Pull Me Closer (Suits in Pursuit) (12 page)

CHAPTER
EIGHT

The weekend
whirled pass, and the week crawled along slowly. The first email Kerrigan received from Axel came Saturday morning.

9:02 a.m.
on Saturday, August 25

To: Kerrigan Mulls

From: Axel Christensen

Subject: Hello from Denver

Hi Kerrigan,

I arrived in Denver safely. It’s
lovely here. I’m going to meet with the owners today, and then I’m heading to tour and go sightseeing. Wish you could be here with me to see this place. It’s magnificent.

Your
Friend,

Axel

11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 25

To: Axel Christensen

From: Kerrigan Mulls

Subject: Re: Hello from Denver

Hi Axel,

I’m glad your flight went well. I hope your
meeting goes well too. Take some pictures on your tour. I’d like to see them.

Your
Friend,

Kerrigan

7:34 a.m. on Sunday, August 26

To: Kerrigan Mulls

From: Axel Christensen

Subject: At your request

Hey Kerrigan,

The
tour was excellent. I’ve been here before, but never had a chance to enjoy the place. I’m in love with Denver. I’ll have to come back, but next time I’ll bring you with me. I’ve attached some photos. You’ll notice me in some them. I’m the lonely guy who wishes his friend was here too.

Your
Friend,

Axel

9:16 a.m. on Sunday, August 26

To: Axel Christensen

From: Kerrigan Mulls

Subject: Lonely in Denver

Axel,

Thanks for sharing those pictures with me!
Although Denver looks lovely, I can’t think of any reason why you and I would need to go together. Sorry you’re lonely. Denver is crawling with people. I’m sure you’ll meet another new friend in no time.

Your
Friend,

Kerrigan

5:36 p.m. on Sunday, August 26

To: Kerrigan Mulls

From: Axel Christensen

Subject: Re: Lonely in Denver

Kerrigan,

Glad you liked the pictures. I can think of
a few reasons for you to be here with me. Should I elaborate or would you like to use your imagination? I’m not interested in meeting new friends in Denver. I’m very selective about the company I keep. Besides, my new friend in Atlanta is all I want. I’m especially exclusive as far as our friendship is concerned.

Your
Friend,

Axel

9:24 a.m. on Monday, August 27

To: Axel Christensen

From: Kerrigan Mulls

Subject: Speaking of friends

Axel,

There’s no need to
elaborate. I think you’ve made yourself quite clear, which is exactly why I’m never going to Denver with you. Being selective is good. Speaking of exclusive friendships, how is the lady friend you told me about? You know, the one you planned to take on a date to your private suite at the stadium. The same one you said is worth the wait. Sure sounds like you’re trying to live up to your tabloid reputation.

Your
Friend,

Kerrigan

10:46 p.m. on Monday, August 27

To: Kerrigan Mulls

From: Axel Christensen

Subject: Re: Speaking of friends

Kerrigan,

Never say never.
Mark my words, you will come to Denver with me one day. If I didn’t know better, I would say there was a hint of jealously in your last email. There’s no need for that. I told you, I’m not a bachelor by choice. I’m working hard to change my eligibility status with my lady friend. I did take her out on a date. In fact, we reached an agreement to become friends. I had a terrific time. I thought she enjoyed herself too. You did say you had a good time at the game, didn’t you Kerrigan?

Patiently waiting in Denver,

Axel

She
read his last email over, and over again. He had left her no doubt that he was interested in her and confirmed that she was the mystery woman that he had been talking about. Seized by some unrecognizable emotion, her stomach rolled. Axel was making a full-on play for her affection.

By
Tuesday afternoon, she still hadn’t responded to his direct email. She wasn’t sure what to say exactly. Finally, mustering courage enough to reply, she typed, but as she did, another email from him came in.

4:53 p.m.
on Tuesday, August 28

To: Kerrigan Mulls

From: Axel Christensen

Subject: Scared?

Hey Kerrigan,

Did I scare you off? If you don’t respond in the next ten minutes, I’ll call you.

Not-so-patiently waiting in Denver,

Axel

4:55 p.m. on Tuesday, August 28

To: Axel Christensen

From: Kerrigan Mulls

Subject: Yes

Axel,

Please don’t call. I’ve told you that I’m not interested in you beyond
our work relationship and at most, friendship. Can we talk on Saturday?

Kerrigan

Kerrigan didn’t hear back from Axel. Despite the herbal teas and antacid tablets she took, the nausea in her belly wouldn’t go away. He was known for his short fuse, hot temper and impatience. The ‘can we talk’ line was the kiss of death, but she hadn’t meant it quite that way. Had her last email inspired him to take her advice and try out Denver’s local flavor of women? She pushed the thoughts away and tried to focus on her work. Regardless of whatever was happening between them, she needed to stay focused on the McBride account. She couldn’t run away from her job.