16

Like Real People Do - Hozier

T he back balcony is a slice of heaven. The setting sun casts a golden glow over everything, making the river shimmer like a sea of diamonds. I wrap my arms around myself, the soft, oversized sweater hugging me as I breathe in the crisp air.

The BBQ sizzles in the background, the smell of grilled meat mingling with the earthy scent of the trees. It's a perfect spot to relax, with the wooden planks warm under my feet and the Adirondack chairs set out like a Pinterest dream. But all I can think about is Bradley's body… up close and personal. Sure, I accidentally saw him naked a few weeks ago, but seeing him shirtless up close, with time to admire?

Totally lethal.

It felt like a guilty pleasure.

Those chiselled abs, the light dusting of hair on his chest trailing down, down to his... Oh, my gosh. Why am I even thinking about this? I'm such a dork. I just sat there staring at him, ogling him like a total idiot. He caught me, and then he winked.

My brain short- circuited.

Honestly, I'm a complete disaster when it comes to him.

As I sit here, the girls beside me are totally engrossed in a conversation about the latest TV show obsession. My phone vibrates on the table next to me, and I glance down to see it's a message from my work friends.

I hesitate for a moment, not wanting to give too much away, but I know they'll pry it out of me, eventually.

My cheeks flush as I read their messages. No way. I can't do that to Liv—go behind her back and sleep with her brother .

Holy moly, this is tough.

But really, I got myself into this mess.

Despite how wrong it is, I can't stop thinking about him. He's everywhere I look, invading my thoughts and making my heart race. I want it so bad, it's driving me crazy. His chiselled abs, that smirk, the way he looks at me... It's all I can think about. The more I try to push him out of my mind, the stronger the pull becomes.

This is impossible. How can something feel so right and so wrong at the same time?

I sigh, feeling my cheeks flush as I think about how to respond. Liv, Isla, and Imogen are still deep in conversation, and I don't want to be rude by ignoring them.

These texts definitely need to wait for another time, especially not now, while I'm sitting at the table with Liv. And to top it off, Bradley is right there, mere metres away. I glance up at the guys, observing them work the BBQ. Bradley is casually sipping his beer, engaged in conversation with Michael. Suddenly, he shifts his gaze in my direction, and our eyes meet once more. I swiftly avert my eyes, a rush of nerves tingling through me.

I hastily type, "Gotta go! Talk later!" and hit send, hoping to end the conversation before it gets any more awkward. I put my phone into my pocket, feeling it vibrate with more texts, but I don't pull it back out. Taking a deep breath, I join the conversation between the girls.

They're discussing our plans for the day tomorrow, with Liv suggesting a hike along the river trail.

"That sounds like so much fun!" I chime in.

Liv nods eagerly. "I've heard the views from the trail are breathtaking."

"And it'll be great to get some fresh air and exercise," Imogen adds.

"I should probably get some exercise in before I become too big to walk," Isla quips, and Xavier jumps in, teasing.

"Don't worry, doc, I'll make sure you get plenty of exercise," he says with a cheeky wink.

"Oh, shut it, you," Isla retorts, playfully rolling her eyes at Xavier. Bradley saunters over, his tall frame casting a shadow as he sets down the sizzling foil trays of snags, ribs, and vegetables.

"Dig in," he announces, his voice carrying the warmth of a friend ready to share a meal.

"Finally!" Isla exclaims, her enthusiasm palpable as she bounces in her seat. "I'm starving!"

As we all start serving ourselves, the atmosphere relaxes, and I'm relieved to be distracted from my buzzing phone and thoughts of Bradley.

"We should make this a tradition," Harrison declares, breaking the comfortable silence.

"I'm all for it. A yearly getaway sounds perfect," Liv agrees, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

"Cheers to a fun weekend, and to the newest Mitchell member!" Xavier announces, raising his beer before taking a swig.

Now fully satisfied after the meal, we're still gathered around the wooden table, discussing things we're too scared to try. I tune back in just in time to hear Isla say, "I'm excited to have this baby," clutching her stomach, "but giving birth terrifies me."

