“You like baseball?”
“I’m not a big fan, but going to a live game is always exciting.”
“I’m not a big fan either, but the skybox is an investment for entertaining.”
“Sounds like a good investment. Do you entertain clients a lot?”
“Yes, mostly. I host office gatherings with the staff and use the space for … recreational outings.”
“Recreational outings?” She threw a curious glance at him.
“Yes. Dates.”
She frowned. “That’s interesting. Do you mean for boy-girl dates? How’s that an investment?” She couldn’t wait to hear his reasoning. This would be good.
He smiled. “An investment in my future happiness, of course. I don’t plan to be a bachelor forever. I’m working hard not to be.” She saw him look down at her bare left hand, or perhaps that was in her head. She really had to get a grip.
She was going to set him straight, keep him honest as he had said. “Oh? Sounds as if you’re making progress with your lady friend. Have you taken her to one of these games yet?” The thought of him hot and heavy and chasing some random woman made her nauseous.
He ran his left hand through his hair. “I’m making some progress.” He rubbed his chin. “She’ll be going to a game with me real soon.” Cutting his eyes at her, his lips curled up slightly into a faint smirk.
“Good luck. I hope that works out for you.” Her stomach knotted.
“I don’t need luck. I’m persistent.” He glanced at her, and then turned his eyes back to the road.
“Okay. What’s the game plan for this evening?” She asked.
The city lights whizzed pass them as they sped down Interstate 75. Glancing in the rear view mirror, he switched lanes, and then exited the highway. “We’ll wing this. McBride is a sports buff. I’ll engage him on that level. You just be yourself. Charm him with your beauty and brilliant mind. You’ll have him eating out of the palm of your hand in no time.”
He followed the signs to stadium parking and then parked the car. Insisting that she hold his hand, they weaved through the crowd of fan goers as they made their way up to the skybox. The private suite was much different from what she expected. The room was a good size, but being there alone with Axel made it feel intimate and cramped. Inside was a small dinner table dressed in white linens, a sofa and a minibar.
Kerrigan walked over to the large window that opened to a magnificent view of the field below. Acutely aware of Axel’s masculine scent permeating the room and overpowering her senses just like in the car, she patted her heaving chest and sucked in a deep breath. Harris McBride needed to show up soon.
“Kerrigan, please have a seat.” He pulled out a chair for her.
She whirled around and made her way to the table, and then he sat beside her.
The loud ring of his cell phone took his attention away from her. This time he answered cryptically, in short clipped phrases while he kept his eyes fixed on her.
He ended the call and shook his head as his fingers danced across the table to the centerpiece, toying with it. “Looks like McBride can’t make the game tonight.” She thought she saw a slight smile form at the corner of Axel’s mouth.
“Oh? What happened?” Her heart raced, and her mind reeled.
“Didn’t get the details. Apparently, his cancellation has something to do with that emergency he’s handling. It’s a shame. He’ll miss a great game.” He was glad that McBride cancelled. The sarcastic tone of his voice gave him away.
“So we’re staying, even though neither of us likes baseball?” Her voice cracked.
He moved closer to her. “Why not? We don’t have to watch the game. We can do other things.” His eyes lit up like an amusement park at night. Waving his hands around, he pointed to the room’s other amenities, and then stroked his chin. “Like I said before, we can both use a little fun. Kerrigan, are you afraid to have fun with me?”
“No.” She paused. “But, what’s your idea of fun?”
He put on a big, innocent grin. “We can just hang out. There’s food, beer, a TV, music.”
It was clear that Axel had every intention of staying and keeping her there with him. Nervous butterflies fluttered inside Kerrigan again—an entire evening in that room alone with Axel would send her over the edge. She didn’t know what to do. He’s just a man, and he only wants one thing from you. Just remember that.
“Are you uncomfortable being alone with me?” He asked.
She leaned back in her chair. “You’re the boss. It just feels a little strange hanging out with you.”
He placed his hand on the table. “You didn’t answer my question. Do I make you nervous Kerrigan?”
She looked down into her lap, fidgeting with her hands. “Yes. You’re just so … intense sometimes.” Oh God! Where is he going with this?
“Hmm. What can we do about that? Any ideas?” He asked as if he enjoyed watching her squirm.
Her eyes narrowed. “You’re the boss. We’re not friends. I’m under the microscope with you, and that’s … well, that’s intimidating to me.”
He nodded his head. “I see. I don’t want you to think of me as the boss. I don’t want to intimidate you. Without that title, I’m just like any other man. I have needs, wants, desires, likes and dislikes. Let’s just enjoy each other’s company and work on becoming friends.” He leaped up and headed to the mini bar. “I’ll get us some drinks. What would you like?”
Her probing gaze followed him behind the small counter. “I’ll take a Coke. Thanks.”
He grabbed a beer for himself and a Coke for her and sat them on coasters on the small wooden end table next to the sofa. Taking a seat, he took the remote, turned on the television and began flipping through the channels. “Let’s see what’s on. Come sit over here with me.”
She sat at arms length from him, her posture stiff and movements controlled.
“I promise not to bite unless you want me to,” he teased. Sliding closer to her, he cut the divide in half and extended his arm across the back of the sofa.
