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.
On Wednesday evening, she received a message from his work email address. It was direct, demanding and short, void of anything seemingly personal.
11:53 p.m. on Wednesday, August 29
To: Kerrigan Mulls
From: Axel Christensen
Subject: Coming back early
Kerrigan,
Change of plans. I’ll be back in the office on Friday. We need to meet. Brenda will send follow-up details. We’re off for Saturday.
Axel Christensen
President and Chief Executive Officer
A.C. Advertising
A wave of nausea flooded over her, and she flinched. She wasn’t sure what his email meant, but she noted the change in his signature. Her eyes welled up with tears at the thought that he had given up on her. She had made it impossible for him to think there could be anything more than a friendly work relationship between them. That’s what she had been working so hard to accomplish. Her tears flowed freely as she drifted into a restless sleep, the painful sting of regret chasing her into unconsciousness.
CHAPTER NINE
Friday, August 31
Axel sat at his desk staring at his computer screen eagerly awaiting Kerrigan’s arrival. He had asked Brenda to leave a message for her that morning, explaining that he needed to see her right away. He glanced at the time—a few minutes after nine o’clock. He knew she was probably in the office by then. Minutes later, he heard a light tap at the door. He took a deep breath and exhaled.
“Come in.” The thunder of his deep bravado reverberated off the walls.
Just thinking about Kerrigan heightened his anxiety. The sight of her always made his palms dampen and his throat dry. He couldn’t wait to see her again, to talk to her, to be near her, to smell her sweet scent. The large doors opened slowly, and his gut wrenched.
Axel jumped up from his seat. His jaw dropped. “What, what in the hell are you doing in my office?”
“Well, hello to you too.”
Misty strolled over to his desk, her large leather handbag smacking against her side. A boney hand rested on her right hip and she rolled her eyes. “Oh, come on, Axel. I remember a time when you were always glad to see me. I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d stop by to say hello.”
His eyes swept her tall, thin form. “Misty, I don’t know why you’re here. How did you get pass Brenda?”
Misty peeled her jacket away and tossed the garment on the red leather sofa. “Brenda wasn’t at her desk.” Her cherry red heels tapped against the floor as she strutted around h
is desk and paused in front of him. “My timing couldn’t have been better. Don’t you agree?” Misty spun around, her bare-naked ass and breasts were within inches of Axel’s twitching fingers.
Axel’s eyes stretched wide. He swallowed hard. “Misty, put your goddamn clothes on. Now!” His loud yell didn’t rattle her.
Taking large steps to put distance between them, he moved to the other side of the desk.
Misty followed. She sank her nails into Axel’s biceps, forced herself onto him. “Axel, you know you want this. What’s stopping you?” She batted her green eyes and smiled.
He jerked away and took two steps back. “Misty, I’ve already told you. You and I are done. I, I’m involved with someone else.” Losing his footing, Axel stumbled and plunged onto the sofa, bringing Misty’s naked body flush on top of his.
The doors to Axel’s office opened slowly. “Ah!” The loud gasp commanded his attention.
Kerrigan’s eyes filled with tears. Her jaw trembled. Cupping her mouth as she gasped for air, she turned, and then fled.
Axel shoved Misty aside, sending her tumbling to the cold hardwood floor. He stood and ran to the doorway. His heart hammered and his clammy hands forced the doors open. “Kerrigan, wait. Please. Kerrigan, this isn’t what you think. Wait, please.” She was gone.
“I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but…” Ashley paused, adjusted herself in the seat. “Maybe Misty threw herself at Axel.”
Her lips trembled. “Ash, I don’t care. He can do whatever, whenever, with whomever he pleases. What I saw proved exactly what I already know to be true. Axel Christensen can’t be trusted.” Kerrigan whispered and waived her hand, a dismissive gesture. She didn’t want the people sitting at the other end of the long table to hear their conversation.
“How long are you going to ignore the man? He’s still your boss.” Ashley glanced at the conference room door. The door handle jingled.
“He may be my boss, but that doesn’t entitle him to treat me however he pleases.” Kerrigan glanced up as Megan and Rich walked in. She cut a sideways glance at Ashley. “I’m done talking about this.”
Rich took the seat directly next to Kerrigan. Megan plopped down across from Ashley.
He cut his eyes at Kerrigan and then passed a furtive glance to Megan. “Kerrigan, are you giving an update on the Hollister account?” Rich asked, a smug grin possessing his thin lips.
“Yes, I am.”
“Hmm. That’ll be a short update,” he grumbled under his breath.
Megan laughed. “Four people managed that account before you did, Kerrigan. I can’t imagine that you could make much more progress than any one of them.”
“That’s where you’d be wrong, Megan.” A hush fell across the room at the sound of the deep baritone voice.
Axel stood at the head of the table, his scowl directed at Rich, and then Megan.
Megan cleared her throat and wrestled in her chair. “Oh, Mr. Christensen. I, I didn’t see you come in; didn’t realize you’d be joining us today.”
“Obviously,” he scolded as he took his seat. “Kerrigan, can you give the team an update? We’re all interested in your progress, including me, since you’ve canceled our last four one-on-one meetings.”
