Brock's Bunny

by Jane Wakely

  Brock’s house wasn’t too far away, and Hollie quickly hopped the short distance to his backyard. Like many houses that shared the forest line in Chestnut Rock, there wasn’t a fence that marked where the forest ended and his yard began. It was one of the perks of living so close to a National Park. The Park Service and the city wanted to preserve nature as much as they could.

  A section of Brock’s yard next to the house was surrounded by plywood that almost looked like a sandbox. When she got closer, Hollie saw that it was a small garden. Herbs grew in a smaller box on his patio. Two lemon trees sat in the other half of his yard.

  Hollie hopped to the grass that lay between the trees and caught sight of Brock watching her from his kitchen window. The rising sun cast an orange glow around the frame, but she could see him looking out, a cup of coffee in his hand.

  Every instinct told her to go inside and stand beside him, but she wasn’t completely crazy yet. They watched each other for several minutes before Hollie broke the connection and hopped back to the safety of the cave.

  ****

  “A white rabbit? From the forest? Are you sure?”

  “Yes, Candi, I’m sure. It hopped out of the forest and sat between my lemon trees.”

  When Brock poured his coffee this morning, he was surprised to look out and see the white bunny staring back at him. The beautiful animal’s intensity held his interest until it hopped away. It had to be domesticated. He hadn’t seen any “lost” signs, but he was sure a little boy or girl was missing their beloved pet. He was going to help reunite the pair if he could.

  After a stop at the pet store for a cage, water dispenser and food, Brock met Candi at The Harvest. His little sister was ecstatic that he’d asked for her help with a vegetarian dish for the steakhouse. He’d tell her about the other restaurant later, when he could give her permanent details.

  “Hi Candi. Back again so soon? Did you forget something on your list?” He recognized her voice immediately and turned to see the platinum blond from the night before talking to his sister. Their backs were facing him, and he silently urged her to turn so that he could see her eyes. Would they be violet again today, or did she change the color contacts frequently?

  “No, I’m all set for tonight,” Candi laughed. “I’m helping my brother decide on a vegetarian dish for his restaurant.”

  Candi turned toward him eagerly, ready to do the introductions, but the blond tensed and kept her back to him longer than was necessary.

  “Hollie,” Candi asked. “Are you okay?”

  The blond inhaled deeply, cleared her throat and slowly turned toward him.

  “Yeah, I’m fine. Sorry.”

  Violet eyes met his and Brock had the same reaction as the day before. Everything around them seemed to disappear until it was only the two of them in the store. Candi did the introductions and the spell was broken.

  “Brock is your brother?” she said to Candi and then without waiting for a response she turned to Brock. “You’re putting a vegetarian dish on the menu?”

  Her eyes were softer than the first time he’d seen them, and her mouth slowly grew into a wide smile. Brock got the feeling it was unintentional, but he’d take a smile over her pain from the night before any day.

  “Someone informed me my menu choices were limited.” He looked directly at her. “As you know, the customer is always right.” He winked and the three of them burst out laughing.

  “I’ll be right back.” Candi ran off to say hello to another friend and left the two of them alone.

  “Candi is helping me with the recipe and ingredients, but she’s busy tonight and I’d really like to play with these dishes. Care to help me taste-test?”

  “I’d love to.”

  “Great.” Hollie wrote his address on a notepad she pulled out of her apron. Candi returned and they said their goodbyes.

  “Bye Hollie. I’ll see you tonight at six.”

  “See you then. Bye Brock, bye Candi.”

  Chapter Four

  Hours later, Hollie was still shocked that Brock was changing his famous steakhouse menu, and that he’d asked her to help him taste-test after laughing at her the night before. Something had made him change his mind and the only logical reason was her. Her mate had reached out to her, possibly by accident, but she couldn’t help getting excited about their date. It seemed like things were turning around. Maybe there was hope for them.

