Page 1 of Edward’s Bunny

Love on the Rocks

Brian

Iyawned, trying desperately to stay awake as the professor explained the adverse effects of a prescription. The lecture was dull but also necessary—especially when dealing with people’s lives. My gaze wandered across the expansive auditorium-style classroom, taking in the sight of its imposing gray walls and the steep rows of seats filled with students from various walks of life.

You had the smart guys, the ones in the front of the class, wide-eyed and writing every word that proceeded from the professor’s mouth. They were also the ones that I often wanted to throttle with their last-minute questions at the end of class. Then you had students who just didn’t care and were doing something else. Some were even doing another class assignment.

Lastly, you had the norms, as I called them. I fell into this group. They were the group that cared but also got a glazed look in their eyes. It was a look I knew I sometimes gave and was probably giving now. I cracked a grin at my friend Reed. Like me and the other norms, he was staring off into space.

“Okay, class, I think I’ve droned on long enough today. We’re going to wrap up things early.”

My head jerked to the front of the class, and I focused on Professor Stanton. What? What did he say? I glanced at my watch and grinned. The professor was letting us leave nearly an hour early.

Maybe I could get alone time with Randy,I thought.

“With our class schedules the way they are,” Professor Stanton continued. “We won’t see each other until after Thanksgiving in two weeks. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday.”

The class immediately erupted at his last words. Several students let loose an audible exclamation of joy while others hopped from their seats and rushed out the door. It appeared everyone was excited to be leaving early. Students laughed and chatted among themselves as they packed up their supplies.

Professor Stanton was one of, if not the hardest, teachers at the university and rarely gave breaks of any kind. He was tenured and stiff. He took his role seriously. He was the type of professor to assign work on weekends or holidays. He hadn't done any of that this holiday. This show of leniency was definitely out of character.

“Hey, Meredith. It looks like you’re excited to get out of here, too.”

I peered up at Reed and scowled. It was a stupid joke and Reed knew I hated when he called me Meredith. Reed chuckled and raised his hands.

“Okay, okay. I won’t call you that.”

“Thanks,” I said before returning to putting my laptop away.

I zipped my bag and looked back at him. Reed’s beautiful café au lait skin, cropped ebony hair, and expressive brown eyes made him hard to ignore. While his humor could take some getting used to, there was no denying he was a genuinely good guy.

“It looked like you were daydreaming. Did you get everything Stanton said?” I asked.

“Hell no! I was dreaming,” Reed flashed his dimpled smile before continuing. “Of not being here. Speaking of not being here: some of us are going to grab a bite and a few drinks. You interested in coming?”

“Thanks for the offer, but I have dinner with my family tonight, and with us getting out early, I can have some time with Randy,” I said, wiggling my eyebrows.

Reed barked another laugh. “No wonder you’re in a hurry to get home. You’re going to spend your night with McDreamy.”

I rolled my eyes. “You need to let go of the Grey’s Anatomy references.”

“What? Look at the similarities. He’s a successful doctor, he’s hot, and pretty soon, you’re going to be working with him. Granted, not as a doc—”

“Mr. Bondar.”

Professor Stanton’s deep voice interrupted Reed. I didn’t mind. I’d heard his spiel about my boyfriend before. It was why he called me Meredith.

“Yes, sir,” I said, turning to face Professor Stanton.

“I’d like a word,” He replied.

A moment of worry rippled through me, and the rabbit part of me wanted to run. I was a rabbit shifter, and as a prey shifter, my rabbit always wanted to run when it came to the fight-or-flight response. My mind raced with anything I could’ve done wrong, but nothing was coming to me. I didn’t have a clue as to why Stanton wanted to see me. I inhaled and gave a quick nod before turning back to Reed.

“I’ll talk to you later,” I said.

“I can stick around if you want,” Reed replied, concern filling his voice.

I shook my head. “It’s okay. Go have fun. Have a drink for me. I’ll see you later.”

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