Fake Dating My Ex's Hockey Star Brother (Maya Scott) novel Chapter 178

JUSTIN’S POV

Sweat beads along my hairline, almost dripping into the corner of my eye before I wipe it away. I’m two miles into the treadmill and my earbuds just died. Exactly the kind of thing I hate.

“J, what’s up with you?”

I flick a glance at Cooper on the treadmill next to me, his eyes narrowed at me. He’s watching me like he’s trying to figure out something.

“What?”

“You’re smiling to yourself like an idiot,” he says, tilting his chin at me. “And there’s literally nothing funny happening.”

I feel the corner of my lips twitch.

“Nothing,” I mutter, keeping my eyes glued to the mirrored wall ahead.

He snorts. “Bullshit.” He cranks up the speed. “It’s Allie, isn’t it?”

My left foot slips just slightly, and the belt yanks me backward. Heart hammering, I grab the side rails and manage to plant my feet on the stationary strips just in time, barely avoiding a face-first collision with the treadmill.

Almost falling isn’t nearly as bad as Cooper laughing in my face over it. I glare at him, but he’s still chuckling.

“Shut up.”

He just grins wider, dragging the bottom of his shirt across his face. “Man, she’s really done a number on you. Almost lost a couple teeth there.”

“You done?” I ask flatly, hitting stop on my treadmill

So far, only Cooper and Zach know about Allison and me. But Cooper’s clearly not caught up on the…recent developments, and honestly, I’m not about to fill him in especially when he’s already acting like this.

“You guys good now?” he presses, cocking an eyebrow. “C’mon, give me something.”

I step off the machine and shoot him a look. “How’s my sister?”

The sheepish grin on his face drops instantly, and lift a brow, satisfied. He knows better than to talk about Katy like she’s one of his random girls unless he’s in the mood to get punched. It’s a cheap move, dragging her into it just to dodge his questions, but fair is fair.

Besides, I’ve been making him pay for some of my stuff lately. If he’s going to be hanging around my sister, he can at least learn to value the privilege

“Low blow, dude,” he mutters, shaking his head.

“Yeah, well…see you later,” I say, smirking as I turn and walk away.

I grab my stuff and head out. This gym’s a bit of a trek from where I live, but it’s worth it since most of the closer spots are always packed and way too noisy.

When I get back to my place, I slow as I near the door, my heart racing and eyes widening when I see Allison leaning against the frame. We lock eyes and she exhales like she’s been waiting for me this whole time.

“Why are you standing there?” she asks. “I’ve been waiting ages.”

I close the distance, fumbling through my pocket for the key. “Why didn’t you text me?”

“Don’t know… I thought you’d be back soon,” she says, stepping in as soon as I open the door.

I definitely didn’t expect to see her here since she left around midday, and if I’d had even the tiniest hint she was coming over, I might’ve stayed back. I shut the door behind me, still clinging to my gym bag, and watch her stretch her neck. Her hair’s piled into a messy bun, and it makes her look so pretty.

“Is something wrong?” I ask.

She frowns. “Does something have to be wrong before I visit you?”

“That’s not what I meant,” I reply quickly. “You can come here anytime.”

She rolls her eyes, dropping onto the arm of the couch. “I’m hiding from your sister. She’s trying to murder me with books.”

I blink. “Books?”

“Yes.”

“I missed you,” I admit, rubbing the back of her head slowly. Her hands tighten around me, and she nuzzles closer, pressing her face against mine.

“I was really bored, so I’m happy you missed me,” she says. “I missed you too… but mostly what you made for breakfast. I’m starving.”

I pull back just enough to search her face, my eyes narrowing. “Don’t tell me you came all the way here… just to eat.”

She runs her tongue over her teeth. “You’re the one who keeps saying not to eat junk, and I didn’t want to order in. Katy made this horrendous thing and I can’t even call it food.”

I can’t help the corner of my lips twitching into a smile, fighting back a laugh. Honestly, sometimes

I look at people or hear them talk, and I just know what’s going on in their heads, or can guess what kind of person they are.

With Allison, every time I look at her, I just see this mischievous, naughty little thing who, if Santa were real, would’ve been on his naughty list every single year.

“Do you think I’m a spoiled brat?” she pouts.

“Yes,” I chuckle. “But I like that you’re a spoiled brat.. with me.”

“What does that mean?” she asks, following me as rise to my feet and head to the kitchen.

“If I tell you, it ruins the vibe,” I reply, grabbing one of my labeled containers and holding it out.”

How’s dirty rice?”

She bobs her head eagerly. “I’d love that.”

As I heat it up, she keeps hovering, peeking her head around corners and trying to sneak glances.

Then she freezes, slowly narrowing her eyes as she studies me.

“Justin… what was your first impression of me?” she asks. “And… you said I kissed you that one night I got drunk. I don’t remember that night. What happened?”