I was trying my best to look sophisticated. I rested one hand lightly on the table beside me and leaned back slightly against it so that my body was at a bit of an angle. I felt the position made me look longer and sleeker.
“I often find myself wondering about life in other countries. What we might see as lacking in our country, others might see as wealth.” I said, hoping that my words made sense to him.
“Interesting. So luxury is a matter of perception?” he asked.
I smiled. “I think luxury is a matter of knowing what pleases you. In my case, I really enjoy the way that laundry soap fluffs up. I find walks under the stars are worth more to me than any fancy restaurant meal ever could be.”
“Interesting. It is so often assumed that those of wealth have nothing to be unhappy about. I think that is wh—” He stopped to sniff the air.
I shifted a little. With a subtle sniff, I tried to detect if it was me that had produced the offending odor. My nostrils flared with the scent of something horrible. It was me!
A moment later I placed what the smell was. It was burning plastic with a hint of something else mixed in. Then I felt it. Heat against my rear end. All of a sudden I knew what had happened. I must have leaned too far back, and my floppy fluffy tail was on fire!
Reginald spotted it at the same time I did. He grabbed one of the cloth napkins from the table and began smacking my tail with it. Luckily the tail had barely been singed and the small flame on the end of it was quickly extinguished. Reginald smacked it a few extra times to be sure. I knew that I should be embarrassed, but instead I laughed.
“Let’s just get you into a safer position.” Reginald smiled and steered me away from the table. “Oh, you have a little something.” He reached up and wiped at my cheek with his fingertip.
I had no idea what he might be wiping off. Then I remembered the chocolate I had splattered. He popped his finger delicately into his mouth.
“Well, aren’t you just delicious?” He smiled at me.
“I don’t know. Maybe you’d like a bite to find out.” I winked at him playfully. I was really enjoying what those drinks that Wes was making me were doing to my inhibitions.
“That’s an invitation I’d like to follow up on.” He offered me his hand. “Shall we dance?”
“We shall.”
I grasped his hand in my own as he led me out to the dance floor. I could feel the angry glares of all of the models that had been vying for his attention all night. It made me wonder if any of this could actually be real. Was Reginald choosing me over a crowd of much more traditional choices?
“Tell me about yourself.” He spun me around slowly, then drew me back close to him again.
“What would you like to know?”
“Anything. You seem so fascinating to me. What is your life like?” He met my eyes as if he was truly eager to know.
“It’s full of suds.” I smiled at him. “I manage a laundromat.”
“Oh?” He raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t realize those were still around.”
I looked at him with a blank stare. How could a grown man not know about laundromats?
“I’m joking.” He laughed loudly. “Of course, I haven’t actually set foot in one since I was in college. But that sounds like an interesting way to spend your time.”
“It is.” I managed a brighter smile. “I get to meet a lot of very interesting people. In fact that’s how I met Becky, who invited me here tonight.”
“Becky.” He looked thoughtful for a moment and then nodded. “She’s a sweet girl. Not like a lot of the other models. They are so caught up in the way things look. Becky seems more down to earth than that.”
“She’s been very kind to me.”
The song ended and we walked off the dance floor together.
Chapter 8
Reginald signaled to the bartender to bring us some drinks. Wes looked at me with what could have been a hint of jealousy.
Don’t get ahead of yourself, Sammy, I warned.
Either it was the drinks, or the bunny costume, but I felt very appealing. I was enjoying the attention of both men.
Wes brought us our drinks. His gaze lingered on mine for a moment before walking away.
“What about you, Reginald? I’m sure that you live a very interesting lifestyle.”
“No, not at all. In fact it’s painfully boring.” He sipped his drink.
“I doubt that.” I grinned at him. I was certain he was hiding some adventures.
“Enough about me. Tell me, where did you get this costume?”
“I bought it a few years ago for Halloween.”
“Ah, yes. Well, it’s quite refreshing to have a fun and creative person around.” He leaned close to me. “I’m sure that’s not the only way you’re fun and creative.”
I was a little stunned by his comment and unsure of how to take it. “If you play your cards right, maybe you’ll find out.”
The drinks were really making me bold.
“Hm, intriguing.” He clinked his glass lightly against mine.
We both drank to the toast. I was having a lovely time getting to know Reginald. He wasn’t terribly handsome but the way he carried himself with confidence and poise made him more attractive. A woman stepped up beside him and laid her hand lightly on his shoulder.
“I’m bored, Reginald. Let’s go.”
Reginald flicked an annoyed glance in her direction, then nodded. “Alright, if you insist.”
I frowned as the woman looked at me with disdain.
Reginald turned back to me. “I’ve enjoyed your company, but I must be on my way.” He took my hand in his and kissed the back of it lightly. “It was nice meeting you, Samantha. Maybe we’ll meet again sometime.”
The woman beside him snorted rather impolitely at the possibility of that happening.
I felt my heart sink. I’d thought something was blossoming between us, but now I could see that he had only been entertained by me.
“I understand. It was nice meeting you as well.” I nodded.
