Page 95 of I Think They Love You

The absolute nerve of Braylon Adams to show up looking like the promising beginning of a dream has destabilized Denz’s concentration.

“We should,” he attempts. “We need to, uh…”

Braylon dips his head to whisper, “Plan?”

They agreed to meet early. Strategize. It’s their first appearance together since the gala. Their last real chance to win the Carters over before his dad makes a final decision. Tonight needs to be perfect.

Yet, the one brain cell Denz has left is so focused on how soft Braylon’s lips look from this angle, he forgets to nod.

“Should we—” Braylon’s eyes trace Denz’s face. “—go about it the way we did on Valentine’s?”

“You mean argue aboutThe Bachelorin front of everyone?”

“No, you git.Improv.If we’re asked any questions.”

Denz tries to form a response, but Braylon reaches up. His thumbs brush lint from Denz’s lapels. It’s infuriating, the way his body stiffens and relaxes at the same time.

“Save it for the pictures, losers.”

Kami appears from around a corner in a sleeveless, Catalina-blue drape-front dress with gold heels. Her hair’s elegantly pinned up, showing off her heart-shaped face, her pearl necklace.

“Quite stunning, Kamila,” Braylon says by way of greeting.

“Not trying to outdo the guest of honor, are you?” Denz teases.

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” Kami smirks. “You two look… cozy.”

Denz is spared from giving a stammering, pathetic response. Soon, Jordan hustles up, speaking breathlessly into an earpiece. He has a tablet tucked under one arm, a phone in hand, and the eyes of a man seconds from cracking.

“Guests are mingling. Tables are set. Tech check is good,” he rattles off. “Kim says appetizers are ready. Sedwicks almost here.”

“My dad?” Kami asks while procuring the phone from his shaky grip.

“Arrived ten minutes ago.”

“Entrance music?”

“Fixed,” Jordan swears. “Warner’s request for Black Eyed Peas ‘I Gotta Feeling’ has been nixed.”

Braylon looks mortified.

“Wonderful.” Kami types out an email before eyeing Jordan. “When was the last time you hydrated?”

“Two hours ago?”

“Water. Now,” she instructs. “Deep breaths, J. We’ve got this.”

Jordan nods before grinning. “Damn, you’re good at this.” He double-times it back in the direction he came from.

Kami stares blankly at her phone.

Denz stands back, trying to filter his expression. It’s not that he hasn’t seen Kami in action. He’s been by her side enough times to know she’s all business, never rattled. But it’s different now. Hernameis on the line.

Underneath all the poise and elegance, Denz can see the 5 percent of fear that she’s not enough, a feeling he lives with twenty-four-seven.

“You two,” Kami says, back in command mode, “photos, then inside for dinner and speeches.”

Denz tenses.

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