Page 22 of Run, Little Bunny

We share a smile, a moment that feels easy and comfortable.

“Do you want another beer?” she asks, breaking the silence.

“Not tonight,” I reply, watching her as she starts to turn away. I don’t want her to go yet. “Anna.” She pauses, looking back at me. “You look really pretty tonight.”

She seems caught off guard. Her usual quick comebacks falter, and there’s a softness in her expression. She smiles, a little unsure, and I wonder if she’s trying to figure out if I’m serious or still messing with her.

“Seriously.”

“You look better than usual for some reason too,” she says with a little giggle, then leaves me.

I’m obsessed.Anna Clark’s number one stan.

17

Chad has absolutely no intention of revealing himself.But it’s him—I know it. Chuckling to myself, I grab a Sharpie and start sketching a small bunny on the to-go box he’s inevitably going to ask for. I add a little thought bubble and write,See you tomorrow -Little Bunny.

If I’m wrong, this will be awkward. And if I’m right? Hilarious.

As I approach his table, I force myself to stay calm. “Would you like anything else?”

“For you to go out with me tomorrow.”

I blink, caught off guard for a second, but a snappy thought pops into my head. “Why would I bump tomorrow’s guy for you?” I tease, though my heart skips a beat.I know it’s him. It has to be him.

“You sure he’s going to give you what you want?”

I sharply inhale, a flash of our kiss replaying in my mind. It wasdefinitelywith Chad. “I’m confident.”

He bites his lip, smirking. “I’ll take a to-go box and the check.”

To-go box. Perfect.I hold back my own smirk, knowing he’s about to see my little surprise.

“You could take me out another night,” I tease, keeping the banter alive. And finally—there it is—a crack in his poker face. His smirk falters, and I feel a tiny surge of victory.Got him.

The slight twitch of his lips is everything. He recovers quickly, but I see it. I can’t help but feel a thrill at finally getting under his skin. He’s been playing it too cool this whole time.

As I turn to grab the check, my heart races.What does he mean by “give me what I want”?I begin weighing if I should hook up with him tomorrow or not. I think I want to.Lie.I know I want to.

I grab the to-go box from the counter, still fighting back a smirk.

Setting the box and the check down in front of him, I wait, watching his face carefully. He picks it up and glances down at it. There’s a beat of silence, and then he chuckles, low and deep.

“See you tomorrow, huh?” he asks, staring down at the note.

I shrug, trying to keep my cool, but inside I’m buzzing with anticipation.

He raises an eyebrow, his gaze locking onto mine. “We’ll see, won’t we?”

As I walk away, I can’t stop smiling.Tomorrow is going to be fun.

18

Tuesday, April 22nd

Stepping out of the shower, I towel off my hair, my mind replaying that kiss with Anna.I really want to kiss her again.My phone buzzes as I work some product into my hair, taking an extra step tonight to look good.

Anna Clark

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