t heard before. Or seen in people’s faces when they find out he’s related to the former owner of the company. The current one too. But Kenneth didn’t hire Jordan because he was family. Kami didn’t promote him because of it either.

Jordanearnedhis spot.

“You’re awfully interested in my career,” he observes.

Javi laughs. “Because we’re colleagues!”

Jordan doesn’t believe his answer.

“By the way.” Javi’s grin teeters on the edge of smug. It makes his face decidedly punchable. “Isn’t there an events manager position open?”

Jordan narrows his eyes. “Why?”

“Just curious. It was my old position.”

“At youroldjob.”

“You keep bringing that up,” Javi notes.

“Because it’s relevant information.”

“To you, maybe. I’m not the enemy.”

Jordan can’t tell.

Javi steps closer. “Listen, I’m here to learn from the best,” he begins, sincerity in his voice. “I want to help shape 24 Carter Gold into whatever Kami envisions. Sorry if it didn’t come across that way earlier.”

A beat passes.

Jordan’s eyes never stray from Javi. Like he’s a cat in a room full of breakable objects. He can’t be trusted.

“And I’m sure,” Javi goes on as he drops a careless hand on Jordan’s shoulder, “you’re capable of handling a big-name client like the McClintocks.”

Jordan ismorethan capable. If he was still planning on working with them. Which he’s not.

“With your experience, it should be no problem,” Javi adds. He flashes Jordan a winning smile. “But if not, I’d be happy to step in.”

“Is that so?”

Javi gives his shoulder a small squeeze. “A wedding like theirs would look amazing on my résumé.”

Jordan bites hard on the inside of his cheek.

“It would also make me a stand-out candidate for the events manager position.” Javi’s eyes gleam. “Don’t you think?”

Finally, Jordan shrugs his hand away.

Fuck no. He refuses to let this (nicely dressed) prick waltz into their company and take over a spot Jordan’s busted his ass for. He’s not working under Javi. He doesn’t even want to workwithhim.

Before he can get any of that out, the door pops open.

Kami’s head peeks in. “How’s everything going?”