It's In His Kiss(62)

Fast forward two years and here I am feeling like an asshole for not only going to her wedding, but for being the maid of honor. I remained friends with her because that is what I do. I remain loyal to the people who have been in my life for as long as I can remember. It’s more of a habit, really. Call me weak, naïve, or plain stupid, because that is what my family calls me. I remained in this friendship because if I don’t, I know she has no one that truly cares about her. She has no one that has her back and I find that sad enough to want to remain friends with her.

So here I am a mere mile in the air, and already I’m diligently putting the finishing touches on my toast. Having the privilege of being the maid of honor, I prepped and planned to give her a dazzling speech. Nothing but the best for Nicky.

Hours later I find my face being warmed by the sun and my nose filled with the sweet scents of Aruba. After getting my luggage I set out to find my ride to the hotel. Noticing a man holding a sign with my name on it I feel instant relief wash over me. I hope this will be a nice and relaxing weekend. There is no reason for me to get worked up. I can’t change what is already set in motion, so I might as well just roll with it. I text Nicky to let her know I have arrived and that I am on my way.

Walking up to the driver I’m pleased when he greets me by opening my door, then loads my luggage into the trunk. The ride over to the hotel is peaceful for me. My last chance at tranquility for the weekend. I get to soak up the sights of bold colors and pretend I have a more carefree life. I wish I could live here. Waking up to this serenity every morning instead of the noisy streets of Manhattan would be a dream come true.

When I arrive at the hotel I thought Nicky would, at the very least, met me, but I should have known better. She probably wants me to go to her — what a surprise. After checking in I go directly to my room and immediately take my overpriced bridal party dress out of its garment bag. It is the ugliest dress she could find for me to wear, so of course I foolishly spent seven hundred dollars on it and will be wearing it with a smile. Payback is a bitch! Placing the dress gently on the bed I look around my room to see my welcome package. I don’t know why I even skim through it. I did pack it myself, along with eighty-five others. I take out my maid of honor sweat suit, which I thought was the stupidest thing ever, but the whole wedding party got one, even the men. I guess Matt and Nicky do belong together. He does as he is told even if he looks like a fool. The man could never come up with a single thing to do when we were dating so I guess it is an unoriginal match made in heaven.

Pulling out the itinerary, next I run through it for the millionth time. Tonight is the joint bachelor/bachelorette party. Stupid right? Tomorrow is the rehearsal dinner and the following day is the wedding.

I cannot wait for this to be over. Deep breath in, deep breath out.

The sound of a knock at my door takes me out of my mini meditation. Walking over I don’t bother to look through the peep hole, I just open the door and freeze. There is a man standing outside of my door, one I have never seen before. I would remember his bright green eyes, full lips, and strong jaw. Not to mention his broad shoulders, big chest, narrow hips, and strong thighs. Yes, I looked him over and saw all of that in less than two seconds.

“Kay?”

I nod like an idiot, because I just noticed the light blonde scruff on his smolderingly handsome face making me instantly cripplingly shy.

“I’m Daniel Weston, Matt’s best man.”

I go through the motions and shake his hand. Get it together, Kay, you are better than this. Men don’t knock you on your ass. You work and play in a man’s world every day. Man up!

“Nice to meet you Daniel, Kayley Frost, maid of honor.” I must sound idiotic when I say this. I’m pretty sure he knows who I am. He did just knock on my door.

“Do you have a minute? I wanted to go over some of Nicky’s requests.”

I smile at this.

“Did she give you a list of “do’s and don’ts” for the next few days?” I cross my arms over my chest and lean against the doorjamb. Daniel gives me a grin as he mimics my stance.

“Nicky wishes she could control me,” he states, casually.

Lucky bastard. That bitch seems to control me. Because you’re a moron Kay!

“I bet she does.” I immediately turn after I say this because why would I say that? Why did that come out of my mouth? He probably thinks I’m petty, or this is my sad attempt at flirting with him.

“Please come in, I just got in a few minutes ago.”

“I know. I had the front desk call me when you checked in.” I turn at his reply and look at him to explain further.