The hairs at the nape of her neck stood. “No biting.” Her strained voice warded off his advance.
Lowering his arm, he cut his eyes at her and slowly nodded his head. “I’ll be on my best behavior. I swear.” He said.
She shifted in her seat, relaxed her shoulders and leaned back. The tight knot in her stomach loosened. They talked and laughed as they watched an old romantic comedy. Beginning to relax more, she remained cautiously distant. The night was young.
CHAPTER SIX
When the food arrived, they moved back to the table to eat. They made small talk throughout dinner.
“This meal reminds me of my college days. Pizza, burgers, fries. All the great tasting stuff that’s off limits to me now” he said, shoving a fry into his mouth. “Hmm. So good.”
“I ate stuff like this in high school. By the time I reached college, my palette had matured.” She frowned and pushed her plate away.
“Oh come on, don’t you eat an occasional French fry?” He teased. Grabbing a fry from the stack on his plate, he taunted her. “Here, open up. At least try one. Here’s to trying new things with new friends.” His persistence coaxed a bright smile onto her lips.
“Okay. Okay. You win. I’ll try one. Once.” She bit down, and he fed the fry into her mouth until his fingertips grazed her plump bottom lip. She quickly yanked her head back from his touch. “Umm, that is good.”
“Only a taste and I have you hooked.” The smug tone rolled off his tongue.
“Hooked? Probably not. Fries are the arch nemesis to my hips and thighs.”
He pushed against the table, leaned back in his chair and let his eyes roam her body, and then straightened himself to meet her curious expression. “Mmm.” He groaned. “Nothing wrong with those thighs or hips. Want more?” Grabbing another fry, he paused one in front of her mouth.
A nervous, breathy laugh escaped her lips. “What are you, a fry dealer?”
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He chuckled. “Of sorts.”
She closed her eyes and bit into the next one. “Umm, these are great.” She chewed behind a guilty smile. Taking his cloth napkin, he dabbed her mouth and then placed the napkin on the table.
He pursed his lips and rubbed his chin. “I enjoy seeing you relaxed Kerrigan. We’re having fun, like a normal…” He paused, carefully considering his next words. “Like normal people getting to know each other.” Another pause. “I was never any good at statistics in high school and completely avoided the subject in college, but if I were a betting man, I’d say odds are in my favor that you’re getting more comfortable being around me.”
“I hated statistics too. What was your favorite subject in high school?” She skirted his calculated statement. Nice move.
He narrowed his eyes, and he reached back into the recesses of his memory. “Let’s see. I enjoyed art, English and history best. I had the best English teacher who made words jump off a page into life. What were your favorite subjects?”
Kerrigan stretched her eyes wide; she kept her gaze down, fiddling with a tomato on her plate. “Those were my favorites too.” Her voice staggered.
She enticed him, and he couldn’t help but to be captivated by her.
“What do you prefer; drama, comedy, action, romance, sci-fi, horror or suspense?” he asked.
“It depends on if you’re talking about in my personal life or my movie preference,” Kerrigan joked.
He leaned back in his chair again. Pushing both hands through his hair, he gave her a sly grin. “Okay funny lady. Tell me your preference in both.” He liked her wit.
She watched him move, and he could tell she liked the way his biceps flexed and bulged. She wasn’t immune to him after all. He would use this to his advantage.
“I like it all for movies, but comedy is my number one and then suspense. In my personal life, I’ll take romance and action. However, my reality is more like comedy and drama. What about you?” She giggled.
“For movies, I’m a suspense and action guy. My personal life is more like drama and suspense.” He leaned forward, softening his tone. “Although, I’d prefer romance and action, too. Something else we have in common.”
Their knees touched underneath the table. She shifted away, but he pursued, leaning in closer until his knee found hers again. This time she didn’t back away. “Are you having a good time?” he asked.
“Yes, this is really great.”
He wanted to touch his salty lips to hers, but the timing wasn’t right for a kiss. He needed her to be clear about his intentions before he would make a move as bold as that.
“Good, I’m glad you’re having fun. I like hanging out with you. We’ll have to do this often—maybe on different terms.”
She frowned. “What do you mean on different terms?” She shifted back in her seat away from him.
“I mean on friendlier terms. You’re fun, we have lots in common, and I’d like to get to know you better. I think we’re becoming friends.”
“Um, I don’t know if that’s a very good idea.”
“Why not?”
“Because, you’re my boss. I don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea.”
He wanted to see her squirm again. “Exactly what idea might that be, Kerrigan?”
“Well …. I … I just think we need professional boundaries. That’s all,” she stammered.
“The only boundaries are the ones we create. Are you worried that people will think we’re more than friends?”
“I don’t know what people will think, but I don’t need the added drama,” she contested.
Axel leaned forward and reached for her hand on the table. “I see. Are you attracted to me Kerrigan?” He lifted her hand, stroking her fingers with his.
She gasped loudly and pulled her hand away quickly. “I think you’re an attractive man,” she replied coolly. “But, that doesn’t mean …”
He interrupted her mid-sentence and then stared into her. “Thank you, but that’s not what I asked.” He repeated the question in a clipped tone. “Are you attracted to me Kerrigan?”
