Page 35 of Catfish

Well, it’s not an animal, I think.

Snatching them up by their handles, I count six of them, bringing one of them close to my ear to see if I hear any beeping of a bomb coming from it—nothing.

I squint my eyes across the street, looking for a black SUV that might be observing my picking up of the deadly gift—nothing again. The closest I get is a blue minivan parked two doors down.

Bringing the bags inside, I arrange them out on the kitchen island, opening up a pink one with caution when my hands hit another bag. Pulling it out, it's a plastic pouch full of fresh-baked white chocolate macadamia nut cookies.

Then I smile.

My heart flutters in my chest, and my stomach growls at the sight of food. Shocker, but I haven't eaten since lunch yesterday, and I'm starving all of a sudden.

I begin to untie the pink ribbon when I halt.

How did these get here?

First, it's weird that he found out where I lived, and second, he was true to his word on our stupid bet. Third, I should be more freaked out than I currently am, but I've been waiting years to kill someone's ass, and this might be the first opportunity I get.

However, I didn’t expect Chase to follow through with the bet. It was sweet but still slightly eerie.

When I get to the last bag, it isn't the same cookies I requested but ones with what looks to be pecans and small chocolate chunks. A mystery cookie.

I walk back into my bedroom, swipe up my phone, and begin texting him back.

Me: I can’t believe you did this.

Chase: Are you upset?

Me: No. But you’re super fucking creepy.

Chase: Well, if it makes you feel any better, I didn’t hand-deliver them myself. I had them done by the bakery. And to be fair, your name is Reagan, there’s only a few in the state of Connecticut. You fit the profile perfectly.

Me: Still creepy.

Me: And your urgent text almost made me face-plant into the floor.

Chase: Would’ve been worth it though.

Me: Depends if these cookies are amazing.

Me: What are they?

Chase: My favorite—brown butter bourbon pecan cookies. They’re to die for.

Me: Are they, though? Is there a date drug or poison in them?

Chase: You seriously watch way too many movies.

Me: And crime shows.

Chase: *eye roll emoji*

Me: I needed this, thank you so much.

Chase: You’re welcome. I forgot to ask how your party went?

Me: Hence why I needed the cookies, Yank.

Chase: That bad?

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