Fake Dating My Ex's Hockey Star Brother (Maya Scott) novel Chapter 16

KATY’S POV

I don’t know what it is, but I’m already moving before he even finishes speaking. My lips trail down his jaw, soft at first, then bolder when a low moan slips out of him and his fingers tighten at the back of my head, guiding me closer.

Leaning into him, I press a kiss against his neck slowly, and my fingertips graze across his chest, feeling the warmth through his shirt. His breath hitches, and then he mirrors me, his lips brushing against the side of my throat. The sensation makes heat pool low in my stomach, my thighs pressing together as a small gasp escapes me.

His hand slides along my waist, and just as he shifts to scoop me onto his lap, a loud, jarring sound cuts through the moment.

I freeze, my lips still against his skin. For a second, I think it’s in my head, but then it comes again.

It’s my phone.

Braydon eases back slowly, his chest rising and falling. His eyes skim over me once, lingering in a way that makes my skin prickle, before he drags a hand through his hair. I fumble into my pocket and pull out my phone, Allie’s name glowing across the screen. Of course.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Peach,” Braydon says, and I blink at him, then nod quickly. My face burns hotter when he adds, “You did good today.”

I can’t even form words at first.

“Good night.” I say clumsily, then push the door open and step out of his car.

The night air hits my skin, and I hug my phone to my chest, walking faster than I mean to. I force myself not to look back because I know he’s still there. I know he’s watching.

By the time I reach the dorm entrance, I let out a shaky breath.

Pull it together, Katy. It’s just a day. Just one day.

But what a day.

I swipe key card and slip inside. The lobby is quiet, lit by the bright overhead bulbs, and I head the elevator, punching the button with more force than necessary, and step inside doors slide open.

I feels longer than usual, the small space echoing with the sound of my uneven breathing. I inst the cool metal wall, squeezing the strap of my bag until my knuckles ache.

When the elevator dings for the fourth floor, I step out and immediately freeze. My grip on my bag tightens instinctively, a knot forming in my stomach before I even let myself process what I’m seeing.

What the hell is he doing here?

My lips twitch in irritation, and I bite back a curse under my breath. Of course, he’d pick tonight of all nights. It’s like he knows exactly how to ruin my mood every time.

I inhale and march toward Bryan, who is leaning against my room door. Allie must’ve refused to let him in which explains the calls. My best friend protected our space.

Good job, Allie.

As if sensing me, Bryan lifts his head. His gaze finds mine, and he straightens slowly, pushing off the wall. One hand slips into his pocket, like he’s posing for an audience. His eyes drag over me, and it makes my skin crawl.

It’s unsettling how much he looks like Braydon with the same sharp jawline, same easy posture, but where Braydon makes my chest tighten in all the confusing ways, Bryan makes bile rise in my throat now. Every resemblance between them feels like an insult and all I can think about is how badly I want him gone.

“What do you want?” I ask, stopping a few steps in front of him.

“I should be asking you that.” His eyebrows lift, like he’s amused.

I scoff. “You’re the one camped outside my room. Or did you suddenly move in? Grow a p***y and now you’re a girl?”

His smirk fades. He steps closer, his posture becoming menacing, but I plant my feet and meet his eyes.

“Where’s my jacket?” he grinds out. “I’m here for it, not to see you or waste words.”

The way he says it drags a wave of anger through me but I don’t let it show. Instead, I tip my chin and smirk at him.

“You should’ve asked Allie. She knows where I keep things meant for the trash.”

His jaw tightens, but before he can spit out another word, I push past him and swipe my key card. The door clicks open and I slip inside, shutting him out.

Allie is sprawled on the couch, but the second she sees me, her eyes widen and she’s on her feet. “Sweet Jesus,” she blurts. “Where have you been? I’ve been texting and calling nonstop.”

“I was with Braydon,” I tell her simply, brushing toward my room.

I push open my door, drop my bag onto the bed, and kick my shoes into the corner. The wardrobe creaks as I tug it open.

Allie follows, leaning against the doorframe now, her eyes fixed on me like she’s waiting for more.

I pull Bryan’s jacket from its hanger, only to turn and find Allie stepping forward, and blocking the doorway.

He snorts, his mouth curling in disdain. “Please. I know you’re desperate to prove me wrong but moving on with Braydon?” His eyes drag over me with something like disgust. “That’s low. Even for you.”

I scoff. “Low? In what position do you get to judge anyone, Bryan? Or are you jealous?”

He shrugs, throwing his hand up as he steps back. “I’m just trying to help you out, Katy. You’re not

his type. It’s going to sting when he turns you down, and it’ll sting bad. Save yourself the heartache.

My stomach knots, then slowly unwinds as his meaning clicks. Oh. That’s what he thinks. He doesn’t actually know about the deal between me and Braydon. He’s convinced I’m chasing Braydon.

Of course.

1 curl my fingers into a fist, my nails pressing against my palm. “You’re my ex, Bryan. Stop digging into my life or I might actually report you for stalking.” Then I let a smirk slide across my face. “And whatever you’ve heard, Braydon’s the one who came to me at the library. He even brought me a drink and I didn’t ask for any of it.”

I pause, tapping a finger lightly against my jaw as if the thought has just occurred to me. “Or maybe…” My eyes flick back to him. “…he’s the one trying to get my attention.”

His face shifts like someone just smacked him with a textbook. His eyes go darker, and for once, he doesn’t have a comeback ready.

I step closer, closing the gap on purpose. “Tell me, Bryan,” I say, lowering my voice, “what do you think it means when your brother leaves his hockey jacket for me?” My gaze drops to the one clutched in his hand. “Maybe you two have more in common than you think. You show affection in similar ways.”

His jaw tightens so hard I almost hear it.

“Keep lying to yourself,” he spits through gritted teeth. “If you’re going to chase someone, you’d be foolish to pick Braydon. He’s fucked half of Cadston, and the other half are probably on a waitlist.

He likes his girls nasty and experienced, not… whatever you are. He’ll get bored before you even make it to a kiss.”

Then he spins on his heel and storms off down the hall, muttering something under his breath.

I lean against the doorway, letting out a slow breath. My heart’s still pounding, but a smile creeps in anyway.

He thinks he knows everything but he doesn’t know a damn thing.

This is just the beginning, Bryan. And I can’t wait to watch your fragile little ego crack.