Page 115 of Last First Kiss

That long look in Jamie’s eyes after Jordan said, “I’m glad you’re here.”

“Because Denz isn’t?”

Jordan shook his head, drunk. Not on alcohol. On… everything.

“Just because,” he finally said.

“Just because,” Jamie repeated, smiling enigmatically.

And the night went on.

Now, an uncomfortable shyness heats Jordan’s cheeks. “Um. I don’t think he’ll be there this year.”

“Why not?”

Because he’ll probably be on a yacht with his parents, with Sloane, he wants to scream.

Javi watches their exchange, his curiosity obvious.

Jordan pastes on a grin. “Nic, do you really want extra witnesses when I kick your ass at Spades?”

Nic flips both middle fingers. “Leave. We’re done here.”

After she’s gone, Jordan tugs out his keys. “Ready to head back to the office?”

“Or,” Javi says, phone in hand, “we could go grab drinks. Celebratory cocktails for all our hard work.”

“I’m pretty sure I did most of the work.”

“Is everything a competition with you?”

“Yes.”

Javi sputters a laugh. “Come on. You can pretend not to hate me for one—no,twodrinks.” He must sense Jordan’s hesitation. He adds, “Unless you’re too good for that? Maybe I should call my besties Kim and Connor instead?”

Jordan’s left eye twitches.

Javi scrolls his phone. “That wouldn’t bother you, right? Them thinking I’m more fun than you?”

“I’m a fuck-ton of fun,” Jordan seethes.

“Prove it.”

And that’s how Jordan finds himself at the Emerald Palace, a swanky Midtown bar. It was Javi’s suggestion. Jordan only agreed to come after googling and realizing it’s not the kind of place Jamie typically bartends at.

The interior has warm gold lighting and rich jade walls and ruby-red leather stools. At this hour, it’s barely half full. The after-work crowd hasn’t arrived yet.

Jordan orders his usual vodka soda with lime. Javi settles for aJack and ginger. After two sips, he says, “I never had anyone like you at Elite.”

“Meaning?”

“No one was as competitive as you.”

Jordan tilts his head. “Is that a compliment?”

“Doesn’t it sound like one?”

Jordan takes a swig. “Everything sounds like an insult coming from you.”