Get Bunny Love (24 page)

“To the dark side.” Tilly threw back her head and laughed.

“Very funny.” Bunny sat the syrup on the counter. She crossed her arms over her chest, frowning. “You think I’ll be stifled?” Her voice tightened.

Tilly let loose with a belly laugh. “Honey, there isn’t a man alive capable of stifling you.”

Bunny breathed a half-hearted sigh of relief, hoping her friend was right. Tilly padded to the door and pulled it open. Bunny’s breath caught in her throat.

Nate stood in the doorway, his fist poised to knock.

“You must be Nate,” Tilly said.

He nodded without looking at her, his gaze locked on Bunny.

Tilly tossed Bunny an exaggerated eyebrow wiggle then pulled the door closed behind her as she left.

o0o

Nate stepped inside. The door clicked shut, but Bunny said nothing, her turquoise eyes the size of saucers. Had he been wrong to show up at her door unannounced? He’d feel less guilty if he’d been able to talk to Melanie, but there was no denying what he wanted—and that was Bunny.

An older, shorter version of Bunny bustled out of the bathroom, dressed in a figure-hugging red dress and clutching a coffee mug. “I’m off to get lucky with your father.” Her words bubbled out as she came down the hall, eyes focused on her feet.

Bunny rolled her eyes. “Alexandra, this is my boss, Nate McNulty. My mother, Alexandra Love.”

The older woman stopped in her tracks, her gaze zeroing in on Nate. A slow grin tugged at the corners of her mouth.

“Sorry, I should have called,” Nate mumbled.

Bunny shook her head.

Alexandra waggled a finger in his direction. “
McNulty
. I should have made the connection. You look just like your father.” She took a few steps closer, a shadow crossing her face. “So tragic. Martha raised you, didn’t she?”

Nate nodded, fighting down the lump growing in his throat.

“I asked Bunny if she was still drawing.”

“Drawing?” Nate frowned. “Aunt Martha?”

Alexandra drained the contents of her cup then patted Nate’s arm. “She’s quite talented, your aunt. You should ask her about it sometime.”

She stood then, staring at him as if she hoped to memorize his every feature. She suddenly turned to Bunny, placing her palm to her daughter’s cheek. “No wonder you’ve been so bright lately.” Bunny’s pale eyes grew even wider.

Alexandra breezed into the kitchen, thunked her mug onto the counter and crossed to the door. She plucked an overnight bag from the floor and stepped into the hall. “I’m sure you two have lots to talk about.” She grinned. “Don’t wait up.”

The door clicked shut, and she was gone. Nate stared at the empty space for a beat, wondering if he’d imagined the whole episode. He slowly turned toward Bunny.

She wrapped her arms around her waist, scrutinizing his presence. “And you think I’m a menace?”

He laughed, stepping closer. “What happened to your walls? Weren’t they all different colors before?”

Bunny flinched. “She painted them.”

Nate grinned, amusement seeping through him. “Imagine.”

She eyed him expectantly, his comment obviously lost on her. “To what do I owe this visit?”

“I needed to see you.”

He took a step closer. Bunny held her ground. A faded denim shirt hung large and loose on her slight frame. Black leggings hid her legs, and pink fuzzy bunny slippers covered her feet. He smiled. “So you keep a pair at home and at work.” He moved closer still.

Bunny glanced at her feet then back at Nate. A deep, rose-colored blush blossomed on her cheeks. “Yes.” She stepped toward him, erasing the space between them, her eyes locked on his. “I highly recommend it.”

Nate focused on her mouth—her sweet, soft lips. He’d thought of nothing else since this afternoon. “Maybe I should try a pair.”

Bunny stood so close heat radiated between their bodies. Several long, silent seconds passed. “About today-”

He interrupted. “I’m going to kiss you again.”

Bunny’s eyes widened. A slow smile curled the corners of her mouth as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Nate closed his mouth over hers as he pulled her into his arms, pressing her to him, aware of the fact he’d gone instantly hard.

Something deep inside him snapped. Every inch of his body hummed, as if he’d waited his whole life for this stolen kiss with Bunny.

Her fingers twisted into his hair, sending electric heat roaring to his groin. He slid his palms from her waist over her curves, cupping her bottom, pulling her close. She willingly arched into him. Bunny’s mouth never left his, her lips and tongue working fervently, igniting previously unknown sensations within him.

