Page 97 of Perfect (mis)Match

“Listen, I came pretty damn close to going pro,” he shot back. “But these guys convinced me to focus on our business instead.”

He pointed at Dominic and Trent.

“Yeah, you can thank us now,” Dominic said with a teasing grin. “We saved you from a traumatic brain injury.”

“Guys, let’s take the picture, okay? He needs to focus on his speech,” Paul said, ever the stable voice in the group.

We moved closer and slung our arms around each other’s shoulders.

Aiden held the camera out. “Three, two, one,Lost Boys!”

The old nickname always got a laugh out of us since we hadn’t been boys in forever.

“Thanks again, guys,” I said. “And don’t worry, I’m fine.”

“Yeah, sure you are,” Trent laughed. “You look more nervous now than you did before we jumped out of that plane together.”

“Hey, at least my safety was guaranteed with a professionally packed parachute,” I joked.

“Let’s get out there,” Dominic said. “I saved us seats in the back row, so we won’t be a distraction.”

“Trust me, I’m not going to see a thing in that room,” I replied. “I’m going to be staring directly into that camera.”

Paul stood off to the side with his arms crossed, watching me. We’d been okay since we’d talked things out at his apartment with Chloe, but there was still an edge to him, no doubt because Piper had filled him in on the lilac disaster. He finally approached me when the guys made their way back out to the ballroom.

“You got this,” he said as he clasped my shoulder. “Don’t worry.”

I swallowed hard. “Lotta moving parts. I just hope it all works out.”

“Chlo and I agree that this is perfect. You’re doing the right thing.”

“Thanks,” I said, the tension in my shoulders easing slightly. “I sure hope so.”

I watched him leave and went over my speech again. I didn’t even have to write it down. Everything I needed to say was in my heart—and had been for longer than I was willing to admit.

Linda peeked in the door. “You ready? You’ve got about three minutes.”

I took a deep breath. “I am.”

I followed Linda into the ballroom, and a quick glance around the room confirmed that it was a full house. It didn’t matter how big the crowd was, I never got nervous before speaking in public. At least, I never had before, when speaking about work.

But this wasn’t work, which explained why my heart was hammering away in my chest.

I glanced at the AV team near the livestream camera and got a thumbs-up, so I took my place behind the podium.

“Good afternoon, everyone,” I said, and the noise stopped. “I want to begin by thanking you for being here on such short notice. I recognize that it was an unusual request.” I paused to clear my throat. “I think it’ll be worth your time.”

I glanced around the room. Every face watching me was wearing a version of the same confused expression. I caught a few sideways glances, the kind people exchange when they know something’s about to happen but can’t quite figure out what.

“You’re all well aware that Summit releases a set number of fragrances per year. With the recent launch ofEvermore, you might’ve assumed it would be a while before you got something new from us.”

I let that hang in the air for a moment, feeling the ripple of curiosity growing through the room.

“But I’m here today to announce a surprise special release.”

A murmur went up from the crowd as I reached into the hidden shelf on the podium and pulled out a bottle. I glanced at the time.

I hoped Piper was watching.

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