Closer To You (Suits in Pursuit)

by Kelley, Lauren H.

  He pulled his hand away, needing both of them on the steering wheel as the vehicle swerved over onto the shoulder and came to an abrupt stop.

  She gasped. Her eyebrows pressed together in a V, and the harsh intensity in her eyes faded, her expression softening into a perplexed daze.

  Cars, trucks, SUVs and eighteen-wheelers passed by them in loud swooshes. The parked vehicle shook. His fingers reached out and glided, from her temple, and then to her chin. He leaned over, pulled her closer, pecking her softly on the lips and then peeled away. “I don’t give a damn if anyone has an issue with us, including our families. I want you to meet my family.” He reclaimed his hold on her hand. “Kerrigan, you’re important to me, and I want my family to know how much you mean. I hope to meet your family one day soon, too. What will they think?” He gave her hand a light squeeze.

  “My family is so diverse they wouldn’t even think twice about us. They’d mostly care that we’re happy.” She paused, nervous eyes looking up to his. “I don’t know about this, but I suppose I have no choice do I?” Her eyes filled with moisture, ready to flow.

  He squeezed her hand tighter. “Sweetheart, I’m sorry for springing this on you. I didn’t think this through, how you might feel about meeting my parents.” He kissed her again, softly. “I don’t think about us in terms of color. I’m just a man and you’re the woman I love. I wish you weren’t so concerned about what others think.”

  She turned her head away. A single tear trickled down her cheek. “Right or wrong, what others think does matter to me,” she said mumbling under her breath.

  Kerrigan tensed as she thought about meeting Axel’s parents. Although a success in his own right, he came from money. She was certain that his parents had different plans for their son that probably didn’t include him falling in love with someone like her. She remained silent the rest of the trip. What type of woman, would Mrs. Christensen be? If she were anything like Emma, perhaps she and Kerrigan would get along well.

  The SUV turned down the long twisting driveway. As the secluded log cabin came into view, she saw two other vehicles parked in front of a double car garage. Her heart raced. His family was already there. The trepidation that had been building inside her came bubbling to the surface. She didn’t utter a word. The vehicle came to a halt as the engine idled behind a silver Lexus sedan. Leaning toward her, he took one of her hands in his, the palm of his other hand caressing her cheek softly. She leaned into his touch.

  “Sweetheart, I’m really sorry for doing this to you, but I promise there’s nothing to worry about. I won’t let anyone hurt you. Kerrigan, I’m in love with you. You’re afraid to admit your feelings, but I know you feel the same about me. I see the way you look at me, even now, the way you respond to my touch, and your spoken and unspoken words. I want more with you, so much more and I think you do to, and I want both our families to know about us. If I’m wrong, tell me now, and I’ll turn around, and we can go back to the city.” He shifted away from her and rubbed his chin.

  She closed her eyes and breathed in the clean mountain air that drifted in through the open sunroof. “You’re not wrong,” she whispered softly.

  A sexy crooked smile perched on his lips. “We’ll have a terrific weekend. Just try to relax.”

  His smoldering gaze and his sensual touch turned her to mush. He captured her trembling lips with his. His kiss, slow and deep until she melted into him, was sweet seduction. His hand covered her breast. He would have made his way under her eyelet shirt if not for the sudden loud banging that came from the driver side window. She jolted back slamming into the passenger door and gasped. Turned in his seat, he rolled his eyes as he slid his hand to the door and pressed a button to roll down the window.

  “What the hell, bro? I’m a little busy here with my lady or hadn’t you noticed?” He regarded the man standing outside the vehicle with a stern, but playful look.

  Ryker was a few years his junior. His dark tousled hair, tall wiry frame and olive colored skin resembled Axel’s, except Axel’s build was hulking and muscular. Eyes, a less intense shade of blue, stared back at her. The man’s handsome face was a younger version of his brother’s, but boy-like.

  Axel’s brother smirked with the same devious visage that she had come to know all too well. “I was trying to rescue her from you,” he returned, sticking his head through the window. He passed Axel and regarded her directly. “Kerrigan, I’m sorry my brother has such poor manners. You’ll have to forgive him. Are you okay?” She laughed. She knew she would like Axel’s brother already. “I can contain him if he gets out of hand again,” Ryker said and then smiled.

