Page 22 of Edward’s Bunny

“Okay, it’s your five minutes. Linda’s serious about that. I just started tonight. Two of the servers called out, and Linda needed the extra hands out here. How did you know I was a cook?” he asked.

“Owen and,” I paused. I didn’t want to hide things from Brian, but I was worried how he’d take the fact that I had him checked out.

Brian raised that gorgeous brow again. The piercing seemed to glisten in the low light of the restaurant. “And?”

I sighed. Start as you mean to go. I said to myself. “And…. a private detective.”

Brian barked a laugh. “I knew it! Hayden did the same with Owen. What else did the P.I. say?”

I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I should reveal everything that Stan had uncovered. But then I thought about honesty and trust. If I wanted a chance with Brian, I needed to be open with him.

"Well," I began cautiously, “he told me about your huge family. Did your parents really have ten kids?” Brian smiled and nodded but didn’t speak, so I continued. “He also found out where you grew up, your job here at The Pavilion, and schooling. Congratulations on your scholarship.”

Brian's eyes widened, and he looked both amused and surprised. "You really went all out, didn't you? I haven’t told anyone about the scholarship yet."

I felt a little embarrassed, but I didn't want to back down. "I did. I wanted to know more about you, and I didn't have any other way to find out."

He studied me for a moment, his eyes searching for any sign of deception. Then he sighed and shook his head. "I don't know whether to be flattered or creeped out."

"Maybe a little bit of both?" I suggested, attempting to lighten the mood.

Brian chuckled softly, and I could see the tension in his shoulders ease a bit. “I guess so. So, why did you want to talk to me? I thought I made my opinion known the other night.”

I released a loud breath. “We’re mates. It was a shock the other day—for both of us. I can’t ignore this. I think we owe it to ourselves to try.”

Brian fidgeted in his seat and his lip nervously. “Edward. I…. I didn’t lie when I told you I was already in a relationship with someone else. Perhaps it’s timing. Perhaps fate really did make a mistake.”

My heart sank at those words; I couldn’t give up. “Is it because I’m a predator shifter?”

“That’s part of it. I have a lot of issues like many of our kind. There is some deep-seated bigotry between predator and prey. But with that said. I was wrong in calling you an alpha asshole. I should’ve listened and judged you for who you are.”

I reached out and grabbed his hand. Brian jerked at the reaction. “Apology, accepted.” I stopped speaking and gathered my thoughts. “Brian, I understand your reservations, but we’re fated. Do you really want to walk away without even trying? Please give me a chance to prove to you that this isn’t a mistake.”

Brian hesitated, his gaze drifting back to our joined hands. The uncertainty in his eyes was evident, but I could also see a flicker of something as if he was considering the possibility that we could work.

“I… I don't know, Edward," he murmured, clearly torn. "This happened so fast, and I don't want to hurt the person I'm with now.”

“I understand,” I replied, gently squeezing his hand. “I’m not asking you to leave your current relationship with thought or consideration. No matter how much I wish, I could. All I’m asking for is a chance to get to know you, to show you I’m not an alpha asshole, and there is something between us that’s worth fighting for.”

“Cotton Tail. We need you back on the floor.” Linda walked over and placed a tray of drinks on the table. “These go to table eighteen.”

I internally snarled at Linda’s interruption and outwardly frowned when Brian rose from the booth. Brian picked up the tray.

“Brian?” I asked. I needed to know if he was willing.

Brian hesitated, his gaze shifting from the restaurant and toward me. “I…” He paused again.

I had a feeling I wasn’t going to like what he was going to say. I had to do something. I had to show him that I was serious. An idea hit me, and I all but jumped from the booth. Grabbing the tray from Brian’s hand, I smiled.

“Let me help you. You’re super busy, and you said they’re short-staffed. I want to show you that I’m here for the long hall and that I can support you. Point me to table eighteen.”

Brian stilled, his gazes shifted between the tray, me, and the dining room. The tension in the air was palpable as Linda and another server watched the scene unfold. Finally, Brian jerked a nod.

“Table eighteen is over there,” he said, pointing to a table across the hall.

I hurried, and I felt Linda’s gaze follow me. I knew it was odd to see the king of a lion pride and CEO of a multibillion-dollar company waiting tables. I was positive she had questions.

Together, Brian and I continued to serve drinks to the customers; our movements grew more synchronized as the minutes passed. I hoped with the simple act of helping that, I would be able to convey that I wasn’t an ass, and my intentions were true.

Brian let out a small chuckle as the restaurant died down and customers in the dining room left. “You know, if you ever want to give up the office life, I’m sure Linda will hire you.”

I laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind. I had fun. I think I got a workout running around these tables tonight.”

Brian sobered and stared at me. “I gotta be honest. I never expected you to do this. Thank you.”

I was lost in his ice-blue gaze, and the intensity caused my heart to race and my body to tremble. There was appreciation in his stare, but something more, too. Desire. Desire shone in his eyes. I grinned internally. I had a chance. I had hope. Thank Fate.

“You’re welcome.”

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