Imogen chimes in, "Oh gosh, that's a good one. I'll never understand how our bodies can do that." She shudders at the thought.

Xavier wraps an arm around Isla, reassuring her, "You'll be fine, babe. You're so strong."

Liv turns to me, and I freeze, trying to think of something. Finally, I say, "I've always dreamt of moving to the city to be with my sister, maybe owning my own art gallery."

This sparks up a conversation about my artworks. Imogen asks me, "Ooo, I didn't know you're an artist. What kind of artworks do you create?" causing me to blush.

"Not many people do, and well, I paint portraits mostly, and some still life, here and there," I explain.

Harrison looks intrigued and asks, "What's still life?"

I smile. "Paintings of inanimate objects, like fruit, flowers, or objects."

Harrison nods, impressed. "Oh, mad."

Liv turns to Bradley. "What about you, Bradley? What's something you'd love to do but are too scared to do?"

He shrugs. "I don't know."

Xavier nudges him playfully. "Oh, come on, mate. There's gotta be something."

Bradley thinks for a moment before saying, "I don't know. I guess just doing something, or anything, for myself for once. I have to put others before myself a lot of the time, especially with work, so…"

He stops talking, allowing his words to trail off. "Anyway. Enough about me," he finishes in a dismissive tone.

The group falls silent. Isla makes an aww sound before saying, "Well, I think that's a really good one. Doing things for yourself can be scary sometimes."

Everyone voices their agreements, and I find myself nodding a little too enthusiastically because, well, hearing him say those words just sends a dull ache to my heart. His admission hits me right in the feels.

Who knew the strong, stoic Bradley had such deep thoughts?

It's like discovering there's a whole new layer to him that I never knew existed. The stoic guy who always seems to have it all together is admitting he doesn't always put himself first.

It's like finding out Superman has a weakness or something.

And of course, it makes him even more attractive, which is the absolute last thing I need. He's Liv's brother, for crying out loud. Completely off limits. Yet, my heart insists on doing these ridiculous cartwheels at the thought of "something more" between us.

Maybe his confession is a sign—a sign that we could connect on a deeper level, even with all the complications. But then I have to give myself a mental shake. Focus on the now, Amelia. Focus on anything but Bradley and those deep, soulful eyes that seem to see right through me.

This is so, so hard.

I can't sleep. I've been tossing and turning since around ten thirty.

Liv decided to sleep at the same time, but she's been out like a light since her head hit the pillow. Our room is cosy, with two single beds comfortably apart, providing ample space around them. A large door opens to a small balcony overlooking part of the river. The soft moonlight seeps through the curtains, bathing the room in a gentle, silvery light.

Even at twenty-four, sleeping anywhere other than my own bed makes me feel like a little kid at a sleepover, missing home. The unfamiliar sounds, the different smells—it all keeps me on edge. I glance at Liv, peacefully asleep, and feel a twinge of envy.

How does she fall asleep so effortlessly, no matter where we are? Ugh.

To make matters worse, the events of today keep replaying in my mind like a loop, especially those moments with Bradley. I can't stop over-analysing every interaction, every glance.

I sit up slowly, careful not to disturb Liv, and swing my legs over the side of the bed. The cool floor against my feet sends a small shiver up my spine. I tiptoe to the balcony door and gently open it, stepping outside. The night air is cool and refreshing, and the sound of the river below is soothing. Leaning against the railing, I take a deep breath and let the calmness of the night wash over me. Maybe some fresh air will help clear my mind and ease my nerves. The stars twinkle above, and for a moment, I forget all my worries and just enjoy the beauty of the night.

My thoughts drift back to Bradley. What could he be doing right now? Is he asleep, too? Maybe a cup of tea will help calm my racing thoughts. I make my way to the kitchen. The house is eerily quiet, amplifying the sound of my footsteps as I tiptoe down the hallway. Raiding the cupboards, I find a small tin with tea bags and take out a peppermint tea. The familiar scent of mint fills the air as I fill the kettle with water and set it to boil. The soft hiss of the kettle is oddly comforting in the stillness of the night.

