Page 53 of Last First Kiss

Jordan recognizes what Javi’s doing. He’s seen it on thebasketball court too many times. The gamesmanship. Trash-talking. Javi’s trying to get under his skin.

He doesn’t take the bait.

Calmly, he says, “Does it kill you? Being the newbie? Praying every day for Kami to give you a small, minuscule, insignificant task while I plan one of Atlanta’s biggest weddings?”

Javi doesn’t answer.

Jordan leans forward. “Does it destroy your soul knowing thatKami’s former assistantis better than you?”

Finally, a muscle in Javi’s jaw flexes.

Jordan relaxes back into his chair, satisfied.

After a beat, Javi’s brown eyes wander around the office. Over Jordan’s shelf of succulents. His canvas painting of Malibu Pier hangs next to a fitted LA Lakers hat. The whiteboard on one wall is covered in dates and notes.

Something suddenly changes in Javi’s expression.

He folds his hands behind his head. His shirtsleeves bunch up more. The beginnings of a tattoo are revealed. Tucked on the inside of his elbow. Delicate black ink forms the outline of a flower.

A white mariposa.

Jordan recognizes it from an arrangement Uncle Kenny ordered years ago for a party. Except this one’s petals are filled in with bold shades of red and blue, a white star where the pistil would be.

The Cuban flag.

“I love competitions,” Javi announces. “Especially when the other guy’s nowhere on my level.”

A retort builds in Jordan’s throat. He stops himself when someone knocks on his door.

Cheryl steps inside, frowning.

“Mom, what’s wrong?”

“Oh, Jor-Bear.” She exhales.

Javi sits up, intrigued. Fire spreads wildly through Jordan’s face as he says, “We’re at work, Mom, remember?”

She waves him off. “I heard about Jess.”

Well, fuck.

He meant to follow up with his mom about that. Preferably before she could get in contact with Jess. “Listen, Mom,” he tries, “can we—”

“Don’t worry. I didn’t think she was the one, anyway.”

Jordan almost laughs hysterically.

Just last week, his mom was picking out the engagement ring. He’s not surprised by the change, though. It never fails. Cheryl gets attached to theideaof Jordan being in love. Then, when it inevitably doesn’t work out, she finds a reason why the problem washis date, not Jordan.

He loves that about her. She never sees him as the issue. Even when he doesn’t agree.

“Honestly, she missed out,” Cheryl goes on. “Does she think she’s better than you?”

Jordan winces. “Um, no?”

“Because you’re a catch!”

“Thanks, but—”