Craving My Brother's Best Friend (Bailey and Kaleb) novel Chapter 31

**The Night We Borrowed Fire from a Broken Star by Selvin Arlo Crest**

**Chapter 31**

**Bailey’s POV**

As the semester drew to a close, I felt the relentless pressure of time slipping through my fingers like sand. Each day was a frantic sprint, and I was caught in the whirlwind of deadlines and exams.

My hours were consumed by the library’s quiet embrace or the confines of my classrooms, where I poured over textbooks and filled pages with frantic notes. The thought of receiving a B, a mere letter that had never marred my academic record, sent waves of anxiety coursing through me. Just the idea of it tightened my chest, a visceral fear that threatened to choke me.

Kaleb, in stark contrast, led a life that seemed almost otherworldly. His devotion to training was unwavering, a ritual he approached with a fervor that left me in awe. When I wasn’t buried in my studies, I often found myself on the sidelines of the field, watching him push his limits, his determination palpable in the air.

Every day, his physique transformed, muscles becoming more sculpted, his chest expanding with each exertion. He was a force of nature, seemingly perfect in every game, as if he danced through the chaos with an effortless grace. There were moments when I perched on the bleachers, pretending to focus on my notes, but my gaze would invariably drift to him, captivated by his every move.

Yet, despite the undeniable bond we shared, he had yet to utter the words that would define our relationship. I remained in the limbo of being his best friend’s sister, caught between the realms of friendship and something deeper. It weighed on me, and I resolved to confront the uncertainty after his upcoming match.

The day of the final football showdown between Brown College and Figaro College arrived, electrifying the campus with anticipation. The buzz had been palpable for weeks, and I could hardly contain my excitement at witnessing Kaleb’s first official game.

The stands overflowed with spectators, the air thick with the aroma of popcorn mingled with the scent of sweat. My heart raced as I held my sign high, my throat already raw from cheering.

“Let’s go, Brown!” I yelled, my voice merging with the chorus of supporters as I waved my sign until my arm felt leaden.

My eyes remained glued to Kaleb, who darted across the field with incredible speed and strength. The game was a fierce battle, both teams pouring their hearts into every play. My pulse quickened with each pass, each tackle, each sprint that unfolded before me.

As the minutes dwindled, the score remained tied, and the crowd erupted into a frenzy of excitement. “Come on, Kaleb,” I whispered fervently, gripping my sign tighter as if it would channel my energy to him.

Then, in a moment that felt suspended in time, he caught the ball, evaded a tackle, and surged forward with every ounce of strength he possessed. The roar of the crowd enveloped me, a wave of sound that surged through the air. He leaped, arms outstretched, and secured the winning point.

The referee’s whistle pierced through the cacophony. “Brown wins!” someone shouted, and the stadium erupted into an explosion of jubilation.

I joined the chorus, my voice blending with the crowd as I jumped in elation, my legs aching from the exertion. Kaleb was engulfed by his teammates, their arms wrapping around him in celebration, their shouts of triumph ringing in my ears.

From my perch in the stands, I beamed with pride—Brown had triumphed, and Kaleb had been the one to clinch the victory.

That night, the campus transformed into a vibrant celebration, the air thick with excitement and revelry.

**12:50 Tue, Nov 25 MG**

**Chapter 31**

The party was a frenzy of sound and movement. The house was overflowing with people, the music blaring so loudly that it felt as if the walls themselves were vibrating in time with the beat. Colorful lights flashed across the packed living room, casting a kaleidoscope of hues on the revelers.

I had become somewhat accustomed to the chaos of college parties. Nothing shocked me anymore—couples entwined in passionate embraces, empty bottles strewn across the floor, and the heavy scent of alcohol and smoke hanging in the air like a dense fog.

Tonight, however, I was dressed to impress, my heart set on one singular goal: to finally ask Kaleb about us, to clarify the unspoken boundaries of our relationship.

With a flutter of nerves, I pulled out my phone and sent him a text.

*I have something important to ask when you get here.*

It wasn’t long before my screen lit up with his playful response.

*I’m on my way. Don’t miss me too much.*

A small smile crept onto my face at his words. The crowd felt overwhelming, especially with Selena having gone home for the weekend, leaving me to navigate the festivities alone.

I sighed, scanning the room, feeling a twinge of loneliness amidst the throng of bodies.

“Bailey!” A voice called out, breaking through my thoughts.

I turned to see Ethan weaving his way toward me, a lopsided grin plastered across his face. I couldn’t help but smile back, the warmth of his presence momentarily lifting my spirits.

“Hey,” I greeted as he enveloped me in a hug, the scent of beer wafting off him, his steps slightly unsteady.

“Congratulations on winning,” I said quickly, stepping back to regain my composure.

“Thanks, darling,” he replied, his thick British accent rolling off his tongue with a charming lilt.

I chuckled softly, shaking my head at his exuberance.

The atmosphere suddenly felt stifling, the heat of the crowd pressing in on me. I tugged at the strap of my dress, feeling the need to escape. “I’m going upstairs. I need some air.”

“I’ll come with you,” Ethan offered, his tone light.

I hesitated for a moment, contemplating the implications of being alone with him, but ultimately nodded. We ascended the staircase and stepped onto the balcony, where the cool night air greeted us like a refreshing embrace.

Below, the party raged on, lights flickering and laughter mingling with shouts of joy.

“This is much better,” I murmured, leaning against the railing, allowing the night to soothe my frayed nerves.

Ethan stood beside me, his hands tucked into his pockets. “Much better,” he echoed, his voice warm.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify