Bragan Boys (Bragan University Boxset)

by Gianna Gabriela

  Apparently not well enough to notice he’s been beating himself up over a family secret he’s had to keep.

  “And,” she adds, noticing I’m not buying what she’s selling. “I know Abbigail. I’ve been living in the same house as her for the last two years,” she says disgustedly, like living with Abbigail is the worst thing she’s ever had to do. I don’t disagree.

  “You guys are like best friends,” I remind her.

  “Oh, God, no. She’s a bitch.”

  “So, why do you hang out with her?”

  Why am I even entertaining this conversation? I need to go to class then go home where I can have the special Kiya Oreo shake while I mope.

  “Because being cool with her was the only way I could be a part of DM.”

  “I don’t know if being in a sorority is worth dealing with her.”

  “Ain’t that the truth,” she mutters. “Anyway, I wanted to tell you that they didn’t sleep together. Abbigail lied. She told the girls last night that she’d let herself into Colton’s room that night. She said she was going to seduce him and try to get him to give into her charms, but you walked in and saw her. She was laughing about how her plan couldn’t have been any better, and now that you were out of the picture, she was going to try and get back into it.”

  I can’t believe the words that are coming out of her mouth. Scratch that, I can. “Are you saying Colton didn’t sleep with her that night?”

  “They had a thing before, but he broke it off. He didn’t want her, and he doesn’t want her now. Abbigail knew that and felt threatened.” She shrugged. “So, I wanted you to know that the way I see my brother speak of you, the way the guys taunt him about you and he responds, I know he has feelings for you. Real feelings. He’s usually closed off, but right now we can all tell he’s hurting.”

  “Oh.” I don’t know what to say.

  “Don’t give up on him, not yet.”

  “I…” What am I supposed to do?

  “And Mia, thanks for having my back that night at Eclipse.”

  “No problem,” I say, finally finding words to respond.

  “Sorry it took me so long to have yours,” she says, walking away.

  I take a seat in the front of the classroom, waiting for class to begin and mulling over everything that Kaitlyn told me a few minutes ago. I’m waiting for Colton to sit next to me again when he walks in, but he doesn’t. I see him walk toward the back of the class, and force myself to not look in his direction.

  After class, Colton stops me outside the room, tugging me into a quiet corner.

  “I need you to understand that I want nothing to do with Abbigail, or any other girl in this school.” I look down at my shoes, and he lifts my chin to meet his eyes, the ones that have resonated with me since the day I met him. The ones that hold so much promise, pain, power, and in this very moment, hope.

  “From the first day I met you, I knew you were different, and I like who I am when I’m with you. I love you and only you, and I think you love me too. I just needed you to know because every kiss we’ve shared made me feel like you were mine.” He wipes away the tear I hadn’t realized had fallen. “You own me. I’m yours, and only yours. Are you mine, Mia? Could you be mine? Because every time I say your name, it feels like you are.”

  “I…” I don’t know how to answer because I am his. “I trust you, I know you. And yes, I love you. I know you didn’t sleep with her, and I’m sorry I didn’t believe you.”

  His face lights up with a smile. He lifts me up, holding me tightly against his chest.

  “You know, every time I say your name, I smile because it means ‘mine’, and that’s all I’ve ever wanted you to be.”

  “You’re corny,” I joke, my heart soaring, my worries forgotten.

  “But you love me. You just said that,” he tells me with a smile.

  “Didn’t peg you as the lovey-dovey type.”

  He taps the tip of my nose with his index finger. “I didn’t peg myself as the lovey-dovey type either, but you bring it out in me.”

  “So, does that mean we’re boyfriend and girlfriend now?” I ask, a little embarrassed. Maybe he doesn’t want to label it, but labels work for me. They help me figure out what the expectations are.

  “Yes, we’re boyfriend and girlfriend now,” he answers, his lips crashing down on mine. When I’m with Colton, all I feel is comfort, love, care, and everything that’s good in life. He lifts me up like I am weightless as he continues to devour me. No words are exchanged between us. None are necessary. The kiss says it all.

  COLTON

  “My dad came back,” Mia says while we’re laying in my bed the next day.

  I sit up and lean against the headboard. “What do you mean he came back? When?”

  “Well, I was on my way to your house the night of the party when my dad showed up.”

  “What did he want?”

  I listen in shocked silence as she recounts their conversation. “And then I ran to your place as fast as I could.”

  “Why didn’t you say something last night?” I ask, playing with her hair as she lays on my chest. I still can’t believe we’re together. Last night, we came back to the house, stripped the sheets off the bed and tossed them. Then we laid down and talked—talked about when we started having feelings for each other, and about every memory we’ve made.

  “That night started off real shitty, but it ended well. I didn’t want to ruin it.”

  “Babe, you were there for me when I needed you the most. You were the one who told me I needed to speak up and confront my parents. Sharing your problems with me won’t ruin anything; it’ll just strengthen us.”

  “Babe? Is that my official pet name?”

  “One of many,” I say. “What did your dad want?”

  She’s quiet for a moment. “He wanted to start over—a second chance. He also wanted me to meet my new sister.”

