It's In His Kiss(64)

Chapter Two

After showering and getting myself together I slide on my black silk panties. If Daniel wants to play, I will play the game. I look in the mirror before I leave. Hair in soft waves, check. Makeup is perfect, check. Sexy little black dress, check. Silver sparkle heels, check. Happy with my reflection I make my way to the main lobby to find everyone gathering. I haven’t seen Nicky yet, she didn’t even return my text, but I spot Daniel. I pull my shoulders back and walk with confidence. His head turns as he laughs at another man’s joke and he freezes. A small smile dances on my lips. Oh, it’s on. The other man’s head turns and both of them stare at me. I glance through the array of people and spot Nicky’s parents.

“Kayley, you look beautiful tonight,” her mom says as she kisses both my cheeks.

“So do you, Mrs. Clark.”

Mr. Clark takes me in for a hug.

“Kay, when did you and Nicky grow up?” he whispers.

“When you weren’t looking,” I reply as I pull away from him and smile. It’s then that I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn hoping to find Daniel, but I find Matt instead.

“Kay, Nicky wants to talk to you.” The look in his eyes tells me it’s not good.

“Where is she?”

“In the women’s room over there,” he points across the lobby. Being the good maid of honor that I am, I go right over. Opening the door I see Nicky in front of the vanity fixing up her makeup.

“You need to change,” she states.

“Wait…what? What’s wrong with my outfit?”

“Are you trying to steal my thunder?” Nicky doesn’t dance around with things. She is always brutally to the point.

“No, I told you what I was wearing before I left. I can’t change. I didn’t bring my closet with me.”

“You have to figure something out. Change dresses with me.” She steps behind me getting ready to unzip my dress. I think this is my breaking point.

“You are freaking crazy,” I laugh. You want to shove ten pounds of shit in a five pound bag? That is what I wanted to say, but I’m a huge chicken. Instead I walk out of the bathroom, not feeding into her enormous ego anymore. Matt is outside waiting.

“She has lost it,” I sigh exasperated.

“You’re not going to change?” Matt questions.

“Why would I change?”

“Yeah, why would she change?” Daniel’s deep voice relaxes me in that moment.

“Why don’t you tell him, Matt?”

“I think it’s a little stupid, too, Kay, but can’t you just make her happy and change, or put up your hair? She thinks yours looks nicer than hers.” Why does she always do this?

“It’s her wedding, Kay, can’t you just play along?” Matts insists as he looks at me like I’m the asshole.

“Matt, she isn’t changing. Tell Nicky to get over it,” Daniel says, ending the conversation by placing his hand on my lower back and directing me towards the front door.

“Buses leave in five, get your future wife together,” he states over his shoulder.

“I should go and change, she isn’t going to leave that bathroom until I do.” I loathe that I’m starting to give in.

“Nope, the only way you’re changing is if I’m taking off your dress and leaving it on my floor.” His words stop me in my tracks, literally. He stops a step ahead of me.

“Did you really just say that to me?”

“Yes, and I have a question,” he steps closer and brings his lips to my ear. “Please tell me you’re wearing black under this dress.” His finger brushes along my thigh right under my hemline. Two can play at this game. I press my chest against his and place my hand on his neck bringing him down so I can whisper in his ear.

“I’m not wearing anything under this dress.” I release him and walk away. Yes, I swayed my hips, and yes, I might have turned around to see him standing there still looking at me. I call that one step closer to victory.

Daniel doesn’t stay behind for too long. His hand finds its way to my lower back once again.

“How old are you Kayley?”

“You do know you aren’t supposed to ask a woman her age, right? It’s rude.” He stops me before I take my first step onto the bus.

“You know what’s rude? Telling a man you’re not wearing any underwear.” Touché!

“I’m twenty-nine.” I turn and get on the bus. I go to take an aisle seat, but Daniel nudges me into the window seat. It’s then that I notice Nicky and Matt behind us. She gives me a dirty look before talking to the bus driver.

“We are going to dinner first, then we are ditching the old people and partying!” she announces. How nice of her, right? Matt’s parents glance at each other unimpressed. Someone gets Daniel’s attention so I don’t have to sit there and make small talk with him.