Pull Me Closer (Suits in Pursuit)

by Lauren H. Kelley

  Placing his hand on hers, he stroked her gently. “You’re welcome. It’s well deserved, and you’ll be great. Now that business is out of the way, we can talk about other things.”

  With eyes riveted on his hand resting on hers, she bounced her leg more frantically. He knew this simple act would affect her, but he also sensed her apprehension.

  He lifted his hand away. “For starters, I thought we agreed that you’d call me Axel. Mr. Christensen sounds too formal. I want to you be comfortable with me.”

  “Sorry. Old habits die hard.” A strong wind blew wisps of her long hair across her face.

  “Good.” He said, the thin line across his face fading into a smile.

  Moments later, a rustling sound drew Axel’s attention. The bearded deliveryman approached carrying a white canvas tote and plastic bag. He placed sandwiches and bottles of water on the table and left after Axel tipped and thanked him.

  “Now tell me, you work so hard, what do you do for fun?”

  She took a swig of water. “Oh. I’m truly boring, actually. I enjoy reading a good book. I love outdoor activities like hiking, boating and biking. There’s something magical about being under the open sky. Sometimes, I catch a concert or play—pretty typical stuff.”

  “There’s nothing boring about you. I love the outdoors too. I mostly go hiking or bike. What about your friends? You didn’t mention doing things with them.” He wondered if Kerrigan had a boyfriend or if she was seeing anyone.

  She twirled a long strand of hair between nervous fingers. “I’m sort of a loner. I have a few close friends, Ashley for one. She likes to hang out at bars and clubs, but that just isn’t my scene. I go to provide moral support mostly, and usually I’m the designated driver. I’m not into drunken men hitting on me.”

  “Yeah, bars and clubs can be obnoxious. I’m not into drunken men hitting on me either.” He joked, trying to break the tension. She giggled. “I’m somewhat of a loner too. I prefer to spend quality time with people that mean something to me. That’s a very short list.” He paused, looking into her eyes. “You’d make that list Kerrigan.”

  “The newspaper sure makes it seem like you’re out clubbing every night and charming the ladies.” She said.

  Troubled by the accusation, his smile inverted, and his eyebrows made a sharp downward arrow.

  He shook his head. “You shouldn’t believe everything you read. The thought of me charming the ladies as you put it, does that bother you?”

  “Why should that bother me? What you do in your personal life is none of my business.” She shrugged her shoulders unconvincingly.

  He stared directly into her eyes, without as much as a smile. “You brought up the women, so I thought they meant something to you. Just to be clear, the media reports shouldn’t upset you, especially because they aren’t true.” She dared to go down that road with him, and he wasn’t backing off now. “You should know that I’m a one-woman man, despite what you may have heard or read or think you know about me.”

  “Good to know,” she said. She was wise to limit her reply and not to goad him further.

  “Is that so?” His brow raised, he bit into his sandwich and chewed slowly.

  “Yes. I can only imagine how exhausted you would be living up to that reputation. I’m relieved to know that my boss is more focused than the newspaper reports.”

  The corners of his lips twisted into a smirk. She always reminded him of his position. “I’m glad to relieve you of your worry. Now that we’ve established the truth, we can move on to more interesting topics. I enjoy learning new things about my employees.” Take that.

  The rest of their chat had been easy. Two o’clock came, and then it went—they would be late getting back to the office. He enjoyed her company, and learning that they shared similar tastes, interests, likes and dislikes.

  “After graduating from business school, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life,” he said.

  She nodded in agreement. “Me either.”

  “I interned at an agency in New York for six months, and I loved it.”

  “I interned at an agency after college, too. The creative energy and excitement of the hustle and bustle won me over too.” A smile touched her eyes. “My first real gig was in New York.”

  He wrinkled his forehead. “Why did you leave the city?” He asked.

  “The pace got old. Plus, I received an offer I couldn’t refuse—tripled my salary and moved to Texas where the cost of living was much better. Besides, I landed the internship thanks to one of my brother’s connections. In some way, I wanted to prove to my family that could make it on my own. They weren’t thrilled with my career choice.”

