Page 35 of Last First Kiss

The corners of Javi’s mouth pinch.

Kami squeezes Jordan’s shoulder. “The McClintock wedding is Jordan’s project. Maybe you two can exchange ideas?”

“I’dloveto,” Javi says, pointedly smirking at Jordan.

It takes everything for him not to react.

“We’re excited about Jordan’s plans for the happy couple’s big day,” Kami says.

Guilt gnaws at Jordan’s insides. He needs to tell her the truth. That he’s opting out of the McClintock wedding.

Just not with Javi present.

“Kami, can we—”

Kami’s phone buzzes in her dress pocket. A smile lights up her face when she looks at the screen. “One sec, Jordan,” she tells him before answering.

“Mama!”

Jordan can’t help the way his own mouth curls up at Mikah’s excited squeal on FaceTime. He adores Kami’s seven-year-old son.

“Hi, sweetheart,” Kami says, her voice fond but still completely professional. “I’m at work—”

“Suraj saw a bone sticking out of a body last night!”

“Mikah!” From off-screen, Jordan hears Suraj’s familiar voice. He’s in his second year of pediatric residency. “That was our little secret, remember?”

“He’s gonna show me how to do a splinter,” Mikah cheers.

“It’s asplint,” Suraj calls, then gasps, mortified. “Forget I said that, love!”

Jordan presses a hand over his mouth to stop a laugh from leaping out.

Kami pinches the bridge of her nose. She says, loud enough for anyone off-screen to hear: “We’ll talk about what Suraj is andisn’tgoing to teach you over summer break later, okay, Mikah?”

“Okay, Mama!”

“Now, sweetheart,” Kami says, patience thinning, “pass the phone to Suraj.”

On her way to the door, she mouths,I’ll be right back.

“Please don’t kill me,” Suraj begs tinnily over the speaker. “I only have one year of residency left.”

“Perfect timing,” Kami all but growls. “Then you’ll know exactly how to revive yourself after I—”

The door closes before she finishes.

Immediately, Javi pivots to face Jordan.

“So.” He leans against the conference room table. There’s something about his stance Jordan doesn’t like. He’s already too comfortable. “You’re the new Denz around here?”

“I’m theJordanaround here,” Jordan bites.

Javi stares expectantly, like he’s waiting for more.

Jordan hates that he obliges. “I’m highly qualified. My organizational skills are exceptional. As is my record with clients. Feel free to ask any of them.”

“Impressive,” Javi says dryly. “But weren’t you anassistantthe last time I saw you? Working under Kami?”