  She arrived on his doorstep a few minutes early, a bottle of organic white wine in her hand. Though not expensive, it was her favorite brand. Hollie opted for a casual look and wore khaki Capris and a lavender t-shirt.

  Brock answered the door in jeans and a navy blue tee. The sight of him was almost too much and Hollie nearly dropped the wine. She wanted to plaster herself against his hard frame and feel his strength around her. Thoughts of his naked body next to hers consumed her as she followed him into the kitchen and sat on a barstool surrounding the island workstation. Legs crossed, she tried to focus on anything but the thought of his hands touching, rubbing and soothing her ache for him.

  Brock opened the wine and handed her a glass. She gulped it when he turned his back to check something on the stove. Instead of dousing her heat, a warm buzz surrounded her and she could feel her cheeks darken.

  Brock refilled her wine glass but she only took a sip before setting it aside. She stood up and walked around his kitchen.

  “It smells heavenly in here.” Top of the line appliances and gadgets surrounded the large space. His cookware was designer too. Brock moved around the kitchen rhythmically. He was comfortable and relaxed like he had been the other times she’d seen him, but there was a subtle difference. She probably wouldn’t notice if he wasn’t her mate, but Hollie got the impression that for him, being in the kitchen was more than just cooking. It was where he belonged.

  “Hungry? I have three dishes for us to try.”

  “Starving!” she laughed. “Sampling them all won’t be a problem.”

  ****

  Brock was still amazed at Hollie’s beauty. All day she’d consumed his thoughts. He longed to hold her and never let go. What would she feel like in his arms? What would she taste like? How would she sound? He couldn’t remember ever being so consumed by a woman. He’d had plenty of sexual thoughts over the years, but with Hollie it was something different. Something more.

  He didn’t know how to explain, and so he’d kept his feelings to himself. He’d discarded his plan to ask Candi about her because he felt obsessed. When they ran into her at The Harvest, it’d taken everything he’d had not to scoop her up, throw her over his shoulder, take her home and pleasure her until she begged him to stop.

  He should have run, but he’d asked her over instead. Now she was in his house, close to his bed, and Brock was in hell. His relaxed façade was wearing thin, and soon Hollie would see through it and the macho sex-maniac would be revealed.

  He needed to get rid of her. She deserved so much better.

  “What to watch a movie?” Oh, God, that wasn’t what he meant to say.

  “Sure. What are you in the mood for?”

  You. Oh, geez.

  Brock tried to think of the most non-sexy movie he could.

  “Just no horror. I can’t watch that stuff.”

  There went that idea.

  They decided on Die Hard, and Brock thought he would be okay. An estranged couple, a terrorist not afraid to kill, lots of guns, blood and some crazy cops: perfect. Until he sat on the couch and Hollie sat next to him. Someone was killed in one of the first scenes and she jumped, held his waist and buried her head in his chest. And never left.

  He had no choice but to put his arm around her. He smelled her hair, and he was gone. Brock hoped the dim lights hid his erection as he hopelessly tried to get rid of his lusty thoughts.

  Blood. Guns. Death. His mother. His grandma.

  Damn! Nothing worked. Hollie noticed.

  She pushed off his chest with her hand, sat up, and looked him in the
eye. She was so close, but Brock waited for her angry words and tried to think of an explanation.

  “Brock, kiss me.”

  He didn’t waste another moment.

  He planted his mouth on hers with the urgency he felt. Deep down, a little voice told him to slow down, but he was so far gone he couldn’t figure out how to do that.

  Hollie didn’t seem to mind his eager assault and pulled him down on top of her. They kissed aggressively and she brought her knees up, cradling him between her legs. He pressed his hips against her center, the jeans scraping his sensitive flesh. He needed more, but this was their first time, and he didn’t want to rush her.

  Brock kissed down her neck and slowly eased his body away from hers. Hollie tightened her legs around him, pulling him back, moving against his length.

  “Brock, please. I need more.”

