Lucy grinned and I curled a lock of her hair around my finger.
“I can make some reservations. Show you my favorite spots in the city.”
Fuck, I’d have to ask Caroline where to take my pack. Ten years in New York City and my daily routine consisted of going to the gym, the office, and back home to eat my take-out order and fall asleep on the couch. How was it that my life in Starlight Grove was so much more full and vibrant after only a few weeks? At least I could take a picture of a hot dog stand to show Ivy’s class, who had fully decided that my job was a fish protection / hot dog vending combo.
“That sounds really fun,” Lucy said, but then her face fell. “In the meantime, I have to figure out this fabric situation. Summer texted me earlier that Harry has to go to Briar’s Landing and can give me a ride. But he’s leaving in a few minutes and I don’t want to leave Blossom alone.”
My eyes widened when the bunny in question popped her head out of the collar of Lucy’s sweatshirt.
“Has she been in there the whole time?”
“Huh?” She glanced down. “Oh yeah. She’s been fussing if she’s not against my skin, so I added a bit of fabric to an old bralette so she could hang out in there. I would just bring her to the fabric shop with me, but Kat is super allergic to basically all animals.”
The bunny in question turned so she could glare at me.
Yes, she wasglaring. There was no other way to describe her narrowed eyes and twitching nose.
I kept my expression neutral, but I was tempted to scowl back. What the fuck did she have to be mad about?Shewas the one who had bitten off all of my buttons at the bakery opening.
“Maybe Lars could watch her.” Lucy pulled out her cell and I held in a snarl at the idea of another alpha helping her. I didn’t give a fuck if it was her brother.
“I can do it.”
Lucy froze before slowly looking up from her phone. “You want to watch Blossom?”
I would probably regret this…but I would do anything to make Lucy happy and she loved that evil little bunny.
“Of course. She can keep me company until you’re back from the store.”
“Are you sure you’ll get along?” She covered Blossom’s ears. “She can be a little temperamental.”
“I’ll behave if she does,” I muttered under my breath.
“What?”
“Nothing. We will be totally fine.”
This tiny bunny would not defeat me.
To my horror, Lucy started to tear up. “God, sorry, I don’t know what’s wrong with me today. Must be hormonal or something. It’d be great if you could watch her. I just don’t want to be an inconvenience if you have more work you have to get done.”
“Baby.” I pulled her into my arms, being careful not to crush the bunny. “You couldneverbe an inconvenience, and even if you were, that’s what I’m here for.” My chest rumbled with a purr and she relaxed against me.
Was it time? Should I say it? What if she didn’t feel the same way?
I pulled back and cupped her face with both hands. Lucy still looked unsure, but a profound certainty had taken hold in my chest.
“I love you, Lucy. Maybe it sounds cheesy to say, but my heart is yours. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”
Her lower lip trembled and a couple of devastating tears spilled down her cheeks. I wiped them with my thumb, my heart pounding as I waited for her to say something.
“I love you, too,” she whispered. “I can’t believe how lucky I am.”
I captured her lips in a gentle kiss. She felt perfect in my arms. I’d never dreamed love could feel like this.
As much as I wanted to carry Lucy up to her nest and fuck her for the rest of the day, that wasn’t what she needed from me. So I foughtall my instincts and let her go. I carefully fished Blossom out of her hiding spot.I swear if this bunny bites me while Lucy is watching…
She sat quietly in my hand. Thank god.
