Page 112 of Branded Hearts

Dad grins. “Heard you also kept hitting the eight rings. Not bad for a first-timer,” he says with a wink.

Bradley’s eyes twinkle with pride. “That’s what I said. I think she’s a natural.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Yeah, I don’t thinkI’llbe doingthatagain. As fun as it was, that’s a one-time kinda thing for me.”

Bradley smirks at me, his eyes softening.

“Ah well, that’s a shame,” Dad chimes in, placing his glasses on his head. “You know, it reminds me of when your mum and I used to go on our camping trips. I used to take her out in the bush, just the two of us. Taught her how to shoot. Those were some good times.”

I smile, remembering Mum’s earlier words. She smiles back at me, a glint of nostalgia in her eyes. Bradley’s face brightens at the mention of hunting. “I’d love to hear more about that. I’ve done a bit of hunting myself, with my dad and brother, but I’ve always wanted to try it in different terrains.”

“You know, years ago, your dad and I went hunting together,” my dad says, shocking me.

“Oh, really?” Bradley leans forward.

“Yeah. We used to be a part of the same gun club,” Dad says, his voice warm with memories.

Bradley looks to me for some form of confirmation, and I just shrug, giving him a sheepish smile. This is news to me, just as it is to him. My mind races, piecing together this new information about Dad’s past that I never knew. It’s strange, realising there’s so much more to learn about the people you think you know best.

Dad’s eyes gleam with enthusiasm. “How about this? If you’re up for it, maybe one day we could plan a hunting trip together. I think we’d have a great time.”

Bradley’s expression is earnest. “I’d be honoured, sir.”

Dad claps Bradley on the shoulder, his smile broad. “Great. It’s settled then. I’ll hold you to that.”

I glance at Mum, who winks at me, her look saying more than words could. A warmth spreads through my chest, seeing Dad’s genuine smile as he claps Bradley on the shoulder. The easy bond forming between them is a surprise, one I hadn’t anticipated. It’s as if the universe is aligning in our favour, making our secret relationship even more precious. The anticipation of our journey together stirs inside me, mingling with a quiet joy.

Bradley catches my eye and smiles, and I can’t help but beam back at him. This moment, this connection—it’s everything I hadn’t realised I wanted.

37

LOVE - NatKing Cole

The restaurant’s warm ambiance envelops us as soon as we step inside, promising a memorable evening. Soft lighting casts a gentle glow over rustic wooden tables adorned with flickering candles, while local artwork adds charm to the cosy space.

“Good to see you both,” John says, his smile genuine as he and his wife, Rose, greet us. John leads us to a table by the bar.

The menu at Harbour Lights offers a delightful mix of modern Australian cuisine, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Known for its exquisite seafood dishes and extensive wine list, the restaurant’s reputation is well-deserved. The song “L-O-V-E” by Nat King Cole softly plays in the background, a nostalgic melody that brings memories of my parents.

Earlier in the evening, I FaceTimed Jamie, who helped me choose the perfect outfit—a red paisley dress paired with my favourite heeled ankle boots to give me some height around Bradley’s towering frame. Excitement buzzed within me until Olivia’s message came through, asking to hang out.

Dread washed over me.

I’d told Liv I was going out for dinner with the girls from work, and she’d been understanding. Yet, inside, my gut was in shambles, twisting and turning with guilt. Bradley pulls out the chair for me, and it causes my heart to flutter. I know we need to sort this out, find the right time to tell her. For now, I push those thoughts aside and focus on the evening ahead, hoping that tonight will be a chance to forget about my worries, at least for a little while. Conversation flows easily. John, who’s been at the station long before Bradley, shares stories from work. Rose, vibrant with her Spanish background, exudes a confidence I admire. She works at a real estate agency not far from my job—a nice coincidence.

As we enjoy our drinks—my second wine, while the guys stick to their first beers—Bradley drapes his arm around my chair, twirling a strand of my hair. His touch sends a pleasant shiver down my spine.

“So, John, how did you and Rose meet?” I ask.

John grins. “At a salsa dancing class in town. Rose was a natural, and I... well, let’s just say I needed a lot of practice.”

Rose laughs. “He was so charming, though. Kept stepping on my toes, but I couldn’t help but be drawn to him.”

I glance at Bradley, who’s smirking. “Didn’t know you were into salsa, John,” he says, teasing.

“I’m notintosalsa dancing,” he protests, but then catches the glare Rose shoots at him and quickly changes his tune. “I mean, Iwasn’t, but Rose changed my mind. It’s actually prettyfun.”

Bradley and I laugh, the sound mingling with the soft background music and the chatter of other diners. The easy camaraderie among us feels comfortable and natural.

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