He tightened his grip around her waist and whispered softly, “Kerrigan, I’m not interested in a short-term fling. I want more than that with you.”
Glancing up, she met his tender gaze. “Slow, right?”
His eyes blazed with passion. “Yes, slow.” He said while his right hand teased her arm, dancing up and down, radiating tingles up her spine.
They had enjoyed each other’s company in the private haven that Axel created for them, and he hadn’t even tried to kiss her once. Dusk was beginning to fall now, and they decided to walk back to the picnic blanket under the tree. When they returned, he lit the candles and carefully placed them on the sturdy base of the picnic basket. Sitting across from her, he twisted his restless hands together.
Fidgeting, he rubbed the palms of his hands on his shorts. With eyes wide and bright, he licked his lips incessantly and kept clearing his throat. Something was different between them—a new nervous energy so charged that she was about to ignite.
Axel poured two glasses of wine and handed one to Kerrigan. “For you.”
Avoiding his gaze, she reached out and accepted the glass. “Thank you,” her response was spoken softly from trembling lips. At the graze of his fingertips against her hand, anxiety rolled through her insides in waves and the glass tumbled over, white wine soaking her.
He grabbed a paper towel and reached over. “Here, let me help.” Blotting her naked thighs, he moved up to her shirt, pressing the towel into her breasts.
“Thank you.” The words came out raspy. His shaky hands continued patting her until she backed away.
He said he wanted to make her first time with him the most memorable and spectacular experience of her life. One part of her wanted nothing more than for him to claim her on the earth where they sat. Another part of her was terrified of him getting too close for fear he would break her heart. Keeping her distance, she avoided his eyes and kept her head down.
Here, she was in the most romantic place she’d ever been, with the handsomest guy she’d ever known, having experienced sensations she’d never felt before and on the brink of falling so deep that she couldn’t image how she’d ever recover when Axel broke her heart.
The setting was beautiful, nearly perfect, but too soon to do what he really wanted. After all, they made an agreement. He had to keep reminding himself that only weeks had passed, although he felt like he knew her a lifetime. Together they were easy, and the relationship felt right. Ask her to marry you. The thought surprised him, but he didn’t turn away from the idea. He had always been in touch with his feelings, never shying away or denying them. He knew the moment he laid eyes on her that he wanted Kerrigan Mulls. She was his future. Now to convince her.
They both lay on their backs looking up into the early evening sky. He shifted, then reared up so that he lay on his side, chin in palm, hovering over her. He stared deeply into her hazel eyes. The sensation started in her feet, moved up to her hammering heart, tingling and warm, flowing through her like a tidal wave crashing onto the shore. The trees, the ground, the sky all disappeared, and they were floating, soaring, whirling, hopelessly lost in each other.
He leaned in close. “Kerrigan, I’m serious about my intentions toward you. The more I get to know you, the more serious I’m becoming. I want to woo you in the good old-fashioned sense.”
Her mouth fell open and she stopped breathing.
“I want you head over heels so that you’ll never say ‘no’ to anything I ask of you.”
He moved closer, lowered his head and covered her lips in heated fusion. Their tongues collided and thrashed in a fit of passionate fury. Axel slipped his large hand under the clingy spandex shirt, and anxious fingers crawled slowly across Kerrigan’s flesh inching toward the cover of her lace cami bra. Her body trembled, and his gaze met Kerrigan’s approving eyes. Long fingers wiggled under the stretchy lace, lifted the sheer fabric away and caressed a freed bosom. A guttural groan, the release of pinned up emotion, escaped his lips. Swiftly, he mounted her, opened her to accept his girth, his burly frame nested between her thighs. His cock was a steel rod pressed hard against her sex, an exhilarating first.
Their lips ripped apart as he lifted her shirt and captured a caramel nipple in his mouth. He sucked gently, circling it with his swirling tongue. He continued his sweet torture edging her to the point of no return. She cried out, the rogue sound escaped her lips without harness. He moaned against her tender flesh, the vibration forcing another whimper from her soul. Perched above her on his arms, he pried his lips from her swollen breasts, burying his face into her neck. Slowly, his lips edged along her jaw line until they seized hers, his tongue thrusting deeply into her mouth. He reared up, their eyes met, tender to teary and wanting to wanted.
