Page 144 of Branded Hearts

My heart pounds in my chest. It seems that even five months later, my heartstillskips a beat at the thought of seeing Bradley.

I step outside, and the warm spring breeze lifts myspirits even higher. He leans casually against his Navarra, ruggedly handsome in worn jeans and a flannel shirt that clings just right to his frame, showing off those strong arms. My heart flips at the sight of him. His eyes light up when he spots me, that familiar spark dancing in his gaze.

As I approach, the scent of his cologne mixes with the fresh spring air. He pushes off the car, meeting me halfway with that lopsided grin that always makes my knees a little weak. His hand finds mine, fingers intertwining, and it feels like coming home. Before I can speak, his other hand cups my face, thumb brushing my cheek. I barely have time to gasp before his lips capture mine in a kiss so fierce it sends tingles down to my toes. He bends me back slightly, his arm supporting me. My hands grip his shirt as I lose myself in the kiss.

The world fades away, leaving just us in this perfect moment. His lips move against mine with a mix of urgency and tenderness, and I melt into him, feeling the depth of his love in every touch. When we finally pull apart, his forehead rests against mine, both of us breathless, sharing a smile that says everything. His eyes hold an emotion so deep it makes my breath hitch.

“Hi, sunshine,” he murmurs, and I can’t help but smile, feeling like the luckiest girl in the world.

“Hi,” I say, my voice a little breathless from that kiss. He grins at me, eyes crinkling at the corners in that way I love.

Bradley steps back and opens the passenger door. “After you,” he says, teasing, but with that warm look in his eyes. I slide into the seat, the familiar scent of his car wrapping around me like a hug. He shutsthe door and walks around to the driver’s side, and I can’t help but wonder what he’s up to. Bradley hops in and starts the engine.

“So,” I begin, turning to look at him, “what’s with all the secrecy? You’ve been acting all mysterious and sneaky today.” I raise an eyebrow, trying to figure him out.

He smirks, glancing at me with that twinkle in his eye. “Can’t I surprise my girlfriend once in a while?” His voice is playful, but there’s this excitement in it that gets me curious.

I laugh, the sound bubbling up from my chest. “I guess you can. But now you’ve got me all intrigued.”

Bradley chuckles, his hand reaching over to give mine a reassuring squeeze. “Good. That’s exactly what I was going for.” He pulls out onto the road, and we head off—the world outside a blur of colours and light.

As we drive, I keep sneaking glances at him. The way his jaw tightens with concentration, the easy confidence in the way he handles his ute, the gentle curve of his lips when he catches me looking—all of it makes my heart swell with love and anticipation. Whatever he’s planned, I know it’s going to be special, just like every moment we’ve shared since that day at the gallery.

He turns down an unfamiliar road, and I furrow my brows, trying to figure out where we are. We’re a good fifteen minutes from town. Bradley suddenly pulls over on the side of the road, and I glance at him, confused.

“What’s going on?” I ask, my voice laced with curiosity.

He turns to me with a mischievous grin. “Trust me, I have asurprise for you.” As he says this, he pulls out a blindfold. My breath hitches, my pulse quickening.

“A blindfold?” I stammer.

“Do you trust me?” he asks softly, holding the fabric out to me.

I nod, swallowing hard. “Always.”

This has become our thing.Trust. And oh, how I trust him with my life.

He’s taught me so much—not just in the bedroom, though there’s been plenty of that—but aboutlife, about being street smart, about protecting myself. He’s shaped me into the woman I am today: strong, confident, and ready to tackle whatever life throws our way. With him by my side, I’ve learned to embrace my strengths and know my worth. Sure, I still have my moments—like when I nervously yap to myself and anyone within earshot. But hey, Bradley loves me just the way I am, quirks and all.

And let’s be honest, who doesn’t need a bit of comic relief now and then?

He gently ties the blindfold over my eyes, and the world goes dark. My heart pounds as the car starts moving again, every sound and sensation amplified in the absence of sight. What is he doing? What kind of surprise? My mind races with possibilities, and my senses heighten, making every detail feel more intense.

As we drive, Bradley’s fingers begin to toy with the hem of my dress, sending shivers up my spine. His touch is light, teasing, as he trails his fingers along my thighs. “You look incredible in this dress,” he murmurs.

“Bradley…” I whisper, my breath catching as his hand inches higher.

He chuckles softly, continuing to tease me, making the drive feel like it’s stretching on forever. Without sight, I have no idea where we are, and the suspense is almost unbearable. Finally, the car slows to a stop, and he announces, “We’re here.”

I hear him get out, then my door opens. He helps me out, guiding me with a steady hand. “Careful,” he says, leading me up a pathway and then a set of stairs. My heart races, my mind spinning with anticipation as I follow his lead, wondering what he has in store for me.

Bradley takes a deep breath. “Ready?”

I nod, my heart racing. “I think so.”

He gently removes the blindfold, and I blink, adjusting to the light. My breath catches as I see it—a stunning two-story white house that looks like a dream.

“What...?” I whisper, stepping out of the car, eyes wide. The house is a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern elegance, with a wrap-around porch draped in lavender and vines.

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