Page 22 of Last First Kiss

He doesn’t like it.

“I want you to know,” she starts, her tone part boss, part sisterly. There’s a five-year age gap between them. Since Jordan’s an only child, Kami has always instinctively slid into this role, whether he asks for it or not.

This is one of those latter times.

“Oh God, now, Kami?” Jordan groans incredulously. “Out of all possible moments, you pickright nowto give me a pep talk?”

A month ago, when Kami first presented her idea during the Monday staff meeting, Jordan wasn’t sure how it would go. It was a bold move. Unexpected, especially for her. Eric, their sole events manager, almost choked on his water. Cheryl, Kami’s executive assistant,didchoke, spitting her coffee across the walnut table.

Coughing, she said, “Kamila, you’re not serious.”

“I am,” Kami confirmed. She stood tall, her shoulders confidently squared. “It’s time we elevate the company above our competitors. We’re returning to what put our name on the map.”

No one could believe her next words.

Not even Jordan.

“We’re getting back into wedding planning!”

24 Carter Gold hasn’t been in the wedding industry for over a decade. It had been a tough decision for Uncle Kenny. He grew tired of the focus being on the extravagant, cover-worthy ceremonies rather than those quiet, intimate moments the couples would remember forever. He wanted something more personal. Not just for the people who hired them, but for the company he had built.

The premature gray hairs from nightmarish clients probably contributed to his choice too.

Initially, Kami opposed the proposition of reentering the wedding circuit. She fought against the idea anytime someone suggested it. But something changed. Jordan doesn’t know what. All that matters is she chosehimto spearhead their reintroduction.

“You know vendors. Flowers and decorations. The best venues,” she ticked off on her fingers. “You knowpeople, Jordan. Clients love you.”

He tried to conceal his prideful grin.

“Most of all,” Kami said, beaming, “you never let anything— or anyone—stop you from achieving a goal. I believe in you.”

Now, he’s starting to question whether she really meant that last part.

“There’s nothing to worry about,” Jordan tells her.

“I’m not worried.”

“Your face says otherwise.”

Kami blinks twice, her expression shifting. She slips back into boss mode. “You’re right. Nothing to worry about. Let’s do this.”

He follows her toward the lobby.

“Remind me again,” Jordan says, doing a final read-through of the fact sheet he created on his iPad, “how’d you find this couple?”

The search for the ideal pair for the company’s first foray back into weddings was a secretive, cutthroat process. Kami took her time making the decision, which isn’t even public yet. She refused to go with whatever rich family threw money at them for the extra spotlight time. She wanted to do this right.

She needed her very own Audrey Hudson.

“It’s a favor for an old friend,” she answers.

“An old friend,” Jordan repeats.

Kami doesn’t elaborate. It’s fine. That’s a small, unimportant detail. What matters is that he makes them fall head over heels for 24 Carter Gold’s vision.

Forhisvision.

They round into the lobby just as the elevator doors slide open.