  “Thank you, Ryker. That’s kind of you, but I know I’m in good hands with your brother.”

  Axel turned back to her, smiled and squeezed her hand. “That you are.” He leaned close to her so only she could hear his next words. “I’ll show you later just how good my hands are,” he said in a seductive growl. “Come on. I want you to meet the rest of the family. They’re not as ornery.”

  Axel exited the black SUV, and jogged around to her side, opened the door and helped her down. Protectively, he put his arm around her petite waist and held her close to him. Walking toward the cabin, Kerrigan halted her steps, planting her feet firmly on the cobblestone path as she took in the looming forest, echoes of life teaming around her and rays of sunlight that singed her skin as beams filtered down through the scattered branches above. Ryker had gone ahead of them, shoving their bags through the cabin door.

  Axel tilted his head, his forehead wrinkling. She knew that expression. “I’m fine,” she said, placing her arm around his waist as she leaned against him. “The air is so fresh, and the sunshine feels good. The mountains are so beautiful.” Inhaling, earthy moss filled her nostrils.

  He tightened his hold on her, and then kissed her forehead. “Are you sure you’re not just stalling?” Tugging her forward, he coaxed her feet to move again, small twigs and pine needles crunching under Kerrigan’s steps.

  “I’m nervous.” She glanced up at him, and then nuzzled her head against his chest. “Okay, maybe I’m stalling a little.” She conceded.

  They reached the front door. He gave her behind a light squeeze. “Ah! Axel!” she squealed.

  “Baby, I promise, everything is going to be fine. Let’s go inside.”

  As they entered the foyer, she heard a man’s voice and the faint sound of a woman’s laughter coming from the family room. The knot that formed in her stomach twisted. He pulled her closer as they made their way into the rustic room. Earth tone colors and shiplap-covered walls was just what she imagined. On either side of a fireplace, two large windows ran along the back of the house and ran the height of the two-story room, letting in bright streams of light, and a breathtaking view of the lakefront.

  His mother, a willowy woman with long dark hair, sat on a brown leather sofa next to her husband. She was a beauty in her own right. The second they entered the room, Axel’s mother jumped out of her seat and made her way over to them. She reached out her arms to Axel. He pried himself away from Kerrigan as she took him into her warm embrace. She studied his face carefully before speaking.

  “Son, you look well, relaxed even. I haven’t seen you look so at peace in the longest time. It makes my heart happy.” She smiled before turning to regard Kerrigan. “And this must be the young woman I have to thank for your bright disposition. It’s a pleasure to meet you Kerrigan. I’ve heard your name for months now. I’m Elizabeth.”

  Kerrigan had prepared herself for a formal handshake. Instead, she was greeted by a tight hug that loosened the tangle in her belly. “It’s nice to meet you too.”

  After releasing Kerrigan, Elizabeth turned back to Axel.

  “You’ve had a long drive.” She smiled. “Come on in and take a seat.”

  “Thanks. We are tired,” he said, grabbing Kerrigan’s hand and leading her into the large room.

  Axel’s father, who had been reading, peered over the top of the bo
ok in his freckled hands, and with a nod, he regarded his son. Axel was a carbon copy of his father, who had thirty or so years on his son and was more refined with a full head of salt-and-pepper-colored hair that gave him a distinguished air.

  His eyes shifted to her and then back to him. He studied the pair for a moment before speaking.

  “I don’t know how you managed to snare such a beautiful woman son.” He stood to greet them as they made their way toward him.

  He placed the book on the edge of a side table. “Hi, Kerrigan, I’m John.” Axel’s father wrapped her in his arms, patted her on the back, and then studied her from arms length.

  “I hope my son is treating you well.” Now she knew where Axel’s smile came from.

  She smiled back. “Yes sir, he’s a perfect gentleman.” Her earlier worries were wasted.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Kerrigan sat on the oversized leather sofa, and Axel followed, sitting next to her and extended his arm around her shoulders, snuggling her close. Elizabeth and John returned to the smaller love seat.

