Page 47 of Branded Hearts

“So, uh, how’s your morning been?”

“Good. Fine,” he replies, eyeson the road. “You?”

“Good. Fine,” I echo his statement with a smirk.

The tension’s thick, and I fiddle with my bag strap. After a bit, Bradley speaks again.

“You excited for the trip?” he asks, glancing at me before focusing ahead.

“Yeah, definitely. It should be fun,” I reply, my voice a little more steady now.

As we drive, my gaze keeps drifting to him, mesmerised by the way his big hands confidently grip the wheel, fingers tapping out a silent rhythm. Sunlight filters in, casting a gentle glow on his strong jaw and the hint of stubble. The t-shirt he is wearing does wonders for his muscular physique, revealing the bulging muscles and the dark hair that dusts his tan skin.

He’s so incredibly attractive, it’s hard not to notice.

Blushing, I glance out the window at the blur of green trees rushing by. Before long, we arrive at Liv’s place. Bradley parks, and I spot everyone outside, busy loading up cars.

“Looks like everyone’s ready to go,” Bradley remarks, turning off the engine.

As I step out of the car, the familiar faces of Liv, Xavier, Isla, Imogen, and Harrison greet me with smiles and waves.

“Hey, girl!” Liv chirps, giving me a quick hug before turning to Bradley with a grin. “Thanks for bringing her, bro.” Bradley nods, his usual serious look softened just a bit as he acknowledges everyone.

Isla and Imogen both envelop me in warm hugs. The guys nod in acknowledgement, and I return their gestures with a wave, suddenlyfeeling a bit shy amidst the lively group. They then begin discussing the logistics of the trip, and Liv announces that we’ll be splitting into three cars.

Imogen pipes up, “I’ll drive with anyone, as long as I’m not stuck with him,” pointing toward Harrison.

This elicits a round of laughter.

Liv quickly gathers everyone’s attention. “Alright, fine, so here’s the plan. Isla and Xav are driving up together. Imogen, Amelia, you’re with me.” She glances over at Harrison with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. “Harrison and Michael, you’re with Bradley.”

“Who put her in charge? Aren’t you like twelve or something?” Harrison teases.

“Ha. ha,” she mocks.

I grab my bag from Bradley’s car as everyone starts moving. Xavier’s parting comment brings a small smile to my face as he pats Bradley on the shoulder.

“Good luck with those two,” he says, nodding toward Harrison and Michael in the back seat. Bradley just shakes his head, unfazed.

As I settle into Liv’s car beside Imogen, I sneak a quick glance at Bradley. Our eyes meet unexpectedly, and a wave of warmth washes over me. For that moment, it’s like time stands still, and there’s this electric connection between us. But then he looks away, and the moment slips by.

Even so, my heart is doing cartwheels, like a kid on a trampoline.

15

The drive here wassomething else. Stuck in the car with Michael and Harrison, it’s always a rowdy affair. They’re Xav’s mates, but after enough time, they’ve become like mates to me, too. Bloody hell, we’re almost like brothers.

At least, that’s how my brother would see it.

Yeah, Harrison can be a handful, but I get it. He’s been through some rough patches, but that’s not my story to tell, not by a long shot. I pull up in the driveway of our temporary home for the next two days.

The house is right on the riverfront, a decent view of the water. The land around it is green and lush, typical Aussie countryside. Liv really nailed it by finding this place, especially at such short notice. I had my doubts about this trip, but now that we’re here, away from the grind, I feel the tension slipping off my shoulders. Maybe a change of scenery is just what I needed to clear my head.

“Fucckk me. Look at this shit! Where did Liv find this place?” Harrison calls out as he practically leaps out of the car, and I can’t help but smile.

I shrug, scanning the surroundings. “No idea.”

“Does it really matter? It’s a nice change of scenery,” Michael retorts, getting out of the car and slinging his headphones around his neck before lighting up a cigarette.

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