Chapter 13
13
Sunday, April 20th
M y phone buzzes, and I groan. It’s still dark out. Who’s texting me? I pat my hand on my nightstand, trying not to move my body, until I feel my phone. Grabbing it, I blink one eye open.
Unknown Number
There’s something for you outside your door.
It’s barely seven thirty in the morning. I’m guessing this text is from my mystery bunny … Buttons. I hope, at least. I’ve been getting anxious that I haven’t heard from him since we kissed yesterday.
Anna Clark
I do not get up this early.
Unknown Number
Nothing is perishable. Get it when you wake up for the day.
Anna Clark
I’m too curious now.
Smiling, I roll out of bed and open my door. An Easter basket! Picking it up, I take it inside my small, one-bedroom apartment and sit on the couch. Sorting through the items, this is so freaking cute. There’s a bunny ears headband, easter candy, fuzzy bunny socks, a bottle of champagne, and a card. Opening the card, there’s a print of the photo of me kissing Buttons on the cheek and the same terrible handwriting from the last note.
“Hoppy Easter! Buttons is off duty now. I’ll be picking you up at five on Tuesday.”
Smiling, I call the unknown number, and it doesn’t even ring twice before it answers.
“Morning,” I hear his voice, the same voice of the guy I kissed yesterday. Relieved I don’t have a stalker, just a stan, I giggle.
“A little creepy you know my apartment number.”
“My friend owns the building.”
“Well … I like that you’re a little creepy.”
“I think the word you’re looking for is cute.”
I make a scrunch face, not that he can see it through the phone. But I love this banter.
“It’s very sweet. Too sweet. Makes me wonder why you’re too single.”
He chuckles, and it’s silent for a moment.
“I’m looking forward to seeing you on Tuesday … without the mask,” I say.
“I can’t wait.”
“So … what are you up to today?”
“Family stuff. Going to have dinner at my parents’ house and see my sisters and their families.”
He’s close with his family too. Nice.
“This really is so cute of you. Thank you.”
“Anything for my little bunny.”
My cheeks flush, and I love it. I fucking love this strange man flirting with me, buying me gifts, and calling me little bunny. I really hope it’s Chad.
“See you Tuesday,” I manage and hang up. My heart is racing so fast.
“Anna!” my sister greets, opening the door of her house. Cam’s squeals and my parents’ voices spill out, mixing with the smell of Easter brunch. “Don’t you look cute in those bunny ears.”
I giggle, excited to tell her about yesterday. “You’ll never guess who bought them for me.” She cocks a brow as I step inside, homemade lamb-shaped cookies in hand. “The Easter Bunny.”
Her eyes widen. “The Easter Bunny?! What?!”
I glance hesitantly into the dining room where our parents are already in full gossip mode. Mom is talking about how nice the church service was with my aunt. We make eye contact, and she brings up how many nice boys there are at church, instantly earning an eye roll. The last thing I need is them getting riled up about another potential suitor. They get too enthusiastic every time I mention a guy, and I can already imagine their reactions. It’s way too soon to tell them about this, especially since I don’t exactly know who my potential suitor is.
“Shh!” I hiss. “Let’s not get them involved, okay?”
“He put an Easter basket out front of your apartment this morning?” she asks cautiously.
“Yep. It was really cute.”
Megan raises a brow, clearly curious. “How does he know where you live?”
“Oh my God.” I swat her arm, laughing. “I did not hook up with the Easter Bunny last night! I mentioned it to him at the bar.”
She gives me a skeptical look. “You shouldn’t tell strangers where you live.”
“Everyone at High Five seemed to know him,” I say, lowering my voice even more. “I still think it’s Chad Braun.”
Her eyebrow quirks. “Wait, you still don’t know?”
“I’ll find out on Tuesday. We’re going out.”
Her eyes narrow, concern flickering in them as she drops her voice to a whisper. “I’m not loving this, Anna. You’re sure it’s safe?”
The whispering feels like it’s drawing too much attention, so I nod quickly, forcing a reassuring smile. “It’s fine. I promise. I just want to make sure before Mom and Dad start planning the wedding.”
She snorts. “Fair point. But still, be careful, okay?”
I glance toward the dining room where Mom is already looking our way. Please don’t ask about this , I silently beg. I’m not ready for a full interrogation.
“Heard,” I whisper back, and we both straighten up. I quickly change the subject as we step into the dining room. “The book I’m reading … I don’t think you’re going to want to read it once I’m done.”
“Why not?”
“The chasing in the woods scene was really intense.”
Megan shakes her head. “Why do you like that stuff?”
I shrug, thinking about how fun it would be to reenact some of the scenes I’ve read.