  He pulled back to gauge her reaction, and Hollie’s fingers started on his button and zipper. She seemed as far gone as he was.

  “Hang on.” He ran to his room and came back with a condom in hand, then striped off his t-shirt and jeans. Hollie followed his example and once he was covered, he positioned himself between her legs again.

  “Are you sure?” he asked.

  “Yes, Brock, I need you.”

  In one swift movement, he pushed his length deep inside her warmth. Hollie accepted him with ease and her tight passage felt as if she’d been created solely for him. He closed his eyes and tried to regain some control. He never wanted to leave her embrace.

  Hollie locked her ankles around his waist and forced him deeper. She moaned and he knew he wouldn’t last long. One more deep breath and he opened his eyes to make sure she was still okay.

  Her platinum hair was spread out and surrounded her head in every direction. Her eyes gave away her desire. The violet had changed to a deep purple and when they caught the light, they sparkled like rare amethyst gems.

  He didn’t need to question her again. Hollie needed him the same way he needed her.

  Brock pulled back slowly, intent on making their first time memorable, but he soon gave up the ill-fated plan. Hollie’s moans and gentle urgent words spurred him on, and they both came quicker than he’d intended. Drained, he lay down against the back of the couch. Hollie turned, burrowed her face against his chest and fell asleep.

  I’m finally home. Moments later, sleep claimed him.

  Chapter Five

  Hollie couldn’t help the smile that formed when she’d thought about Brock. Last night had been so much more than she’d hoped for. The meals he’d made were wonderful and after much debate, they decided the grilled portabellas would be the steakhouse’s new signature vegetarian dish.

  They talked endlessly over their meal, and Hollie now understood why he chose to use his business skills over his culinary ones. Even if he was a culinary master. His abilities could entice her to eat anything. Almost anything—she still had principles.

  The morning sun had broken the warm cocoon of his arms, but Hollie wasn’t complaining. Brock’s lips planted soft kisses on her lips and stopped just short of declaring his love. He wanted to see her again, often, and he felt obsessed by his feelings toward her. He didn’t say the “L” word, and neither did she, but it seemed they both wanted to.

  Hollie had to tell him about her bunny before he said it, otherwise, she wouldn’t know if it was true. It wasn’t something she wanted to say before she rushed off, though, and she had to open the store today. Brock had to work at the restaurant tonight, but they were going to meet after. She was going to tell him then.

  Her four hour shift had seemed endless, and the night seemed so far away. Hollie wanted to see Brock again. Calling him seemed needy when they already had a date planned for later, but the pull of her mate was strong, and she was restless.

  An idea struck and she grabbed her keys and drove to the National Park. She stored her clothes in the cave, shifted and hopped to Brock’s backyard. If she was lucky, she’d catch another glimpse of him through the window. The only downfall was if he saw her. When she told him about her bunny, she’d have to explain why she’d been in his yard again. Stalking him. No. They’d already shared their deep desire to be together. He would understand once she educated him about the mating.

  Like the previous day, she rested on the patch between the lemon trees and studied the house alternating between the three windows that faced the forest. She could smell him and was surprised that his scent was so strong outside, mixed with all the scents of the forest. Almost too strong.

  The snap of a twig alerted her to his presence a second too late. Fear caused her to run, but he was faster. Hollie tumbled into the bottom of a sack and found herself being hauled away from the trees in a pillow case.

  Why? What did he want with her? Had he figured out her secret? Was he hunting for food? Several thoughts raced through her mind, but only one remained.

  Her mate had captured her like a wild animal. She had to get away from him, even if it left her heart in pieces.

  ****

  Brock didn’t understand why catching the rabbit felt so wrong. He walked toward the house, rubbing the ache in his chest. He was doing the right thing. The pristine white animal obviously belonged to someone and he could help. His mind was convinced, but his heart still ached as if it was a mistake.

