“I’ll take this off your hands, Lux. Why don’t you get this man a drink?” Matthew says, taking the tray from my hand. He’s such a dick.
“I think that’s a great idea,” Old Guy says as he goes to put his arm around me.
Before I can step out of the contact, someone grabs his attention by calling his name loudly. We both turn, and I see Bastian heading our way. His smile is broad, but it doesn’t reach his eyes as he walks over to us with the two bunnies trailing close behind. I try to feign indifference, but I’m praying he needs to have a private chat with the old dude right this second.
“Bastian.” The man stands up straighter, but it doesn’t help. He’s the same height as me with these heels on. “I didn't see you come in.”
“I got here a while ago.” His eyes flick to me, and I fidget a little under his stare. “Hey George, have you met Mindy and Cora?” Bastian motions to the two bunnies.
“Cindy,” one of the girls corrects, and I bite the inside of my cheek so that I don’t laugh.
“No, I don’t think I have.” His wrinkled face creases as he smiles, and both of the girls giggle.
“We should change that then,” Cindy suggests, running her fingers up his chest. How can she manage to do that without her skin crawling?
“He needs a drink,” I encourage the bunnies, wanting him as far away from me as possible.
“We can do that.” They sidle up next to him, and George looks at me for a long second. Crap on a stick. “Why don’t you come with us?” Both the girls scrunch their faces, not liking that idea, but the feeling is mutual.
“I think I’ll take this one.” Bastian puts his arm around me, and I force myself to pretend I’m not relieved.
“It’s about time you loosen up, Bastian.” George slaps him on the arm before he slides his arms around Cindy and Cora, and they make their way to the bar.
“Thank you.” I glance up at my savior, but he’s staring a hole into the back of George’s head.
“You were supposed to come back to me.” He guides me over to the side of the room.
“You were busy,” I try to say casually.
“That seems unfair. I saved you from George, but you couldn't save me from the bunny twins?”
I snort and then inwardly cringe. Why can’t I have a sexy laugh or do one of those cute giggles I’ve heard the other bunnies do tonight? Bastian smiles down at me and I see a dimple appear in his cheek that makes him even more handsome.
“I thought maybe you were having a good time. Everyone seems to want to catch a bunny.” As I glance around the room, I can see they’re all cozied up to every available man in here. No one is up serving food anymore, but I don’t think anyone really cares.
“I only have eyes for one bunny.” He guides me back over to where he was sitting before, and I like that the area is more private. The couch has curtains around it and a low table for drinks, but there’s only one opening and not everyone can see inside. It seems as though he was back here hiding, and I wonder if he wants to be here any more than I do.
“Keep me company,” he says as he takes my hand.
He doesn't really ask, which should annoy me, but I’m feeling something different altogether. I try to hide my blush, not wanting to be the shy virgin country girl, but if he judges me based on my outfit, he probably thinks I’m older and more experienced.
“I think I can do that.” When I sit down on the plush couch, I let out a small moan when the pressure leaves my feet. Bastian stills for a moment, and I see a flash of heat in his eyes. It’s then I realize the sounds I just made, and I shrug. “Sorry.”
“You have nothing to be sorry for, Lux.” He sits down next to me. “I’m happy to hear that sound anytime you want to make it.” He leans back against the couch that curves around the booth. He puts one arm over the back and grabs his drink, then waits expectantly. “Now, tell me everything.”
“Everything?” I laugh, but he doesn't. He waits, and I realize he’s actually serious.
So I think to myself, Why not? and tell him all about me. After that, the night no longer drags on, and at one point I feel like it’s going to be over far too soon.
Chapter Six
Bastian
I don’t remember the last time I smiled so much, if ever. My life has been one hurdle after another, until I reach my next goal. When was the last time I sat and talked with someone for pleasure, and not because I had to for work? The fact that I can’t recall isn’t surprising, but the fact that I don’t care about anything before meeting Lux is unsettling.
It’s all I can do to sit across from her and not pull her against me or into my lap. Sure it’s happening all around us, and in this corner of the room no one would even see. The thought of getting caught by the board members doesn't scare me because it would probably make them have more respect for me. That thought alone could make my stomach turn, so I don’t dwell on it.
Instead I sit here listening to Lux tell me about her life, her family, and her small town. I’m hanging on every word she has to say, and I’m lost to her laughter. She’s animated as she talks, and in the moments she feels shy, she likes to tuck her hair behind her ear. It’s adorable and driving me insane.
She obviously loves her brothers even if they are overprotective, and I can’t say I blame them. She somehow got herself into a situation like this, living with a roommate she never met all in a short span of time. Lux needs to have someone here in the city looking out for her, and I find that I’ve silently volunteered myself.
Clearly I’m not the best candidate with the hours I work and the responsibilities on my shoulders, but I decide that there’s no one else that would take the job as seriously as I will. I’m having all of these thoughts in my head as the curtain to our booth is pulled back and her boss from earlier—I think his name is Matthew—ducks his head in.
“Looks like the crowd is heading out for the night. Can we get you anything for last call?” He looks at me and then his eyes cut to Lux.
“No, I’m good, thank you.” I realize I never even drank the whiskey sitting in front of me, because I was so focused on Lux. “I’m just going to walk Miss Cross out.”
“Sure thing.” His lips are tight as he steps back, and I help Lux to her feet. “Do you have a coat?” I glare down at her bunny suit that I believe was manufactured with the specific purpose of driving me insane.
“Um, yes. We got dressed here before our shift, but I just planned on covering up until I got home.” She worries her bottom lip, and I have the sneaking suspicion she’s thinking about how she’s going to get herself out of this costume.
“I’ll wait for you out back,” I say and walk her toward the exit. She goes toward the kitchen to grab her things, and I step outside into the cool spring night.
It’s chilly, but when I take a deep breath, it’s refreshing. Something about the night feels different, like I haven’t really paid attention to it before. Are the stars brighter? I blink a few times, and something feels off inside of me, but I can’t place it. I’m warm from the inside out, and the only difference from when I walked in is Lux.