Page 69 of Branded Hearts

“Because it’s fucking distracting,” he admits, his voice low and filled with restraint. “And I’m trying really hard not to do something that I know I won’t be able to stop.”

His words send a chill down my spine, the hairs on my arm shooting straight up.Please do,I plead in my head. God, I want nothing more than for him to kiss me.

He moves closer, his eyes dark, the once shade of blue now almost black, his pupils dilated. He leans in, his breathing sharp, and I watch his chest rise and fall. My gaze shifts from his lips back to his eyes. Bradley towers over me, forcing me to tilt my head upward to meet his intense gaze.

Just when I think he’s going to kiss me, he doesn’t. “We can’t keep doing this.”

Disappointment washes over me in full force. I can almost feel my shoulders slump, the weight of his rejection heavy and confusing. I nod slowly, having no choice but to understand and go with it, even though I don’t really understand. He’s right, of course. We shouldn’t be doing this.

“Okay, sorry. I’ll go get changed and walk you out,” I say,plastering on a smile before heading into my room. I change in record time—seconds, really. I don’t want to risk him leaving before I get to say goodbye.

In my haste, I stub my toe on the corner of my bed and scream out, “Ouch, cheese and crackers!” I curse out loud, the silly words escaping before I can stop them.

I guess old habits die hard.

“You right?” Bradley’s voice comes from near the door, and relief washes over me to know that he’s still here.

“Yep. Coming out,” I say, quickly giving my foot a rub before joining him outside.

“Cheese and crackers?” he teases with a smile. “No more swearing?”

I blush deeply and roll my eyes. “No, those are only saved for serious moments.” I fiddle with my ring, my fingers tugging at the hem nervously.

Bradley’s voice grabs my attention. “Would you maybe like to go out to dinner?”

I freeze, panicking momentarily. “When? Now?” I blurt out.

He huffs a laugh, shaking his head. “No, sometime soon, maybe?”

How can this man be so confusing? Is this how all men are? Sheesh. One minute he’s saying‘we shouldn’t do this’and the next he’s asking me out to dinner. Maybe just as... friends.

I can work with that.

“Like a... date?” I ask softly, my heart pounding in my chest. Bradley’s smile falters for a moment, and I can almost see the gearsturning in his head.

“Well, it can be whatever you’d like it to be.”

“I’d love that,” I respond, the words slipping out before I even have a chance to consider them. There’s no need for consideration, though; this feels right.

“Okay,” he replies, his voice slightly hoarse. “I’ll text you soon to figure out the details.”

As he heads toward the door, I trail behind to show him out. Opening it, I pause, a sudden urge pulling at me.

“Bradley?” I call out, and he turns back to me, his eyes searching mine.

I stutter slightly but manage a, “Thank you for, um, coming so quickly when I called.” I honestly thought he wouldn’t answer, but for him to actually show up, I was completely surprised. His eyes soften for a moment, and he falters, as if he’s pondering what to say.

“I’ll always be there when you need me,” he says, his voice holding a deep, unwavering certainty, yet carrying a softer, more meaningful note. It’s not a question of if, but when. His words wash over me, enveloping me in a comforting warmth.

This means something, right? It has to.

“Night, sunshine,” he adds, and I feel a rush of warmth at the use of that nickname.

“Make sure all your windows and doors are closed and locked,” he reminds me as he closes the door behind him.

“Okay. Goodnight,” I whisper, watching him leave. Leaning against the door, I let out a sigh, feeling a whirlwind of nerves.

“I need tea. No, I need something stronger,” I mutter to myself, making my way to the cupboard in search of a bottle of wine.

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