Page 91 of Falling for the Billionaire Best Man

“She’s wearing Prada,” Samantha said.

I was tempted to tell her I knew that because I bought the dress, but I didn’t want to embarrass Dorie.

“It’s beautiful,” I said.

Dorie sat directly across from me.

I couldn’t help but watch her, even as she tried to act like she wasn’t paying attention.

“Kaisen,” Samantha said, leaning slightly into my space. “You’ve barely touched your wine. Not a fan?”

I glanced at my glass, then back at Dorie, who was now sipping her own drink. “Just pacing myself,” I said, offering Samantha a polite but distant smile. “Got a long night ahead.”

“It’s going to be a very, very long night,” Samantha said. “I’m looking forward to it. I’m ready to go. All. Night. Long.”

“More power to you,” I said and raised my glass. I turned my attention back to Dorie. “How was the spa?”

She looked directly at me. For a moment, it was like we were the only two people in the room. “Amazing,” she replied, her voice warm. “I feel like… I don’t know, like I’ve been rebooted or something. Thank you for that.”

“You deserve it,” I said, my voice dropping just enough for her to hear the sincerity in it. “You work harder than anyone I know.”

She blushed before taking a drink from her wine glass. Our meals were delivered and everyone dug in.

I kept stealing glances at her throughout dinner, my mind wandering to what the night might hold.

“We’re trying to convince Cullen to go to the strip club with us,” Marcus said.

“Oh yeah?” Eliza asked.

I could tell she wasn’t thrilled with the idea.

“I only have eyes for my bride,” Cullen said. “I told you that. If you want to see naked women, buy a subscription.”

“Sounds like you’ve got him whipped,” Liam joked.

Cullen shook his head. “I’m a one-woman man now, boys. Eliza’s all I need.”

The table erupted into laughter, but the guys weren’t ready to let it go. They turned their attention to me. “What about you, Kaisen?” Marcus asked while grinning like an idiot. “You’re not tied down, right? I’ve heard stories about you back in the city. You’re practically a legend. Go with us. Show us how it’s done.”

I froze, my eyes flicking to Dorie. Her smile faltered for just a second. My stomach dropped. I didn’t want her hearing about my past, about the reputation I’d worked so hard to leave behind. But before I could shut it down, the guys were off, recounting exaggerated tales of my supposed exploits.

“Remember that time at the gala?” Liam said, laughing. “You had, like, three women hanging off you by the end of the night.”

“And what about that club opening?” Marcus added. “I heard you closed the place down with some model.”

I clenched my jaw, my grip tightening on my glass. “That’s enough,” I said. “Let’s not ruin the night with old stories. The women do not want to hear this nonsense.”

“I don’t think we’re in the midst of a bunch of blushing virgins.” Marcus scoffed.

I shot Marcus a warning look, but he didn’t seem to notice. Dorie’s eyes were on me now, her expression unreadable.

“Anyway, we’re here to celebrate Cullen and Eliza. Not dredge up ancient history.”

The conversation shifted, but the tension lingered. I could see Dorie’s mind working. I wanted to pull her aside, to explain, but the timing wasn’t right. Not here, not now.

Dinner dragged on, and as the plates were cleared, the group started discussing plans for the rest of the night. Marcus and Liam were still pushing for a trip to the strip club, while Cullen remained firmly against it.

“Why don’t we all go to the regular club?” Eliza suggested.