Free Get Bunny Love by Kathleen Long Page A

“Other than the accident involving your wrist, for which I am so, so sorry, I felt the residents were receptive to the improved flow of the space.”
    Bunny smiled at Willie Simpson who bobbed her snow-white head in agreement. Thurston shot the woman a glare. She froze, offering a nervous smile to Thurston and a shrug to Bunny.
    “Be that as it may,” Thurston continued, “I’m not sure it’s in the best interest of the Wellington Arms for you to take up permanent residence.”
    An audible gasp rose from those gathered.
    Bunny’s heart tattooed against her rib cage. “But Mr. Monroe, I never meant any harm. I’ve never tried to do anything but be helpful to the residents here.” She blinked back tears. She was not going to appear weak. Not now. “I love the Wellington Arms. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”
    “Did you know, Ms. Love, that I am incapable of a one-handed backhand?” He leaned forward. “I was the league champ. Champ . Do you realize what your little stunt put me through? Six weeks in a cast and months of painful physical therapy.”
    “Should have been looking where he was going,” Tilly’s voice muttered from the small group behind Bunny.
    “What was that, Ms. Stringer?” Fury boiled in Thurston’s steel gray gaze.
    “She didn’t say a thing, sir,” Bunny interjected. “I wish there was something I could do to make it up to you. But, please, I’m asking you—the panel—to approve my application.”
    “Is your financing ready?” Thurston’s silver brows met in a bushy peak. Bunny cringed.
    “I should have final approval within days.”
    “What’s holding it up?”
    “Nothing, really,” she stammered. “I was only able to apply this week, once I started my employment.” She nodded her head, hoping she appeared financially solvent. “It’s a standard waiting period. There won’t be a problem.”
    Thurston sneered and rapped his fingers on the tabletop. “I should hope not.” He turned to the other members of the Condo Board. “Any other questions for Ms. Love?”
    “Yes.” Margaret Jamison held up a frail hand, pointing toward Bunny’s suit. “Isn’t that the suit that disappeared from the Wellington Theater wardrobe closet?”
    A choked snort came from the crowd. Bunny had no doubt the sound had emanated from Tilly’s throat.
    “Why, I don’t believe so.” Bunny lovingly brushed the front of the jacket. “This was a gift from a dear friend.” She gave Margaret her warmest smile.
    Thurston eyed Margaret closely. The elderly woman shrugged then nodded. “All right.” Thurston rapped his gavel against the desktop podium. “This Board hereby grants you approval, conditioned upon final financing arrangements.” He opened a small personal planner. “We expect your settlement to be complete by November first. Understood?”
    “Understood.” Bunny stood to leave. “Thank you.”
    November first. The day after The Worthington Cup concluded. Her pulse roared in her ears and anxiety played havoc with her belly. Her entire future rode on her ability to successfully plan a dog show. A dog show . If that wasn’t cosmic irony, she didn’t know what was.
    She’d almost made it to the door when Thurston cleared his throat. “I’ll be watching you, Miss Love. Very, very carefully.”
    Great. She mentally rolled her eyes. Join the club.
    o0o
    “I’ll be watching you,” Tilly mimicked as they headed for the elevator.
    “Shh,” Bunny warned. “With my luck he’s probably got the whole place bugged.”
    “I did hear he rigged an alarm to that sofa.” Tilly winked. “Slightest rearrangement sets it off.”
    “Very funny.” Bunny punched the up button.
    “You happy?”
    Bunny shot her friend a glare. “That I get to keep a roof over my head? Or that I’ll be forced to live with Thurston Monroe watching every move I make?”
    Tilly patted her shoulder. “He’ll get over it. You’ll see.”
    “How could you let me wear a suit you stole from the