Page 62 of Falling for the Billionaire Best Man

Eliza reappeared at that moment, oblivious to the tension. She was carrying a bottle of wine and another premade dip.

Dorie quickly excused herself. “I should probably get going,” she said, her tone apologetic. “It’s late, and I have work to do tomorrow.”

Eliza popped out her lower lip. “Ah, come on,” she said.

The bridesmaids erupted into laughter, their voices high-pitched and condescending. “Aww, that’s so cute! The little baker has to get up early!” one of them cooed.

I felt my blood start to boil as the women continued their taunting.

“Oh sweetie, you should stay!” another one chimed in, her voice dripping with fake concern. “Don’t you want to spend more time with your sister’s friends? We hardly ever see you!”

“Yeah, don’t be such a party pooper,” a third one added. “I’m sure your little cupcakes can wait.”

I watched Dorie’s face fall, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. She was trying so hard to keep it together, but I could see the hurt in her eyes. These women had no idea how hard she worked, how much she sacrificed for her business.

“Ladies, that’s enough,” I said, my voice low and firm. They all turned to look at me, surprise on their faces. “Dorie runs a successful business. She has responsibilities. Unlike some people, she actually works for a living instead of coasting on daddy’s money.”

The room fell silent. Eliza looked mortified, her eyes darting between me and her friends. Cullen was watching from across the room, his expression a mix of concern and approval.

“We were only joking,” Samantha said.

“I think everyone has had a little too much to drink,” Eliza said.

“I’m going to go,” Dorie said. “You guys have fun. I’ll see you all later.”

Eliza walked Dorie to the foyer.

“I’ll get her home,” I said to Cullen.

“Sorry about that,” Cullen said.

“It’s not me anyone needs to be apologizing to.”

I hung back as Eliza and Dorie said their goodbyes.

“I’m taking you home,” I said to Dorie when she pulled out her phone to order an Uber.

“You don’t have to,” she said. “No need for you to leave.”

“Eliza!” one of them women called from the living room.

“I’ll see you guys tomorrow,” Eliza said and left us alone.

I couldn’t wait. I needed to comfort her in some way. Before I could think better of it, I pressed her through a doorway into the coat closet and shut the door behind us.

The space was small and dark, the only light coming from the crack under the door. I could hear the muffled sounds of the party picking up once again.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

“I’m fine. I’m just going to go. You don’t need to leave the party.”

“Fuck that.”

I kissed her, pressing her into the coats. It was hot and heavy, my hands roaming over the curves I’d been dreaming about since the moment we met. She kissed me back, her fingers tangling in my hair, and for a moment, I forgot where we were, who we were, and why this was such a bad idea.

When I finally pulled away, we were both breathless. I dragged my coat down with me and shrugged it on, trying to steady my racing heart.

“Let’s go,” I said.

“What about the party?”

“I don’t care,” I said, my tone leaving no room for argument. “I’m not letting you leave alone.”

She hesitated, her eyes searching mine.

I leaned in, my lips brushing against her ear. “Do you really think I’m going to let you walk out of here without knowing exactly what that kiss meant?”

She shivered, her breath hitching, and I knew I had her. She was putty in my hands, and I didn’t feel guilty about it. I wanted her—badly—and I wasn’t going to pretend otherwise.

We slipped out of the closet without anyone even realizing we had been in there. I grabbed my keys from the table by the door. Dorie was quiet as we walked to my car, her arms wrapped around herself. I opened the passenger door for her. She slid inside without a word. I climbed into the driver’s seat, my mind still reeling from what just happened.

As I started the car, Dorie turned to me, her voice soft. “Kaisen, what are we doing?”

I glanced at her and debated how to answer that. “I don’t know,” I admitted. “But I know I don’t want to stop.”

She nodded. “Okay. Honest. I like that.”

I chuckled and pulled onto the street. This was probably a mistake. There was still a chance she might change her mind. But unless she told me no, I was going to have her tonight. I was going to get her naked and bury myself inside her.