He stilled. “Kerrigan, I … I,” whispered words stammered into her ear, incoherent, but without the need for explanation.
Breathless, she whispered back, “Yes, Axel. Yes.”
Her eyes were shut, and hands gripped Axel’s shoulders hard, braced for whatever he was about to do next. So ready to be claimed, her bones rattled in her flesh.
Holding Kerrigan’s gaze as she lay beneath him, he desired nothing more than to take her and strip her of her virginity right there underneath the open sky, but he was more determined to respect her and win her heart. He wanted to devour her, but instead.
“We need to stop before we go too far,” Axel muttered.
Her eyes were still closed as she nodded a wispy “Oh.” The only thing she could say.
“Besides, I don’t want to end up in headlines. Naked man bucked by deer at a local park.”
She blushed. The joke worked, slowly lifting their heavy sedation.
This feeling was new to Axel. His desire to cherish her and connect with her on a deeper level was stronger than his lust, a first. He knew, and maybe she did too, but they were both well on the way to falling head over heels in love. Kerrigan fixed her bra and adjusted her shirt. He captured her eyes before speaking, trying to find the right words. I love you. Marry me. His inward thoughts and feelings crowding his consciousness jarred him. He didn’t have the courage to say those words. It was too soon. He stood up and reached for her hand, trying to break the intensity.
“Baby, we’d better head back.”
“Yes. It’ll be very dark soon,” she muttered softly.
They rode back to return the bikes, neither one saying much and each deep in thought about what was happening between them, a comfortable, reflective silence. Later, he would explore the emotions that told him she was the woman who would wear his ring.
Axel rounded the corner and pulled into the parking deck. Reluctant to let her go, this was the only choice. Things were moving too quickly, but the chemistry and connection between them was remarkable. He knew she felt it too. His Land Rover pulled up next to her small Volkswagen EOS convertible.
Reaching for her hand, he caressed her fingers. His blue eyes darkened with passion. “I really enjoyed the time we spent together. I wish I didn’t have to let you go.” He paused. “Spend the night...in the guest bedroom, of course.” He knew the danger of his offer.
Kerrigan squirmed in her seat. “I had a nice time too, but I don’t think spending the night is wise.” Breaking his grip, her hand fell to her lap.
He placed his palm under her chin. “You’re right. I have no restraint where you’re concerned.” The pad of his thumb stroked her bottom lip.
Paralyzed by his touch, she stared up at him helplessly, leaning into his hand. “Besides, we both have other things to do. I have a ton of errands to run tomorrow.” Her words uttered mechanically, without thought or inflection.
Hypnotic eyes tormented Axel. “One more thing—I’m not sneaking around at work anymore. I have feelings for you Kerrigan, and I won’t hide what’s happening between us. I don’t care who knows.” Moving closer, he succumbed, utterly entranced. His tender kiss pressed her lips, the sensation lingered and held them together for minutes.
&nbs
p; Slowly, she pulled away from his anchor, winded. “Axel, what’s happening between us?” Her voice soft, and eyes dazed, and tender, searched his.
He moved his hand to her cheek, gently caressing her. “Well obviously, there’s a strong attraction between us. I care for you a great deal. I’d like to think that we’re exclusive.” Her flawless skin glowed under the dimly cast light. “I know where I see us heading.” His gut wrenched as soon as those last words left his mouth. He wasn’t ready for this conversation, yet.
Shifting in her seat, she wrapped her arms around herself. “I care for you too.” Her forehead wrinkling, she forced a nervous smile. Light from cars passing on the nearby road banded her face. “Where do you see us heading?” Her voice trembled.
“We’ll talk about that later. Let’s work on keeping the pace slow and steady for now.”
Eyebrows pressed in, and forehead wrinkled, she pondered. Were they more than friends? If they were exclusive, did that make her his girlfriend? Where did he think they were heading? Could she handle a man like him?
