14

Fast Car - Luke Combs

S aturday morning rolls around, and I start packing my stuff for our little impromptu weekend getaway. I've got Olivia on FaceTime, and she's giving me the rundown of what to bring.

"So, just the basics, right?" I confirm, folding a few shirts and tossing them into my bag.

"Exactly, just the basics," Olivia confirms, watching as I hold up a couple of shirts for her approval.

"Should I bring this one?" I ask, showing her a colourful top.

"Yeah, that looks perf! And don't forget your cozzie, just in case we decide to hit the lake," Liv suggests. I nod, making a mental note.

"Got it. What about shoes?"

"Comfortable ones for walking, and maybe something a bit dressier for the night," Liv advises.

"Okay, I'll pack a pair of sneakers and some sandals," I say, adding them to the growing pile in my bag.

"You're all set, then. Oh, and don't forget your charger!"

I chuckle, grabbing my charger from the bedside table. "Wouldn't want to be without that. "

Suddenly, Liv's face lights up. "Oh, by the way, Bradley will pick you up. We're all meeting at my place before we head out." My heart skips a beat at the mention of Bradley.

"O-oh, are you sure? I can drive to yours?" I stammer, trying to hide my jittery nerves.

"No, no. Don't be silly," Liv insists, her smile comforting. "Saves you having to leave your car here."

This is just a weekend trip with friends. I've got this.

Thinking that, a rush of nervous excitement washes over me. I can't help but feel all bubbly at the thought of seeing him again.

Liv says she's gotta run, but assures me Bradley should be here in about twenty-five minutes. She adds he'll text when he's outside. With a quick goodbye, she hangs up. I finish zipping up my bag, my mind still buzzing about Bradley. Then, my phone starts ringing, and my heart jumps to my throat.

Could it be Bradley already? But Liv said twenty-five minutes, right?

I check my phone in a hurry, only to see it's my sister, Kat, FaceTiming me. Relief floods over me as I answer the call. Millie's bright face pops up, instantly lighting up mine.

"Auntie Meli!" she chirps, all excited.

"Hi, Millie!" I match her excitement. "What are you up to?"

"I'm playing with my dolls!" Millie beams, showing off her doll.

"That sounds fun! What are their names?"

"This one's Sawah!" Millie points proudly.

"Sarah looks lovely. What's she doing today?" I play along with her game.

"She's having a tea party!" Millie moves her dolls around.

"That sounds like a lot of fun!"

"Alright, Mumma's turn now," Kat says as she takes over the call from Millie.

"Hey, Kat!"

"Hey, Meli. Mum told me you're going away for the weekend. Who's going?" Kat asks, looking curious.

"Yeah, Liv organised a little trip. It's going to be Liv, Xavier, his wife, a few other mates, and... Bradley," I reply, a slight nervousness creeping into my voice at the mention of his name.

"Ooo. Bradley's going?" Kat asks, her eyebrows raising in surprise.

"Yup. He's coming, too," I confirm.

"Everything all good?"

"Yeah, yeah. Just... you know, going away with everyone, it's a bit... different," I explain, trying to brush off my nerves.

"I get it. It's like a big group outing. Should be fun though, right?" she says, trying to reassure me.

"Yeah, you're right," I reply, trying to sound more confident than I feel.

"Well, have a great time. And let me know if Bradley does anything cute," Kat teases.

"Kat!" I exclaim. Just then, a text pops up from an unknown number.

My heart leaps, butterflies going wild again.

"Kat, I've gotta go—my ride's here."

"Okay, okay. Have fun!"

"Thanks! Talk soon," I say quickly before hanging up. I grab my things and hurry out to meet Bradley.

Bradley leans casually against the passenger door of his white ute—dressed in jeans and a white t-shirt that clings to his muscular frame.

Holy cow!

I stop for a moment, ogling him, struck by how attractive he looks. My heart flutters in my chest, and I have to remind myself to breathe.

"Hey," he greets me as he takes my bag, effortlessly tossing it into the backseat.

"Hi. Thanks for picking me up," I say, grateful for the gesture.

He just nods, a small smile playing on his lips, before opening the door for me. I slide into the passenger seat, feeling a flutter of excitement mixed with nerves as he closes the door behind me. He gets in and starts the engine. As we pull onto the road, I try to break the silence.

"So, uh, how's your morning been?"

"Good. Fine," he replies, eyes on the road. "You?"

"Good. Fine," I echo his statement with a smirk.

The tension's thick, and I fiddle with my bag strap. After a bit, Bradley speaks again.

"You excited for the trip?" he asks, glancing at me before focusing ahead.

"Yeah, definitely. It should be fun," I reply, my voice a little more steady now.

As we drive, my gaze keeps drifting to him, mesmerised by the way his big hands confidently grip the wheel, fingers tapping out a silent rhythm. Sunlight filters in, casting a gentle glow on his strong jaw and the hint of stubble. The t-shirt he is wearing does wonders for his muscular physique, revealing the bulging muscles and the dark hair that dusts his tan skin.

He's so incredibly attractive, it's hard not to notice.

Blushing, I glance out the window at the blur of green trees rushing by. Before long, we arrive at Liv's place. Bradley parks, and I spot everyone outside, busy loading up cars.

"Looks like everyone's ready to go," Bradley remarks, turning off the engine.

As I step out of the car, the familiar faces of Liv, Xavier, Isla, Imogen, and Harrison greet me with smiles and waves.

"Hey, girl!" Liv chirps, giving me a quick hug before turning to Bradley with a grin. "Thanks for bringing her, bro." Bradley nods, his usual serious look softened just a bit as he acknowledges everyone.

Isla and Imogen both envelop me in warm hugs. The guys nod in acknowledgement, and I return their gestures with a wave, suddenly feeling a bit shy amidst the lively group. They then begin discussing the logistics of the trip, and Liv announces that we'll be splitting into three cars.

Imogen pipes up, "I'll drive with anyone, as long as I'm not stuck with him," pointing toward Harrison.

This elicits a round of laughter.

Liv quickly gathers everyone's attention. "Alright, fine, so here's the plan. Isla and Xav are driving up together. Imogen, Amelia, you're with me." She glances over at Harrison with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "Harrison and Michael, you're with Bradley."

"Who put her in charge? Aren't you like twelve or something?" Harrison teases.

"Ha. ha," she mocks.

I grab my bag from Bradley's car as everyone starts moving. Xavier's parting comment brings a small smile to my face as he pats Bradley on the shoulder.

"Good luck with those two," he says, nodding toward Harrison and Michael in the back seat. Bradley just shakes his head, unfazed.

As I settle into Liv's car beside Imogen, I sneak a quick glance at Bradley. Our eyes meet unexpectedly, and a wave of warmth washes over me. For that moment, it's like time stands still, and there's this electric connection between us. But then he looks away, and the moment slips by.

Even so, my heart is doing cartwheels, like a kid on a trampoline.