Fake Dating My Ex's Hockey Star Brother (Maya Scott) novel Chapter 126

KATY’S POV

“Peach, can I see now?” Braydon’s voice drifts from outside my door.

I smooth my hand over my dress again, then check my light makeup in the mirror, and carefully adjust my gloves. My stomach does a little flip. “Come in.”

Slowly, the door opens, and he steps inside.

My jaw actually drops.

I know, I know-I see him every day, and yes, he’s my boyfriend. But this… he looks ten times hotter than usual.

The suit he’s wearing is a three-piece suit, and is perfectly tailored. He looks majestic, like he just stepped out of a fan art page. His green eyes are brighter, his hair is styled like breaking hearts is effortless for him and his shoes… oh God, they’re gleaming.

All of him together? It’s ridiculous that I’m staring like a complete fool. But the best part is that he’s all mine.

“You look… amazing,” I manage to say. I have to swallow fast. “Like… so ridiculously hot.”

He closes the distance, his eyes locked on me as if I didn’t even speak a word. His gaze drags over me and he swallows hard while I catch the faint tremor in his hands.

“You… you look… breathtaking,” he finally manages. He takes my hand, fumbling slightly before guiding me to spin. “Wow… like a princess,” he adds, and I can hear the awe in his voice.

“Do I?” I whisper, barely holding back the flutter in my chest.

“Yes.” His hand slides to the small of my back, pulling me closer. “You’re so beautiful. Red… it looks perfect on you.”

“What about my hair?” I tease, daring him for more praise. I love it when he compliments me, and I’m not ashamed to ask for more.

“Your hair is perfect,” he says, his finger brushing lightly along my neck. I’m wearing the diamond necklace he bought me, and I wish I could get inside his head to know how that makes him feel. “I love the makeup too.”

This is one of the reasons I love him. He’s just too perfect.

“I thought you were gonna have the same look like that night I got dressed for Zach’s party,” I admit, a small smirk tugging at my lips.

He chuckles, a little embarrassed. “You still remember that?”

“Of course.” I reach up and adjust the collar of his jacket. “You had me walking around like that… with my n*****s out.”

“That’s grossly exaggerated,” he laughs, shaking his head. “Besides, your… um… your t**s are great, and I doubt anyone saw anything.”

I grin, tracing my fingers across his black jacket. “Yeah,” I whisper. “Because you had me all to yourself that entire night.”

“I remember you ambushing me for a kiss,” he teases, his lips twitching. “And blaming it all on Bryan.”

“But I wasn’t lying.”

He tilts his head, his green eyes dark and heated, and I swear my body betrays me. I’m desperate for him to get on his knees and fuck me with his tongue. “If you kiss me tonight… will that also be Bryan?” he asks.

I grip his jacket, pull him to me, and kiss him, tasting the faint sweetness of wine on his lips. “I’d fuck you,” I whisper against him, “and it’ll be all me. Just me.”

Goosebumps prick along my skin when his fingers trail across and for a second, the world narrows down to us until the front door swings open with a sharp click.

Justin walks in.

“Don’t you ever knock?” I snap, stepping back, and trying to gather myself.

He’s wearing a black suit too, looking impossibly good.

“Don’t you two ever not do that?” He gestures at us with a pointed finger, then finally spares me one glance. “You look… decent.”

In Justin’s vocabulary, decent is basically ethereal like Cinderella had somehow stepped into reality. Usually, I get remarks like ‘not bad,’ ‘manageable, ‘less boxy,’ or ‘more human.’

“Braydon, we love you!!” a couple of girls exclaim from one side, giggling and gawking.

I feel his body shift closer to mine, and his voice brushes my ear. “I don’t think they’ll still feel that way when they realize only one woman can make me get on my knees and worship her,” he whispers. “And I’d do anything for her.”

There he goes again, reminding me he’s mine. I fight my blush but fail, my face heating up under his gaze.

He leads me through the crowd, and we take photos together, then with Allie and Justin. I catch snippets of Justin grumbling about joining his teammates in one section of the ballroom, while Allie reminds him she’s borrowing him for the night. I don’t hear all the details, but it’s obvious they’re bickering over seating arrangements.

The ballroom is already buzzing when we enter and everyone looks amazing. I mean, nobody takes the ACE Gala lightly since it’s the biggest award night, a celebration of all the hard work we put in over the past academic year. So, of course, everyone shows up.

Including Luke, Martin, and all the boys, who come over to say hi. Luke actually compliments my hair which earns him a playful glare from Braydon. A few rows away, I spot Lucy sitting with Jackson. She waves when she sees me, and I quickly text her that her dress looks absolutely beautiful.

I don’t bother looking for anyone who might ruin my night especially Zhao Lan. I’m here to have fun, watch Allie’s play, and cheer for anyone else who wins an award. Tonight isn’t all about Blackrock.

After about thirty minutes, most people are settled in, and the night officially kicks off. I’m not usually a fan of the speeches that open these events, but I still listen. Braydon clearly isn’t paying attention; he keeps leaning in to graze my neck with his nose, like he’s sniffing me. Allie has disappeared to get ready for her play, and Justin… well, he looks like he could snap at anyone who dares breathe too loudly.

Then it’s time for the music club’s performance, which is amazing. Our best singer, Violet, nails it and leaves the stage to a roar of applause.

Next up is Allie’s play and I can’t contain my excitement. She’s the only business administration student in the art club, and it shows how much she loves it because her stage presence is effortless, her aura completely natural.

They’re performing a recreation of Our Town by Thornton Wilder, with a comedic twist. Allie plays Rebecca Gibbs, the protagonist’s friend, and I clap and scream along with the crowd when they bow. I make sure Braydon captures the whole thing, just like she asked. I’m equally surprised to see Justin recording too but he admits he’s doing it to tease her later.

Once the drama club exits the stage, the M.C., Mr. Felix, who’s been hosting for the past two years, steps up. He’s naturally funny, and honestly, I don’t mind him doing it again.

“Wow!” he exclaims. “Give it up one more time for our talented actors in Our Town! Who knew life in a tiny town could be so… dramatic? I mean, Emily Webb really made me reconsider my grocery shopping habits.”

He chuckles and paces the stage, calling for the next club, then the next, until we’ve all had a fun and exciting night watching everyone perform. Allie is back when he clears his throat.

“Alright, folks,” he announces, his voice carrying over the room, “put your hands together because it’s time for the main event of tonight’s extravaganza: The Academic and Creative Excellence Awards! Who’s ready to see who the real MVPs of the last academic year are