  “Your new what? What did you say?”

  “Sister. It’s a long story but the short version is he was with another woman before my mom passed and the rest is history. Honestly, I wasn’t really feeling up to giving him a second chance, but now that I think about it, I think I’ll try. Better to try than regret it, right?” she asks, looking for confirmation in my eyes.

  “If you’ll spend your life wondering what a relationship with your father and new sister would be like, then yeah, I think you should give it a try.”

  “He says he’s changed.”

  “People do.”

  “I hope so,” she says, and I know she’s referring not just to her father, but to me, too.

  “Trust me.”

  “Always. Sorry I didn’t before.”

  “You don’t have to apologize. I made a rep for myself. I’m the only one at fault. I’m just glad you gave me a chance.”

  “Well, your sister helped.”

  “She did?” I ask, wondering what the hell my sister had done.

  “Yeah. She said something about you pining over me?”

  “She exaggerates,” I say jokingly. My sister was right, though. I think I might have bought a few pints of ice cream, too.

  “How’s your family?” she hesitantly asks, running her fingers down my chest.

  “I took your advice,” I respond.

  She lifts her head slightly, searching my eyes. “What advice?”

  “I came clean.”

  “You did what?” she says, shooting upright.

  “I told dad everything.”

  “And?” she asks, worry clear in her eyes.

  “He said he would handle it.” And he did.

  “How?”

  “Adaline’s threat was unfounded. He had a paternity test done when Kaitlyn and Nick were born because he suspected even back then that my mother was cheating on him. My brother and sister are his.”

  “Are you doing okay?”

  “I’m fine.”

  “And your mom?”

  “What about her?”

  “Did
she say something to defend herself?”

  “Dad filed for a divorce. He’s being generous by giving her enough money to sustain her lifestyle, though he didn’t have to since her infidelity was a condition of the prenup.”

  “Where is she now?”

  I sigh deeply. “Don’t really know. Don’t really care, to be honest. I’m just glad it’s over with.”

  “Me too,” she says, and lowers her mouth to mine. I take control of the kiss, causing her to whimper. I silently ask for more, and she gives it to me, and with her acquiescence, I get the same feeling I’ve had from the first time my lips touched hers—confirmation that she was made for me.

  26

  MIA

  “M, hurry up!” Kiya yells. “We’re going to miss the beginning of the game!”

  “I’m coming, I’m coming. Just breathe!”

  “Don’t tell me to breathe,” she replies indignantly. “And get out of the bathroom already.”

  I finish off the last curl, turn off the wand and exit our hotel room bathroom.

  “Okay, I’m ready. What do you think?” I spin around so she gets a good look at what I’m wearing: jeans, boots and a number 12 jersey, which I’m wearing because I love Tom Brady and the National Championship is at Gillette Stadium. But also, because it happens to be Colton’s number.

  Kiya whistles. “Colton’s going to lose his shit! He won’t be able to concentrate on the game.”

  “No, he won’t.” I giggle, although the shock factor is exactly what I’m going for.

  “He’s a caveman. You wearing his jersey is letting him know you belong to him. You’re adding wood to the already burning fire!”

  “We belong to each other,” I correct her. “It’s the least I can do. This is my first game.”

  “And his last for the year, so can we hustle and get there on time? Why did you skip all the games, by the way?” she adds.

  “Because I wasn’t really into college football.”

  She lifts her eyebrows suggestively. “I guess you have an interest now.”

  “You’re one to talk, Mrs. Miller,” I say, pointing at her jersey, which has Blake’s last name on the back.

  She winks. “Not Mrs. Miller yet.”

  “Things are getting serious between you two?”

  “If they weren’t, I wouldn’t be wearing his name.” She stares at me pointedly, like I’m in exactly the same boat.

  And I am.

  Ever since our fight and subsequent makeup, Colton and I have been closer than ever, spending time together whenever we can–movie nights, cuddling, make-out sessions. Oh, the make out sessions! Waking up next to him every morning is something I can definitely get used to.

  Our relationship has pissed off more people than it should have. Ever since we walked into class hand-in-hand, the rumor mill has run hot and fast. By the time we were out of class, half the school knew we were dating. Things have quieted down a little now, especially with the excitement over the upcoming game. The haters still hate, but I have my man and that’s all that matters.

  Kiya and I walk the short distance from the hotel to Gillette Stadium and it feels like our whole school has come out to support the team. Students walk in groups of various sizes, all heading in the direction of the stadium, all buzzing with barely-contained energy. I don’t blame them. The hype for this game started when the team made it to the National Championship. Luckily, the Championship game is being played in a stadium a couple of hours away from the school, which would explain why I see more blue and white than the purple and white of the other team.

  As we walk, everyone sings the fight song, some with their faces painted, some wearing jerseys with Colton’s number on the back, and for a moment, I feel like just another face in the crowd. That is until I remember what he told me last night, and again this morning.

  “I’ve already won because I have you, Mia.”

  Kiya and I get lost in the excitement, both of us a little more passionate than the rest because while they’ll be watching and cheering for the team, Kiya and I will be cheering for our boyfriends.