While I wait for the water to heat, I lean against the kitchen counter, hugging myself tightly. Despite the house's warmth, a chill runs down my spine, making me shiver. As I pour the hot water over the tea bag, I watch the steam swirl up, feeling my tension slowly melt away. The warm mug in my hands feels comforting, and I take a cautious sip. The soothing taste of peppermint spreads through me, easing my nerves and wrapping me in a gentle calm.

Suddenly, I sense a presence behind me, and my heart skips a beat. I spin around quickly, nearly dropping my tea. Bradley stands there, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight streaming through the window. My breath catches, and I can hear my pulse pounding in my ears.

"You scared me," I say, voice shaky.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to."

I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "Can't sleep?"

"Something like that."

Silence fills the room, the kettle's hum the only sound. I shift uncomfortably, unsure of what to say. He joins me, leaning against the counter. I offer to make him tea, but he shakes his head. The tension is palpable.

"It's a beautiful night, isn't it?" I gesture to the window.

"Yeah, it is." He frowns, eyes distant.

"What's on your mind?"

"A lot."

"Like what?" I inquire.

He sighs. "Work, mostly. And... you."

My breathing hitches, and I freeze. Being this close to him does things to me—dangerous things. "Me? What do you mean?"

My heart pounds loudly. The air feels charged, and I'm hyper-aware of every inch between us. His gaze is intense, making my stomach flutter. I'm caught between wanting to flee and wanting to close the gap. The tension is suffocating, yet thrilling.

His gaze darkens as he studies me, always so deep in thought. I want to know all his thoughts.

"I'm just trying to figure you out. I haven't been able to stop thinking about you," he says, voice low and intense .

Holy crap. So, he's been feeling the same.

He exhales heavily, as if struggling to find the right words.

"I keep replaying every moment, every glance, every conversation we've had. Wondering what might be next," he adds, eyes locked onto mine. He steps closer, gently taking the mug from my hands and placing it on the counter. His touch sends a shiver down my spine, and I can feel the heat radiating off his body.

"Bradley," I whisper, barely audible.

He reaches up, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. His touch is electric, sending tingles down my neck. I'm frozen, lost in his gaze. The intensity of his stare is almost too much, but I can't look away. I'm completely captivated. Bradley grabs my chin, tilting my head up to meet his eyes.

"Fuck, I shouldn't be doing this," he mutters, abruptly letting go. "Go to bed, Amelia. It's late," he says, looking torn.

"No," I say firmly. I need to know more. I want to be desired. I crave a love like Xavier and Isla's. I may be na?ve, but I am not stupid. I'm attracted to him. I have been since I was fourteen.

"Amelia, go," he repeats, softer now.

"No, Brad. Not until you explain what you meant," I say, hand on my hip, determination fueling my words.

He repeats, "I shouldn't want this."

"Shouldn't want what ?" I ask again, surprising even myself.

"I shouldn't want to kiss you," he finally says, voice deep and gravelly. "Ever since you mentioned you haven't been kissed, it's all I can think about. Part of me wants to be the first to give that to you. "

Holy cow. Bradley Mitchell wants to kiss me?

"What if I want you to kiss me?" I ask, my voice surprisingly steady. It's not like me to be so forward. A muscle in his jaw ticks, and his eyes become hooded. He steps closer, and my breathing hitches. But before he can close the distance, the sound of a door opening breaks the spell.

I gasp, quickly grabbing my mug and dumping its contents in the sink as I walk away. Glancing back, I see Bradley watching me, his expression unreadable. Then he turns away.

Imogen appears out of nowhere, exiting the bathroom with a sleep mask around her neck and her hair slightly dishevelled. She spots me and sucks in a breath.

"Shit! You scared me!" she whispers.

"Sorry," I mutter quickly. Imogen gives me a curious look, but then walks back to her bedroom. My God, that was close. She could have easily seen us in the kitchen.

