Taken aback by the events of the evening and Axel’s confession, she needed a distraction from her feelings and inner musings. Her eyes danced around, admiring the dining room’s grandness and blend of styles. The upper half of the walls wore a bold graphic print. The background of the wallpaper was a soft neutral color covered by a swirly pattern of deep gray dotted lines accented by organic shapes in tones of turquoise and gold flecks interspersed throughout.
“What do you think of the room?” He asked as if he wanted her approval, which was odd. Axel didn’t seem to care what anyone thought of his decisions.
Her eyes darted around the room again. “The décor is contemporary and elegant, and at the same time, very eclectic. I like it.”
A faint smile crossed his lips, but his express was one she couldn’t place.
She shifted in her seat and then tilted her head back. A chandelier hung above them from the ten-foot-high coffered ceiling, the accessory unlike any other she had seen. Blown translucent crystal had been designed into a quagmire of organic shapes that complemented the pattern of the exquisite wallpaper.
“I love how the chandelier seems to float in mid-air. The light bounces off the gold flecks in the wallpaper.” She hadn’t expected any room in his home to be so warm and romantic, not that she had ever given much thought to the interior of his home.
His smile was soft. Almost timid, that was a first. “Inspired by Chihuly. Do you know his work?”
Her heart pounded, and mouth became dry. “Yes, he’s one of my favorite artists.” She reached for her glass and took a long sip.
Mimicking, he raised his glass, swirled the wine around and sipped, his eyes never leaving hers. “Hmm. Something else we…”
“…share in common.” She said, finishing his statement. Turning away from his stare, heat rushed to her cheeks.
A crooked smirk perched his lips, then spread to a full grin. “I’d love to show you the rest of the house tomorrow.”
“Sure, I’d like to see it.”
His eyes followed her gaze. “You’ve barely touched your food. Don’t you like it?” he asked and cocked his head to the side.
“The food is excellent. I’m not hungry … just can’t eat much right now.” Attempting to appease her host, she took a bite of potatoes and continued scanning the room.
The hardwood floors were stained in deep chocolate, a nice contrast to the stark whiteness of the wainscot paneling that ran around the lower half of the walls. A large buffet stood against one wall while the opposite wall was a set of French doors flanked by golden silk drapes that pooled to the floor.
“Those doors lead to a terrace overlooking the grounds that you saw on the drive up to the house.” He sipped his wine again.
The room was masculine and vibrant but full of passion and warmth, like the man who sat there with his perfectly sculpted features in his white dress shirt, muscles bulging, threatening her sanity. She liked the room, and she liked him.
“You have phenomenal design sensibility. This room is definitely a one-of-a-kind masterpiece,” she complimented.
“Thank you. My taste in women is equally exquisite. I covet one-of-a-kind treasures.”
Although his words touched her heart, she didn’t know if they held any permanence. Were his feelings being driven by his desire to bed her? The thought infuriated her.
“You’re a collector?” she asked, an icy twinge beneath her words.
“Of sorts.”
“Well, I’m not an acquisition.”
His shoulders stiffened. Slowly, the line stretched across his face relaxed, his lips curled upward. “I’m a collector of fine art, not women.” His smug grin irritated her. “Put up all the defenses and excuses you want, but that won’t change how I feel.”
Nervous waves rolled in her stomach. “This is dangerous.”
“What’s dangerous? The fact that I want you or that you want me too, or what can happen when you put two people who are wildly attracted to each other in a romantic room alone?”
Placing her hand against the table’s edge, she attempted to push away. He grabbed her wrist and held her tight. “We can’t happen,” she protested.
His grip tightened. “We will happen.”
Lowering her head, she turned away. A single tear leaked from the corner of her eye. She dabbed the moisture dry before he noticed.
“Axel, I can’t let this happen.” Her small voice fraught, tears pooled in her eyes threatened to spills.
He released her wrist. “Kerrigan, some things are beyond your control.”
She was completely attracted to the man in a way she had never experienced before. With Axel sitting next to her, she wasn’t sure of herself. Stop thinking. Go with your heart. Ashley’s words came crashing into her consciousness. She had promised to open herself to new experiences. Could she, should she let go for once and give in to temptation?
Axel saw a tear slide down her cheek. The pit of his gut dropped. He placed his folk down on the plate with a clink and turned to face her. “Kerrigan, let’s just take things slowly. I realize you’re hesitant. I know you’re scared. I want to earn your trust. Just try to relax. As I’ve already told you, I’m willing to be patient, especially because you’re worth the wait.”
She adjusted the napkin on her lap, avoiding his eyes. “Please understand that this is overwhelming to me, the very last thing I ever expected.”
Softening his tone, he hoped to soothe her anxiety. “I understand, but I know I’m right, you know I’m right. I know you feel the connection too. I can’t stop thinking about you. I just want to be near you.”
“Is this your idea of taking things slowly? Axel, just a few weeks ago I thought of you as my boss and I never imagined anything more. I had no other intentions or thoughts about you otherwise. Now you’re telling me that we should explore the chemistry that you think exists between us and …”
Before she could finish her lecture, he stood, grabbed her by the hand and pulled her up from the table.
“Axel, what are you doing?”
He didn’t say a word, only looked at her intensely, and then led her out onto the terrace. She was stunned into silence. When they reached the wrought iron railing, he released her. They faced each other in stillness, their eyes locked. With the sudden urge to consume her, his burly hands spanned her tiny waist and drew her closer, bringing her into full contact with his body.
“Axel, what, what are you doing?” She asked again, and again, he stared at her in silence.
He liked the way she quivered under his touch. He wouldn’t let her break his grip, even if she protested. He knew she didn’t want him to let her go. His left hand caressed her cheek as he stared deeply into her hazel eyes—beautiful eyes that stared up at him blinking rapidly and fighting tears.
Towering above her, he leaned down slowly, relishing her smell and feel of her pressed against him, and whispered in her ear. “Baby, this ends now. I won’t let you fight this anymore.” He crushed his lips against hers with such fierce passion that a whimper escaped her soul, and she collapsed into him.
His tongue invaded her mouth, taking and giving pleasure. A raspy growl escaped his lips as he devoured her voraciously. He had dreamed of this moment for so long and now here she was in his arms. She tasted like sweet honey, better than he had ever imaged. He pulled her closer, wrapping her in his warm embrace, their bodies taut and flush. He stole her breath making it hard for her to remain coherent. His tongue danced inside her mouth tangoing with hers. He was hungry for her, licking and sucking her lips so passionately that she released a soft moan. She trembled at his touch, but he steadied her in his arms.
The heat between them rose, as did his masculine desire. His erection pressed hard against her stomach begging entrance into her womanhood. The palms of her hands planted squarely against his chiseled chest. He savored her fingertips as they glided over every ridge and valley of his strength. She clung to him as if he were required for her own fortitude, kissing
him fervently.
The ferociousness of his kiss tamed after several minutes, becoming more sensual and less hedonistic. He took his time admiring her, how she felt beneath his touch, how she responded to his stroke. He had yearned to touch every part of her for so long that he couldn’t control his greedy hands. They were like an octopus. One hand cupped her round behind while the other hand caressed her cheek tenderly. Then Axel’s hand crept slowly up her arm, eager fingers dancing across her shoulders while the other hand slid across her breast. With both hands, he adjusted the tilt of her head to deepen his kiss, running his fingers through her long hair.
He felt the rapid rise and fall of her chest against his. A delicate hand gripped his shirt, gathering folds of white fabric between trembling fingers, the other lifted to his face caressed him tenderly. She breathed heavily and unsteadily. The way her body responded to his, he was certain that in that moment if he wanted to, he could make love to her beneath the naked starry night sky. He wanted her, but not like this. He respected and cared for her too much to cheapen their first time together. She deserved to be cherished slowly and sensually. He wanted to take his time and worship every part of her, and he did.
