Page 145 of Last First Kiss

He never finds out.

Jordan’s too busy making sure everything’s perfect. His goals won’t be deferred for Jamie’s tongue or anything else.

Before he realizes it, the last weekend of the month arrives. The wedding’s thirty days away. But first… the postponed engagement dinner.

On the McClintocks’ insistence, it’s hosted at one of their summer properties. A gated mega mansion deep in the hilly lushness of Sandy Springs. The house is Mediterranean inspired with modern elements. Eight bedrooms, a chef’s kitchen. The backyard alone is the size of a village.

Jordan sets the party in the stunning garden. A preview ofwhat guests can expect at the actual wedding. Inside the massive white tent, he organizes the vendor employees. Javi’s in charge of catering and the waitstaff. They meet every half hour to discuss any needed adjustments.

It’s all gone seamlessly so far. Jordan hasn’t decided if that’s a good or bad omen.

There’s no time to decide. Guests appear just before sunset. Lydia, in a floral jacquard dress, leads a small crowd into the tent. She beams Jordan’s way.

“Everything looks so lovely!”

He nods dutifully.

Underlying it all, a sweet violin rendition of “At Last” plays.

“Nice touch with the live band,” Lydia says on her way to entertain new arrivals. “Tom, isn’t it wonderful?”

Tom hums his approval. He’s distracted by a whiskey neat that he downs in one swallow. After, he’s pulled from conversation to conversation with a group of silver-haired Hollywood types.

Most of the attendees are friends of Tom and Lydia. Some are lower-level celebs, an occasional pop star turned actor. The country club variety with their all-white ensembles to match their too-bright teeth.

Lydia refused to invite the press. “I want it casual,” she asserted. “Let’s focus on the happy couple!”

Still, Jordan can’t help but wonder if Amy knows a single person here.

He takes in the space.

Javi has a flock of servers laughing, already so in love, they’d fall on a sword for him. Watching it happen doesn’t irritate Jordan like it used to. He sees the value in the Javier Velasco charm. No doubt it can be wielded in evil ways. But if it keeps this event on task, Jordan will take it.

Sam is trading champagne flutes for hugs and handshakes. Like a good son, he greets everyone as they walk in. Jordan hasn’t seen Amy since the hair and makeup people swept her away to a private bedroom.

He adds a note to his list to check on her.Soon.

Right after he stops staring at the latest entry to the tent. It’s a struggle to keep his jaw from dropping.

Jamie Peters in casual wear with rumpled hair? Top five favorite sights.

Jamie Peters naked and smiling? An untouchable first place.

But Jamie Noah Peters in an all-black designer suit, the first two shirt buttons undone, throat and collarbone exposed, early sunset painting his skin gold?

Life ruining. Soul destroying. Slowly creeping into top two territory.

He grins Jordan’s way.

Jordan wants to cross the large gap between them and kiss him. Pretend no one else is here. But they are.

So Jordan holds up his iPad as if to say,I’m working hard and you looking this fuckinghotis very distracting.

Jamie clearly doesn’t receive the message. He shifts through the crowd in Jordan’s direction.

And he’s not alone.

It’s been years since Jordan’s seen Jeff and Liz Peters. She has Jamie’s brown eyes, same wavy hair, hers spun up into an elaborate bun. Her smile’s pleasant and approachable, even though she barely acknowledges anyone. Jamie gets his height and facial structure from Jeff. He forces them to pause so he can chat with Tom and Lydia and other familiar faces.