  He closed the sliding glass door and walked over to the animal cage he’d bought the day before. Now he’d be able to take a good picture and put the word out around town. Someone would claim the bunny, he was sure of it.

  First, he had to get the thing in the cage. He knelt down beside the open door and put the open end of the pillow case through the entrance. Fresh food and water waited, and he was sure the animal would walk in easily.

  As soon as he removed his hand, the rabbit cautiously sniffed her way out of the case until her nose came in contact with one metal bar. He encouraged her with tender words and put pressure on her rump. The animal dug her feet into the floor and wouldn’t budge. Brock tried again and suddenly she pushed off his thigh, and she ran toward the glass door. Brock chased her around the kitchen and into the living room. He was fast, but she easily dodged him.

  He would’ve laughed if it was someone else, but he was starting to get concerned. Every time he grabbed for the animal, she slipped out of his reach. He expected one of them to get hurt any minute.

  Unexpectedly, the rabbit missed a jump from the couch to the ottoman and landed on her side on the floor. Before she could recover, Brock scooped her up and whispered soothing words as he stroked her fur.

  The rabbit’s rapid heartbeat seemed to slow until the cage came into view again. She squirmed, scratched his arm with her nails, and he let go at the same time she jumped.

  Hollie landed on the floor instead of the rabbit. She was naked and she jumped to her feet with her arms out as if to placate him. He wanted to run, but shock kept his feet planted. In one moment she was the bunny he was chasing around the room, and in the next Hollie stood before him. If he didn’t see it with his own eyes, he wouldn’t believe it, and yet… He didn’t believe it. Hollie, his Hollie, the girl he was falling in love with, was the white bunny.

  “Brock, take a deep breath. I can explain.”

  She meant to soothe him with her words, but she couldn’t break through the barrier of fear. Hollie had changed before his eyes.

  His arm stung and he glanced down at the three bloody lines she left behind. The surface had already started to clot, but he couldn’t stop the hatred he felt toward her. His stomach started to turn. Hollie wasn’t who he thought she was. She wasn’t even a who.

  She wasn’t the girl of his dreams, she was an animal. A wild animal spent the night with him on the couch, not a beautiful woman. He’d made love—had sex—with a wild animal.

  “Get out.” She deceived and disgusted him. He wanted her out.

  “Brock, no, let me explain. Everything will be okay.”

  “Get out!” he yelled. Every emotion was bubbl
ing over and he directed them all at her.

  Hollie jerked as if she’d been slapped and tears rolled down her face. She flung open the sliding glass door and ran out into the woods.

  Brock followed her pale naked form until she disappeared in the dense trees.

  His eyes watered, but not because of Hollie.

  The pain that squeezed his heart brought him to his knees.

  Chapter Six

  Hollie could barely see where she was going. She brushed the tears away with the back of her hand, but it made little difference. She was grateful she knew the woods well enough to find her way; she was almost to safety. Leaves crunched beneath her feet and twigs jumped out of the ground to lash her ankles. She lost her balance and fell palms-first against a tree trunk. Blood seeped out of the scrapes, but she kept on.

  After Brock rejected her, she didn’t dare go back to the cave. She’d scented another human nearby and she couldn’t trust herself to make sure she wouldn’t be detected. She couldn’t ruin the hideout for her friends. Her car could be an issue, but there had been several in the lot when she parked, so it shouldn’t seem suspicious.

  More tears fell as she thought about Brock’s dismissal. Finding a mate was supposed to be a life-changing event, a dream come true; instead it turned into a nightmare. She’d never forget the repulsed look on his face when he’d told her to get out.

  Any chance for them to be together was over.

  Hollie spotted Matt and Jenn’s backyard and ran up to the patio. She used all of her strength to rapidly bang on the door, causing the glass window to shake, then she crouched down in front of a storage bench and hid herself from the forest.

  The door swung open and Matt stepped out. He looked ready to fight until his eyes landed on her shaking, naked form.