Craving My Brother's Best Friend (Bailey and Kaleb) novel Chapter 15

**Chapter 15**

**Bailey’s POV**

With a heavy sigh, I heaved another suitcase from my room, the wheels clattering and bumping against the hardwood floor, echoing my anxiety.

“Are you moving to Mars or something?” David’s voice dripped with sarcasm from behind me, his tone a mix of disbelief and annoyance.

“Seriously, why do you have so many bags? It’s just college!” he continued, shaking his head as if he could somehow will my belongings into a more manageable size.

“David, enough with the whining,” I replied, brushing a loose strand of hair away from my face, determination fueling my movements. “Just help me get these into the car, will you?”

“This is absolutely insane,” he muttered under his breath, but despite his grumbling, he reached for one of the suitcases, the fabric straining under the weight.

“Most people go to college with maybe two bags at most. You, on the other hand, are dragging along fifteen. Fifteen, Bailey!” he exclaimed, incredulity coloring his voice.

“Because I’m not just any person,” I declared, lifting my chin with pride. “I’m going to Brown.”

He scoffed, rolling his eyes. “You’re not the only one at Brown. You’re just spoiled, that’s all.”

“David, stop arguing with your sister,” my mom chimed in, her heels clicking authoritatively on the floor as she entered the room. “We need to leave soon, and I’d rather not ruin this moment.”

Dad followed closely behind her, impeccably dressed in his neat suit, car keys dangling from his fingers. “Are we ready to go?” he asked, a smile spreading across his face.

“Almost!” I replied, my heart fluttering with excitement.

The thought of finally leaving home for college filled me with a giddy anticipation. Dad had secured me an apartment near campus, insisting that a dorm wouldn’t suit me. He wanted me to have my own space, a little sanctuary where I could thrive.

Maybe I really was spoiled.

As we continued to load the car, David’s complaints persisted.

“You know, Bailey, I’ll be stuck in a cramped dorm with a roommate who snores, while you get to live in some fancy apartment. It’s just not fair.”

“Remember, you’re studying medicine,” I reminded him as I slid into the back seat, trying to keep my spirits high. “You’ll be saving lives. That dorm room is just part of the experience; it builds character.”

“Yeah, right. You’re just spoiled rotten,” he shot back, his voice laced with irritation.

David rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath the entire drive. I chose to ignore him, my gaze fixed out the window, my heart racing with anticipation.

“We’re here!” Dad announced as we arrived at the gates of Brown University.

The campus unfolded before me, old brick buildings standing tall, lush green lawns sprawling out, and students bustling about with backpacks slung over their shoulders. It was even more beautiful than I had imagined.

Dad secured a parking permit since I wouldn’t be living on campus.

“Welcome to Brown,” the guard said, handing Dad the papers with a friendly smile.

I barely contained a squeal of delight.

We drove through the campus, finally arriving at my new apartment.

As we pulled up in front of the building, I felt a surge of excitement so intense that I nearly screamed.

The structure towered above us, modern and sleek, its glass windows sparkling in the sunlight. Inside, the lobby exuded elegance, and a uniformed attendant opened the door for us.

“Dad,” I whispered, my eyes wide with awe. “This place is stunning.”

“Only the best for you,” he replied, a proud smile on his face.

David groaned loudly. “Unbelievable. She’s a freshman, not a queen.”

“Stop being bitter,” I teased, unable to hide my grin.

“You’ll be here every weekend anyway,” he retorted, but there was a hint of resignation in his tone.

The apartment was located on the fifth floor. When the door swung open, I felt as if I had stepped into a dream.

A vast living room greeted me, complete with a balcony that offered a breathtaking view, a modern kitchen, and two spacious bedrooms. It looked more like a luxury hotel suite than a student apartment.

“This is mine?” I asked, spinning around in disbelief.

Dad nodded, a twinkle of pride in his eyes. “Yes, it is.”

I let out a squeal of joy and dashed into my bedroom. The bed was enormous, the closet expansive, and sunlight poured in through the window, bathing the room in warmth.

“This is insane,” David muttered, dropping a bag with a thud. “My dorm room is smaller than this closet.”

Mom began unpacking my belongings, and I joined her, eager to make this space feel like home. Meanwhile, David dragged his feet, sighing dramatically every few seconds.

“Why do you need so many dresses? And shoes? You’re not on a runway,” he complained, his voice filled with exasperation.

“David,” Mom warned, her tone sharp.

He threw his hands up in defeat. “Fine.”

I tuned him out, folding clothes and humming softly to myself. Everything felt perfect, like a beautiful beginning.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang, interrupting my blissful thoughts.

I frowned, glancing at Mom. “Who could that be?”

Next to them, two large pizza boxes released steam, the scent of melted cheese and pepperoni wafting through the air.

Everyone was gathered around the table. David was already diving into the fries, while Mom beamed like it was the happiest day of her life. Dad sat calmly, flipping open a pizza box, and Kaleb was watching me, his gaze unwavering.

I took the chair farthest from him, trying to create a comfortable distance.

“I’m glad Kaleb is also attending Brown,” Dad said, seemingly oblivious to the tension.

My head snapped toward him, disbelief flooding my senses. “What?”

Everyone’s eyes turned to me, as if I was the only one unaware of this development.

“Kaleb got a scholarship to be a student-athlete. It’s probationary for one year. If his grades and sports ranking are good, he can continue,” Dad explained.

I blinked, my throat suddenly dry.

Slowly, I forced a smile, though it felt strained. “Congratulations,” I said flatly, my eyes narrowing as I silently warned him to keep his distance.

He met my gaze, nodding with a smile, but I quickly looked away, unwilling to engage.

“Thank you, Mr. Hart, for your support,” Kaleb said, turning back to Dad, his voice steady.

“It’s alright. I’m glad you’re at the same school as Bailey and David. And since you’re next door, Bailey can rely on you for anything,” Dad added, completely unaware of the storm brewing within me.

My hand froze around the slice of pizza I was lifting, the greasy cheese slipping from my grip, splattering onto the plate.

“Next door?” I croaked, disbelief washing over me.

Dad took a bite of his burger, oblivious to my horror. “Yes! Kaleb’s apartment is right next to yours. Isn’t that great? You’ll have a familiar face nearby.”

The pizza slipped from my hand, landing with a resounding thud on the plate.

Next door.

Kaleb Hayes was my next-door neighbor.

I stared at him, shock coursing through me.

He didn’t flinch, simply watching me with those unnerving eyes.

In that moment, I realized my perfect start to college had just been shattered.

**Chapter 16**