Page 13 of Branded Hearts

“Uh, thank you, that’s nice of you,” I say, tearing my gaze away from the kids. “Again, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to be rude. It’s just… unexpected, seeing you here.”

“Amelia,” he says sternly. “Stop apologising.” His voice is gruff and so deep. Gosh.

“Yes, sir.” Did I actually say that out loud? Omg why did I say that? What an absolute goose. His eyes widen for a split second, processing what I just said. I can see the gears turning in his head.

“That just came out,” I huff out a shy laugh. “Do uh, do people call you that? … Sir?”

“Not really.”

Just as I go to apologise again, I rethink my words.

“I don’t mind it coming from you, though.” His words catch me off guard; again, his voice is so low, yet loud enough for me to hear.

Did he... did he just flirt?With me? A kindergarten teacher with zero experience in the dating world. Maybe I’m reading too much into it. After all, Bradley Mitchell is just being polite.Right?

Still, I feel my cheeks flush at his words. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. I don’t even know what to say to that? Does he expect me to continue?

I have no idea what I’m doing.

He stares at me, his gaze searching my face, his dark blue eyes intense and piercing. They’re not as bright as Xavier’s, but they still hold a captivating quality that makes my heart race.

“So, you’re holding up okay?” Bradley’s voice is low and steady, cutting through the classroom’s ambient noise. “If you’re not, I want you to tell me. I understand if you’re still feeling some shock from what happened.”

“Yeah, I’m alright,” I reply softly, managing a small smile. “It was scary, but I’m really thankful you were there. Honestly, thank you for checking in.”

As I speak, I notice Bradley watching me intently, his brows furrowed slightly, his eyes scanning my face.

Does he believe me? The thought flickers through my mind, butseeing his concern makes me feel at ease, reassured by his genuine care.

“I promise, I’m okay,” I add, meeting his gaze directly. Immediately, I see his features soften, a subtle relief crossing his expression.

“I’m glad to hear that,” he murmurs, his voice gentle yet reassuring. “You know, you’ve got a lot of strength, Amelia. Not everyone handles situations like that as well as you have.”

My pulse quickens at his unexpected compliment, his sincerity striking a chord deep within me.

“I should probably get going,” he says, clearing his throat lightly.

I nod with a smile, trying to lighten the mood. “Oh, yes, of course. I’m sure you have more exciting things to do than be here,” I tease, a small laugh escaping me.

“Not really,” he replies softly, his gaze steady. “This is the most exciting thing I’ve seen all day.”

His words catch me off guard, sending a rush of warmth through me.

Before I know it, he’s guiding me back inside the classroom, with a hand at my back, and his touch sends a jolt of electricity through me.

Calm yourself, Amelia.

As we enter, the children’s heads turn in unison, their eyes widening with curiosity. I can’t help but smile at their innocent fascination.

“Alrighty, kindy, can we all say good afternoon to Officer Mitchell?” I prompt.

In a sweet chorus, they all chime, “Good afternoon, Officer Mitchell!”

Their voices fill the room with warmth, and I catch Bradley’s small smirk as he acknowledges them. I glance away quickly, feeling my cheeks flush under his gaze.

He nods to the children before stepping out, Mrs. Higgins following closely behind. And just like that, he’s gone again, leaving me with a lingering warmth and a smile that I can’t seem to shake.

In an instant, the kids erupt into chatter and questions, all at once. “Who was that? What happened?”

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