Fake Dating My Ex's Hockey Star Brother (Maya Scott) novel Chapter 101

KATY’S POV

One hand tucked in the back pocket of my jeans, Braydon and I weave through the crowd back to the group. Joining them after disappearing for half the night is probably a terrible idea, and even a college freshman could guess what we’ve been up to. But Braydon swears they’ll be too busy having fun to notice and I decide to trust him.

He’s right. The table’s mostly empty, some people are on high stools at the bar, and a couple lounging in the leather booths far away. Justin’s the only one who notices us…well, sort of. Zach’s here too, but he’s glued to Jenny like she’s a magnet, completely tuned out.

“I’ll grab us drinks.” Braydon leans in, presses a quick kiss to my lips, and disappears into the crowd. I exhale, and slump beside Justin. Harry Styles’ As It Was comes on, and I tap my foot along with the beat, waiting for Justin to say something. When he doesn’t, I nudge his shoulder, smirking.

“You reek of filth,” he grumbles, leaning away to create some space.

I scoff. “I can’t believe you.”

“I should be saying that, but… look how the tables have turned,” he mutters, chugging his beer.

I glare, trying to make him acknowledge me, but he acts like I’m invisible. “Are you moody because your little sis is fuck-”

“Nope.” He stands and slides to the other side of the booth. “Let’s not talk about that.”

Determined to annoy him, I mirror his move, sliding over too. He sighs, exasperated. “Not talk about what?”

I’m pretty sure he’s about to cuss me out when Steph suddenly appears. Justin turns his attention elsewhere, and Steph shyly waves at us, then gestures for me to follow her.

“Me?” I mouth silently.

She nods.

I stand, following her through the soft glow of the bar lights, Harry Styles still playing faintly in the background. She leads me to a corner, then stops and peeks over my shoulder toward our table. I try to follow her gaze, but she gently stops me.

“Don’t take this the wrong way,” Steph starts, and boy, I’ve already taken a lot of ways including wrong. “But… is your brother single?”

I would have said nailed it, but I’m too repulsed to have any reaction. It must be rough for Justin seeing Braydon and me together and I don’t mean this in a creepy way but I’m always a little disgusted when girls show interest in him. I’m sure he feels the same about me. I mean, he literally texted me last week asking if he had any allergies because he had this application to fill out. What do girls see in him?

“As far as I know,” I answer, realizing Steph is still waiting. “He’s single… and really open to mingle.”

She blushes, and I mentally groan. I really hope I don’t have to see her every other week at debate after she hooks up with him. Because I know she will. Honestly, I’m even shocked Justin’s sitting alone over there in the first place.

“Do you think you can… like-”

“You want me to play sex-cupid?” I cut in, and her lips part in shock. “Don’t act like you know I’ve always been this direct.”

She rolls her eyes but nods slowly. “He’s like… the only guy I’ve got my eyes on.”

“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that,” I say, sucking in air. “I’ll go over and deliver the message. Sound good?”

She nods, and I flash her a smile before heading back to Justin.

Braydon’s back, and the second he sees me, he pulls me onto his lap. “I leave you for one minute and you’re AWOL,” he mutters, rubbing his nose against my neck.

“Cut it out, you two,” Justin snaps, shooting us a dirty look. “Or just fuck off somewhere else.

“You’re just jealous you’re sitting here alone,” I say, perching a little higher on Braydon’s legs.” Speaking of being alone…” I pause, smirking, “did you catch the pretty blonde who came over to talk to me?”

He lifts an eyebrow. “Why?”

“She’s into you,” I say, grinning. “Totally your type. And hey, we’ve got maybe an hour left in this place so you might as well make it count.”

Justin blinks at me like I just announced the sky is green. Slowly, he folds his arms across his chest. “Since when are you a pimp?”

PIMP?” I gasp, hand flying to my chest. “Pi… Pimp? Did you just…did you actually just call me a pimp?” I’m genuinely flabbergasted.

Braydon chuckles low, and I’m this close to elbowing him. What’s so funny?

“You’re a horrible pimp, by the way,” Justin adds.

I stare at him, then at Braydon and back at him. My mouth opens, closes and opens again. At this point, I look like a malfunctioning fish. I grab my ginger drink, crack it open and chug. Wiping the back of my hand across my mouth, I exhale because apparently I have to stay civilized.

“Are you gonna talk to her or not?” I ask.

Justin actually shakes his head. “Nah.”

I scoff. “I’m guessing you just want to annoy me.”

Braydon starts rubbing my back like he’s bracing for an explosion but I’m not even mad. I just know Justin’s trying to play hard to get. He’ll never pass up a chance like this, and yeah… I know how corny that sounds coming from me.

“I’m just being loyal to my girlfriend,” he explains, winking. “Besides, I feel perfectly okay being alone.”

If you thought my jaw was already on the floor… it’s officially crashing into the pavement now. “You?” I point at him and can’t help bursting into laughter. “You… have a girlfriend?”

“What’s so funny?” he tilts his head, genuinely confused.

I angle my body toward Braydon because I can’t laugh alone. “Did you hear him?” I’m giggling, hiccuping a little between words. “He has a… girlfriend?”

I explode into laughter again, tears threatening, and when I finally stop, I realize I’m the only one finding this hilarious. Justin and Braydon are just smirking, like they’re sharing some inside joke I don’t get. I glance between them and slowly, the dots start to connect.

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