Page 37 of Last First Kiss

Javi smiles brilliantly. “Phenomenal! Jordan was just—”

“TellingJavier,” Jordan interjects with a smirk, “that I can’t wait to get things rolling with the McClintocks.”

An eager grin tugs at the corners of Kami’s mouth.

“I’m picturing big things for the wedding,” Jordan carries on. “The cover ofPeople. A four—no,five-page spread inSouthern Bride. Even Oprah’s gonna have FOMO if she misses this event.”

Kami laughs. “Okay. Calm down, Jordan.”

But he can’t. His heart thrums like a luxury car engine. Adrenaline buzzes hotly in his system. It’s like a Carter family Monopoly night and he owns both Park Place and Boardwalk. It’s like being in double overtime during a basketball playoff.

His competitive drive has taken over.

There’s no way Jordan’s backing out now.

“I should go.” He swipes up his iPad.

“So soon?” Javi says with fake disappointment.

Jordan ignores him. He locks eyes with Kami. “I’ll have theme ideas and potential vendor options for you before end of day.”

In the doorway, Jordan beams widely for Javi.

“Sam and Amy’s wedding will be the biggest event Atlanta’s seen in a long time.”

On the way to his office, he feels a bead of sweat slide downhis back. His hands shake at his sides. Did he really commit to this wedding?

Once inside, Jordan paces in circles. Usually this helps. Walking off the stress. Clearing his mind so he can focus on his goals.

After a fifth lap, he pauses. He steadies his breathing and smiles.

He’s fine. Everything is fine.

Because Jordan is a professional.

He wasmadefor this.

How difficult can planning one life-changing wedding—and spending an entire summer with Jamie Peters—be?

Love can’t always be perfect. Love is just love.

—The Wedding Planner

Last Valentine’s Day

JAMIE

TODAY 10:58 PM

I’m starvingggg!!! I know a cool diner downtown. I’m off soon.

late night pie on me?

Don’t make me eat alone

This is not how Jordan anticipated ending his Valentine’s Day:

At a cozy, semi-crowded diner downtown. Sitting in a booth upholstered in electric-blue vinyl. Hand-cut paper hearts strung from the ceiling. The Cure’s “Friday I’m in Love” humming quietly over the speakers. Wearing a burgundy, slim-fit Paul Smith suit while eating key lime pie.