She nodded her head. “Yes, slow and steady.”
“Good, then we’re agreed.” He smirked, his eyes roving her curves. “I can handle slow, but not too slow.”
Although she had no idea to what exactly she had agreed, the intentions behind his words and his lusty gaze registered clearly with her. One thing she knew for sure was that he wanted her body, and she wanted to give it to him. This man tempted her good sense.
Backing away from his caress, she changed the subject. “We never talked about McBride. We really do need a plan.”
He raised one eyebrow. “Don’t worry about McBride, we’ll work out a plan in a couple of weeks. He’s not going anywhere, and neither am I. I won’t let you run away from us.”
She flushed. “Well, I guess I’d better get going.” Her hand flew to the door handle. “Thank you for a lovely weekend Axel. Will I see you at some point next week?”
Before she could open the door, he moved closer, preventing her escape. He grabbed her forearm and pulled her to him, securing her lips with his once more. Her head swam and every part of her burned. After a few moments, he pulled back.
“No, we won’t see each other next week. I’m the keynote speaker at a marketing conference in New York. I’m glad you had a good time. Check your email while I’m gone.”
Sunday, September 23
As much as she enjoyed being in Axel’s company, Kerrigan was glad to be back at home. Two days felt like an eternity. She settled in, grabbed a quick bite to eat and listened to her voice mail. Mom had called twice, and her brother Jordan had called once. She would call them later. Right now, she needed to talk to Ashley to help her make sense of everything.
She told Ashley everything, except the intimate conversations she and Axel had about his ordeal with Sara.
“He’s so into you. You hit the jackpot!” Ashley’s excitement seeped through the handset.
Kerrigan leaned against the barren kitchen counter with the phone pressed to her ear. “Ashley, it’s not like that. I don’t want anything from him. You know me better than that.”
“That’s not what I meant. I know you’re not a gold digger. I meant you landed a fine-ass man who happens to be a gentleman, and it doesn’t hurt that the dude is loaded. Jackpot!”
“Yeah, but I’m confused about what it all means. He keeps alluding to us being together in the future. He says we’re exclusive. It’s all happening so fast. I don’t know how to process everything. Is he infatuated and just saying what he’s feeling in the moment, telling me what he thinks I want to hear?” She released a sigh, put on the speakerphone and then set the handset down.
“Are you freaking kidding me? Stop analyzing everything and just feel. Axel is talking about having a future with you, talking about kids with you, and you’re confused?”
Kerrigan opened bare kitchen cabinets one at a time, taking mental note of needed items. “He can’t be serious about me. After two days?” Grimacing, her nose turned upward. She really needed to buy groceries.
“Kerri, you’ve known the man for more than two days. This thing between you two has been building for months. You’ve only been intimate with him for two days.”
“Do you think he’s only trying to get me into bed?” Her voice pitched.
“Have you lost your mind?” From the sound of her voice, Ashley would come through the phone and strangled her if that were possible. “A man like him doesn’t need to play games just to get a woman into bed.”
Rubbing the back of her neck, she opened her refrigerator. Cold white walls and a bag of wilted lettuce stared back. “He says he doesn’t want to hide what’s happening between us.”
“You know everyone at work already knows he has a thing for you. It’s been the topic of office gossip for months. Speaking of the office, what are you going to do?” Ashley quipped back. Kerrigan almost could see Ashley rolling her neck.
“I hadn’t thought that far ahead.” Kerrigan jotted down a few items on the pad of paper on the kitchen counter. She’d go shopping later, maybe tomorrow or the next day.
Ashley shrilled loudly through the speaker. “Kerri, ready or not, he’s serious about you. I can’t believe you didn’t sleep with him.”
She paced the floor. The thought hit her in the gut like a punch to a punching bag. “That’s complicated—has more to do with me than him. I’m just not ready yet.” She didn’t like the direction of this conversation.
