Page 7 of Run, Little Bunny

7

Why am I nervous to walk into High Five? I come in here after work most days for a drink.Buttons. This is so stupid; I can’t believe the Easter Bunny is going to buy me a drink. Or that I’m actually excited about it.

Inside the bar, the first person I spot is Aaron Olson.Of course, he’s working today. I flash him a friendly smile before I spot the back of the bunny mask on a guy in a t-shirt and jeans. He changed. So, the tall guy under the costume is in good shape.Plot twist.I laugh to myself, relieved it’s not some old man. No tattoos. If only he had arm tattoos, that would be a dead giveaway. But still ... who is this?

“Hi,” I say, feeling a little unnerved talking to a guy in a bunny mask.

“I’m surprised you came.”

“Me too.”

“What can I get you to drink, Anna?” Aaron asks.

I glance at the cocktail the bunny is drinking. “Whatever that is.”

Why does Aaron have to have a front-row seat to this? Me and the Easter Bunny. This is ridiculous, but what else can I do but lean into it?

“Ready for your busy day tomorrow?”

The deep, sexy, amused sound from behind the mask catches me off guard.I’ve heard that voice before.

“I’m not committing to the bitthismuch,” he says as Aaron slides my drink over.

“Cheers, little bunny,” he teases.

“Little bunny?”

He chuckles, and something about that laugh clicks in my mind. I’m pretty sure it’s Chad. I bite my lip, choosing not to guess aloud just yet. “Why are you calling me little bunny?”

The big, creepy eyes of the mask tilt slightly downward.Is he checking me out?

“You’re a little bunny compared to me.”

“I thought you weren’t committing to the bit?”

He laughs again. “What are your plans for tomorrow?”

“Brunch at my sister’s with the whole family.”

“Is that a good thing?”

“Yes! My family’s great, and we always have fun together.”

He props his chin on his hand, the bunny mask resting in it.

“What?” I ask, feeling a little self-conscious.

“You’re very cute.”

“You’re kinda creepy looking.”

“The mask is creepy. I know … but I like that you’re having fun with this.”

“You’re lucky I’m a curious person. So, give me a hint about who you are.”

“No.”

“No?” I repeat, realizing the tone is flirty.I’m flirting with a guy in a bunny mask.I shake my head, amused by this situation. “Come on, please.”

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