“That’s an article in today’s paper about A.C. Advertising. They refer to Axel as the millionaire playboy. See, I know all about his reputation. Now please, I have work to do. I’ll talk to you later.” She hoped that was enough to get Ashley off her back for the rest of the day, at least. She already had too much to process after the intense meeting with him.
Ashley rose to leave, holding a laugh back. “Okay. I’m sorry, but you know I call it as I see it. That article doesn’t prove you’re not into him. Like I said before, he’s on the prowl for you and men like that usually get what they want. I hope you remember my theory the first time he makes a move on you. Nah, you probably won’t. You’ll be too dazed and breathless to think about little old me in the heat of the moment.”
Ashley had more experienced with men and thought her naïve. Kerrigan valued her advice, but sometimes she could be over the top. She couldn’t tell Ashley about Axel’s suggestive remarks during their meeting.
Ashley tossed her hair over her shoulder and closed the door behind her. A second later, she pushed her way back through the door. One hand mounted her hip, and the other held up high halted the air. “Let me know when you’re ready for the birds and bees conversation. You need to be prepared for a man like that.” Kerrigan shook her head at Ashley’s whispered remark.
Snickering and still standing in Kerrigan’s doorway, Ashley pivoted, staring at someone in the hall. A clear view of Ashley’s face, Kerrigan saw her turn ashen gray. The rumble of a deep voice could be heard from the hall.
Ashley blushed and greeted him. “Oh! Hello Mr. Christensen,” she said in a shaky high-pitched voice. Ashley smiled, but based on her ghastly expression, he must not have returned the gesture kindly. “Miss Turner.” Even the sterile sound of his voice made Kerrigan’s belly flutter. Ashley twisted her lips, glanced at Kerrigan, and then scampered away.
The sting of tears burned behind Kerrigan’s eyes. Others in the office thought she didn’t deserve the account manager position—that Axel’s infatuation with her had led to her promotion. On some level, she knew they shared a strong mutual attraction. Although she did everything to ignore her desire, he made her skittish whenever he was near. Why couldn’t she shake this feeling, shake this man out of her brain?
Pushing thoughts about Axel aside, she became more determined than ever to prove to herself that she deserved her new job. She had spent the past year busting her ass, and she was infuriated that others thought she was promoted for reasons other than her hard work and skill. Maybe if she helped land the McBride account she’d earn the respect of her co-workers.
About to leave for the day, her mouse hovered over the exit button on her email application when an incoming email caught her eye. It was from Axel himself, not Brenda his assistant. She could count on one hand how many email messages had come directly from him to her in the past year–this one. The subject was short and to the point. She opened the message with nervous anticipation.
Monday, August 20
To: Kerrigan Mulls
From: Axel Christensen
Subject: Lunch Tomorrow
Kerrigan,
I hope you had a productive day. I know you’ve been working hard on the McBride presentation, but not too hard, I hope. I’m eager to see it tomorrow. It will be good for us to spend time together to get acquainted. We need to have good chemistry as we pitch. I’ll stop by your office around Noon. I should have you back by 2:00 p.m. I’m looking forward to seeing you.
Axel Christensen
President and Chief Executive Officer
A.C. Advertising
The thought of a two-hour lunch with Axel Christensen made her stomach twist. What can we possibly discuss for two hours? Taking a deep breath, she shut down her computer. These problems could wait for the next day and it would be best to leave them for tomorrow.
The office was empty now. Nearly seven thirty in the evening, everyone else in the department had gone home. Grabbing her handbag, Kerrigan headed toward the door and turned out the light. She spun around and took a step back to look at her desk one last time making sure she had remembered her cell phone. It wasn’t on her desk, which meant she had already put in her handbag. Whirling around to make her way out, she slammed straight into a solid brick mass, colliding into him.
Axel must have been standing at her door silently observing her. He had removed his jacket and the top two buttons of his white dress shirt were undone. The palms of her hands landed squarely onto his rock-hard pecks and she tried to steady herself. She could feel the peaks and valleys of his well-defined chest through the thin material of his shirt.
