“Hmm, interesting. How many wrong men have you … hmm, encountered?”
Kerrigan slapped her hand over her mouth to keep from spewing the water she had swigged everywhere. She swallowed hard. “Oh! No. When I met Axel, I was a virg ... ” She didn’t think her heart could pound any harder or that she could be any closer to spontaneous combustion.
Curious eyes met Kerrigan’s. “You were a virgin when you met Axel?” Elizabeth asked.
Her face lowered and covered with one hand to avoid Elizabeth’s penetrating stare, the seconds passed slowly, the hands of the miniature grandfather clock on the mantel ticked along in amplified torture. “Yes.” Kerrigan uttered softly.
The room became completely silent. Even the grandfather clock seemed to hush.
“I must admit, I’m comforted knowing that you haven’t had … let’s just call them ‘prior experiences’ before dating my son.” Elizabeth cleared her throat and raised an eyebrow. “I presume you’re more experienced now.”
Kerrigan brought her knees to her chest, balling herself up on the sofa as small as possible. “Yes.” She barely found her voice. She nervously twirled her hair and kept her head down.
“I’m sorry dear. I don’t mean to get so personal, but Axel is my son. I’ve always been sensitive about Axel and women. I don’t want him to get hurt. He’s had some … difficulties in the past.”
Her head rested against the soft, cool leather. “If you mean Sara, he told me all about the whole awful thing.” She gladly switched subjects.
“Yes, Sara,” Elizabeth snarled and balled her slender fingers into a fist.
“You’ll understand the protection a mother feels one day when you have children of your own. Do you want children?”
“Someday, but in the proper order,” Kerrigan said. “Dating. Love. Marriage.”
“You seem to have a good head on your shoulders. Do you plan to marry my son?”
The question hit her in the gut like a battering ram. Having his mother ask the very direct question was horrifying. Kerrigan hadn’t even allowed herself to entertain the thought. She sipped her water again. The bristling leaves her distraction, her eyes stayed fixed outside. “We’re taking things one day at a time. I care for Axel, and he cares for me. He hasn’t made any serious indication of his intentions in that regard, and I’m not pressuring him.”
Elizabeth smiled warmly. “I’m not trying to be terrible. You’re a sweet girl. I can see why he loves you. I just know my son. When that boy of mine gets something in his head, resisting is useless.” She shook her head.
“Yes, I’m learning that.” Eyebrows raised, Kerrigan smiled, this time glancing at Elizabeth.
The women chatted the rest of the day. Elizabeth told her stories about Axel—embarrassing things that would have made him cringe had he known.
Standing in front of the wood beam mantel, Elizabeth’s fingers traced the edge of a silver picture frame. She stared at the photo of an adolescent Axel standing next to his father, both holding fishing poles and broad grins plastered across tanned faces. “When Axel was a teenager, I asked him why he never brought home any of his dates or introduced us to any girlfriends.” She whipped around to Kerrigan. “Do you know what he said?” The long cream dress Elizabeth wore and her long hair flowing down her back made her appear angelic.
“What did he say?”
“He said he wouldn’t waste time introducing the family to a girl who was only temporary in his life.”
“That’s pretty insightful for a teenager.”
“Yes. He’s always been very serious about relationships. I asked him the same question on his thirtieth birthday. He said he’d only introduce the family to the woman he felt was wife-worthy—his words, not mine.” She paused, her eyes glinting. “Well, here you are.”
Speechless, Kerrigan’s insides twitched. This was too much to process now.
“If Axel didn’t see your relationship moving forward, you wouldn’t be here. I’m sure you know exactly where you stand with him.” Elizabeth shook her head. “He’s always been brutally honest with women—good or bad.”
Afraid of her own feelings, Kerrigan wouldn’t tell Elizabeth that Axel had already said he wanted more with her and had even hinted at marriage. Maybe there was reason to hope.
Later in the afternoon, the men returned from fishing. Ryker proudly displayed his prize largemouth bass. To prepare the evening meal, Elizabeth brought in Chef Miguel Santos. Axel was right. His mother never worked a day in her life, not even to prepare a meal for the family.
The porch’s outdoor fireplace crackled, drowning out the hum of insects, rustle of nocturnal animals climbing and clawing, and the creak of branches under the foot of creatures scurrying.
John placed his fork down and pushed back from the dinner table. “Well dear, that was a great meal.” Rubbing his full belly, the edges of his mouth turned up, and his eyes landed on Kerrigan. “Did you enjoy yours?”
“Yes, sir.” She glanced at Ryker and then at Elizabeth. “That was the best baked fish I’ve had in a long time.”
Axel quietly observed, his handsome face graced by a serene expression. His longing eyes stared at her the same way they had in the account managers meetings week after week until he stopped attending. The petals between her thighs dampened on command of his gaze.
Even the roar of the outdoor fireplace wasn’t enough to charge the crisp night air, the temperature dropping by the minute. A chill crawled up her spine, and she shivered. She glided her hand up and down her arms, creating warmth from the friction. Axel scooted his teak wood chair closer to hers and placed his arm around her shoulders.
“That’s the oldest move in the book. Why not offer her your jacket?” Ryker threw his head back and let out a hearty laugh.