  “That’s why I started the agency. I didn’t want my father’s money. I wanted to achieve success on my own terms and of my own merit. I’ve always believed in hard work, but I play hard too.”

  “So, you’re just a regular hardworking Joe?” She teased, the smile in her voice chiming like a song.

  He cocked his head to one side. “I’m as regular as they come—just a little more interesting, I hope.”

  Axel was undoubtedly flirting. He hoped that making her realize how down-to-earth he was would ease her antsy jitters and anxiety whenever they were together.

  This was a good start. He enjoyed spending one-on-one time with Kerrigan, getting to know her personally. Although he could spend all afternoon with her, he knew the afternoon had to end.

  “Thank you for indulging me in a game of hooky this afternoon. Better get you back to the office. I’d hate your reputation to be smeared by the likes of me. You might be mistaken as the lady I’m keeping company with,” he teased, trying to gauge her reaction.

  Shifting in her seat, Kerrigan raised one eyebrow and rubbed her nose. “I didn’t mean to insult you.” Her voice was soft and meek.

  “It’s disappointing that I have this reputation. It’s quite opposite of the man I am. I want so much more,” he said.

  “Aw, the plight of the highly sought, eligible bachelor,” she sneered.

  He stood and held out his hand to help her up. “It’s too bad that I’m not highly sought by one woman I want.”

  She placed her hand in his, and he helped her up from the chair. Her touch surprised him, not expecting the rush of warmth that started in his hand, moved up his arm, and then radiated through his torso and down to his feet. They walked back through the park quietly neither saying a word. When they neared the front of the building, he slowed his pace, prolonging their time together.

  Facing forward, he observed her with a furtive glance from the corner of his eye. “I’m a bachelor but, not by choice. I’ve been waiting for the right woman to come along so I can show her what I’m made of, whom I am and how good things can be with me.”

  “I’m sure you’ll find your special lady someday.” She said.

  He stopped, gently grabbing her by the forearm and she whirled around to face him. He peered into her eyes. “I already have, but she’ll take some convincing. She keeps barriers between us. Kerrigan, do you have any idea how I can get her to trust me, open up to me?”

  His words landed perfectly as if he were an arrow and she the dartboard. Bulls-eye.

  “Sounds as if you need a healthy dose of patience. Give her time to learn to trust you,” she said.

  He released her arm. Hope was a lighter load than the uncertainty that he had carried all these months. “Hmm. That is good advice. Although I’m not a patient man, especially when I know what I want.” He glanced back down at her.

  “If you’re not willing to wait for her, she must not be very special to you.”

  He caught her eyes again. “She’s incredibly special to me. Of course, I want things to move along faster, but I know she’s afraid. What are you afraid of Kerrigan?” Shit. The question blurted out.

  She gasped and stepped back. “Excuse me?”

  His heart hammered in his chest. “I, I meant … your womanly insights might be helpful.” He stamme
red. “What would make you afraid to explore your feelings?”

  “That’s a topic for another day.” She rested her fanned hand on her chest at the base of her throat.

  “I’ll hold you to that. So, have you written any pages in your new chapter? Are you finding everything you had come here looking for?”

  She shrugged her shoulders. “I’m learning that writing a new chapter takes time. I’ve found some things I was looking for, and well others … not so much.” Her eyes sank.

  “Then we’ll definitely have to do this again. Maybe we can find a way to get you everything you’re looking for, and you can give me your perspective on what might make a woman afraid to explore her feelings.”

  He held the door open for her. The light in her eyes flickered out, and they glossed over, her expression downcast. He wasn’t sure if his directness had upset her, but her mood passed in an instant. As they entered the building, she turned and flashed him with the beaming glow of her gentle smile. Adrenaline pumped through his system and his heart fluttered.

  “Thank you for lunch. I’ll practice delivering the presentation.”

