She nods, nearly bursting into tears again when I tell her she’ll have another chance. In this industry, a mishap like this can be the difference between a booming business booked every weekend, and a sad sap going door to door at event agencies begging for work.

I don’t want to be the one to hang her up to dry.

But I also have to do my job.

As soon as Sammi leaves, Brittany pops her head into the kitchen. “Alright, we’re heading out.” She frowns, looking around the empty space. “I thought I saw the crew come back here. I was going to tell them they need to move the dance floor about seven inches to the left. It’s not going to be center with the stage.”

“They just took a quick break to eat,” I explain. “Ran down to their favorite restaurant. Don’t worry, I’ll stick around until they get back.”

She arches a brow. “You sure?”

“I got this,” I assure her. “I want to take a second look at the cake, anyway, and you know how picky I am when it comes to table runners. I just want to make sure it’s all in order, then I’m out the door. Promise,” I added when she went to argue with me.

“Okay, but don’t stay too late.” She sighs, shaking her head. “A morning wedding. Who does that? I’m already crying thinking about setting my alarm for three AM.”

My smile is tight. “You and me both.”

With a salute, my boss leaves, and then I’m alone.

“Motherfucking shit balls!” I scream, grinding my teeth as I lean back against the countertop. I tap my fingers on the edge of the granite, thinking.

The wedding is huge — two-hundred-and-sixty guests, plus all the vendors. There’s no way I can set up the tables, chairs, linens, centerpieces, and dance floor by myself. I’d be lucky to get even half done before Brittany showed back up in the morning.

I sigh, pulling out my phone and dialing the first person I can think of who might be able to help.

Which, coincidentally, happens to be the last person who was inside me.

The phone rings and rings, but Jarrett doesn’t pick up. I debate just hanging up but decide I don’t have time for pride right now.

“Hey, I need your help. I’m texting you an address now. Can you grab some of your coworkers or a couple buddies and help me with some event set up? I can pay. Long story but… I’m in a bind.”

I don’t know what else to say, so I hang up and text the address.

As soon as I do, Jarrett texts back with a line of question marks. Then, he texts Is this where I should go when I’m ready to ravage you after the rally?

The rally.

Shit.

I close my eyes and force a breath as I text back Going to be honest, completely forgot about the rally. Disregard my voicemail and have a good time. Text me after.

Jarrett asks if everything is okay next, to which I lie and say of course. His agency is running a rally downtown for the guy they want to support in the next election for mayor. I know how important it is for him, and how hard he’s been working on it. I can’t steal him away just because my vendor left me in hot water.

My stomach twists as I pull up my next option — who would have been the first person I called, if I’m being honest with myself, had I not been avoiding him for weeks.

I just don’t know how to face him, now that I’ve spent time with Jarrett.

I don’t know how to tell him that I still have really intense feelings for his brother.

I don’t know how to tell him that I might…

No, I think to myself, shaking my head. These thoughts can wait for another night.

Before I can talk myself out of it by reminding myself just how shitty a person I am, I find Kade’s contact in my phone — heart squeezing at the photo of me on his back, arms wrapped around his neck, both of us smiling.

“Jess?” he answers on the second ring.

“I need you.”

And that’s all I have to say.

It’s an absolute masterpiece to watch, Kade and his brothers whipping a ballroom into immaculate event shape in under three hours. They’re all so brawny and attentive that I just point and instruct and like little worker bees, they do exactly what I ask of them.

Of course, it’s a little rowdy, too. After all, it’s a Friday night and I’ve suckered them into working. But when Kade said he could come and he’d have a crew, I immediately ran to the store and grabbed provisions — meaning lots and lots of booze.

And pizza, of course.

Someone hooked their phone up to one of the giant speakers and has been blasting dubstep all night, and I’ve seen just as many shots being taken as I’ve seen tables being set up.

Tags: Kandi Steiner Romance
Source: readsnovelonline.net