Page 76 of Before You Say I Do

She made it to the bottom, where Delta was standing with Jordan. They both stared at her. It was only then she remembered she still had spot cream on her face. She shook her head. It was incidental tonight.

“Hi,” Abby said. She searched Jordan’s face for a sign, but she was giving nothing away.

“Hi,” Jordan replied. “Just came to get my car. That way, I can be in and out tomorrow with minimum fuss.”

Abby nodded. “Good thinking.” You could cut the tension with a knife.

“Is it wise for you to come tomorrow at all?” Delta asked Jordan. “With everything that’s happened?”

Jordan dipped her head. She took a breath before she replied. “That’s up to Abby. She’s paid for a service.”

“And you’ve over-delivered, I understand,” Delta replied.

Abby gulped, but said nothing.

“If she doesn’t want me to come, Abby just has to say the word. I’m here to help the bride, not hinder. But unless I hear otherwise, I’ll turn up and fulfil my duties as planned. Even if it kills me.”

Jordan’s chest heaved as she gave Abby a searing look.

Then she turned on her heel and left.

Chapter 28

Jordan cutthe engine and sat inside her car outside her flat. She gripped the steering wheel.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

What the hell was she going to do? She was in too deep. Abby knew it. She knew it. They’d been trying to contain it all week, but it was impossible. The genie was out of the bottle.

Her passenger door creaking open startled Jordan. Moments later, Karen sat down beside her and slammed the door.

“You really should lock your door, you know. Any kind of knife-wielding freak could open it and get you at any time.”

“Or worse still, you.” Jordan gave her a smile despite herself.

Karen flicked on the interior light and twisted in her seat, assessing Jordan. “So did you see her?”

A nod.

“And? All sorted?”

Jordan gave her a look. “Yep. We had a farewell shag, and now it’s done.”

Karen snorted. “Pub, then?”

Jordan sighed. “I wish.”

Karen banged on the dashboard. “What actually happened?”

“I picked up my keys, saw Marcus, then Delta came down, then Abby, and it was all sorts of awkward.” She sighed. “There’s just… every time we’re in proximity of each other, there’s a tension in the air, you know? Something I can’t quite pin down. But when Abby’s anywhere near me, I can hardly breathe.”

“It’s called desire, Jordan. It’s called kissing someone, having illicit sex with them once, and now not being able to think of anything else until it happens again.”

“It’s bloody draining, that’s what it is. How does anybody get any work done when this is happening? I can’t concentrate on anything. All I’m thinking about is her. Abby, 24/7.”

Karen put a hand on her knee. “I believe it’s known as falling for someone.”

Jordan threw up her hands. “I don’t have time to fall for someone. Especially when that someone is the one I’m meant to be getting down the aisle. She’s saying ‘I do’ tomorrow, and I’m sitting in my car, wondering if she might change her mind. Honestly, who am I kidding? I’m the wedding expert, aren’t I? I’ve done nearly 30 weddings. How many of them have resulted in a bride or groom not going through with it?”