  “Kerrigan, I enjoyed your company. We’ll do lunch again soon. Don’t forget about tomorrow evening. Give me your cell phone number in case I need to reach you. I’ll dial you now, and then you’ll have my number too. We’ll leave here at seven. Wear something comfortable like jeans. We’ll have fun.”

  After they had exchanged phone numbers, she pivoted on her heel, heading toward the elevator. Giving him a sideways glance, she tossed words at him over her shoulder. “Thanks again for lunch.”

  Watching her slink from his view, she was as lovely, going and coming, the sway of her hips rekindling memories of his earlier predicament and he was back where he started.

  Kerrigan unlocked her front door and rushed inside. Her thoughts returned to her conversation at lunch with Axel. Who was this mystery woman? He could have any woman he wanted. She had seen some of them, beautiful models, tall blonds and brunettes—that was the kind of woman who would steal his heart. The conversation made her uncomfortable, and although she knew she had no right to be, she was angry. He had confessed his interest in someone else and wanted her help to get into the psyche of his mystery woman. She knew she needed to abandon any silly romantic notions she had about him.

  She had a long day and still had lots to do. She thought about what she should wear to work the next day, especially for the client meeting with Harris McBride that evening. She would have to bring a change of clothes since Axel had told her to wear jeans. She packed black skinny jeans, a shimmery red blouse and ballerina flats. What would he think of her outfit? She reminded herself that he was a dangerous proposition to be avoided at all costs. What he thought didn’t matter.

  After she had eaten dinner, she called her mother for a quick chat.

  “How are you sweetie?”

  “I’m good. How are you? How’s dad?”

  “Oh, we’re both fine. Nothing new on this end. Are you enjoying your new job?”

  She wasn’t about to reveal her secret crush on the boss. Other than the strange situation with Axel, she was happy about the move to Atlanta, the city was turning out to be exactly what she hoped Atlanta offered—well, almost.

  “I’m preparing for my first major presentation. I’m going out with the client tomorrow evening. I’m nervous about our meeting. I heard the guy is a jerk.”

  “You’ll be fine. Are you going alone?”

  She couldn’t help grinning like an idiot whenever she thought about him. “No, I’m going with the CEO of my company. The same man who hired and promoted me, so no pressure, right?” She was glad her mother couldn’t see her face.

  “That’s fantastic honey! He obviously trusts you. Where are you taking your client? To a dinner?”

  “Not exactly. Axel hasn’t told me where we’re going, but he said I should wear jeans.” She liked saying his name and with her mom, she could say his name in an unassuming way.

  “Axel?”

  “Oh. Sorry. Axel Christensen. That’s my boss’ name.”

  “He’s got an odd name. Well, just be you. I know you’ll do an outstanding job.”

  “Thanks mom. Axel is very encouraging. He’s a great guy.” She hadn’t realized that the words leaped from her lips with such enthusiasm until they were spoken. Her mother didn’t detect anything unusual.

  They talked a short while longer about her dad and brother before hanging up. She climbed into bed and still feeling chatty, she called Ashley, to tell her about the lunch meeting with Axel.

  “I told you he’s after you,” Ashley said, after Kerrigan had described how suggestive Axel had been.

  Kerrigan rolled her eyes. “He’s just a flirt and nothing more.”

  “Uh huh. You have a crush on him. He’s ridiculously attractive, more than attractive. You could do a lot worse than him.”

  She rolled onto her stomach and propped herself up on her elbows. “You know I think he’s hot, but I know better. He’s dangerous, even you agree. Men like Axel aren’t interested in women like me for the long haul and I’m not interested in being the office fling. Ash, Axel is just a flirt, that’s all.”

  “What if he seriously likes you? What if all his talk about finding the right woman was about you? The man can’t keep his eyes off you. He finds reasons to be around you. Others have noticed too. Hmm … private lunches and one-on-one meetings. Sounds suspect to me.”

  Kerrigan was reminded of both Rich’s and Megan’s remarks. People in the office had been talking.

  “Really? Our meetings are about the McBride account,” Kerrigan replied sarcastically.