He turned and walked away.
I watched him go, then I made my way back to the bar. Everyone had been drinking more than usual as they enjoyed themselves. The bartender was racing back and forth collecting glasses and filling drinks. I sat down quietly at the end of the bar and waited until he had a moment. As soon as he caught sight of me he smiled. His smile faded some as he noticed my sullen expression.
“What happened to the perky bunny?” he asked, standing directly in front of me.
“I think I’ve lost my fluff.” I frowned. “Maybe the bunny hop was a little over-the-top.”
“Are you kidding?” He flashed a smile at me. “That was the absolute best thing I’ve seen at one of these parties. I’ll never understand how people can dress up in little ears and tails, and yet still take themselves so seriously.”
“I know.” I shook my head. “Let’s discuss politics, but first, your ear needs a bit of a straightening.” I spoke in a mocking tone and lifted my long bunny ear straight into the air.
“Personally, I think they look much cuter when they’re a little crooked.” He winked at me. “After all of that, you’ve earned this.” He turned around to fix me a drink.
I felt a little uneasy as I glanced around at the other guests. My outlandish moments were always fun in the present time, but afterward I tended to feel a little regretful.
When Wes turned back, he had a tall glass of something sparkling. He set the drink down in front of me. “It’s on the house.”
I smiled at him as he slid the drink closer to me. I was curious about whether he was actually flirting with me, or if it was just bartender talk. Bartenders tended to be well-trained as good listeners. I didn’t want to read too much into his compliments, but with the alcohol I’d been consuming, it was hard not to.
“Thank you, kind sir.”
I sipped the drink and eyed him over the rim of the glass. The party was beginning to settle down again as a few p
eople began to make their exit.
“This is delicious.” I turned back to Wes and started to lay a few dollars on the bar.
He pressed his fingertips lightly against the back of my hand.
“I said it was on the house.”
“No tip?” I raised an eyebrow.
“I was hoping you might offer me a different kind of tip.” He grimaced a little as if his own attempt at being smooth embarrassed him. “Maybe something in the form of your phone number?”
I stared at him with more than a little shock. It was fun to be flirtatious, but to have him actually ask for my number was much more than I’d expected. After being shot down by Reginald, it was nice to have my confidence built back up.
“I think I could afford that.” I smiled.
Chapter 9
Wes slid one of the bar napkins over to me. I pulled a pen from my purse and jotted down my number. I still didn’t really think he would call, but it was fun to go through the motions.
“Is there a good time to call?” He glanced over the number. “I wouldn’t want to disrupt your day or anything.”
“Any time is fine.” I smiled. I started to think that he was really looking forward to getting together with me.
“Perfect.”
“Well, I think I better get going before I have the urge to start another bunny hop.” I laughed.
“That’s something that I’d love to see again.” Wes had genuine hope in his eyes as he looked at me.
“Nope, this bunny needs a rest.”
I finished the drink and stood up. Wes glanced around to see if there was anyone waiting for a drink. Not seeing anyone, he walked around the side of the bar.
“Let me walk you to the elevator.” He offered me his arm. I was glad to take it, as I was feeling a little wobbly as I tried to put my heels back on.
“I might have to go barefoot.” I could barely get one heel on, let alone the second.
“You can do it.” Wes grinned in a supportive manner. “Just lean on me.”
I hesitantly added a little weight to his arm. Once I found that he was as solid as he looked, I leaned into him a little more and nearly got my other heel on. But just as I was sliding my foot all the way into the toe, one of the models came rushing for the bathroom. She had that pasty look to her skin that was a sure warning of what was to come. I tried to duck out of the way. I was afraid that I would be on the receiving end of whatever it was she had eaten.
When I shifted my weight, the shoe slipped out from under my foot and I lurched in the opposite direction of Wes’s strong arm. In the process, I managed to knock off the remaining glasses on the counter. Luckily they struck the thick carpet without a sound.
“I’m so sorry.” I sighed. I was always klutzy at the wrong times.
“Don’t worry about that.” He met my eyes.
I looked back into the warmth of his gaze.
“I’ve never kissed a bunny before.” He smiled a little.
“Well, there should always be a first time.”
I lifted my nose and whiskers up so that they wouldn’t get in the way. In the process, I accidentally snapped it against my eye. I squinted and tried not to yelp. I pouted my lips a little and hoped that Wes was still considering a kiss.
He smiled widely and leaned in close.
I had to hold back from squealing with happiness as he kissed me. It was a gentle, intimate kiss that I returned with maybe a little too much passion.
As he pulled away he looked a little flustered.
I grinned at him.
“Wow.” Wes laughed a little. “I’d really like the chance to get to know you better Samantha.”
“I’d like that too.”
I felt a little dizzy with excitement. When I had tugged on the bunny costume, it hadn’t really crossed my mind that it might lead to a romantic connection. I had worn it to have fun, but it had turned out to be a lot more fun than I expected.
Wes held my arm a moment longer to make sure I was steady on my feet.
“Do you want me to give you a ride home?”
“No, thanks. I’m not far.”