Ten minutes had passed before he pried his lips from hers. With his eyes still closed, and his breathing ragged, he placed his head down into the crook of her neck, breathing her in. She threw her head back and released a tiny sigh. The world spun around them, and her knees buckled as the haze of sexual frenzy slowly wafted away. He caught her in his arms and pulled her closer to keep her balanced on her feet. She still trembled in his clutch.
“You all right, baby?”
She kept her head down, her eyes avoiding his. He knew she was embarrassed. Barely audible, she managed one word. “Yes.”
“Look at me Kerrigan.” He demanded. When she didn’t comply, he lifted her chin and looked deeply into her eyes. “Can you deny it now? I felt your passion, and I know you felt mine.”
Her large and round eyes were captured by his gaze like a doe trapped by its hunter. “No.” Her response was timid.
He searched her eyes as a single tear escaped and trickled down her cheek. Taking the pad of his thumb, he wiped the tear away. “Baby, you’re okay. You’re safe with me. I would never hurt you. You drive me mad, unlike any other woman ever has. I want you, no one else—just you, Kerrigan.”
Her small shivering hand in his, he led her inside the house and up the stairs. No other words were spoken between them, and he guided her down the hall toward the bedroom like a lamb eager and willing to be slaughtered, and served up as the main course.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Axel wanted her badly. Tonight proved Kerrigan wanted him with equal hunger. She had been an indulgent fantasy for so long and now here she was in his home, in his arms and at his mercy. He knew that doubts and fear filled her. He had to do it now.
He stopped outside of the bedroom door and released her hand.
“This is the guest suite. If you need anything tonight, Emma’s number is on the nightstand and my bedroom is the last one down the hall.”
“Oh. I thought you wanted to…”
“Believe me—I want to so badly that I’m in pain. I’m tempted to walk pass this door and take you to my bedroom. My feelings for you are serious, Kerrigan, and I want to take things slowly for both our sakes. I respect you too much. You okay with that?”
She beamed and exhaled the breath she had been holding. “More than okay. Thank you.” This was the first time she seemed to relax that evening.
Stepping forward, he backed her against the door and placed his hands on either side of her head, and then leaned in. “Don’t get the wrong idea, Kerrigan. I want you in my bed, and I will have you, but not like this and not tonight. I won’t make any apologies for wanting you or for what I plan to do to you.”
Kerrigan’s shoulders slumped, and her body sank into the molded panel door. Her timid gaze and those large round eyes made his blood heat. Damn, he wanted her. She whispered a soft, “Oh.”
His arms dropped to his side, and then he backed away. His eyes traced her curvy frame, slow and sensual, and her face turned crimson. He hadn’t meant to intimidate her, but he liked that he could turn up the heat within her. The kiss was a major victory, but he knew other battles lie ahead.
“We have a full day tomorrow. You better rest up baby. There are new clothes in the wardrobe that should fit you. I hope you like them.”
Her forehead wrinkled. “I thought you were taking me back to the office tomorrow.”
“I’ll take you back tomorrow evening. I want you all to myself for most of the day. Besides, I still owe you a tour. Do you have better plans or a hot date?”
“I do have chores and errands to run on Saturday, and no, I don’t have a hot date, not that my plans are any of your business.”
“Sorry, sweetheart. You belong to me tomorrow.” And forever. “Unless your errands are a matter of life or death, they will have to wait. Take Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday off, if you need to, but tomorrow you’re with me. For the record, you are my business. No more dates for you, unless you’re going out with me.”
He smiled, caressed her cheek with the back of his hand, and then pecked her tenderly on the lips. “I can’t sleep now. I’m going to burn off some energy. Goodnight Kerrigan.” He turned to walk away.
“Goodnight,” She said sheepishly. “Thank you for the clothes.” Her reply, a subtle whisper.
