” Damn.
Katy Evans is really something.
I’ve met a lot of girls, but none of them surprise me the way she does. Her confidence, her determination to never settle for less… that’s something you don’t learn from textbooks.
Bryan looks livid when I glance at him. His jaw is tight, eyes dark, and I can practically see the excuses running through his head. I almost feel bad for him…almost. At this point, it’s better if he just keeps his mouth shut.
The bottle spins again, glass scraping against the floor, and I swear I’m holding my breath. If that damn thing lands on me again, I’m walking out, no matter how bad it looks.
Thankfully, it stops on Martin. Someone dares him to make out with a random girl in the crowd, and of course, he goes for it. The room bursts into laughter and chants, but I just shake my head. Seriously, the last time I played this game was freshman year, and even then, I didn’t remember it being this stupid.
The bottle keeps spinning, round after round. Katy and I are spared a few times, and I start to relax -too soon, apparently. Because the next time it slows, the neck points straight at Katy, and the bottom… right at Bryan.
Her fingers find mine, tight and tense, and I hate how she still reacts to him like that. Not because I’m jealous or anything, it’s just frustrating. She’s built this whole calm, controlled version of herself, but one look from him and it cracks a little.
“Truth or dare, Katy?” he asks dryly, but I know he’s been waiting for this chance all night.
“Truth,” she says.
My pulse picks up and I don’t even know why. Maybe it’s the way Bryan leans forward, or the way Katy’s thumb unconsciously rubs against mine. Either way, I already know this round’s about to go south.
“Is he really your type?” Bryan drops.
My eyes narrow, lips twitching.
“W-what?” Katy sputters.
“Want me to repeat that?” he taunts.
I tilt my head at her. Seriously, it’s an easy question. And yeah, it’s a little offensive, but I expected worse from him. I mean, come on. It’s me. I know I’m everyone’s type, including-
“Duh, yeah,” Katy blurts. “I mean, look at him.”
Heat fills my stomach, but not the good kind. Her high-pitched tone and over-the-top delivery say one thing…she’s not confident with that response.
Really?
I glance at her, studying her face. She can’t even meet my eyes and my jaw tightens.
Did she just lie?
To my instant regret, I glance at Bryan and he’s smirking, because of course, he caught it too.
That’s why he asked. He wanted to prove that even with all this dating crap between me and her, he still knows her. He still knows how to get to her.
And from the look on her face… maybe he’s right.
My jaw tightens and I can practically feel my pulse in my teeth.
Katy clears her throat. “Excuse me, I’ve got to use the bathroom.”
She’s on her feet before anyone can say anything. Her fake smile flickers across her face before she turns and disappears into the crowd.
For a second, I just sit there, my chest tight. Everyone’s talking again, but I’m not hearing any of it.
All I can see is her walking away, the back of her head getting smaller.
Don’t follow her, Braydon. Just chill. Don’t make it a thing.
Yeah, right.
The next thing I know, I’m standing too, brushing past a couple of people as my eyes lock on the hallway she went down.
I need to know what makes me not Katy Evans’s type.
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.”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.