Nip it in the Bud (Bunch-A-Blooms 3)

I laugh. “Nah, we just get each other.”

“Clearly. That girl has given so many men a run for their money. It’s amusing to watch.?

?? He snickers.

“I like a woman with a strong personality. It means she can keep up with me.”

Mason nods. “There’s a sink over there where you can wash your hands, and we can get some burgers going. These hotdogs will be done soon.”

“Good deal.”

We work well together, and I get more perspective on the group. His experiences growing up with the girls make me laugh. As Petunia’s best friend, he’s been around to witness a little bit of everything.

“Do we even want to know what you’re talking about?” Petunia asks as they approach.

“Oh, I was just telling him about the time you decided to be the Spice Girls for Halloween, post Ginger Spice exiting the group, and how you got hammered and insisted on performing everywhere, we went.”

“Oh no.” Willow covers her face.

“I definitely have video of that,” Mason says.

“I have to see it.”

“You really do not,” Willow retorts.

“Hey, I thought we were adorbs,” Olive says.

“You would,” Petunia scoffs.

“Yeah, because she’s the only one of us who can carry a tune,” Willow says dryly.

“So no singing on my track then?” I tease.

She hmmphs at me, and I laugh. Wrapping my arm around her waist, I pull her to me. “You’re perfect the way you are.” I steal a kiss, and she hums against my lips, letting me know I’m forgiven.

As the day turns to night, we say our good-byes, and I drive her home.

“What did you think?” she asks.

“I had a good time. Everyone was friendly.”

“Sorry about my parents, they’re extra.”

“Hey, every parental unit has the quirk, believe me,” I say, thinking of my mom and how excited she’s going to be to meet Willow.

“I guess it’s my turn next?”

“Yeah. You don’t have to be nervous; Hunters are pretty chill.”

I pull into her driveway and park.

“You don’t have to walk me up.”

“You know by now I take my job of caring for you seriously, so let me. I know you’re an independent woman who doesn’t need to be protected, but I’m here now, so you’re going to have that from me. It’s how I’m built.” I lean over, and she meets me halfway. I can taste the whiskey sours lingering on her tongue as I sweep inside her mouth. Moaning, she leans forward, and I cup the back of her head and bring her even closer. She places her palms against my chest and a flash of pressure streaks through me like lightning. Surging forward, she climbs across the center seat that separates us. I move my hand down to the small of her back and pull her into my lap.

When she straddles my thighs and her full ass grinds into me, I grip her hips and rock up. She breaks our lip lock and lets her head fall back. I nuzzle her cleavage. Honk. The horn blares in the silent night. We jump apart like guilty children. My heart pounds in my chest and I let out a shaky laugh.

“Holy crap. That scared me,” she whispers.