Fake Dating My Ex's Hockey Star Brother (Maya Scott) novel Chapter 142

ALLISON’S POV

I can’t believe Katy is actually fake dating Braydon and I have to hear about it right after my horrible anniversary with Sean. Don’t get me wrong, I love my best friend, and she’s definitely a catch but no universe existed in my head where I thought she could pull that off.

I mean… Braydon Cooper? I’ve had a massive crush on that guy since the first time I laid eyes on him, and I can confidently say half the girls at Cadston feel the same.

He’s drop-dead gorgeous, and that cocky personality of his? Yeah, that makes him even more my type.

Back then, I was devastated to find out about his no-dating rule and even with that, I stupidly held out hope of getting into his bed and riding the hell out of him. But wishes are horses, people. The

guy actively avoided Katy and especially me, like I’m Justin’s sister or something. Honestly, it’s probably the most painful thing I’ve experienced since my failed attempt at splitting at sixteen that nearly destroyed my clit.

Thankfully, I found some closure by running his fan page… which, sadly, I had to give up once I got with Sean.

And now… now Katy’s making him play boyfriend. Oh, lucky girl. The first in history to turn a manwhore into a boyfriend. I bet Bryan is somewhere gnawing on his own toenails in agony.

“Allie, are you even listening?”

I flinch, snapping back to reality as Jessica waves her hands in front of my face. Apparently, she’s been saying something I should have been paying attention to.

I press my lips together.

“Please… rewind one minute back,” I mutter.

She shakes her head and goes back to explaining the newly recovered photographs of some old professors.

In case you’re curious, I volunteer at the school museum, and even though it might not seem like my vibe, I absolutely love it here. Honestly, I hope one day I do something cool enough for my own photographs or achievements to hang on one of these shelves. Or even better? On the second or third floor, where we keep the antiques and artifacts.

“That’s all,” Jessica says, ending her lecture.

I nod. “I’ll be sure to keep that in mind.” Spoiler alert: I still have no idea what she just explained.

I whirl around to go arrange a shelf and nearly bump into someone, only to be caught by a strong hand as I stumble back. The moment I’m pulled forward, a very familiar scent fills my nostrils.

“Justin,” I blink. “What are you doing here?”

He lets go of me, shoving his hand into his pocket, and sinks into his usual brooding, bored stance. “I come here all the time.”

Yeah, right. He may be a guy of few words, but there’s no way he comes here all the time and I’ve never seen him before.

I step closer, leaning in so only he can hear. “I actually volunteer here, so… I should’ve seen you at least once. Unless, of course, you’ve been getting lost on your way here.”

I pull back, giggling, but his face is completely unmoved. He’s stoic as a statue like I didn’t just make a funny joke. Bummer. I almost want to pinch him just to see some reaction and I wonder how he and Katy are even related because Katy would have been laughing her ass off by now.

He gestures toward Jessica with a tilt of his head. “You can ask her. I come often.”

I turn back to Jessica. “Does he come here?”

She nods, even giving him a little wave, pushing her hair behind her ears. “Hi, Justin.”

Is that subtle flirting or what? Gross.

Justin bobs his head in response, perfectly calm, like he’s used to it. I blink, glancing between them. “I’ve never seen him before.”

“He’s always here when you’ve clocked out,” Jessica says. Well, that explains it.

I face him again. “So… what do you want?”

“I have a project, and I need to use the archaeology room,” he answers.

With a smile, I gesture toward the way leading to the elevator. “Then I’ll be your guide today.”

The archaeology room is on the third floor, and we don’t usually let anyone inside alone. I hope he knows that before he assumes I’m just trying to bug him.

I press the button for the third floor and the door slides shut. The elevator groans as it begins to move, slow and jerky like it always does in this building. Please, please don’t get stuck.

I watch the floor numbers light up one by one: first, the second floor… then, nothing. The elevator shudders violently and comes to a sudden stop.

I press the button again, the light flickers, but we don’t move.

There goes my hope of a smooth trip.

“Looks like we’re stuck,” Justin says lightly, but I swear I hear a hint of annoyance in his voice. I just hope it’s aimed at the elevator… and not at me.

I punch the red alarm button, the one that lets maintenance know we are stuck. Honestly, I don’t understand why they haven’t fixed this building yet when it’s literally been like this forever.

“We’ll be out soon,” I tell him, leaning back against the cab.

He says nothing.

I cross my arms and make a face at him anyway, even though he’s not looking. Knowing Justin, we’ll stay stuck here in complete silence until someone comes to get us out, and I hate that about him.

“You’re back early.” His voice echoes.

I snap my head toward him, my eyes widening. Is he talking to me?

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