Her eyes glossed over, and she slumped into her seat. He decided to ease up. “You don’t have to give me an answer now because you already have, many times. For the record, you should know that I’m a man who doesn’t care what others think.”
Her eyes flashed with anger. “What others think is important to me, especially since I have to work with them. I’m not interested in being the topic of water-cooler gossip. To answer your extremely direct and unprofessional question, no, there’s no attraction.”
“You’re lying to yourself Kerrigan.”
She pushed away from the table with trembling hands. “Axel, you’re dead wrong.” The angry shrill of her voice egged him on.
Grabbing her hand, he pulled her back, locking her in place to prevent her escape. “What happened in your office yesterday wasn’t very professional, but I felt it, and I know you did too, long before yesterday—there’s an unmistakable attraction between us. That doesn’t mean we can’t be friends. Why deny our chemistry? There’s no one here but you and me. Don’t you think it’s time to deal with the elephant in the room?” Goose bumps trailed along his arms and his stomach churned at the simple touch of holding her hand.
Color rushed to her cheeks. “Axel, I’m sorry, but you’re wrong. I’m not attracted to you or interested in you in any way beyond our work relationship.” Her lips trembling and eyes shifted.
He smirked. “Fine, if that’s how you want to play. We’re at least becoming friends, and there’s no reason to deny that. When we hang out, we’ll be discreet. I don’t want us to be the center of office gossip humored as having a steamy office romance.”
A sheen of moisture coated her eyes and she turned away. “I’m sorry Kerrigan. You’re upset, and I’m being an ass. Let’s work on becoming friends.” He hadn’t meant to upset her to the point of tears. He would need a new plan to help her face the truth.
After a few seconds of silence, she recovered. Squirming in her chair, she shook her head and rolled her eyes. Glaring at him, she gave him a faint grin. He’d take that over daggers and tears.
“Glad you’re seeing things my way. This is an excellent start to a beautiful friendship. You’ll see,” he teased, trying to lighten the mood.
“I didn’t have much choice, did I? You always find a way of getting what you want, don’t you?”
He leaned back in his chair deliberately giving her a view of his torso and arms. “Yes, I do. Good you realize this fact early on in our relationship,” he said, smiling as he watched her eyes study his frame.
She had no idea of the extent of truth in her words. He always got what he wanted, and he wanted her.
During the ride back to the office, where her car was left, neither spoke. Awkward sideways glances and the occasional sigh was all they exchanged. She wrapped her arms around her body as if shielding herself from the icy vibe that came from him. He didn’t want to engage her in conversation. He was sulking at her words. He liked the chase, but he needed to change his strategy if he were going to catch the girl.
He watched her get into her vehicle, and they went their separate ways. He reflected on the events of the evening during his drive home. Twenty minutes later, when he stepped into the kitchen, he found Emma, his housekeeper, making tea. He had confided in her about Kerrigan and respected her advice and views on matters of the heart.
Emma lifted the kettle from the stove and poured steaming hot water into her English teacup. “So…” She paused, turning around from the stove to face him. “How’d your evening go?”
He leaned against the kitchen island, his palms flat on its cold granite surface. He dropped his head in defeat and shrugged his shoulders. “Not exactly like I had hoped.” He shook his head. “I frightened Kerrigan and didn’t get through to her.”
Emma walked around to the side of the island where he stood. “Have you thought about telling her how you feel
about her—from your heart?”
He turned to the side to face her. “If I do that, I risk scaring her off for good. I thought spending time together alone would force us to work out our mutual attraction.”
The truth was that he was unsure of his feelings.
Emma patted his shoulder gingerly. “You’re telling her these meetings are about work, yet you’re expecting her to behave unprofessionally. I can understand her hesitation, confusion and even fear.”
“Maybe I’m just not her type.” He lifted his face to meet a sympathetic smile.
“From everything you’ve told me about her all these months, I don’t think that’s the issue. I think you need to try a different approach. After all, you’re her boss. Give her time.”
Later that night, he retreated to his bedroom. He pulled out his laptop and hammered out an email to her. Reading over the message, he deleted most of the words he had typed. Sharing his feelings in an email was juvenile. He would leave his heart’s confession to a time more suitable, where he would have her as his captive audience. Instead, he decided to keep the message short and to the point, and then he hit send.
The next morning, Kerrigan’s stomach somersaulted at the thought of going to work. The events of the prior evening raced through her head. He was closing in on her, fast, but she was determined not to become another casualty of Axel Christensen. She knew that while he found her attractive, he was probably exploring some fetish or fantasy. Maybe he wanted to know what it would be like with a woman different from his usual type or to have an office affair. Perhaps he wondered what sex would be like with a black woman, but she wasn’t going to be his lab rat.
She walked into her office, sat down at her desk and logged on to her computer. She had already received several emails in her in-box, but one stood out from all the others. It was from Axel’s personal email address.
12:03 a.m. on Thursday, August 23
To: Kerrigan Mulls
From: Axel Christensen
Pull Me Closer (Suits in Pursuit) Page 7