I was a little worried that I might end up tripping and falling if he were to escort me home.
“I’ll call you.” He tapped his phone.
“I’ll answer.” I winked at him.
Turnabout was fair play. Now that I had figured out he didn’t actually have something stuck in his eye, I was sure that he had been flirting with me all night.
I turned and walked away. Or more accurately, swayed away, as my ankles really were hurting.
I picked up my jacket from the butler, who was still trying not to laugh at me. I didn’t mind any more. I’d had a great time. I had flirted with two men and ended the night with a kiss. If it weren’t for having to walk several blocks on filthy city sidewalks, I really would have gone barefoot.
Despite the fact that I was walking down a public street, I didn’t button my coat. I was proud of myself and that I’d been brave enough to find a way to turn an embarrassing moment into an enjoyable experience.
As I walked down the block, I thought about Reginald. I expected to be disappointed that he hadn’t actually been interested in me, but I wasn’t. I’d had a good time and a good conversation with him. Maybe I wasn’t his type, but he wasn’t mine either. That hadn’t stopped us from being able to enjoy some time together. I would always have the memory of lighting my tail on fire. That was absolutely going in the blog.
Chapter 10
When I reached my apartment, all I could think about was getting the heels off my feet. I threw the door open and hurried inside, closed the door behind me and kicked off my heels. When my feet met the carpet they relaxed and I let out a contented sigh.
Next, I tugged off the bunny nose and whiskers. The costume had become comfortable as it stretched throughout the night. I wasn’t in any rush to take it off. I’d had a good time as I hoped I would, and the icing on the cake was Wes.
Wes, who now had my phone number. Wes who couldn’t wait to see me again.
I felt like I was floating a little as I walked across the apartment to the kitchen. I didn’t think one more glass of wine would do any harm. As I poured myself a glass of wine I laughed a little at the memory of the evening.
The truth was that Wes was incredibly attractive. He was a gentleman. He seemed to be very interested in getting to know me. But I already knew he was just going to be someone to date, not someone to keep. I wasn’t sure how I knew, but there just wasn’t the connection, the wild electricity that I felt with a certain someone.
Still, Wes had taught me that there were plenty of options out there. I didn’t need to limit myself.
My confidence had skyrocketed.
I settled down in front of my computer to write a blog post about my adventure. I felt it was good advice to suggest that everyone do something out of their comfort zone. It didn’t have to be wearing a bunny costume, but something out of the ordinary to shake things up a bit.
I was halfway through writing the entry, when my cell phone beeped, alerting me to a text. Then it beeped several more times. I stopped typing and picked up my phone. The texts were from Max.
Before I could even read them the phone started ringing. It was Max. I was a little surprised by the flurry of attention.
“Hello?”
“Hey there.”
“What’s going on?” I could hear a hint of laughter in his voice.
“You know I have some of Becky’s friends on Instagram.”
“Uh.”
“Just a few of them.”
“Oh?” I narrowed my eyes. Max’s tone was far too gleeful. I knew he was up to something.
“I just want to know if you are still wearing the ears.”
“What?” I reached up to touch the bunny ears that I was still wearing.
“Seriously. I had no idea that you could be so cute as a rabbit.” Max tried to keep his voice smooth, but I could hear his amusement breaki
ng through.
“Oh, no.” I popped open my Instagram account. Sure enough, there were pictures of me in my fluffy glory. There was even a shot of Reginald smacking my tail with a napkin.
“So, young lady, do you want to explain yourself?” I imagined Max swallowing back a chuckle.
“I think the picture says it all.” I grinned. “Bunnies got to hop, you know.”
“I’m sorry I missed it. I would have loved to see you dressed up like that.”
I smiled at his words. It would have put an interesting spin on the night for me to invite him over. From the sound of his voice, I had a feeling that was what he was angling for.
We could share some wine, laugh about my evening, and—in general, have a good time. Of course, I would also spend half the time overthinking everything he said, every smile, every twinkle in his eye. I didn’t want that tonight.
“Well, at least you have Instagram.” I laughed.
“That is true. They are very good pictures.”
“I guess a girl can’t dress up in a bunny costume these days without ending up on the Internet.”
“It’s the way of the world. I’m glad you had fun, Sammy. You deserve it.”
“Thanks, Max.”
I hung up the phone and looked at the blog post that I was almost finished with. I thought for a moment about throwing in a warning about Instagram. But I didn’t. Life wasn’t meant to be about caution. Sure, there would always be someone around to snap a picture. As long as I was doing exactly what I wanted to do in that moment—with no regrets—I had no reason to worry about what might end up on the Internet.
There were so many things that I’d learned about myself since I’d started my bucket list. I knew that there was still a lot more to uncover. I was looking forward to all of the adventures I would go on as a result of it, but even more so, how much I would grow and change because of it.
But one thing remained unchanged no matter what. That was my feelings for Max. He was my best friend, but I wanted him to be more than that. It might never happen, but there was no point in denying how I felt.
A Bunny Tale (Single Wide Female) Page 3