Page 39 of Branded Hearts

If only I could shake off this silly crush, maybe things wouldn’t feel so awkward between us. I can’t help but dissect every interaction with Bradley, my mind spinning with questions and hypotheticals. But alas, my heart seems to have a mind of its own, and it’s set on overdrive whenever Bradley’s around.

Is there a way to uninstall this crush like a bad app? Maybe I should try hitting ‘reset’ on my feelings.

Oh, if only it were that easy.

Her words pull me back to reality, and I realise I’ve been staring off into space. “Sorry, Liv. What were you saying?”

Olivia clears her throat, drawing my attention back to the present. “I was saying there is a man at the counter who keeps staring. Don’t look now!”

I try to act casual as I wait for the right moment. When Olivia finally gives the signal, I sneak a quick glance in the direction of the counter. I immediately spot the man Olivia is talking about. He’s tall, towering over the other customers. His bright yellow high-vis shirt and cargo shorts make him stand out, and there’s a dishevelled quality to his dark hair.

He looks older, somewhere in his mid-thirties.Maybe?

I have no clue.

“Oof. He’s got that rugged look and the brooding vibe, no?” Liv adds.

“I suppose,” I say with a shrug, not particularly interested. I’m not one to ogle men or get flustered over a guy standing in a coffee shop.

“You suppose? Girl, we need to up your game! Spruce up your lovelife,” she insists, clearly amused by the idea.

Her comments on the man’s rugged look and brooding vibe trigger an unwarranted thought in my mind about Bradley—making me blush instantly. Of course, Livnotices.

“Look at you blushing. I know you think he’s cute.” But my blush isn’t about the stranger at the counter. I roll my eyes, trying to hide the flush creeping up my cheeks.

“He’swaytoo old.”

“Pfft, age is just a number, sweetie. Besides, I like them a little older.” She waves off my comment with a smirk.

“You’re as mad as a cut snake.”

She grins, a mischievous glint in her eye. “What can I say? I like ‘em with a bit of experience.”

“Speaking of experience, when are you thinking about applying for jobs? You can’t sit around on the farm all day long.” I chuckle, teasing her.

“Gee, thanks. Maybe that’s what I plan to do for the rest of my life, ya never know.” I settle her with a look—a look that says‘as if.’

“Yeah, nah, fuck that! I can’t think of anything worse.” This makes us both chuckle. “Ihavebeen thinking of starting up my own candle making business for now, just to get by until I can land a proper job,” she adds.

“Oh, that’s new!”

“Yeah, it’s easy, fun,andI can personalise them for any customer. I just need to start up a website or Insta account,” Liv adds enthusiastically.

“Sounds like a great plan,” I reply, genuinely intrigued. “I’m sure your candles will be a hit.”

Olivia beams. “Thanks, girl. I hope so.”

“Well! Did you gals have a good time today?” Grace asks, her hands bustling around the kitchen as she wipes down the countertops with a flour-dusted cloth. Liv and I exchange a knowing glance; her mum has always been like this, full of energy and always bustling about, even when there’s no need.

After our impromptu coffee catch-up, Liv’s mum asked her to grab some last-minute groceries for dinner, so we made a quick trip to the local mini-mart. Now, in the spacious Mitchell kitchen, Liv and I are unpacking the bags for Grace while she tidies up—her father, well, who knows where he is.

He’s always been a bit of a mystery, but to me, Dominic Mitchell has always been like a second father. After all, I did spend quite some time here after school in our younger days.

“We had so much fun,” Liv chimes in, flashing me a grin and a wink.

“What’s that smile about?” Grace queries.

“Oh, she’s still blushing about the guy that was flirting with her at the counter,”I say.

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