Chapter 22
22
KAISEN
I looked at the slip of paper with Dorie’s name written on it. Of course it would be her. Fate had a way of pushing us together. Or maybe it was Cullen’s magic. However it happened, I was good with it.
I could tell she was nervous. Listening to those hyenas gabbing in the kitchen was annoying. She was doing her best to pretend it didn’t bother her, but I could tell it made her uncomfortable.
I made my way over to the armchair she sat on, and plopped down on the couch next to it.
“Ready to show these people how it’s done?” I murmured, leaning in close so only she could hear.
Dorie rolled her eyes, but I caught the ghost of a smile. “I don’t know you or anyone else here. I don’t think we’re going to do well. Sorry. I hope you’re not super competitive.”
“I am but we will do just fine.”
Eliza and Cullen were whispering together and then looked our way with goofy smiles. I had a feeling it was definitely a setup.
“Alright!” Eliza clapped her hands. “Let’s see how well we know each other. Cullen and I will go first, and you guys can see how it’s done. Whoever answers the most questions correctly wins a prize.”
“A yacht?” Marcus joked.
“Your penthouse?” Liam said.
“We’re hosting a wedding.” Cullen laughed. “The team that wins gets a gift card for a dinner for two at one of the most expensive restaurants in town.”
Some of Eliza’s girlfriends looked less than pleased.
“Let’s do this.” Cullen cleared his throat, looking down at the first question on the slip of paper. “Okay, Eliza, what is my favorite sports team?”
Eliza tapped her chin, pretending to think hard. “Hmm, that’s a tough one. Is it the Phillies?”
Cullen grinned. “Yep, that’s right! Your turn to ask me a question.”
Eliza pulled a card. “Alright, what’s my favorite flower?”
Cullen didn’t even hesitate. “Peonies. You’ve only been talking about them for the last six months for the wedding.”
Eliza laughed. “Okay, you got me there. Your turn again.”
The game continued, with Cullen and Eliza easily rattling off answers about each other’s preferences, inside jokes, and little details of their relationship. It was clear they knew each other inside and out.
When they finished, Eliza turned to the rest of the group, her eyes sparkling. “Alright, who’s up next?”
“Dorie and Kaisen,” Cullen said.
“Oh boy,” Dorie murmured.
“Relax.” I reached into the bowl and pulled out a card, scanning the question quickly before turning to Dorie. “Okay, what’s my middle name?”
Dorie blinked, looking caught off guard. “Your middle name? Uh…” She trailed off, biting her lip as she thought. After a moment, she shook her head. “I have no idea.”
I chuckled. “It’s Nathaniel.”
“Sorry. I told you to prepare to lose.”
“I never lose,” I said.
Dorie grabbed a card. “Hmm, okay. What’s my favorite dessert?”
I didn’t even have to think about it. “Creme brulee. You’ve mentioned it before when we were talking about the bakery.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. “Oh, wow, you remembered that?”
I shrugged, trying to play it cool. “I pay attention.”
Dorie studied me for a moment, then smiled, the tension in her shoulders easing.
I took another card, scanning the question quickly. “Okay, what’s my favorite color?”
Dorie chewed her lip, thinking for a moment. “Blue. Specifically, a soft blue.”
I nodded, impressed. “Nailed it.”
“Alright, my turn.” She pulled another card. “What’s the name of my pet?”
“Rick,” I answered immediately.
Dorie grinned. “He makes an impression.”
We continued the back and forth, trading questions and answers. I was impressed by how well Dorie knew the random details about my life, despite the fact that we hadn’t known each other long.
At the end of the game, we were declared the winners.
I accepted the gift card with a smirk, knowing full well I didn’t need it, but the look on Dorie’s face made it worth it. She was smiling like she’d won an Oscar instead.
“Alright, next game.” Eliza started explaining how it worked.
I tuned out most of the details, my focus solely on Dorie. She really seemed to be enjoying herself. I was glad to see her relaxing and letting her guard down a bit.
The next game was a trivia one. Eliza pulled out a box of cards with questions from various categories. We divided into teams, and somehow Dorie and I ended up paired together again. Not that I was complaining.
“Alright, first category is Pop Culture,” Eliza announced.
Cullen grabbed the first card and read aloud: “Name the lead actress in the most recent Marvel superhero movie.”
I glanced at Dorie, who looked completely lost. “Any ideas?” I whispered.
She shook her head. “I don’t really watch those movies. I’m more of a historical romance kind of girl.”
I chuckled and took a shot. “Scarlett Johansson?”
Cullen checked the card. “Close, but not quite. It was Brie Larson.”
The game continued, with questions ranging from music to geography to random historical trivia. Dorie was surprisingly good at some of the more obscure questions, particularly those related to food and local history.
As the night wore on, I found myself distracted. Everyone was drinking except me and Dorie. I wasn’t sure if she was holding back because she had to be up early or if she could see everyone else was getting pretty smashed.
During a break between games, I went to the bathroom. When I returned, I noticed Dorie surrounded by Eliza’s friends. They were peppering her with questions about her life, her dating history, and asking her about where to party in Cape May. I could see the discomfort in her eyes, though she was trying to hide it.
Dorie forced a smile, trying to navigate the conversation with Eliza’s friends. They were clearly more interested in judging her than actually getting to know her. I couldn’t stand it.
One of the women—a tall blonde with a sharp smile—leaned in. “You know, if you don’t want to use that gift card with Kaisen, I’d be happy to take him off your hands,” she said, her tone dripping with Mean Girl saccharine. “He’s usually seen with a specific type of woman, if you know what I mean. I’m not sure you’d be comfortable spending time with him.”
I froze, my jaw tightening as I saw the stricken look on Dorie’s face. She tried to laugh it off, but I could tell the comment had hit a nerve. Without thinking, I stepped forward, cutting into the conversation.
“Dorie,” I said, my voice firm. “Can you help me with something real quick?”
She looked up at me, her eyes wide with relief. “Uh, sure.”
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.