Glancing back at her one last time, Axel could see his future with the woman in the doorway.
Kerrigan walked into the room, and then closed the door behind her. Instinctively, she twisted the little button on the knob, locking the door. Without looking around at her surroundings, she made her way to the bed and tossed herself onto the crisp white linens, rolling and giddy like a sixteen-year-old girl after her first kiss. Her legs still felt like soft spaghetti and her head spun. She lay daydreaming, eyes fixed to the ceiling as she mulled over the kiss she had just shared with Axel. She floated high in a state of bliss and then came back down to earth, sitting up, she glanced around and observed the magnificent room, chic with clean lines and minimalistic furnishings in mahogany toned woods.
There were many thoughts racing through Kerrigan’s mind. She had been kissed before, but never like that, never to the point that her legs were limp, her mind blank and her desire built so strong that she couldn’t breathe and was ready to surrender. The question that haunted her, that tormented her to no end was what would happen if she gave in to Axel.
Deciding on a shower, she looked through the grand wardrobe for a change of clothes. She found that all the clothing was indeed her size just as he had said they would be. She also noted that there were enough clothes for more than one night’s stay. How long did he plan to keep her there? She took a fresh set of undergarments, a seductive nightgown and robe, and made her way to the bathroom.
Like everything else in Axel’s home, the bathroom was unbelievable, like a room come to life from the pages of an upscale interior design magazine. The room’s spa-like qualities included expensive stone flooring and a soft pale green color palette, making the setting serene and comforting.
She turned on the shower. Steam quickly filled the room, easing her tension and muddled thoughts. The warm water cascaded down her body as she reminisced about Axel’s lips on hers only moments earlier. His strong commanding hands roaming her body had been the fulfillment of her fantasies. The memories conjured the same sensation and warmth between Kerrigan’s thighs.
She ran her hands down her stomach and to her hot, throbbing sex. Rubbing vigorously at her clitoris, she imagined he was touching her. The pressure was mounted on top of remnants of the evening’s earlier events. She climaxed almost as soon as she touched herself. It was quick, but she needed to release the sexual tension that had been building all night—heck, all year. She wasn’t into masturbation, but he had done something to stir the hunger inside her. It wasn’t an earth-shattering orgasm
, but she felt better afterwards.
She slipped on the sexy nightgown, combed her hair and headed for the balcony through French doors dressed with light, ivory curtains. The breeze was invigorating in the darkness that loomed around her. The only light illuminating the night was the cerulean glow of the pool below. She barely could see anything on the large balcony, but she managed to find a lounge chair and sank into the seat. She would use this time to organize her sparse thoughts.
If anyone had told her that she would be at her boss’ house making out with him on Friday evening and spending the night, she would have burst into a fit of laughter. This was certainly one hell of a start to opening herself to new adventures and experiences. Intellectually, she knew the risks of getting involved with Axel, but she wanted him despite the high stakes.
She was about to head inside when a bright light emanating from a set of glass doors caught her attention. The back of the house was u-shaped, and the glass doors were opposite her room on the lower level of the house. She stilled as she focused, making out a figure of a person, a man—Axel. He came into clearer view. With his back facing the door and the balcony being so dark, he wouldn’t see her watching him. He lifted and removed his shirt, exposing all his manly appeal. His body was sculpted to the hilt. He dropped to the ground and began a set of pushups. Even from this view, she could see every muscle in his strong arms and back, flex and strain at his rigorous exertion.
She salivated at the sight of him. She wanted to know what it would feel like to lie underneath him, feeling the sensation of his body thrusting into hers. She shook the thought out of her head as quickly as it had come. He finally stood, stretched his arms outward and then made his way to what looked like a treadmill. Now he was facing in her direction. She jumped up and headed for the opened door to her room, nearly crashing into a table on her way in. She ran inside and closed the door before he could catch her. Her heart pounded heavily against her chest. That was close.
Pull Me Closer (Suits in Pursuit) Page 12