Page 81 of Claiming His Bunny
“I’ve never been completely carefree. Mia always freaked out when I insisted on having my crayons ordered the same way as the picture on the box.” I smile when I remember her exasperated huffs, more tears rolling down my cheeks. I can’t remember the last time I thought of Mia and smiled. “Or when I forced her to eat the food in her lunch box in a certain order.”
Kayla’s shoulder twitch as she laughs. “Ah, so nothing has changed since then. You’ve always been a weirdo. But you’re my weirdo now, and I love you. Don’t beat yourself up for things you had no control over.”
“Thank you.” I didn’t know I needed to hear those words until she said them and now, a weight has been lifted off my chest. “I love you, bunny.”
I lost Mia. I can’t lose Kayla too. I’ll make sure she’s safe tomorrow, even if I have to stalk her every single move. After all, I am her stalker.
Chapter 45
Kayla
“Are you sure you’refeeling well?”
I smother a groan, giving Beth a bright, somewhat fake smile instead. “Absolutely. Thanks for asking, but I’m fine. It was just a minor stomach flu.”
I love that my coworkers care about me. I really do, but I wish they’d stop asking me if I’m feeling well every twenty minutes. I hate lying to them, but somehow, I think yelling, “I wasn’t sick, just kidnapped!” out loud for the entire department to hear wouldn’t have the right effect. Also, the constant stream of visitors interrupts me from my work. It’s early afternoon, and even though I’ve been buried in paperwork since morning, I still haven’t caught up with everything I need to do.
“Okay, good.” Beth heaves a relieved sigh. “You had me panicking there a bit. You can’t be sick! The wedding is next week, and you haven’t even tried on your bridesmaid’s dress!”
I chuckle and shake my head. “Sure thing. I’ll inform all the bacteria and viruses that I’m unavailable for the next two weeks. That should do the trick.”
“Yeah, very funny. Wait until it’s your wedding on the line. By the way, Wednesday, six p.m., dress fitting and emergency drinking night. I’ll have my other bridesmaids over from Chicago. Olivia, my cousin, and Claire, who’s officially my aunt, but she’s three years younger than me, so she’s like another cousin. We’ll go—”
I hold a hand up to stop her. “I can’t. I’m sorry, but I, uh… I already have something on Wednesday.”
Beth narrows her eyes. “Are you lying to get out of drinking with my auntie? Because I wouldn’t blame you. She drinks like there’s no tomorrow.”
While I’m not thrilled about drinking on a work night, this time, I have a legit excuse. Not one I’m willing to share, though, at least not in detail. My relationship with Ethan is still a secret, and given his local celebrity status, I want to keep it that way for now. The last thing I need is the womankind of Bluebell Springs hating me for nabbing the unattainable Ethan Bennett.
But Beth requires an explanation, so I go with the most vague one. “I have a date.”
“Kayla Reynolds!” Beth squeals. “Finally! Who is it? Tell me! I know everything about everyone in town. I can tell you if he’s good for you or not.”
My cheeks heat as I remember the way Ethan fingered me just this morning. “Oh, he’s definitely good for me. I’m not sharing his name yet, but maybe… Is it too late to add ‘plus one’ to my wedding reception RSVP?”
“Wow, he’s willing to go to a wedding with you already? How long have you guys been dating? Come on, you’ve got to give me something, girl!”
“Well, I haven’t asked him about the wedding, but I think it won’t be a problem. So, can I bring him?” I ask, purposely avoiding her question.
Beth nods excitedly. “Of course! In fact, why don’t you both join us on Wednesday? I promise the girls won’t try to steal him from you. Too hard. Actually, that’s a lie,” she chuckles. “If he’s hot, those two sluts will be on him like cats on catnip.”
“Yeah, that’s why I’m not bringing him.” I doubt Ethan would be interested in other women, but still, I’m not taking chances. He’s mine and no horny sluts are allowed near him! “Have fun. Let me know when I can try on that dress.”
“Sure. I’ll text you. By the way, where are you having this date?”
“Why? Want to ‘accidentally’ drop by to take a look?” I tease, knowing full well Beth is more than capable of doing just that.
She giggles. “No! Just curious. Come on, girl, spill.”
“Fine,” I concede, rolling my eyes. “It’s called Alesso’s.”
Beth’s mouth drops open. “Wow. Seriously? Did you find yourself a sugar daddy? That place is top class!”
“A sugar daddy?” I laugh, remembering Ethan’s cringe when I called him daddy. “You have the vernacular of a street worker, Bethany Simmons,” I chide playfully. “What does your fiancé say about your dirty mouth?”
“Jeremy loves my dirty mouth, thank you very much. Especially when it’s wrapped around his—”
“Alright, that’s enough,” I interrupt her, laughing. “Get out of my office. I have to work and not imagine…things in your mouth.”