Nate traced his lips along Bunny’s cheek, feathering kisses down her soft skin to the line of her jaw. She tipped back her head, allowing full access to the creamy flesh of her neck. He slid his hands beneath her shirt, caressing her satiny smooth skin. He palmed one full breast, stroking his thumb across her taut nipple.

She gripped his shoulders, arching backward. He moved his hand just long enough to undo her shirt buttons. The denim fell open, and Nate gazed with open admiration on the beauty of her naked body. Bunny’s brilliant eyes, hooded beneath long lashes, met his. Fire raced through him, his urgent need like nothing he had ever experienced. He cradled her breasts in his palms, closing his lips over one eager nipple. Caressing. Tasting.

He drank of her creamy flesh, working his tongue to tease, taste and savor. He’d imagined this moment, but not once had his thoughts come close to the sweet reality of Bunny’s naked beauty.

Nate trailed kisses down the valley between her breasts to the flat plane of her stomach. She sucked in a sharp breath as he smiled against her skin, cupping his palms on her buttocks, pressing his mouth against the apex between her thighs. Heat filled his mouth—the heat of Bunny’s desire for him.

He stood, sweeping her into his arms. Bunny pressed her lips to his neck as she fumbled with the buttons on his shirt. Her gentle touch slipped beneath the cotton and caressed. Nate’s erection grew painful and he bit down on his lip as he carried her toward the bedroom.

o0o

Bunny wanted to scream. Any moment now she’d spontaneously combust. It had been a long, long time since she’d been with a man, but Nate McNulty had her feeling sensations she’d never felt. The man had some serious energy—all channeled in her direction.

The soft quilt of her bed pressed into her back as Nate gently lowered himself on top of her. Hard, heavy and all male—at that moment he was hers. At long last.

Nate tugged at the waistband of her leggings. “These have to go.”

Bunny eased the elastic with one hand, wiggling the soft material down over her hips.

Nate sat to one side, delicately pulling the material to her ankles. She kicked off one slipper, then the other. Nate pulled her legs free, and her shirt fell open. The combination of cool air and Nate’s gaze sent shivers of desire racing across her naked flesh.

“Beautiful,” Nate whispered.

Bunny swallowed down any earlier trepidation. He was the yin to her yang. Heat seared between her legs. She had never wanted any man as she wanted Nate—needed Nate.

He unbuttoned his shirt, leaning forward as he did so to press a soft kiss on the skin just above her belly button. Her body responded instantly. She arched into his lips, straining for his touch. He obliged by moving his mouth in a slow caress up the length of her belly to the rise of her breasts. His lips and tongue lavished the valley between them then suckled one mound into the heat of his mouth.

A groan escaped from somewhere deep within her. “You’re killing me,” she whispered.

Nate straightened, arching one brow. “Can’t have that.”

The husky richness of his voice sent raw, carnal awareness rushing through Bunny’s body. He stood, shrugging out of his shirt. In one deft move, he unzipped his trousers and stepped free of the clothing. For a brief moment, he stood naked before her. The rich chestnut strands she loved so much stood rumpled above his gorgeous mahogany eyes. His mouth twisted into a grin and Bunny’s heart was his. Completely his. She drank in the sight of him, naked, vulnerable. So far removed from the man who had interviewed her just weeks ago in his gray office.

Nate gently lowered himself on top of her, his lips finding hers, drinking deeply. She held her breath, savoring the exquisite feel of his naked flesh pressed to hers.

He broke the kiss, lifting his face ever so slightly. “A practical question.”

“Top nightstand drawer,” she whispered, “I used to be a Girl Scout. Always prepared.”

“That’s my girl.”

His girl
. Her stomach tightened, thrilling to the sound of the words on Nate’s lips. Her body cooled as he moved to the side of the bed to sheath himself.

As he lowered himself on top of her, he paused. “I wanted to do this in a more controlled manner.” He grinned. “But that never seems to work when you’re near.” His lopsided smile grew wide. Carefree.

Bunny’s heart raced, beating so loudly she was sure he must hear it. Excitement wound through her, coiling tighter and tighter, anticipating the feel of him inside her.

Nate lowered himself between her legs, hands planted on either side of her shoulders. Bunny wrapped her legs around his waist, opening to him body and soul. Her breath caught as he slipped inside, filling her. She took his face between her palms, pulling his mouth to hers. His hands moved beneath her, cradling her buttocks. He quickened his thrusts then slowed. Quickened. Slowed.

