Page 27 of Falling for the Billionaire Best Man

11

DORIE

Iarrived at the reception venue Monday morning feeling like I’d already been through a war. My car had decided to act up again, sputtering and coughing like it was on its last legs, and my coffee machine was still broken.

Two mornings in a row without caffeine was a special kind of torture. I was not handling it well. I’d barely managed to drag myself out of bed, throw on a presentable outfit, and make it to the grand waterfront estate where Eliza and Cullen’s wedding reception was supposed to take place.

I was pissed at Kaisen. He jinxed me. My car ran just fine yesterday before he pointed out the dash lights. Yes, the car was older than shit, but it stilled work. At least it did until this morning.

But it was working now. After some cursing, kicking, and major prayers, the car started.

The venue was stunning—a sprawling mansion with manicured gardens, sweeping views of the ocean, and enough charm to make even the most jaded romantic swoon. AKA me. I was the jaded romantic.

Unfortunately, being a jaded romantic and all, I wasn’t in the mood to appreciate the beauty of the place. I was too busy trying to keep my irritation in check as I walked up the gravel driveway. There looked to be plenty of parking for the many guests I knew would be attending. I didn’t see Kaisen’s rental car anywhere.

“Figures,” I muttered.

I didn’t care. I didn’t need him to hold my hand. I was used to handling things on my own. Part of me wondered if Kaisen ended up with some woman last night. I found it hard to believe a city boy like that could handle being all by himself in that big house. I knew his type. He was a player all the way.

I spotted the director waiting near the entrance.

“Hello.” He smiled. “You must be Miss Blake.”

“I am.” I nodded.

He was an older gentleman, chipper and talkative. Before I could so much as ask a question, he launched into a rapid-fire monologue about how excited he was to meet “the bride.”

“Oh, Eliza, you’re even more beautiful in person!” he gushed, clasping my hands in his. “And your fiancé, Cullen, he’s such a lucky man! I can’t wait to show you both around. This venue is perfect for your special day, just perfect!”

I opened my mouth to correct him, but he was already steering me toward the front doors, still talking a mile a minute. I glanced over my shoulder, hoping Kaisen would show up and save me from this awkward situation, but there was no sign of him. Great. Just great.

The director led me into the grand foyer, still chattering away about the history of the estate and how many couples had gotten married here over the years. I nodded along, trying to find a moment to interject, but he was relentless. Just as I was about to blurt out that I wasn’t Eliza, the front doors swung open, and Kaisen walked in.

He looked annoyingly good. Dressed in a tailored suit, his dark hair perfectly styled, he looked like he’d just stepped out of a glamour shoot.

“Sorry I’m late,” he said. His eyes met mine, and for a split second, I thought he might actually save me from this mess. But then the director turned to him, his face lighting up.

“And you must be Cullen!” he exclaimed, shaking Kaisen’s hand vigorously. “What a handsome couple you two make! Let’s get started on the tour, shall we?”

Kaisen’s eyes flicked to mine with an amused expression. I could see the gears turning in his head. Instead of correcting the director, he smiled and nodded. “Absolutely. Lead the way.”

I stared at him, my mouth hanging open. What was he doing? But before I could say anything, the director was already ushering us down the hall, talking excitedly about the layout of the reception. Kaisen fell into step beside me, his hand brushing against mine. I shot him a look, but he just smirked and grabbed my hand, intertwining our fingers.

I couldn’t blame the old guy for thinking we were Cullen and Eliza. They were supposed to be the ones here today.

I tried to pull my hand away, but Kaisen squeezed my hand, giving me a look. Stop. Just play along.

I scowled but didn’t argue. The director was already deep into his spiel, and I didn’t have the energy to explain the mix-up. So, I let Kaisen lead me through the venue. It was strange. I wasn’t used to this kind of physical contact, especially not with someone like Kaisen. But I had to admit, it was easier to play along than to try to untangle the director’s assumptions.

And it was nice to be mistaken for someone like Eliza. I didn’t mind pretending I was the one lucky enough to find the man I was going to spend the rest of my life with.

The tour continued, with the director showing us the ballroom, the dining area, and the outdoor terrace. He was clearly proud of the venue. I had to admit, it was beautiful. But my attention kept drifting to Kaisen, to the way his thumb brushed against the back of my hand, to the way he nodded along with the director’s explanations like he was actually interested. It was all so convincing.

Holding my hand was one thing, but the caressing was so not necessary to sell the story. That was all extra. Almost like he was actually enjoying it.

I didn’t know what to think about that.

At one point, the director led us outside to the gardens, where a picturesque gazebo stood overlooking the ocean. “This is where most couples take their photos,” he said, beaming. “It’s absolutely breathtaking at sunset.”