“Sex isn’t that complicated. It’s not as though you’ve never done it before…” Ashley’s voice suddenly muffled, sounding as if her mouth were cupped. “Oh. My. God,” she said in clipped phrases. “Now it all makes sense! You’re a virgin, aren’t you? Kerri, why didn’t you tell me after all these years? Wow, I’m shocked.” Ashley screeched loudly through the phone’s speaker, the vibration sending the phone tumbling to its side and clattering against the granite.
“I didn’t tell you because I’m embarrassed. Besides, you would’ve only made fun of me.”
“That’s nothing to be embarrassed about and I wouldn’t have made fun of you. Kerri, does he know?” Her tone was serious.
Grabbing the phone from the countertop, she moved from the kitchen into her living room and lay down on her sofa. “Yes, he knows. I was ready and willing, but he wouldn’t touch me—doesn’t think we’re ready. He said he would like to woo me and have me head over heels before we make love. He’s very romantic and sentimental that way.”
Ashley was stunned into silence for a brief moment. “He said that?” She could hear the excitement in Ashley’s voice.
“Yes, he did. Surprised me too.”
“I don’t know what you did to that man. I think he’s in love with you.”
Ashley’s words gripped her stomach. “He can’t be. Sure, we’ve known each other for a year, but the deeper level of this … whatever this is, I guess relationship, is only weeks old. I don’t believe he’s in love with me.”
“I think he is. Maybe he doesn’t even know he’s in love, but Axel Christensen is head over heels, in love. Kerri, I think he’s your Mr. Right.” Kerrigan jerked the phone away from her ear to prevent permanent hearing loss from the shrill of Ashley’s voice.
Kerrigan frowned. “What should I do?”
“First, stop panicking. Let yourself fall in love with him too, if you haven’t already. Kerri, you’ve never been in a serious relationship before. Second, take things one step at a time.”
“I’ve never really even dated anyone exclusively, except for Greg, and that was only two months. I know you think I’m weird.”
Ashley’s voice softened. “No, I don’t think you’re weird. I actually think that what’s happening between you two is beautiful. Just don’t panic and take your time. I agree with Axel. He obviously wants things to work with you. Follow your heart.”
She loved her friend. Despite the fact that she was outspoken, and at times brash, Ashley understood the boy-girl dynamics bet
ter than anyone else did. “Thanks Ash. I’ve been so nervous and afraid of screwing this up. You always calm me.”
“Hon, I’m excited for you both. You deserve to be happy. I have to go now. With your man being out of town this week, maybe we can do lunch or happy hour.”
“Yes, lunch this week would be perfect. I could use some girl time. See you tomorrow.”
When Kerrigan arrived at work the next day, she immediately called Brenda. “I need your help while Axel is away in New York. I’ll come upstairs to give you details.” She smiled, hung up the phone and headed to the executive suite. What would Brenda think?
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Monday, September 24
Axel walked into the hotel room, and a black and white striped gift box on the bed was the first thing he saw. His fingers peeled opened the note attached to the top of the small box.
Axel,
I hope you’ll think of me while you’re in New York. Here’s a little something to keep you safe and warm.
Kerrigan
Placing the note down, he picked up the box and lifted the lid. White tissue paper clung to a plush object stuffed inside. Tearing the paper away, a slow smile spread across his lips, and he let out a hardy laugh. Not pretentious or stuck up, she wasn’t like so many of the other women he had encountered. His money and power didn’t impress her, and she always considered others ahead of herself. A twinge struck him in the chest. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he pulled out his Blackberry and sent her a message.
10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 24
To: Kerrigan Mulls
From: Axel Christensen
Subject: Hi
Hi Baby,
I landed about an hour ago but just checked into the hotel. I was thinking about you, trying to find a good excuse to email you, but then I opened the box that was left on my bed. My feet and I love the gift you sent. You won’t believe this, but I actually forgot to pack socks to lounge around in. My mind has been preoccupied lately, and I’m forgetful these days, so your gift is perfect. I wish I could thank you in person, but I’ll be back soon. Are you wearing one of your sexy tight skirts today?
Pull Me Closer (Suits in Pursuit) Page 16
