Pull Me Closer (Suits in Pursuit) (23 page)

“
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 better 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.

1
0:30 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?

Yours,

A

Her pulse raced wildly as she slid the mouse over the new message in her inbox and double-clicked. Her cheeks hurt from smiling so broadly after reading his email. Feeling self-conscious about her uncontrollable grin, she peered over her shoulder, to make sure no one stood in the hall near her doorway. The sound of her fingers tapping the keys echoed in her office.

10:35 a.m. on Monday, September 24

From: Kerrigan Mulls

To: Axel Christensen

Subject: Re: Hi

Hi Axel,

I was thinking about you too. I’m glad you
liked the gift. Yes, I’m wearing a skirt today. I didn’t know you thought my skirts were sexy. What are you wearing?

Kerrigan

11:08 a.m. on Monday, September 24

To: Kerrigan Mulls

From: Axel Christensen

Subject: In the buff

Everything about you is sexy, but I thought you only wore those skirts for my benefit. They’ve cost me many sleepless nights and lost productivity. I may have to enforce a new dress code policy when I get back – for my eyes only. I just stepped out of the shower. I’m going out to network and grab a bite to eat. Can I call you later tonight?

Yours,

A

1
2:32 p.m. on Monday, September 24

From: Kerrigan Mulls

To: Axel Christensen

Subject: Tease

It’s good to know you have such an appreciation for my wardrobe, although I’m truly sorry about the lost productivity. I’ll have to use this knowledge to my advantage. Enjoy your networking. I’ll talk to you later.

Kerrigan

Monday dragged on for her. She was looking forward to Axel’s call, but knowing he was unavailable until later that evening, she decided to run errands before going home. She had barely made her way into the apartment, bags tossed haphazardly to the floor and shoes kicked across the room, when the phone rang. Stumbling her way to the table where the handset lay, she answered on the first ring, knowing the call was from Axel.
Get a grip. He’s only been gone a few days.
She scolded herself.

Her stomached knotted and twisted in anticipation of his voice.
“Hello, Axel?” She hadn’t intended to sound so cheerful, longing.

“
Yes, it’s me. Hi baby.” The smile in his voice and his deep low rumble quaked through her body so fiercely that her knees weakened, sinking her to the floor. “How was your day?” He greeted her with equal enthusiasm.

“My day was good
, nothing out of the ordinary. I had a good meeting with Rich about two of his accounts. How did your networking go?” Speaking rapidly and winded, she patted her chest and inhaled. A grown woman acting like such a giddy hormonal teenager was ridiculous.

“Slow. There aren’t many people here yet. I think most of them are checking in tomorrow morning. That’s when the conference officially starts. I should have brought you with me
Kerrigan.”

Her pulse raced.
“You know I wouldn’t have come.” The lie flew out of her mouth like an auto response before she could amend the words.

“Oh, baby one day I’m going to make you come,”
he said, a wicked undercurrent in his tone, followed by a soft chuckle. He was obviously amused with himself for his cunning innuendo.

“Oh? Is that a promise?”

“Sure is. If you keep this up, I’ll catch the next flight home and deliver on my promise.”

“You wouldn’t! We have an
agreement, and you have a speech to give.” She giggled.

“I would. That agreement can be easily broken.
With modern technology, I can give my speech from anywhere, at any time, even after a passionate night of making love to you. Don’t tempt me Miss Mulls.” She curled her toes, nerve endings firing like guns at a range.

Leaning against the dining room wall, she rubbed her thighs incessantly.
“You said we aren’t ready yet.”

“H
mm, I guess I did say that, didn’t I?” He said coyly.

“Yes, you did.”

By this time, she had moved to her bedroom and tossed herself onto the bed. So aroused, she slipped lusty fingers into her panties, touching herself to soothe the ache.

“I don’t know what will happen the next time I see you Kerrigan.
All bets are off.”

She yanked her hand out of her panties.
“Our actions come with consequences,” she reprimanded.

“Maybe, but the thought of being with you makes
the risk a worthwhile consideration. Besides, I think I can live with the consequences,” he said in a serious tone. “Kerrigan, I …”

Before he could
finish, she cut him off. His sobering tenor made her shoulders tighten, and her mouth go dry. “I’m open to negotiation when you get back,” she said, hoping this was enough to stall him.

“Should I head to the airport now?” he teased.

“Stay in New York. I’ll be here when you get back.” Nervously, she laughed.

“I’ll let you have this one. You’re not as
sly as you think, sweetheart. This is not over. We’ll have this discussion as soon as I get back.”

Damn. Busted. At least she had successfully
put off the conversation for now.

They talked a while longer about
his speech the next day. She admired so many things about him, including his confidence and expertise. She’d seen him present many times, and he was a pro. She knew he’d do a great job, and she had told him so.

Kerrigan
let out an exhausted sigh.

“I’ll
let you go to bed. I just wanted to hear your voice. I need to get some sleep, too. I’m taking my socks off and going to bed. Goodnight baby.”

She giggled.
“Goodnight Axel. Good luck with your speech tomorrow.”

Axel
emailed Kerrigan early the next morning.

6
:15 a.m. on Tuesday, September 25

To: Kerrigan Mulls

From: Axel Christensen

Subject: Sleepless

Kerrigan,

I wasn’t able to sleep much after our conversation, or maybe
anxiety about my speech was the cause. I can’t call you tonight. I have to attend a banquet this evening, and I’ll get in too late. I plan to schmooze like the best of them. There are several prospects I hope to reach out to. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.

Yours,

A