  “Kerrigan, you must know this is the first time that Axel has ever introduced us to a girlfriend,” Elizabeth beamed.

  She peeked up at Axel with curious hazel eyes and smiled brightly. He loved the way her face lit up and how her smile reached her eyes. He raised his brow, and then nuzzled his cheek against her temple.

  Giving Kerrigan’s shoulder a squeeze, Axel turned his head toward his mother’s tender smile. “I told you that she’s extremely special to me. I wouldn’t waste time introducing her to you if she weren’t.”

  “Sounds as if we’ll be seeing a lot more of you dear,” John said, giving her a wink.

  “How did the two of you meet?” Elizabeth asked.

  “Mom, Kerrigan came to work for A. C. Advertising little over a year ago. Besides being a stunning beauty, she has a brilliant marketing mind. I was crazy about her the moment she stepped foot into my office.” With a slight nod of his head, he gave his father a knowing look, eyebrows raised.

  “That’s right.” John tapped his index finger against his chin. “Didn’t you call me the day you met her? I remember now. Axel was enamored with you instantly. He called me to say that he had met the most incredible woman.” John lowered his hand to his lap and fixed his eyes on Kerrigan.

  Kerrigan stared at Axel, mouth agape. He had never disclosed that information to her before.

  “Kerrigan, did you feel the same instant attraction to Axel?” Elizabeth asked.

  “I don’t think she did.” He answered for her, wanting to spare her from his parent’s inquisition.

  “Let Kerrigan answer for herself,” his father piped in.

  “Yes, I felt an immediate attraction to him, but I never thought seriously about Axel. I didn’t think he would be interested in me,” she replied timidly.

  Axel raised his brow. Her news surprised him. “Hmm. I think you know just how interested I am now,” he whispered into her ear.

  She blushed, and swiped her hand at him playfully. “I pursued her until she gave in. You know how relentless I can be when I set my sights on something I want.” Axel flashed a deliberately wicked smile at Kerrigan.

  Lifting his arm from around her, he rested his forearms on his thighs and leaned forward, addressing his parents with narrowed eyes glaring. “That’s enough with the interrogation. How are things at home? Dad, are you working on any interesting cases?”

  He hoped the diversion tactic would work.

  Ryker had been in and out of the cabin, taking their luggage to the room, which should have only taken him two trips. He still had not joined them in the family room. His parents talked about the latest gossip in his their hometown. Dad told them about a couple of his more intriguing cases. Mom shared stories about her squabbles with some of the women from their neighborhood association’s event committee. He sat and pretended to listen, but what he wanted was to be alone with her.

  After a half an hour of conversation, he rose and held his hand out to Kerrigan to help her up from the sofa. “Mom, dad, if you’ll excuse us, we’re going upstairs to unpack, rest and freshen up for the evening. We’ll be back down later.”

  As they made their way out of the room, his father spoke out.

  “Son, can I see you for a brief moment in private?”

  He nodded at her, signaling for Kerrigan to go upstairs without him. “We’re the last door on the right,” he called out to her. “I’ll be right up.”

  “Okay.” She smiled at both men and darted up the stairs, heading toward the room.

  He walked over to his dad, who stood in front of the large window peering at the lake. Mom had retreated to the kitchen. Father and son were alone.

  “Son, she’s beautiful, but I want you to be careful. Are you using protection? I’m not saying I think anything ill of Kerrigan, but I hear horrendous stories every day, and I encounter much of the litigation. Remember to be careful about sex. You don’t know her entire history.”

  He jerked his head back, nostrils flaring.

  Adjusting his stance, he planted his feet wide apart, and shoved his hands into the pockets of his khaki cargo pants. “Dad, I appreciate your concern, but I’m thirty-three years old. I don’t have to worry about much. Her history, as you put it, started with me.” He glared coldly at his father and then glanced out the window at the serene lake.

  John’s mouth opened forming a circle, “Oh?” His eyes swelled, bewildered. “Has she only been with you? Are you sure?” The tone of his voice reached new heights.

