Page 6 of Falling for the Billionaire Best Man

I shook my head, trying to process what he was saying. “That’s… really dark, Kaisen. But this isn’t about you. This is about Cullen and Eliza. They’re in love, and they want to celebrate that love with their friends and family. And as their best man and maid of honor, it’s our job to help make that happen.”

He didn’t respond, just stared at me with that infuriatingly blank expression.

“You need to get over your commitment issues and help your friend,” I said, barely able to restrain my anger. “This is my sister’s wedding, and I will make your life miserable if you mess this up in any way.”

To my surprise, he didn’t back down. Instead, he smirked, his eyes locking onto mine. “Is that a threat?”

I held his gaze, refusing to be intimidated. “It’s a promise.”

For a moment, we stared at each other. It was a real standoff. I didn’t know him, and he didn’t know me, but I didn’t back down. I didn’t care how rich and handsome he was. This was my sister’s wedding, and it was going to be fantastic. He could help or not. The tension between us crackled like a live wire. I saw the moment he caved.

“Fine,” he said. “I’ll play along. But I have to go back to New York. I’ve got a real job, unlike some people who get to bake cookies all day and be done by ten a.m.”

I bristled at the jab, but before I could respond, he decided to continue his haughty lecture. “Have some cake flavors ready to taste by Friday evening. I’ll be back then.”

And with that, he turned on his heel and walked out, leaving me standing there, fuming. I snatched my phone off the counter and immediately called Eliza, my fingers trembling with anger. I wasn’t sure if she knew what she was getting into. I liked Cullen, but there was a saying about the company you kept. If Kaisen was Cullen’s best friend, we needed to rethink this whole “until death do us part” thing.

“Hey, Dorie!” Eliza’s cheerful voice came through the line. “How’s it going with Kaisen? Did you guys settle on a cake?”

“Where did Cullen find this guy?” I demanded, pacing the kitchen. “He’s insufferable. Is this a prank? Tell me this was a bad joke. Kaisen cannot possibly be Cullen’s friend. Have you met this dude?”

Eliza laughed, clearly not taking me seriously. “Oh, come on. He’s not that bad.”

“Not that bad? He’s a walking disaster. He has no idea what Cullen likes, he’s completely unromantic, and he thinks weddings are stupid. How is he even friends with Cullen? And he’s an asshole. Super dick. How have you not killed him?”

“Kaisen’s… complicated,” Eliza said. “But he’s a good guy, deep down. He’s just been through a lot.”

I sighed, shaking my head and wondering if this was going to work. “Well, he’s going to have to get over it. This is your wedding, and I’m not going to let him ruin it. If he can’t be a decent human, he’s going to wear the cake.”

Eliza laughed again. “Dorie, don’t kill him, okay? Cullen would be devastated. They are best friends. Brothers, really.”

“I’ll try,” I muttered, though I wasn’t sure I meant it. “But if he shows up on Friday with that same attitude, all bets are off.”

“Fair enough,” Eliza said. “Just give him a chance. He’s not as bad as he seems.”

I rolled my eyes. “If you say so. But I’m not holding my breath. He knocked me down. Didn’t even apologize.”

“He knocked you down?” she asked with surprise.

“Yes! He was running like a hundred miles an hour and just plowed into me!”

“I don’t understand.”

“I was walking to work, and he just came out of nowhere like a freight train,” I said.

She laughed again, clearly not bothered by my near-death experience. “Kaisen is a runner.”

“He’s a wrecking ball. But I won’t kill him before the wedding.”

“I know you won’t,” Eliza said. “You’re the best, Dorie. Just try to be patient with him. He’s not as tough as he seems.”

I wasn’t so sure about that, but I didn’t argue. “Fine. But if he gives me any more trouble, I’m not responsible for what happens. I may not kill him, but I can’t promise he won’t be missing a toe or be bruised underneath his tux.”

Eliza laughed again, and we chatted for a few more minutes before hanging up. Kaisen was infuriating, but Eliza was right. I couldn’t let him get to me. This was about her and Cullen, not about my personal feelings. I didn’t have to deal with the man after the wedding. Like he said, he had far more important things back in New York. I might have to see him at the birth of their first baby or something, but I doubted I would ever see him much beyond that.

I took a deep breath and told myself he was not my problem. He wasn’t my friend or my future husband’s friend.

“Suck it up, Buttercup,” I told myself.