She stepped back abruptly, nearly stumbling to a fall. He caught her by the small of her waist and pulled her closer to him to prevent her inevitable backwards tumble. Their bodies were flush, her breasts pressed firmly against his chest. Holding her in a tight, protective embrace, his strong arms locked her in place against him. She was dizzy and breathless. He looked down at her with impassioned eyes.
“Ah! Mr. Christensen, I mean Axel. I am sorry. I … I didn’t see you, standing there.” She lowered her head down, unable to meet his eyes.
A warm sensation swept over her when she realized that he was still holding her close and hadn’t made a motion to release her. She startled when she felt Axel’s growing bulge press firmly against her stomach. He didn’t attempt to push her away. Breaking his grip, she pulled out of his clutch.
He looked down at her with hooded eyes and spoke softly, almost seductively. “It’s okay. No harm was done. I didn’t mean to startle you. I was leaving, saw your light on, and I thought I’d escort you out. That’s the least I can do since I’m going to work you so hard over the next few weeks.”
His words were unnerving. She blushed at the thought. She was clearly out of line and apparently, her mind wandered straight to the gutter whenever he was near.
“That’s kind of you. Thank you. Again, I apologize.”
“Forget it. Your bumping into me isn’t the worst thing that could happen. Let’s go.”
She analyzed his word choice again. Was it a compliment or something more? She dismissed the latter.
They were walking out of the building when he paused. “I’ve got to lock up since we’re the last ones here. Where’s your car?”
“It’s on the bottom level. Really, I’ll be fine. You don’t have to escort me the whole way.”
“Of course I do. You aren’t walking to your car alone on other evenings when you work late, are you? I don’t want anything happening to you. I want you safe.” He said and continued locking the door to the office suite.
She shifted on her feet and stepped back, putting some distance between them. “Usually, Kevin, one of the security officers, offers to walk with me.”
He frowned. “Oh, I’ll bet he does,” he muttered under his breath.
They walked to the parking deck elevator and waited for the doors to open. Once they were inside, she squirmed as his eyes roamed up and down her body. After what felt like an eternity, the elevator came to a halt, the doors opened slowly, and as though she was a caged bird freed, she nearly flew out.
“Thanks for seeing me off safely Mr. Christensen … Axel. My car is right there.” She pointed toward her vehicle.
“Any time Kerrigan. I’m looking forward to lunch tomorrow.”
Holding the elevator doors open, he watched until she was safely inside her car.
At home, Kerrigan sat at her dining room table, toying with the food on her plate and replaying the events of their latest encounter in her head. There was no mistaking Axel’s raging erection, the scintillating magnetism between them when they touched as he held her close in the office, or the lusty gaze in his eyes as they raked up and down her body in the elevator. She was torn and confused, harrowed by the thought that Axel found her attractive, yet he excited her, and she felt alive.
Tuesday, August 21
Kerrigan arrived at the office early the next morning to put final touches on the Mc
Bride presentation. The office buzzed with news that she was working directly with Mr. Christensen on the McBride account. Rich poked his head into her office. He was one of the account reps on her team who had hit on her a few times only to be rejected because she wasn’t interested. She was done dating jerks and losers just because she had nothing planned, on a lonely Friday evening.
The slight lisp of his nasally voice assaulted her eardrums like nails on a chalkboard. “I heard you’re working solo with Christensen on the McBride project. He’s a sly one. If only I had more clout and a hefty bank account.” His clammy skin, crooked nose and long skinny body reminded her of the snake that he was, and her stomach churned. He winked, and then slithered off.
She didn’t like what Rich was insinuating. She ignored him and returned to her work. Soon, it would be time for lunch with Axel and the minutes were slipping away. Another co-worker came into her office at eleven thirty. It seemed that everyone had inappropriate remarks to share today. This time it was Megan’s turn.