  “Then why is he using your meeting time to talk about romance? Word on the street says that he’s trying to get you in bed or that you’re already sleeping together.”

  Angered, Kerrigan turned and sat straight up. “What? That’s outrageous! I’m working with him, and that doesn’t mean we’re sleeping together.” She fumed.

  “I know that, and of course, I defend you, but that doesn’t stop the gossips. If I were you, I wouldn’t worry about the rumors.” Ashley’s soothing tone eased Kerrigan’s anger. “I’d worry about finding out Axel’s motives. Is he playing a game or is he serious about you?”

  She closed her eyes and placed her head into her hands. “Oh, I’m so confused. Honestly, I do like him, but I know what he’s after and I don’t do the casual sex thing.”

  “I hear you, but if you do decide to put a little cream in your coffee, I won’t be mad at you. Axel is one hell of a specimen.” Ashley let out a garish laugh, melting Kerrigan’s tension.

  They both giggled like silly teenagers, and then ended the conversation. Soon afterward, Kerrigan turned in to bed, thinking about her conversation with Axel that afternoon. Perhaps Ashley was right. Maybe he had been finding or creating reasons to get her alone. She didn’t let the thought linger too long before drifting off to sleep.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Wednesday, August 22

  Kerrigan was on the edge about the meeting with McBride that evening. All day she had been thinking about what she should and shouldn’t say. Although this wasn’t the formal pitch, she knew that developing a positive relationship with McBride was critical. Brenda had sent her an email on Axel’s behalf reminding her that he would meet her at seven o’clock in the lobby. She was glad that they were meeting so late. Everyone would be gone by then. Someone seeing them leave together was the last thing she needed. The rumor mill factory would go into overdrive.

  At six thirty, she went to change into her jeans and blouse, and then headed to the lobby. When she arrived, Axel was already there waiting. The butterflies in her belly fluttered at the sight of him. She had never seen Axel dressed so casually. He sported dark, designer denim, a white button down shirt and stylish sporty loafers. Damn! He’s fine as hell. Axel’s suits didn’t do justice to his athletic build. He was built solid like a tank and his ass looked fabulous. His arms were scu
lpted and strong. She would have to work hard to keep her eyes off him.

  He hadn’t seen her enter the lobby. He was on his cell phone with his back to her as she walked up from behind. He must have sensed her presence because he turned around, and then fumbled his cell phone, nearly dropping the thing. He stammered a few parting words on the phone as he ended his call. His eyes stayed glued to her as he feasted on every inch of her body. His lusty gaze made her stomach quiver and knees weak. Not attempting to hide his appraisal or approval, he liked what he saw, and he wanted her to know.

  She opened her mouth to speak, the words trapped in Kerrigan’s throat, and nothing came out. The rolling waves in her stomach made her queasy like a lovesick teen. She was relieved when he spoke first.

  “Hi Kerrigan. You’re timing is perfect. You look …” he paused, his eyes sweeping her up and down again, “… absolutely incredible! You ready?”

  “Thank you.” Her cheeks warmed. “Yes, I’m ready. Where are we going?”

  “We’re going to a baseball game. I have a private suite at the stadium. I was just talking to McBride’s assistant. He’s going to be late. He has some emergency to handle.”

  “Are you sure he’s coming? Maybe we should rain-check?”

  “No. We’re going regardless.” He grabbed her by the hand and pulled her out of the door and toward the parking deck elevator. “Besides, I think you and I could use some fun, with or without McBride. It’s only Wednesday, and it’s already been a long week. Let’s go.”

  When they reached the elevator, he released her tingling hand, the feeling of his firm grip lingering.

  Axel walked her to the passenger side of a black Lexus IS F. His car was luxurious and masculine and sporty. He opened the door and helped her climb inside. The car’s interior smelled like him—musky and male, wrecking her senses, and her head spun. He slid into the driver’s seat, hit the ignition button, and the car roared to life. They had driven in silence for a few awkward minutes before he broke the tension.