Fake Dating My Ex's Hockey Star Brother (Maya Scott) novel Chapter 135

KATY’S POV

Something is off about Braydon, and I can’t put my finger on it.

Don’t get me wrong, he’s still the same kind, affectionate boyfriend who somehow thinks personal space is optional when it comes to me. That’s not the issue. The issue is that all week, he’s been doing things that feel… slightly out of character.

Like booking me a nail appointment.

I’m a clean girl, obviously, but I’m not a get-my-nails-done-for-no-reason girl. I only do them for actual occasions: birthdays, weddings, and events where pictures will exist forever. A trip to Venice, where I’m supposed to relax, eat too much seafood, and celebrate surviving college, does not qualify.

But Braydon insisted. And when he insists on things, arguing feels like a waste of energy. So I went and now I have this really pretty burgundy set that I keep staring at occasionally.

Him making me change my dress at least five times tonight isn’t even all bad. He’s been doing that since college, back when he’d dramatically claim I was about to leave my dorm wearing something horrendous.

So that part isn’t new.

But the biggest giveaway? This man is sweating right across from me.

We’re having dinner in this stunning, exclusive restaurant, and it’s just us in the VIP section but he’s nervous. And I say this with full certainty: Braydon does not get nervous easily. He might get flustered sometimes, sure, but nervous? Never. He’s confident, cocky and sometimes sassy.

Something is definitely off. Something is very, very fishy.

I tip my glass, sipping wine before leaning slightly toward him. “Do you like your food?”

He nods, and gives me a tight, almost constipated smile. I scoff, debating whether to push. I mean, if his team really wants him back in Montreal, he can tell me.

“I have something to say.” His voice cuts through my thoughts, and I lift my head, pausing mid-bite of the perfectly seared duck breast.

“What?”

He pins his fingers on his neck, awkward in a way I’ve never seen before. “I… I’ll only tell you if you agree to say yes to what I want.”

I set down my cutlery, wipe my mouth with a napkin, and lean both elbows on the table. “I’m going to need to know what you’re asking before I say yes.”

“I won’t ask for anything that would hurt you,” he says.

I stare at him for a long moment, my eyes narrowing. If Allie wasn’t on ghost mode with Justin in Norway, I might have reached out earlier to know what this is about because these days, they seem to gossip constantly.

“Go ahead,” I say, leaning forward. “Tell me. I’d do whatever you ask.”

He nods, then freezes, like he’s reconsidering.

Excuse me but I’m actually losing my mind here, if he can tell.

Finally, he pulls out his phone, swipes a few times, and slides it across the table toward me. Our table is small, the space between us tiny but somehow it still feels like ten minutes before the phone reaches me.

I pick it up, my eyes narrowing at the screen.

What the fuck!!!!!

I look up at him. “What is this?”

He swallows. “A share transfer agreement.”

“Yeah, I can see that,” I mutter. “Why are you showing it to me?”

He licks his lips nervously. “I’m transferring my shares to you. All it needs is your signature.”

I exhale slowly, trying to process it. He’s…joking, right?

“Transfer?” I repeat. “You do realize that makes me…”

“Majority shareholder,” he finishes for me.

It takes me a few seconds just to wrap my head around it.

“Yes,” I cry, the word breaking out of me. “Yes. I’ll marry you.”

And I would’ve said yes a thousand times if he’d asked a thousand times. I would’ve said yes last month, last year, tomorrow, and every day that comes after. I’ve loved this man like time was borrowed, like I only had a few precious days to give it all away. I’ve loved him since the moment he made me laugh so hard in his room that my ribs hurt and my walls came down.

He takes my hand despite the way mine trembles, and slips the ring onto my finger. It’s the most beautiful ring I’ve ever imagined wearing.

“I promise to love you every single day,” he says.

Then he pulls me up, wrapping me in his arms. The hug barely lasts a few seconds before his hands are on my face, before he’s kissing me. It’s the kind of kiss that steals my breath, curls my toes, and makes me want the world to pause so I can stay right here, forever, in his arms.

When he finally pulls back, his eyes are the most beautiful shade of green I’ve ever seen them, his pupils blown wide as he looks at me like I’m everything.

“I hope you’re ready for forever,” I warn him. “Because I’m not letting you go.”

He grins. “I love threats like this.” Then he kisses me again. “Well, you’d better love me forever now.”

I lift my hand, threading my fingers through his hair, my chest swelling with so much love. “ Katy Cooper sounds nice.”

“Very nice,” he murmurs. “Or I could take your last name. Braydon Evans.”

I laugh, tugging him closer by his shirt. “You’d do that?”

“Of course,” he says instantly. “I’d do anything you ask, fiancée.” He pauses, then laughs at the word like he can’t believe it’s real.

“You’re such a loser,” I shake my head, smiling. “Don’t you think you’re way too obsessed with me?”

He steals my bottom lip, kissing it before pulling back slowly. “I don’t think so.”

“Good.” I blush. “Because I like it that way. I love you, Braydon.”

“With all my heart.”