Page 29 of Edward’s Bunny

Owen recoiled, and the smile on Hayden’s face transformed into a glare. Hayden pulled Owen to his side protectively.

“We were coming to tell you good fucking news, but with that attitude, we can take it elsewhere,” Hayden snarled back.

I inhaled a cleansing breath and released it slowly before answering. “I apologize. It’s been one thing after another, and… I’m not mad at you. I’m sorry, Owen, Hayden.”

“You look so angry,” Owen said softly. I hated scaring the little man. He’d been through hell and back.

“I’m truly sorry, Owen. Walter had just told me some crap about the pride, and I directed my frustration to you two. Please accept my apology,” I said earnestly.

Owen gave a slight nod. “I accept. It must’ve been bad, but I bet we can make you happy.”

I smiled at his giddy tone. I couldn’t help it. My son was blessed with a sweet mate. I walked back around my desk and sat heavily back into my chair.

“I could use some good news,” I replied.

Owen grinned widely, and Hayden’s eyes appeared to sparkle. “Brian’s single.” They said in unison.

“What? What do you mean?” I asked quickly.

Hayden chuckled. “That’s right. Last night he broke up with dickhead Randy. That’s his official name now, by the way. But yeah, they’re done, leaving an open path for you.”

I let loose a loud shout of excitement and leaped from my chair. This was fantastic news. My lion roared in happiness within me. Owen laughed loudly, and Walter grinned at my antics.

I looked back at them. “I need you to tell me everything.”

Owen took the seat next to Walter. “Well, the long and short of it. Things hadn’t been going well with Brian and Randy—Brian decided to end it.” He gave me a wry smile. “You were also factored into the decision, but ultimately, Randy was cheating, and Brian decided enough was enough. He’s staying with us until Friday. That’s how long he gave Randy to move out.”

“I know I shouldn’t be happy that Brian went through the crap with that asshole, but…. Do you think he’ll agree to go out with me?” I asked abruptly.

Hayden smirked. "There's only one way to find out, old man." I cringed at the term. I knew I was older than Brian, and that worried me. I was scared I was too old.

Hayden didn't seem to notice the effect his words had on me and continued. "He's not working tonight. We were hoping you'd come over for some dinner, and you can ask him."

My eyes widened, and I could feel my heart race with anticipation. "Yes, absolutely, yes. What time are you eating?" I asked.

Hayden laughed. “We’re going to pick up the Chinese now. We were hoping you’d come with us.”

Unable to contain my excitement, I leaned forward on my desk eagerly. "Yes. Absolutely," I said, grinning from ear to ear.

"Alright," Hayden said, and Owen giggled.

“Katie?” I called out. In seconds my door opened, and a short woman with graying blonde hair that she wore in a stylish bun and black-rimmed glasses entered. Katie looked like a librarian.

“Yes, sir?” Katie asked. Katie was an older woman in her late fifties. She was my right hand with me for over twenty years. Many called her my work wife. She was more than my secretary. She kept my life in order.

“I need you to forward any critical calls to my cell. And I stress they have to be extremely important. I’ll be leaving for the day.

She gave a quick nod. “Yes, sir. So, like calls from Peter Danvers.”

I scrunched my face like I’d just eaten a lemon. “No, send those calls to Hayden. I mean calls like the building’s on fire.”

“What happened with the Peter Danvers?” Hayden asked.

“A shit show. I can tell you about it later,” I replied and then refocused back on Katie. “I really don’t want to be disturbed if you can help it, Katie.”

Katie smiled. “No problem. I’ll handle everything.” With that, she turned and quickly left the room.

Walter rose from his chair and cleared his throat. Oh crap, my best friend was going through shit, and here I was, happy that I had a chance at my mate. I walked close to him and placed my hand on his shoulder.

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