Megan hustled in uninvited, leaning against her desk. “It must be nice to be the boss’ favorite. I’d give anything to work directly with Mr. Christensen one-on-one. You’re a lucky girl. It must be tempting being that close to him.”
“Megan, I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m nobody’s favorite. Mr. Christensen likes how I handle our difficult clients. That’s not luck, that’s a skill. He’s the boss, and I’m simply doing my job, nothing more. I have a few more minutes before my lunch meeting, and I need to finish my presentation.”
Megan huffed, jerked her shoulders back and scampered out.
Precisely at Noon, Axel appeared in her doorway, watching her furtively. He thought about how easily he could rip open her snug blue blouse and free her breasts. He would knead her perfect mounds in his hands before taking one into his mouth to lick and suck, and drive her insane.
“Mmm.” He let out a small groan as his thoughts ran wild.
Swiveling around in her office chair with her hand to her chest, “Ah!” she gasped loudly.
“Ready?”
“Oh! Hello Mr. Christensen, I didn’t see you, standing there. I’m ready. I just printed copies for us to review.”
“Good. I figured both of us could use some fresh air. Care to walk?”
“Sure. That sounds great.”
She stood and made her way toward the doorway, her hair cascading over one shoulder. Today, she had worn it straight. He stood steadfast. His heart nearly stopped. Even with the slightest movement, her breasts bounced. Wrapped in the tight black skirt she wore, her hips swayed rhythmically. Full delicious lips and big round hazel eyes stared widely back at him. He didn’t hide his appreciation. Around her, he didn’t feel like the cold, young successful CEO that everyone had pegged him to be. He was a wanton man full of carnal need entranced by the object of his desire. Leaning against the doorframe, heavy lids covering his eyes and his bottom lip tucked beneath his top row of teeth, he drank in every inch of her sexy curvaceous frame with his eyes.
The hunger in her eyes could not be mistaken—this was no one-sided attraction. Her round eyes scaled the length of his body and then she bit down on her bottom lip, mimicking him. Her lips parted, and her breathing quickened into a quiet pant. He had never seen her react that way to him before. Their eyes locked in the heated exchange that lasted far longer than was appropriate and no words were spoken between them. Axel raised his brow, slowly pursed his lips and gave a slight nod, an expression and gesture evincing his recognition of her attraction to him and a silent challenge daring her to explore it. She swallowed hard and looked away, breaking their trance. Game on.
“I’ll meet you in the lobby in ten minutes.”
“Sure, okay,” She murmured back, keeping her gaze locked on a folder on her desk.
Axel entered the executive suite like a bolt of lightning, and flashed pass Brenda. “I don’t want to be disturbed under any circumstances.”
Hurrying into his office, he slammed and locked the door behind him, and made his way to his desk. Anxious fingers found their way to his groin. He unzipped his slacks and released his cock, explicit images of Kerrigan running through his head—her delicious caramel body splayed naked, her legs spread wide, and her breasts bouncing wildly as he pumped hard and deep into her. He stroked himself, pulling and tugging until he found his release. Kerrigan. God! She’s killing me. He was careful, not to soil his pants. After the deed, he stepped into his private bathroom, to clean up.
Still hard, the damn thing wouldn’t go down. Shit! Running his hand up and down his shaft again, he had reached near climax when suddenly the intercom on his office phone sounded.
He answered through gritted teeth, his breathing harsh. “What do you need Brenda?”
“Sir, I know you said not to disturb you, but Kerrigan Mulls is here. She’s been waiting in the main lobby for twenty minutes.”
Her timing couldn’t be better, or worse. Invite her in, fuck her brains out and be done, get her out of my system. He imagined her expression if he were to bring her into his office while he held his cock in his hand and explained what he wanted to do. The coy game she would play, batting those big round eyes and flaunting that sexy body, acting the part of the innocent when she was deliberately torturing him—the seductress. The problem—he wanted more than a quick lay. He actually liked her. Shit!
“Brenda, please ask her to wait in the main lobby downstairs. I’ll be down soon,” he barked.
“Okay, sir. I’ll let her know.”
