Chapter 16
16
I ’m so glad I came in tonight. Anna is completely flustered and nervous, and it’s the cutest thing ever. She definitely suspects it’s me behind the bunny mask, and I love this little teasing game we’ve got going. I haven’t been this excited about a girl in … years. Why’s that? Something about her keeps me guessing, keeps me wanting more.
Since she dodged my question and her blushing is too irresistible, I decide to push a little harder. “Are your plans with your girlfriends or another guy?”
“None of your business,” she shoots back, her eyes narrowing slightly, but the smile playing on her lips tells me she’s still enjoying this.
“So … a guy,” I tease, raising an eyebrow.
She bites her lip, staring intently into my eyes. Damn, she looks good tonight—high ponytail, black long-sleeve t-shirt dress that fits her like a glove. There’s a pause, and I can feel the tension hanging in the air between us before she finally answers.
“It’s kind of a blind date,” she says, her voice almost challenging, as if daring me to react.
I can’t stop smiling. The way she teases me back makes her stand out. She’s not just playing along—she’s actively matching me in this game, and I love it. Anna is so fun.
“Who set you up?” I ask, resting my head in my hand.
She covers her face with her hands, giggling, before poking me in the chest. “The Easter Bunny did.”
The Easter Bunny did. I laugh and then stay in character, the character of a guy who has no idea what she’s talking about. “Random.”
“So random.”
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.