Page 93 of Branded Hearts

“I-I can tell,” she stutters, glancing down briefly before meeting my eyes again.

“I left you a text and a voicemail.”

“Oh, God, did you? I-I haven’t been on my phone. I’m so sorry. I-I just assumed you couldn’t make it. Wait. You gotcalledintowork? Is everything okay? And you-you still came?”

Her barrage of questions hits me, and for a moment, annoyance prickles at the back of my mind. As if I’d ever blow her off. Not a fucking chance. It bothers me that she’d even think that.

She continues, her voice growing more frantic. “I didn’t mean to seem so distant. I just thought—”

“Amelia. It’s okay. Take a breath. Breathe.”

She takes a deep breath, her chest rising and falling as she steadies herself. Her shoulders relax, and a bit of the tension in her eyes eases.

“Atta girl,” I say once I see she’s calmed down, a soft smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. I gently bring the bouquet of white and pink lilies from behind my back, holding them out to her. Her eyes widen further, and a smile breaks across her face.

“You got these for me?” she asks softly, her fingers brushing over the delicate petals.

“Yeah.”

“Lilies are my favourite. How did you know?”

Because I saw them sitting on your bedside table that night I brought you home,I think. But instead I reply, “Just a guess.”

Her smile deepens, and she leans in to press a kiss on my cheek. “Thank you, Brad. They’re beautiful.”

“I also brought this,” I say, lifting the bottle of rosé. “I know you saidnotto bring anything, but I remember you enjoyed this on our dinner date.”

Her eyes soften as she takes the bottle from me. “You remembered,” she murmurs, a hint of surprise in her voice. I remember everything abouther.

“I pay attention,” I reply with a smirk.

Amelia steps closer, closing the gap between us. “You really are something, Bradley Mitchell.”

I tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear, my fingers lingering on her cheek. “Only for you, Mills.”

She leans into my touch. “Thank you for coming, Brad. It means a lot.”

“Always,” I say quietly, my gaze locked with hers.

31

Enchanted - Taylor Swift, More Hearts Than Mine - Ingrid Andress

Ican feel unshed tears brimming at the corners of my eyes. God, I’ve been so emotional lately. And it’s definitely not my period anymore. Just his presence here, it’s overwhelming. In the best kind of way. The moment is interrupted when Millie comes barreling in between us, her excitement palpable.

“Meli, Meli. Who’s dat?” Her innocent curiosity pulls me out of the emotional whirlwind.

“This is Bradley, Millie. He’s a—” My words trail off.

“Hi, Millie. I’m averygood friend of your Auntie Meli,” Bradley finishes for me, crouching down to Millie’s level. She hides her face behind my leg, a shy reaction to his playful introduction.

Millie notices the flowers in my hand, and her face lights up. “Flowas, flowas!”

I bend down to hand her the bunch, almost the size of her. “Bradley bought them. Aren’t they beautiful?”

Millie nods quickly. “Yes, yes!” I smile, my heart warming at the sight.

Bradley speaks up, “Millie, your Auntie Meli tells me all the timethat you’re a princess.” His grin is infectious, and Millie’s eyes light up with delight. “And do you know what princesses need?” Millie shakes her head.

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