Page 90 of Branded Hearts

“Uh… not sure. I’ve never outright said it.”

“Okay, one step at a time.”

One step at a time.

It seems like I’ve been doing that my whole life. Tiptoeing around Bradley, my best friend’s older brother, since I can remember. Harbouring this crush. Ugh. I am tired.

“Yeah. I guess.”

Her eyes light up. “Oh, I can’t wait to show you so many tips and tricks. I’ve learned a lot over the years, but John and I have found our sweet spots.”

Oh, nice. Now I’m picturing my sister and her husband… you know. That’s not a sight I wanted to see. Just then, Mum comes outside, interrupting my thoughts.

“We’re gonna have a BBQ tomorrow night. Dad’s gonna head to the butcher tomorrow morning to get some things.”

“Oh, fun. John loves BBQing. He’d love to help.”

This makes me think of Bradley. He’d told me he can throw a mean grill, and I can’t help but think he’d fit in so well here. With us.

“Oh, Meli, darling, you should tell Bradley to come by. It’d be nice to see that boy.”

“Oh—” My words trail off as I stutter.

“That’s a great idea! I’d love to see your newfriend, Meli.” My sister nudges my knee with a wink.

“I don’t think he’ll be—”

Mum cuts off my words. “Great!It’ll be a party of six.”

“What about Liv? Can’t leave her out,” I say wearily because, well, she is my best friend, after all.

“Oh, she won’t be home, love. She’s babysitting a friend’s kids in the evening.”What?I frown.

“H-how do you know that?”

“I spoke with Grace this morning. I saw her in town.”

“Since when do you two hang out?” I ask with a sceptical look.

“Well, lately we started our yoga sessions together, and I’ve been seeing her around more.” I just nod slowly, and Mum retreats back inside.

“That woman is always one step ahead, I’m telling you,” Kat says before sculling the rest of her wine. I have a sinking feeling in my stomach that my sister might be right again.

As I settle into bed, ready to sleep, my phone vibrates. My heart stops when I see Bradley’s name on the screen.

My heart races. He’s texting me.

He replies almost instantly.

My cheeks flush with warmth. I should probably tell him about the BBQnow, shouldn’t I?

Holy crap! That was surprisingly easy. Bradley is actually coming to my house! My dad will be there, and John. Oh, God. What if Dad starts noticing mycrushon Bradley? He’s always been good at reading between the lines, especially when it comes to me. And John, oh dear John, with his sly grins and knowing looks. He’s definitely going to pick up on something. What if I start blushing like a tomato every time Bradley looks at me? What if I say something completely embarrassing or spill paint on myself?

Ugh, why did I agree to this?

Just breathe, Amelia.

And they really can. My dad alone is intimidating,but when John is with him, they become overprotective of everything. And when they drink together, forget it. It’s like trying to stop a runaway train.

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