Page 24 of Branded Hearts

“I know! I remember you telling me, so I had to grab it.”

“How much do I owe you?”

“What? No, don’t be silly, they had a sale. It honestly cost me nothing,” Liv insists.

I beam gratefully at her and go in for a tight hug. As I let go of Olivia, footsteps from behind send a chill down my spine. Oh, God, I can’t possibly face him after what just happened.

Bradley steps into view, now dressed in black track pants and a fitted white t-shirt. All the air whooshes out of my lungs, and I exhale shakily.

Liv notices Bradley. “Oh, you’re home,” she states.

“Clearly,” he deadpans, his eyes locking with mine. Oh, God. Ishould bolt.

His gaze holds mine, exchanging silent messages, all while pretending he wasn’t just caught naked moments ago. Then, his eyes drop to the palette I’m still clutching.

“You paint or something?” he asks casually, his tone almost teasing.

I fumble with the palette, avoiding his gaze like it’s a hot stove. “Um, yeah, a bit. It’s a hobby, nothing important,” I manage, my voice cracking slightly.

“Nothingspecial?Come on, you’re seriously talented,” Liv chimes in, and I feel my cheeks flush even more. Great, now Bradley’s still watching me with that unreadable expression.

“I-I’m gonna go, okay?” I blurt out.

“Already? Stay for a bit,” Liv insists, but I can’t handle the tension.

“No, no. I-I really need to get home,” I stammer, hastily stuffing the palette back into the bag and giving Olivia a quick, awkward hug. Liv looks puzzled, but explanations can wait for another time. I bolt out the door, practically sprinting to my car, where I fumble with my keys, hands shaking like I’ve just downed a litre of espresso. Finally, I manage to unlock the car door and flop inside.

What on earth just happened back there? Did he... enjoy catching me gawking at him?

Oh, don’t be ridiculous, the voice in my head says.He probably thinks you’re a total weirdo now.

How am I supposed to look him in the eye after that mortifying encounter? And why does it feel like my heart is still racing amarathon, even though I’m safely ensconced in my car?

Deep breaths, Amelia. Deep breaths.

I start the car, trying to calm my nerves. Life suddenly feels like a cringe-worthy rom-com.

Note to self: avoid awkward encounters with naked guys in the future.

Ugh, no wonder I’m single—classic awkward Amelia strikes again!

8

I’m left standing in the dining room, Liv beside me, as Amelia rushes off after hugging Liv goodbye. Her sudden departure leaves a lingering awkwardness in the air. I can’t shake the image of her, eyes and mouth wide open, while she just... stood there, watching.

Fuck. I never expected to see her while showering, of all times. The thought of her watching me, it was... unexpected, but if I’m being honest with myself, it was also strangely exciting.

Nah, it straight out turned me the fuck on.

And as if my dick had a mind of its own—let’s be real, it does—he, too, liked the thought of it. After she sprinted off, I’d turned the cold water on, dousing my body, which had become a raging inferno, to help push away the thoughts of her and focus on catching her before she bolted out of there.

Caught up in my head, Liv turns to me, concern etched on her face. “Is she acting normal to you?”

I glance at my sister, trying to gather my thoughts. “Dunno. She’syourfriend?”

I do know something is off. Why would she be acting normal after catching me in the shower, after all? I just can’t shake the uneasy feeling now settling in the pit of my stomach. And as if it can’t get any worse, I feel a rush travel straight down to my dick.

Not now, wanker.

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