Filed to story: Katy and Brayden Cooper Novel
KATY’S POV
I faintly hear someone call my name, but I don’t look back. I quicken my steps, praying it’s not anyone from that stupid circle. Honestly, I should’ve known better than to let Bryan drag me into a game of truth or dare, but yet, I let him push my buttons.
Just as I reach the end of the hallway, the one that leads to the room Allie and I were hanging in earlier, a hand clamps down on my shoulder. My heart stutters.
I turn, half expecting Stacy or Bryan, but it’s Braydon. I exhale a little, though I’m not exactly thrilled to see him either.
“What was that back there?” he asks immediately, like the question was almost bursting out of him.
I blink at him. “What do you mean?”
“You…” A half-drunk guy bumps into him and mutters an apology before stumbling away. Braydon shoots him a glare, then looks back at me. “You hesitated.”
I kind of know what he’s talking about, but I have to be sure. “I don’t really get you.”
He scoffs, dragging his tongue along his bottom lip. “You came up with this whole big plan, and you can’t even say I’m your type? Did you lie back there?”
I swallow hard, my eyes darting around to make sure no one’s close enough to overhear. The last thing I need is this turning into gossip fuel. “Can we just… find a room and talk?”
“I just need an answer, Katy.”
I exhale, trying to keep my voice even. “Look, the question caught me off guard and I-“
“Off guard?” he interrupts, head tilting slightly. “It was a simple question, Katy.”
“Yeah, and I gave my answer.” My patience snaps a little. “Why are you making it a big deal?”
Slowly, he steps closer, and I automatically move back until my shoulders hit the wall. My breath catches, and I don’t know if it’s the vein pulsing in his neck or those dark, sharp eyes, but my body is reacting before my brain can stop it.
“Did you lie?” he grinds out and despite the loud music, it’s all I hear.
My eyes twitch as I stare at him. The truth is…I did lie. Or maybe it’s not completely a lie. There are parts of Braydon that make me want to pluck my eyes out rather than ever date him. But there are also parts that… aren’t so bad.
Still, if he wants the truth, I’ll give it to him.
I nod once. “Yeah.”
He inhales sharply, his eyes shutting for a second like I’ve just stabbed him straight in the chest. I don’t even know why he looks so hurt. Maybe it’s his ego?
When he opens his eyes again, he braces his arms on the wall beside me, trapping me between them. My pulse skips.
“Is Bryan your type?” he asks, his voice lower now.
My jaw tightens. Of course. That’s what this is really about, him comparing himself to Bryan just to soothe his pride.
“Yes,” I mutter, shoving at his chest, though he barely moves. “He’s my ideal type.”
“Really.” His tone drops with disbelief and something darker in it.
“Get out of my way, Braydon.”
“What makes him your type?” he asks, completely ignoring me.
I hiss under my breath. If I hear the word type one more time, I’m going to lose it.
“Everything,” I bite out.
I didn’t think it’s possible but his eyes go darker. There’s rage there, disappointment, and envy in his gaze but I still can’t understand why he has to feel any of them,
He exhales and slightly straightens. “I think you’re lying, Katy.”
“And I think you’re so egotistical you can’t stand the idea that you’re not my type.” I cross my arms even though his chest is pressing against them.
“You really want me to believe,” he says slowly, “that you felt safer with Bryan than you feel with me?”
Oh God. He’s actually turning this into a competition. What does he want, a medal? A thank-you speech for existing? This is ridiculous and exhausting.
I lift my chin. “I know you’re hoping I’ll take your side, but I can’t. I did feel safer with Bryan.”
His lips curve into a smile that doesn’t reach his flaming eyes. “Is he that protective of you?”
My heart clenches. It’s like he’s digging into every flaw Bryan ever had in our relationship, and defending him feels like dancing on broken glass. I really can’t do it.
“Fine, you win,” I blurt, throwing my hands up. “I feel safer with you, you’re more protective, you get in my head…what else do you want to hear to boost that massive ego of yours?”
A muscle jumps in his jaw and he tilts his head, eyes narrowing. “I get in your head?”
Oh crap. Did I actually just say that out loud?
“I mean,” I stammer, trying to sound unbothered, “you kinda… influence me to make decisions I normally wouldn’t. Nothing deep.” I shrug, like I’m totally calm.
He straightens to his full height, a smirk ghosting across his lips like he’s already satisfied. “And why’s that, Katy? Why do I make you do things other people can’t?”
Holy Colombia. This dude will someday get pregnant and give birth to tiny Braydon’s who’ll worship him like a god. He’s incurable.
I open my mouth to tell him what I think of his overinflated pride, when something down the hallway catches my eye.
Bryan.
And of course, he’s not alone. There’s a girl walking beside him, laughing at something he says. But what really makes my stomach twist? She’s wearing his baseball jacket.
My throat goes dry. Heat crawls up my neck and burns across my face. Perfect. Just perfect.
Braydon, who still hasn’t noticed, leans in a little, his fingers brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. “Cat got your tongue?”
I swallow hard, trying to breathe normally, but my chest feels tight. I haven’t done much damage to Bryan tonight…just a few glares and snarky comments, but if he walks past right now with that girl in his jacket, I might as well stamp loser on my forehead.
Before I can even think twice, I tiptoe and press my lips to Braydon’s.
KATY’S POV