I quickly head into the bathroom, closing the door behind me. I splash water on my face and neck, trying to cool my nerves. My heart is racing.

I should get to bed. Tomorrow is a new day. I should focus on that and forget everything that just happened. It's for the best—for me, for Bradley, and for Olivia. My face scrunches up at the thought of my best friend.

But God, how I want him to kiss me. To feel his lips on mine. The thought makes my stomach flip, and I feel a longing I've never felt before .

Ugh. Just stop, Amelia.

I take a deep breath and leave the bathroom, cautiously checking around before closing the door. I make my way to my room, but just as I reach for the handle, the door adjacent to mine opens. Bradley steps out, and before I can react, he gently grabs my arm and pulls me into his room.

"Brad—" I whisper-shout, my heart pounding. "What are you doing?"

"What I should have done before," he replies, eyes locking onto mine. Before I can process his words, he moves closer, his intent clear. "I'm going to kiss you now," he declares, his voice firm.

It's not a question; it's a statement.

"But I-I don't know how," I stutter.

"I'll show you. Just follow my lead," he says, his voice softening. My eyes widen, but I nod slowly, unable to form any coherent words.

Then, his hand is caressing my cheek, and his lips press against mine, soft at first, testing the waters. I respond by leaning into him, running my hands slowly up his sides, across his sculpted chest. A low groan erupts from deep in his chest, and he deepens the kiss, sending shivers down my spine.

It's intense—so intense and passionate.

Bradley's lips are firm yet gentle, moving with a confidence that makes me feel safe. He tastes like mint and something distinctly him. When his tongue brushes against my lower lip, asking for entrance, I part my lips, welcoming him. His hands cup my face, his thumbs stroking my cheeks softly, contrasting with the passionate way his mouth claims mine. A deep, rumbling growl escapes him, vibrating against my lips. I can feel the heat radiating off his body, and it's overwhelming in the best way possible. He hums softly against my mouth, the sound of approval and pleasure making my heart race even faster.

I don't know what I'm doing, but he makes it easy, guiding me with every movement, and I willingly follow, mimicking his actions. His touch is a blazing fire, consuming me, and I melt into him. My mind spins, thoughts jumbled as I try to process the overwhelming sensations. All I know is that I never want this to end.

His kiss is everything I never knew I needed.

Another groan rumbles from his chest, and it's intoxicating, sending waves of desire coursing through me.

After a minute that feels like an eternity, he breaks the kiss, and I'm left in shock.

"Holy crap!" I blurt out, my eyes wide. Bradley smirks, then a full-blown smile lights up his face, and he lets out a breathless laugh. His fingers brush gently against my cheek, a tender gesture that sends a thrill through me.

"How was that for a first kiss?" he asks, his tone soft, eyes searching mine.

I'm completely thrown off by his smile. It's the kind that makes you want to melt, like the emoji that's partially melting. Yeah, that's me. My brain is doing somersaults, trying to process the fact that Bradley "Captain Grumps" Mitchell just kissed me.

"I... uh... yeah," I stammer. "Wow. "

"Was it how you'd imagined?" he asks.

Without hesitation, I reply, "No. It was everything and more."

He tilts my chin up, and my heart does a little dance. His lips meet mine again, this time softer, lingering, and it feels like he's pouring every unspoken word into that kiss. My toes curl, and I'm pretty sure I've forgotten how to breathe.

"Good. You should get some rest now," he suggests softly, his thumb brushing my cheek.

"Yeah, you, too. Goodnight, Brad," I say, feeling a warmth in my chest, my heart fluttering like a butterfly on caffeine.

"Goodnight, Amelia," he replies, his voice gentle, almost tender. I can't help but smile as I head quietly back to my room, my mind buzzing with thoughts of him.

Sleep comes peacefully, wrapping me in dreams of what tomorrow might bring. I imagine more stolen kisses, secret smiles, and maybe, just maybe, finding out what it feels like to have a real relationship with someone like Bradley. As I drift off, I smile to myself.

Who knew my first kiss would turn out to be this epic?