Page 77 of Branded Hearts

“That’s… not funny,” I say, trying to sound stern, but feeling a smile tugging at my lips as I playfully smack his arm from across the table.

The bastard,affectionately, of course,bursts into laughter, a rich, warm sound that sends a shiver of delight through me, like sinking into a warm blanket on a chilly night.

“So, you think I’m very handsome, huh?”

I let out a nervous giggle. “Well, I mean... It’s just... obvious, isn’t it?”

“Well, if it’sthatobvious, maybe youshouldpaint me, after all,” he suggests, leaning forward again with a slight smirk. “I’d be more than happy to model for you.”

His suggestion catches me off guard, and I blink, momentarily surprised by his confidence. His playful demeanour makes my heartflutter, and I find myself smiling back at him, intrigued by his sudden openness.

“You’d really model for me?” I ask, my voice a little breathless.

“Absolutely,” he replies, his tone teasing but sincere. “Anything for you, sunshine. Remember?”

My heart flutters at his words, and I take another sip of my rosé.

“I’ll hold you to that, officer.” A smile tugs at my lips.

“I’m counting on it.”

As our conversation becomes more relaxed, I can’t help but ask the question that’s been on my mind.

“Can I ask you something?” I say hesitantly.

“Of course.”

“Why do you call me sunshine?” My heart pounds in my chest. He takes a moment to study me before answering.

“Because you light up any room,” he says simply, and my stomach does backflips at his words. He doesn’t know this, but his words meaneverythingto me. More than he probably everrealised.

“I… thank you,” I manage to say through a shaky breath.

And just like that, without realising it until now, I know that I am falling for him—hard and fast. Panic sets in as I realise this could end badly, but then he flashes that genuine, heart-stopping smile and any doubts melt away.

Despite the risks, I am helpless to resist him.

This is not good.

24

Latch (sped up + reverb vocals) - Sam Smith

As we finish dinner, the waitress brings the bill. I reach for my wallet, ready to split it because, hey, it’s the twenty-first century. But before I can hand him the cash, his voice stops me.

“Amelia,” he says, shaking his head firmly and dropping his card on the tray. Well, okay, then. I tuck my wallet back into my bag.

Bradley stands up, and I quickly follow. The waitress returns with his card and a polite smile. He places a hand on my back, guiding me out of the diner. His touch sends a shiver down my spine, and I feel giddy as we step into the cool night air. As we walk along the footpath, he gently taps my shoulder, pulling me to his left, away from the road. My heart skips a beat.

Bradley Mitchell knows thesidewalkrule?

We reach his car, and he moves to open my door. I stop and turn to face him.

“Bradley?” I say softly.

He makes a softhmsound. I step closer and give him a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you. For dinner.”

Bradley’s eyes darken, a smirk forming on his lips.

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