Page 14 of Falling for the Billionaire Best Man

6

KAISEN

Istood in the laundry room of the mansion I’d rented for the next month, scrubbing strawberry icing out of my shirt with more force than necessary.

I didn’t know why I was bothering. It didn’t matter. I could just buy a new shirt. I wasn’t entirely sure where my shirts went after I put them in the laundry. Back home, I had a housekeeper that handled my dirty clothes. I was sure she sent the stuff to the cleaners.

Probably.

I tossed the shirt into the washing machine and stomped up to the master bedroom to change. The place was nice—tasteful, historic, and way too big for one person. But it was Cape May, and if I was going to be stuck here for the next four weeks, I might as well do it in style.

The house had a certain charm, with its wide porches, ocean views, and enough room to host a small army. Which, unfortunately, I’d be doing soon enough. Bridal showers, game nights, and whatever other pre-wedding nonsense Cullen and Eliza had dreamed up.

And that meant Dorie would be here. In this house. My space.

The thought made my stomach twist in a way I didn’t want to examine too closely. Especially after today. That moment in the bakery—the way she’d licked icing off her finger—had rewired my brain. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. About her. It was infuriating.

My suitcase was sitting on the bed waiting to be unpacked. I unzipped it and pulled on a T-shirt. I heard my phone vibrating on the dresser.

I grabbed it and saw Cullen’s name on the screen.

“Hey,” I answered. “You on your way?”

“About that,” Cullen said, his voice sheepish.

I already knew what was coming. “Oh, don’t you dare.”

“Eliza and I decided to do a little road trip. You know, make it romantic. We’re renting a cute little bungalow near the water. We’ll be there Monday or Tuesday.”

I groaned, running a hand through my hair. “So, what? I’m just supposed to sit here in this massive house by myself until then?”

“Pretty much,” Cullen said, laughing. “Although you can sit wherever you want, technically.”

“Guys,” I sighed. “I could have stayed in the city.”

“You’re on vacation. Relax. Enjoy the beach. Have a drink and stare stoically at the sea. Oh, and can you do me a huge favor?”

“Absolutely not,” I said sulkily.

“Can you check out the venue on Monday? And meet with the wedding planner? Eliza and I won’t be there in time, and we need someone to finalize some details. The planner has to do it on Monday.”

I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. “It is so hard to be your friend right now.”

“That’s why you’re the best man,” Cullen said with a laugh. “’Cause you’re the best, man.”

“You should give a toast for me at your reception,” I said, shaking my head.

Eliza’s voice echoed through the phone. “Don’t worry. Dorie will be there, too. Be nice! Thank you! We love you soooo much, K!”

I rolled my eyes, though I couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at my lips. “Yeah, yeah. Put it in the toast. Enjoy your trip. Just a reminder, you typically take a honeymoon after the wedding—not before.”

With a chuckle, I hung up and sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the wall. My typical schedule was in shambles. I was supposed to be on vacation, helping Cullen with his wedding, not sitting alone in a massive house with nothing to do. The thought made me restless.

Of course, they’d bail last minute and leave me to deal with their wedding nonsense. Typical. I should’ve known better than to agree to be best man. I wasn’t exactly the kind of guy who thrived on wedding planning or floral arrangements or whatever else was on the agenda for Monday. What was the meeting even about?

I headed back downstairs to see if the property manager had filled the fridge with my requested snacks and beer. I had paid her an extra hundred to make it happen. The woman was as good as gold.

I opened the fridge and stared at the IPA beer I requested along with the Pellegrino. Yogurt, cheese, and a fruit tray. I grabbed a Pellegrino and the fruit tray and went out to the back porch, where a set of wicker chairs faced the ocean. The sun was beginning to set behind me, casting a golden glow over the water. I sank into one of the chairs, popping open the bottle and taking a long sip. The salty breeze swept across the porch, carrying with it the faint sound of waves crashing against the shore. It was peaceful, sure, but also lonely.