Page 54 of Run, Little Bunny

I reach over, cupping her jaw and kissing her deeply. “We don’t have to stay long. I know the past few days have been crazy for you.”

“I think Memorial Day was busier for you.”

“Highest rental volume in the company’s history.”

Hand in hand, we walk to Jake’s door, and everything feels perfect. She stops me with a look. “Are you going to let yourself in?”

I pause, a little surprised. “Should I knock?”

She nods, and I swat her playfully, coaxing her forward. “Get inside.”

Inside, she slips off her shoes and glances around Jake’s open, modern living room. “I love this house.”

“More than mine?” I tease, nudging her.

“Definitely not.”

“Don’t let me forget. We need to talk to Jake about your lease.”

“You’re silly.”

“I’m obsessed with you,” I whisper as we walk toward the back of the house where the group is gathered.

Jake is standing at the open refrigerator. I give him a quick nod. “Jake, this is Anna.”

“Unit 104,” Jake says, reaching out to shake her hand. “Nice to meet you. Hope you weren’t too freaked out by me giving Chad your apartment number.”

“I think it worked out alright.”

I laugh softly, loving her sense of humor. “So … her lease is up in August.”

“Dude, are you guys moving in together already?”

“Chad wishes.” Anna giggles, glancing up at Jake. “Would it be possible to move to a month-to-month lease in August?”

“Ahh …” Jake hesitates, looking between Anna and me. “I don’t usually offer that since no one moves into apartments in the winter … but anything for my man Chad.”

I wrap my arm around Anna’s shoulders. “I’ll have her out of there before winter.” Leaning down, I kiss her temple. “Six months is October,” I whisper, and she leans into me.

“Can we help with anything?” Anna asks, and I give her waist a little squeeze, unable to resist.

Obsessed is an understatement.Our road trip and long weekend in South Haven, Michigan, two weeks ago was fucking perfect. Anna is absolutely the one. I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.

I’ve spent every free second with her over the past month. I briefly met her sister Megan and nephew Cam a few days ago and can’t wait to get to know her family better. I also can’t wait for her to meet mine soon.

“Chad,” Anna says, nudging me.

“What?”

“Are you going to help me with these trays?”

“Oh, sorry … I was thinking about something.” I grab the meat and cheese platter from the kitchen counter.

As we head out to the backyard, she teases, “You’re going to propose to me on Halloween, aren’t you?”

Smiling, I lean in. “I bet your crazy ass would love that.”

She smirks. Her crazy asswouldlove that. That’s the plan now. Halloween it is.

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