Bunny Tales (37 page)

A special thanks to my agent Frank Weimann, for your immediate confidence in me and my story. I realize how lucky I am that you took me on. At Running Press: Greg Jones for your belief in the story and for your enthusiasm. Lisa Clancy, my editor, thank you for your hard work and patience. Janet Saines, thank you for your clarity and for being the only one who always answered my e-mails. Joshua McDonnell, thanks for a fabulous time in Philadelphia and all your talented, creative work. Craig Herman, it is a pleasure working with you. Diane Mancher, you crack me up, thanks for your work on behalf of the book. And thank you to everybody else at Running Press who made this book happen. Thank you to James Creighton and Pier Nicola D’Amico for the beautiful photography.

Thank you to my friends, those who were there for me during this turbulent time. Pamela, thank you for the frequent phone calls, your kind words, and your belief in me. Laura, thanks for the sound advice, and for being there for me when I really needed you. Denise, thank you for the encouragement, it has always meant a lot to me. Niki, you were one of the first people who originally encouraged me to tell me story. Gena, thanks for reminiscing. Sean, thanks for being there for me during some of the hardest times in my life, you are a great friend. I would like to thank Justin’s family and friends for their understanding and respect. Papa Leonard, thank you for always buying Canada Dry ginger ale for me, you know I love you. Debbie, thank you for your positive encouragement. My precious pugs, Balbina and Bogart, for your unconditional love, endless kisses, and entertainment. Although I could do without the snoring at night, I would have not made it through it all without you.

Justin, I could not have done this without you. It was you who selflessly encouraged me to write this book, and who pushed me along when I didn’t think I could go on. You were my rock when I lived at the Mansion, you were my best friend when I left, and you were patient and supportive when I was writing. And you kept the wine bar fully stocked when it was desperately needed. I am lucky to have an intelligent, honest, kind man like you in my life.

Most importantly, I want to thank my wonderful parents. I love you. Thank you for your hard work, your sacrifices, and your unconditional love. Everything I am and I have is because of you. I can only wish to be as hard-working as my father, as loving as my mother. Dad, you are my courage and strength. Mom, you are my best friend, my inspiration, and everything that is good in me. Thank you for being my angel on earth.

I thank God for all the blessings bestowed upon me.

© 2006, 2009 by Izabella St. James

eISBN : 978-0-762-43271-4

All rights reserved under the Pan-American
and International Copyright Conventions

This book may not be reproduced in whole or in part, in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system now known or hereafter invented, without written -permission from the publisher.

Digit on the right indicates the number of this printing

Typography: Bodega, Akzidenz Grotesk, and Caslon

Running Press Book Publishers

2300 Chestnut Street

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-4399

Visit us on the web!

www.runningpress.com

This work was prepared without the input or authorization of Playboy Enterprises, Inc. “Playboy” and other devices that incorporate the word are registered trademarks of Playboy Enterprises, Inc.