  Axel’s lips flattened as he withdrew his hands from his pants pockets. “Yes, I’m quite positive she was a virgin when we met. I’m curious.” He paced from the bottom of the staircase and glanced up, and then back to where John stood at the window. “Why are you being negative? Does your concern have anything to do with her race?” He folded his arms across his chest defensively, his body tense and temperature beginning to rise.

  John stepped forward and reached his thin hand out to Axel’s chest. “I’m not being negative, and of course my concern has nothing to do with her race.” Axel stepped back, yanking his left shoulder away from John’s reach. “Son, she’s the first woman you’ve ever brought home. I suppose I’ve always wanted to have this conversation with both you and Ryker, but there was never a reason. Neither of you seemed to be serious enough about a woman to bring her home.” He stepped forward toward Axel. “I see the way you two look at each other. You’re a wealthy young man. A cunning woman can do things to trap you or take your money if you’re not careful. You know what I mean. Think of what happened with Sara.”

  Axel’s jaw clenched shut. “Sara is precisely the reason I haven’t been able to have a healthy relationship.” His temper building, his tone escalated. “I was traumatized by that ordeal. I intentionally dated women I knew I could never get serious about, but Kerrigan has changed all that.” He bared his teeth at his father, an acid grin. “She’s financially secure, all on her own merit. She’s not after my money and I can’t think of anything she could do to trap me, so why don’t you elaborate?” His temperature soared.

  Leathery fingers curled over Axel’s shoulder. “Son, I’m talking about pregnancy. I’m an attorney. I have a different perspective based on the things I’ve seen and experienced over the years.”

  He backed away from John’s anchoring hand again. “What I share with Kerrigan is much more than superficial. I want more with her than a casual affair. If I were to get her pregnant, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.” Axel cracked his knuckles, and his heart pounded in his chest.

  John’s tone softened. “Son, just be careful.”

  He gritted his teeth, “Not that my relationship is any of your business, but I’ve been the one in pursuit.” He couldn’t believe his father’s gall. “She’s the only woman I’ve ever met who hasn’t offered herself up on a platter to me or tried to dig into my pockets. She’s been hesitant and apprehensive, afraid I will hurt her. She’s a gen
uinely good person with a beautiful heart. I’m in love with her so you’d better get used to the idea.” If he didn’t end the conversation soon, he would say or do something he’d later regret. “Now if you’ll excuse me …” He whipped around and headed toward the staircase.

  “Axel, I’m glad you’re happy.” John yelled after him, drawing Axel’s attention as he turned to face him. “You’ve become a good judge of character, and I know you’re an adult, but I wouldn’t be a good father if I didn’t express my concern. Maybe one day you’ll know what being a parent is like.”

  Their conversation ended, and Axel bounded up the stairs, taking two at a time, his pulse racing as he fumed.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Axel entered the room. Unusually tired that afternoon, though understandable given the events of the day, Kerrigan slept. She was always radiant, even in slumber and her beauty a calming force. He eased onto the bed next to her, studying her delicate caramel-colored features and admiring her beauty, relishing the curve of her full soft lips that he longed to kiss. He wanted to have some intimate time with her, but the events of the afternoon had been a bit much for him too. He lay down and curled himself around her. She nestled her body into his, their fit snug like a glove on a hand. They slept soundly for hours.

  When Kerrigan awoke, the time was four fifteen in the afternoon.

  Axel greeted her with his handsome face. “Hey sleepy head, why don’t we go join the family downstairs? I’m sure Ryker must be going out of his mind alone with those two.”

  She squirmed, still feeling a little tired. “Okay. Let me freshen up first.”

  He flashed a devilish grin at her. “I’ll join you.”

  They entered the bathroom together. She walked ahead of him while he playfully tugged at her shirt until he had wrapped his arms around her waist. Not elaborately decorated like the ones in his house, she noted that the bathroom was still large and impressive. The style was rustic, like the rest of the cabin, earth tones and wood-covered finishings. They stood in front of the mirror looking at their reflection. She rested her head back against his smooth chest and closed her eyes. She felt safe in those arms, the irony that nothing in the world could hurt her except him.