Page 21 of Run, Little Bunny

“Stupid, drunken behavior.”

“And what’s his reputation with girls?”

She squints at me. “Why are you so curious about him?”

I might be going on a date with him tomorrow.

“He comes in here a lot,” I say, trying to sound casual. “I get the feeling he’s going to ask me out one of these days.”

“I haven’t heard much about him,” she says, shrugging. “Which is probably a good thing.”

I smirk, grabbing his dish from the counter. “Lamb shank with potatoes,” I announce, setting it in front of him.

“This looks amazing.”

I smile, debating how much more small talk I should make.

“So … what are you up to tomorrow?” he asks.

If my date tomorrow is with him, he has the greatest poker face of all time.

“I have plans,” I say, playing it as cool as I can. “You?”

He glances down before meeting my eyes again. “Too bad.”

“Why?”

“I was going to ask you out.”

I burst out laughing. Probably not the appropriate response, especially if he’snotthe guy I’m going out with tomorrow.

“Why is that so funny?” he asks, tilting his head.

Am I going to keep playing along?I feel like I might combust from all the tension and confusion swirling around in my head.

16

I’m so glad I came in tonight. Anna is completely flustered and nervous, and it’s the cutest thing ever. She definitely suspects it’s me behind the bunny mask, and I love this little teasing game we’ve got going. I haven’t been this excited about a girl in … years.Why’s that?Something about her keeps me guessing, keeps me wanting more.

Since she dodged my question and her blushing is too irresistible, I decide to push a little harder. “Are your plans with your girlfriends or another guy?”

“None of your business,” she shoots back, her eyes narrowing slightly, but the smile playing on her lips tells me she’s still enjoying this.

“So … a guy,” I tease, raising an eyebrow.

She bites her lip, staring intently into my eyes. Damn, she looks good tonight—high ponytail, black long-sleeve t-shirt dress that fits her like a glove. There’s a pause, and I can feel the tension hanging in the air between us before she finally answers.

“It’s kind of a blind date,” she says, her voice almost challenging, as if daring me to react.

I can’t stop smiling. The way she teases me back makes her stand out. She’s not just playing along—she’s actively matching me in this game, and I love it.Anna is so fun.

“Who set you up?” I ask, resting my head in my hand.

She covers her face with her hands, giggling, before poking me in the chest. “The Easter Bunny did.”

The Easter Bunny did.I laugh and then stay in character, the character of a guy who has no idea what she’s talking about. “Random.”

“So random.”

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