Girding herself against Axel’s intense stare and icy tone, she stood and walked to the projector screen, directly behind him.
Axel wheeled his chair to the side and extended his arm. “Here, take the pointer.”
Kerrigan reached for the device. Their eyes met in a fleeting glance and the tips of his fingers grazed hers, sent scorching heat up her arm. She pivoted on her heel. Her back facing the audience, she swallowed hard. She hated how he affected her, made her knees wobble and stomach quiver.
Regaining her center, she straightened her shoulders and looked pass Axel, her focus on the other faces in the room. “I’ve been hard at work with the Hollister team for the past few weeks. I had to rebuild their trust. The good news is that I convinced the head of their marketing department to give A.C. Advertising one more chance.”
Catching Axel’s narrow gaze unnerved her and the pointer slipped out of her sweaty palms. Kerrigan squatted to retrieve contraption that had landed next to his chair. The unexpected heat of Axel’s hand on hers as he kneeled beside her forced her eyes to his.
He mouthed silently, “We need to talk.”
“Fine,” she whispered, and then stood.
Kerrigan advanced the slides. “Hollister owns less than five percent of the market today. Here are income projections over the next ten years for Hollister’s main customer base—doctors, lawyers, executives.” Her eyes landed on Axel, who stared back, rubbing his chin. “The options I outlined for Hollister were very simple. Get serious about their marketing efforts now or go out of business within three years.” Kerrigan glanced at Megan, and then at Rich. “The challenge they have is building and holding onto a loyal customer base. Hollister needs a loyalty program targeted to their most distinguished clients who have the discretionary income to spend at their retail stores. They have to make those customers feel like they belong to an exclusive group.” Kerrigan advanced the slides again. “I delivered three concepts around a strategy that I’m calling Platinum Rewards that encourages and rewards loyalty. Early this week, I received the call. They signed a three and half million dollar contract with us.”
Megan’s mouth dropped open. Rich squirmed in his seat, ogling Kerrigan.
“This morning, I received a call from the head of marketing at Hollister.” Axel glanced around the room and halted his gaze on Kerrigan. “She said Kerrigan presented a compelling case. I’m sure you’ll become an expert on the meaning of loyalty.” Kerrigan flustered at his scalding stare and the inflection of his voice. “Outstanding work,” Axel said flatly.
“Thank you.” Kerrigan took her seat at the table.
The meeting continued and the account managers went around the table sharing client updates. Axel remained quiet, but kept his eyes on Kerrigan until the end.
“Everyone, let’s get back to work,” he said dismissing the team. “Kerrigan, I need to speak with you now.”
The room cleared out and Kerrigan didn’t budge from her spot at the table.
Axel strolled to the window behind her, placed his hands in his pockets. His musky scent made her lightheaded.
“Kerrigan, I commend you for your work. I’ve always believed in your talent, supported your decisions.” He whirled around and leaned against the table, directly facing her. “Imagine my surprise when Diane at Hollister told me that she had interviewed you for a junior-level research position at her company.” She peered up at him blinking rapidly. “Hmm. Loyalty,” he muttered under his breath.
Her belly fluttered as the intensity between them grew. “Diane approached me. The position isn’t in sales and I’m not in violation of the non-compete disclosure. I, I…”
He leaned down, his frowning mug inches from her glistening brow. “I don’t care about that damned disclosure, Kerrigan. This is what you want? Career suicide. Simply to get away from me.” He stood, and paced from the door to the table where she remained seated. “Kerrigan, Misty Scott doesn’t mean anything to me. She came to my office, stripped her clothes off and threw herself at me.” His eyes narrowed on her. “Do whatever you want. I just wanted you to know the truth in case that incident had any bearing on your decision to leave.” His large hand covered the doorknob. “I want you … here at A.C. Advertising.” His eyes flashed with tenderness quickly replaced by a frigid glare. “Whatever you decide, I want to hear from you directly, not from Marie, not from Diane. If you leave me Kerrigan, I expect for you to tell me face-to-face.”
The knob twisted and he shut the door behind him. Left in the room alone, Kerrigan buried her face in her palms. If he was telling the truth about Misty, she would be making the biggest mistake in her life.
***
Saturday, September 15
For weeks, Kerrigan had managed to do everything
in her power to avoid Axel, but she hadn’t found a way to forget him. Even now, lounging on the sandy shore under an umbrella with a book in one hand and a drink in the other hand, she couldn’t stop thinking about the man. The last minute decision to take a mini vacation on Tybee Island wasn’t the most thought out plan she’d ever made, but she needed a break. She needed time to make her decision.
“Kerri, snap out of it. Everything is going to be fine.” Ashley’s gentle hand caressed Kerrigan’s forearm rested on the lounge chair’s edge.
Kerrigan shook her head. “I know. I’m just nervous about telling him.”
Ashley tilted her head, gazing at her friend through expensive designer sun glasses as she relaxed on the lounger next to Kerrigan. “You don’t owe Axel Christensen anything. He doesn’t own you. If you want to leave the company, then accept the position at Hollister. But, Kerri, if you’re taking that job to run away from Axel or your feelings, then you’ll be disappointed in yourself. Are you sure this is what you really want?”
Pull Me Closer (Suits in Pursuit) Page 9