  We make it to the stadium just in the nick of time. Finding our way to the bleachers, we follow the signs to our seats at the fifty-yard line, giving us an amazing view of the whole field. I stand there, in awe of how great our seats are and how vast the stadium is. Colton’s favorite team, and mine, play here. I glance around and spot a few of the guys and girls from class, and I remember Colton saying that while we didn’t have box seats, the players managed to get tickets for their family and friends around the same section.

  Beside me, a man says, “I’m glad you made it. You must be Mia.” I stare at him, momentarily speechless. He must be Colton’s father if the height, eyes, and startling resemblance are any indication.

  “How did you know?”

  “Oh, you know—” he shrugs, “You might not be the only one wearing his jersey, but you’re the one who will be sitting next to me. Plus, Colton’s description of you is spot on.”

  I blush at his comment. “Yes, sir, I am. You must be Mr. Hunter.”

  “William. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you,” he says, and I extend my arm ready to shake his hand. He looks down at it and smiles. “From the many times I’ve heard Colton, Nick, and Kaitlyn talk about you, it’s clear you’re part of the family now. So, put that hand away and give me a proper hug.” He pulls me in for an embrace, and it’s very fatherly—comforting.

  I introduce Kiya to him and we all take our seats.

  We make small talk, chatting about football, college, and the typical ‘getting to know you’ questions. As we talk, I see that a lot of Colton’s qualities come from his dad, including his smile, which gives me a glimpse of an older version of Colton. I can tell old age will be good to him.

  I know it must have been hard for William to deal with his wife’s infidelity, but having her out of the picture has only improved his relationship with his kids. He’s been spending more time with them and it seems that this debacle was exactly the kind of wake-up call he needed to appreciate the time he has with them.

  27

  MIA

  I’ve been trying to remain calm, to make a good impression since Colton’s father is sitting next to me, but I gave up after the first quarter. Seeing the opposing team go right through our offensive line and sack Colton five times has me fired up. I’m confident I will not have a voice tomorrow with all the yelling I’m doing, but that doesn’t stop me from doing it.

  To my surprise, after the second quarter, I’m joined by Kiya and Colton’s father in the sideline coaching and refereeing, each of us yelling at the top of our lungs.

  At halftime, we’re still down twenty-one points. I head inside, grab some refreshments for all of us, and pray that whatever ‘talk’ the coach is having with the team will transform them into better players. They’re not a bad team, but their opponents are tough and have been kicking them around the field, exploiting their weaknesses.

  The third quarter starts the same way, and I can feel the energy that once consumed the stadium decline. Massively. Everyone’s already given up hope, but a touchdown in the last few minutes of the third quarter restores a little bit of faith.

  By the fourth quarter, our team has made an incredible comeback. The score is 28-21, and while we’ve made it this far, we’re still down by seven points with only three minutes on the clock. The opposing team’s offense takes the field, and unless we get a turnover, it’s unlikely we’ll get the chance to score again.

  The quarterback on the opposing team throws a pass down the middle to one of their receivers, but it is intercepted by number thirty-two. Next to me, Kiya jumps from her seat and cheers for Blake as he runs the ball back toward the end zone. He gets tackled at the other team’s twenty-yard line, and while a touchdown would have been great, this play was an answer to my prayers; the interception has put us back in the game.

  The two-minute warning is called. The ball is snapped to Colton. He passes i
t to Ian, who then runs it into the end zone.

  “Touchdown!” the announcer screams, and the crowd goes wild, jumping up and cheering. Our chances of winning are at an all-time high.

  The score is 27-28 with only fifteen seconds left on the playing clock. The kicker, Jesse, takes the field along with the other players. All he has to do is kick the ball right through the goal posts and get us that game-tying extra point. Hopefully, we can take the game into overtime from there.

  The players get into position and the ball is snapped to the holder. Jesse prepares himself for the kick, but instead of the holder setting the football in place, he fakes it and runs it to the left side of the field. The ball is passed to Nick, who runs it the final few yards into the end zone. The two-point conversion is ours, giving us our first lead in the game.

  The crowd screams in excitement and start streaming toward the field when the opposing team’s Hail Mary, thrown as the clock ran out, is shut down by Chase.

  Our team has won.

  We won!

  Colton’s dad beams as he cheers in support of his sons. Kiya and I are right there with him, both overcome with pride for what they’ve done—the incredible game our boyfriends have played.

  COLTON

  “Holy shit, man! We did it!” Zack yells as we all run to the end zone to meet Nick. The fans have left their seats and are running towards us at full speed. It’s a pool of white and blue. I make it to where the rest of the guys are and pat Nick on the shoulder. These men here did all it took. They played their hearts out, never giving up. I could not be prouder to have played this game with them.

  I feel like I’m on top of the world. The buzzing, the screaming fans, the final score on the board. Shit, even the smell of the field makes me feel alive. But I can tell something is missing… No, not something. Someone.

  I look at the seat where I know my girl is, and I start walking to her. A few people pat me on the back. Some ask me to sign merchandise or parts of their body. Some even ask to take a picture. Normally, I’d probably grunt and keep moving, but I’m on a high and nothing can ruin my mood.