to take some time for me to get used to the whole Bunny-Love-goes-corporate idea.”
After Tilly left, Bunny stared at the closed door for several long seconds. “You and me both,” she whispered. “You and me both.”
o0o
Nate took a long sip of his scotch, savoring the burn of the liquor as it slid down his throat. Cigar smoke filled the Union League lounge. His dinner with Melanie had ended early, so he’d thought it best to take care of other business while it was fresh on his mind.
“To what do I owe the honor of my summons?” Jeremy’s voice startled Nate. His golden-haired brother slid into the opposite chair. The leather creaked and Jeremy’s eyes widened expectantly. “I can’t wait to hear what account necessitated asking for help.”
“The Worthington Cup.” Nate swirled another mouthful of scotch, enjoying the warmth seeping through his extremities.
“The dogs?” Jeremy’s smile curled into a bemused grin. “How’d you get roped into that one?”
“Aunt Martha.” Nate downed the last of his drink and gestured toward the waiter. “What are you drinking?”
Jeremy leaned back against his seat, crossing ankle to knee. “I’ll have the same.”
“Two scotches.” Nate scrutinized his older brother. Jeremy’s pale blue sweater draped open at his neck where he had left the buttons undone. His blue jeans were crisp and creased, but blue jeans nonetheless. Relaxed. At ease.
“Why does she want The Worthington Cup?” Concern flickered in Jeremy’s dark blue eyes.
“Why does she want anything?” Nate formed quotation marks with his fingers. “Safety and security.” He ran a hand through his hair and let out a frustrated breath. “She wants the firm on solid footing and me married to Melanie.”
The waiter set two tumblers of scotch on the table. Nate drank down half of his as Jeremy looked on.
“You drunk?” Jeremy asked.
“McNultys don’t get drunk.”
“It wouldn’t hurt you to live a little.” Jeremy gave a quick shrug. “No one asked you to be so good.”
“Didn’t they?”
Jeremy shook his head.
“I’m not having this conversation tonight,” Nate said. “You wouldn’t know the first thing about living up to expectations.”
“I set my own expectations.” Jeremy’s tone grew stiff. “You should try it sometime.”
“So you think.” Nate polished off his remaining scotch then laced his fingers behind his head. “Can you design an interactive Web site?”
“For McNulty Events?” A smug grin spread across Jeremy’s movie star features. “Welcome to the future, little brother.”
Wise ass , Nathan thought. “It’s for the Cup.”
“The dogs need a Web site?”
A deep furrow formed between Jeremy’s perfect pale brows. His was a face women swooned over. Lord, his brother was right. He had had too much to drink.
Nate focused on keeping his words from slurring. “I want interactive voting from the television audience. Is it feasible?"
Jeremy stared at Nate incredulously. “Completely.” He pressed his lips together. “Your idea?”
“I was part of the team that developed the concept.” Not a total lie. “You don’t think I’m capable of creative thought?”
“You’re perfectly capable,” Jeremy replied. “I’m impressed you allowed yourself the luxury, quite frankly. I didn’t think creative thought fit your version of the McNulty mold.”
“Well, it does.” Nate tossed several bills onto the table and stood. “Can you be at the office tomorrow morning? I’d like you to meet the coordinator handling the event.”
“I’ll be there first thing. What’s his name?”
“ Her name is Bunny. Bunny Love.”
Jeremy’s brows met in a puzzled peak.
“Don’t ask,” Nate snarled as he turned to leave. “Just be there by nine.”
“Wild horses couldn’t keep me away.”
Jeremy’s words echoed in Nate’s mind as he hailed a taxi. Wild horses . Hopefully his brother wouldn’t share his sentiments with Miss Love. The
Douglas E. Schoen, Melik Kaylan