At least the interruption tamed his erection. Brenda interrupting him during masturbation was the equivalent to his mother catching him yanking off to a dirty magazine—an easy turn off.
His second act not fully carried out, he had no choice but to face her. With the intensity between them mounting, he was more determined than ever to break her.
CHAPTER FOUR
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Five minutes later, Axel appeared in the lobby, to find Kerrigan standing at the large floor-to-ceiling windows, peering out at the city as he walked up and stood next to her. Aware of his presence, she turned to greet him.
“Sorry about disappearing. I had to take care of something. You ready?” He kept his voice smooth and calm, hoping his anxiety didn’t come across. He had waited for such a long time, to get her alone and away from the office.
“Yes. I’m ready.”
He tugged her elbow playfully. “Great. It’s such a beautiful day out. You might have to convince me to come back. Come on, let’s go.”
She smiled back, and her tight shoulders relaxed. “Well, you’re the boss. If you decide to play hooky, I can’t stop you,” she said with an effervescent tone like bubbles overflowing from a champagne glass.
“No, you probably couldn’t stop me, but I’d take you with me. I need a partner in crime if I’m going to play hooky. Besides, I think we could have a lot of fun together.”
Her lips stretched into a beam. “Just in case this is a test, you should know that I’d never take advantage of company time.”
“I think I need to keep you close to me at all times. You’ll keep me honest.”
He led them to a park nestled between an old office building and a wooded area. When they arrived, he pulled out his cell phone.
“We’re here. Yes, right now. Thanks,” he said to the person on the other end of the call.
He turned and penetrated her with his heavy gaze. “I thought we’d enjoy lunch in the park. Food is on the way. Okay with you?” He studied her face.
Her eyes sparkled like stars in the Milky Way. “Yes. This is perfect weather. I love being outdoors.”
He stretched out his arms wide, enjoying the rays of sunlight. “Great.”
They walked along the tree-lined cobblestone pathway to a remote section of the park where tables and benches were arranged. A stonewall separated the area from an open green space, making it secluded and intimate. A wide variety of plants and mums pain
ted in various shades of pink, white, yellow, red and purple lined the top of the wall, adding height for privacy. The skyline was a panorama painted with tall skyscrapers made of metal and glass stretching toward the stratosphere. The sounds of urban life were muffled in the distance. A brilliant afternoon sun played peek-a-boo in the bright blue sky behind fluffy white clouds. Freshly cut lawn and the sweet aroma of a botanical haven permeated their senses.
He led them to a garden table in the secluded seating area of the park. He towered behind her as he pulled out her chair, brushing his nose against her soft hair. Closing his eyes, he inhaled the floral fragrance that was uniquely hers. His heart raced in his chest, and his mouth became dry.
After she had sat, he maneuvered his chair to the side of the table, sitting more closely to her. Two copies of the McBride presentation in hand, she passed one to him. The light graze of her fingers sent a cold chill up his spine. Flipping through the pages of his copy, he paused as he read them over. A slow, easy smile crept onto his lips.
“Kerrigan, this is amazing. You’re amazing. It’s brilliant how you’ve played into McBride’s love of sport fishing with the campaign’s theme. I think you should present, not me. I know the man quite well. He’ll respond much better to an intelligent, beautiful woman than he would respond to me.”
“You’re kind, but I’ve never pitched anything this big before. Are you sure you want me to do it?”
He captured her eyes with his and held her gaze. His reply was slow. Husky. Deliberate. “I’ve never been more certain of anything. I want you.”
Cheeks reddening, she blinked rapidly and twisted her fidgety hands together on the table.
“Besides, I’ll be there supporting you. You have exceptional talent and tremendous potential. This is good for your growth as an account manager. I believe in you. I’ll always be there for you.”
Her crossed leg bounced up and down in a jerky movement. “Mr. Christensen … Axel thanks for your support and belief in me. This is an exciting opportunity. I won’t let you down.” Her voice pitched.
Pull Me Closer (Suits in Pursuit) Page 5