Nate stroked and caressed, building Bunny’s desire to a frenzy. He held still for a moment and she realized he fought to control his release. He tightened his grip suddenly, rocking her hard against him. She gasped at the force of her orgasm, release splintering through her like a wave of Novocaine, numbing her every sensation but the pleasure of becoming one with Nate.

Their movements slowed and Nate slipped his fingers into the hot, tight space between their bodies. He stroked gently, lovingly, sending additional waves of pleasure rippling outward from his touch. She melted against the quilt, dazed by the power he wielded over her body’s reactions.

Suddenly, Nate’s touch was gone. Bunny opened her eyes, gasping at the intense need gleaming in his mocha gaze. His eyes locked onto hers as he drove deeper, harder inside her. He groaned, a shudder ripping through him. His eyes fluttered closed as their joined bodies pulsed to the rhythm of his release.

How had she ever thought this sizzling man stifled? She tried to move beneath him, but couldn’t, her muscles overwhelmed by the power of their lovemaking. Nate pulled her tightly into his arms, cradling her spent body. Bunny closed her eyes, savoring the feel of his hot, damp skin pressed to hers.

“Next time,” Nate growled. “We leave the slippers on.”

CHAPTER TWENTY

Nate rubbed the sleep from his eyes, watching Bunny move comfortably around her small kitchen. Shapely legs peeked from the hem of her bright yellow robe. She hummed as she worked, sexy little feet tucked into her bunny slippers. He chuckled.

Bunny caught him watching. A smile spread wide and bright across her face. “Morning.”

He planted a kiss on the soft curve of her neck then gave her waist a squeeze. “Same to you.”

The tea kettle whistled. Bunny turned off the burner and reached for two mugs.

“None for me.” Nate waved a hand dismissively. “I learned my lesson.”

Bunny pulled a jar of instant coffee from a second cabinet and winked. “So did I. I’m a quick study.”

“So I’ve heard,” he teased. He pointed to a coffee pot, sporting several stalks of what he now recognized as lucky bamboo. “What happened there?”

Bunny grimaced. “I think we’d call that a little creative payback.” She gave a quick shrug. “Not one of my finer moments.”

Nate shook his head, deciding to let the subject drop. Bunny handed him a steaming mug, and he happily sipped the strong brew. Lord knew he hadn’t gotten much sleep last night, and today promised to be long and tiring.

“Can I get you breakfast?”

He shook his head. “I’ll grab something at home. I’ve got to get into the office.” He waggled his brows. “So do you.”

“I know.” Bunny vigorously dunked a tea bag in her mug. “I’ll be at the Convention Center most of the day, but I’ll stop by the office first.”

Nate blew out a long, slow breath.

“Say it.” Bunny eyed him. “You want last night to stay between us. Remember decorum. Beware the McNulty image. Blah, blah, blah.”

A twinge of guilt tickled Nate’s gut. He hated to admit she was right, but she was. “You understand, don’t you?”

“Not really.” She shook her mop-topped head as she sipped her tea.

Bunny’s honesty cut him like a knife.

“Look. I know this weekend is important to you. It’s important to me.” Her features softened, her eyes turning sad. “We’ll pretend this never happened.”

“Uh-uh.” Nate set his coffee on the counter and tucked a hand beneath her chin. He tipped her face to meet his gaze. “This most definitely happened.”

Lowering his mouth to hers, Nate covered her soft lips with his own. He deepened the kiss, smiling when Bunny’s mug thunked onto the counter and she wound her fingers into his hair.

Nate slipped his arms around her waist, sliding his palms along her curves to the soft swells of her breasts. He rubbed his thumbs over the fabric of her robe, stroking her nipples into firm peaks. A soft moan slipped from her throat.

“Thought you had to get to work,” Bunny murmured.

“Change of plans.” He stepped back, drinking in her sparkling turquoise gaze. He slowly unwound the tie of her robe, letting the garment fall open. She wore nothing beneath.

Her eyes closed, long lashes splayed against her cheekbones. He hooked his thumbs under the robe’s collar, easing it to the crook of her elbows. He pressed a kiss onto the creamy flesh of Bunny’s bare shoulders. First one, then the other. She lowered her arms to her sides, allowing the robe to fall into a yellow puddle on the tile floor. She stood naked, more beautiful than anything he’d ever seen.