Page 46 of Branded Hearts

“Auntie Meli!” she chirps, all excited.

“Hi, Millie!” I match her excitement. “What are you up to?”

“I’m playing with my dolls!” Millie beams, showing off her doll.

“That sounds fun! What are their names?”

“This one’s Sawah!” Millie points proudly.

“Sarah looks lovely. What’s she doing today?” I play along with hergame.

“She’s having a tea party!” Millie moves her dolls around.

“That sounds like a lot of fun!”

“Alright, Mumma’s turn now,” Kat says as she takes over the call from Millie.

“Hey, Kat!”

“Hey, Meli. Mum told me you’re going away for the weekend. Who’s going?” Kat asks, looking curious.

“Yeah, Liv organised a little trip. It’s going to be Liv, Xavier, his wife, a few other mates, and... Bradley,” I reply, a slight nervousness creeping into my voice at the mention of his name.

“Ooo. Bradley’s going?” Kat asks, her eyebrows raising in surprise.

“Yup. He’s coming, too,” I confirm.

“Everything all good?”

“Yeah, yeah. Just... you know, going away with everyone, it’s a bit... different,” I explain, trying to brush off my nerves.

“I get it. It’s like a big group outing. Should be fun though, right?” she says, trying to reassure me.

“Yeah, you’re right,” I reply, trying to sound more confident than I feel.

“Well, have a great time. And let me know if Bradley does anything cute,” Kat teases.

“Kat!” I exclaim. Just then, a text pops up from an unknown number.

My heart leaps, butterflies going wild again.

“Kat, I’ve gotta go—my ride’s here.”

“Okay, okay. Have fun!”

“Thanks! Talk soon,” I say quickly before hanging up. I grab my things and hurry out to meet Bradley.

Bradley leans casually against the passenger door of his white ute—dressed in jeans and a white t-shirt that clings to his muscular frame.

Holy cow!

I stop for a moment, ogling him, struck by how attractive he looks. My heart flutters in my chest, and I have to remind myself to breathe.

“Hey,” he greets me as he takes my bag, effortlessly tossing it into the backseat.

“Hi. Thanks for picking me up,” I say, grateful for the gesture.

He just nods, a small smile playing on his lips, before opening the door for me. I slide into the passenger seat, feeling a flutter of excitement mixed with nerves as he closes the door behind me. He gets in and starts the engine. As we pull onto the road, I try to break the silence.

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