Page 63 of Branded Hearts

I feel my face flush as I mumble, “Um, well, I’m actually a virgin. So never.”

Imogen gasps dramatically. Isla hits her with a pillow this time. I hide my face in my hands, feeling embarrassed.

“But you’re stunning, Amelia! You could have any guy,” Imogen adds in disbelief.

I scoff. “Yeah, if I knew how to talk to them.”

“But you do! You talk to the guys all the time—Xav, Harrison, even Bradley. You seem to be close with Bradley,” Isla points out.

“Oh, no. We’re just civil... I guess,” I say, trying to downplay any potential implications.

“Hm, he seems to have warmed up to you recently,” Isla insists, her observation making me squirm inside.

Imogen nods, looking at me intently. I glance at Liv, who’s also watching me, waiting for me to say something.

How have I been that obvious? Is it that obvious? I hope to God Liv hasn’t noticed anything.

Before I can dwell on it further, Imogen practically jumps out of her seat, almost tumbling over, and we all laugh. “I just had a brilliant idea,” she exclaims. “Amelia and Bradley should hook up. Two single people, twogood-lookingpeople. Why the fuck not?”

Olivia bursts out in laughter, and I giggle nervously as heat rises to my cheeks, feeling a flutter inside.

“No fucking way. As if,” Olivia retorts. “I don’t think anyone could handle Bradley’s mood swings. He’s worse than me.”

I look down nervously and find Imogen and Isla watching me. “Yeah, no.”

Imogen, still elated at her idea, smiles. “Why not? I mean this in the friendliest way possible, Olivia, but Bradley ishot. Sexy officer vibes. Tall, grumpy, so polite.”

She’s not wrong.

Isla nods enthusiastically, adding, “I love Xav, but I agree with her. Brad’s a catch.”

Suddenly, all my tipsiness goes out the window, and I’m immediately sobered up as Olivia’s words sink in.

“Would you? You wouldn’t actually consider dating Bradley, would you?” she asks, her face slightly flushed.

“Uh, n-no. I mean, it’s just... not something I’vethoughtabout.” I stumble over my words, feeling a rush of awkwardness flood through me.Crap, this is awkward, now suddenly wishing I could take back what I just said.

“Yeah, that would be a bit weird, wouldn’t it?” she says with a huff of laughter.

“Not really. Why would it?” Isla says, and I only feel my embarrassment deepen further.

“Well, she’s my best friend. It’s just weird.”

I can’t handle this conversation anymore. It’s like being under a spotlight with no way out. Imogen’s looks are inscrutable, and they only add to my nerves.

This whole situation is a minefield, and I’m standing right in the middle of it, sweating bullets. It’s probably the sudden attention, but the alcohol isn’t helping either.

I need an out.

I clear my throat. “Uh, I’m just going to use the bathroom,” I say, standing up quickly.

Imogen quickly joins in, rising from her seat. “Well, then… I think that calls for a refill and more music,” she declares, and Olivia chimes in with, “Yes, please!”

As the night wears on, Isla’s large lounge room buzzes with laughter and chatter, blending seamlessly with the upbeat music. Imogen has moved on from strawberries to chocolate, and Liv, clutching a juice pop, is dancing with wobbly enthusiasm.

I, on the other hand, feel a knot of tension growing inside me.Olivia’s comment about Bradley has left me feeling exposed, like everyone in the room can see right through me. I’m conflicted, unsure of what to do next.

Should I tell Bradley about this conversation?

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