“I don’t have a jacket. Besides, if I wanted to make a move on Kerrigan, this is what I would have done.” Axel lifted her chin and covered her lips with his. She was glad she sat. Otherwise, she would have fallen to the floor as her knees buckled. Pulling away reluctantly, “That’s how I’d make a move.” Axel flashed a wicked smile, every inch of her flesh tingled.
Elizabeth stood. “Time to clean up. Anyone care to help?” She winked at Kerrigan.
“Come on dear, I’ll help.” John piped up. “Ryker, you too.”
With everyone gone, Axel leaned in closer and kissed her again. Slowly peeling his lips away, he grinned as wide and as long as the planks of wood on the deck. “Enjoying yourself?” Flustered, she opened her eyes. “Yes. I’m having a great time. Your family is wonderful.” For the first time since their arrival, Kerrigan relaxed.
His large hand caressed her cheek, and he smiled. “Everyone loves you. Me especially.”
They walked the streets of the small town, and Axel held Kerrigan’s hand in his. He led them into quaint boutiques, looking for nothing in particular. The first stop was an antique shop, and the next stop was an art gallery, places he thought Kerrigan would appreciate. Next, he led them to a jewelry store.
The glass-enclosed cases sparkled with brilliance, the light of the elaborate crystal chandeliers shined and bounced off exquisite stones and metals, that came in every variety, from gold to platinum to sapphire to diamond. Feigning innocence, he walked to the case filled with engagement and bridal rings, loitering there until she strolled over to join him.
“May I help you sir?” A tall and spindly man asked from the other side of the counter.
“We’re admiring your jewelry.” He glanced at her from the corner of his eye, slyly watching her as her eyes darted across the rings until they lingered. He made a mental note of the rings her eyes paused on, noticing they were the smallest ones in the case. When the time was right, he would do better than that. She deserved the best.
“Sweetheart, I see you like the princess cut style. Aren’t they beautiful?” He asked.
“Yes, they are,” she blushed when she realized that he had seen her looking at the engagement rings.
Wit
h his mission accomplished, he continued his conversation with the salesperson, the chatter of other customers in the background.
“I’m looking for a promise ring for my girlfriend.” He smiled down at Kerrigan. She met his gaze, her eyes bulged, and breath was labored.
“Sir, those are in the next case over. What size ring do you wear Miss?” The gangly man addressed Kerrigan.
“Oh. I don’t know. I’ll have to be fitted. I don’t wear a lot of jewelry,” she replied, giving Axel a quizzical look. “You don’t have to buy anything for me.” She whispered.
He grabbed her around the waist, pulling her into his side. “Sweetheart, I want to purchase a ring for you to express my feelings. See anything you like?”
She blinked a few times but didn’t respond right away. He studied her face intently and then leaned down, and kissed her gently on the forehead, whispering in her ear, “Baby, I want the world to know that you’re promised to me. Will you wear my ring?”
Nervous eyes peered back. “Are you sure?” she asked.
“I’m absolutely sure.” He smiled brightly.
“O … Okay.” She looked at the rings and selected a diamond studded, heart-shaped ring in white gold.
The clerk held out his hand to her. “Miss, may I see your right hand? We’ll size your right hand ring finger.” She held out her hand, and the clerk slipped the ring-sizer onto her long slender finger.
“You wear a size 6. I know I have this ring in your size.” His kind smile reached the corners of his eyes.
“Great. That’s the one we’ll take.” Axel pulled out his wallet and handed the man his credit card. He was glad she would wear his promise ring, but his real intent was to find out her ring size.
“Very good. That will be sixty five hundred dollars plus tax.”
Kerrigan gasped, and her hand flew up to her mouth. “Axel, you can’t spend that kind of money on me.” She pleaded.
Hovering over her, he whispered to her. “Sweetheart, I can afford the ring.”
She smiled and looked up at him. “I know, but that’s …” Before she could finish her response, the man returned with the receipt and the ring. Axel took the box from the man, lifted the top and removed the ring. Taking her trembling right hand in his, he held her gaze and slipped the ring onto her finger.
“Kerrigan, this ring is a symbol of my love for you, and a promise of many good things to come in the future.” He lowered his head, closed his eyes and everything around him faded to black, except her. Her small hands on his chest clinging to him for strength winded him. He breathed in her sweet fragrance as he captured her soft lips with his tender kiss. She pulled away, dazed, staring helplessly into his eyes. “I want you to wear it every day, for me baby. Promise me.” He said.
He knew she wouldn’t reject him now. He owned her heart even though she wouldn’t admit that she loved him. “Thank you Axel.” Her voice was shaky. “I’ll wear the ring for you every day. I promise.” She beamed with trembling lips and tears pooled in her eyes.
Coming from out of nowhere, Ryker sneaked up behind Axel and whispered into his ear. “One ring down, two to go.”
Axel flung himself around and narrowed his eyes at Ryker, silently reminding him that he would make good on his earlier promise if he stepped out of line.
She lifted her hand and showed off her ring to Ryker. “What do you think?” She asked.
“Absolutely beautiful Kerrigan. My brother has good taste.”
Ryker meant that in more than one way.
They left the jewelry store and made their way to an ice cream parlor, the sugary scent tempting their taste buds to try an assortment of flavors. Seated at a round aluminum table, Axel and Kerrigan fed each other, teasing playfully as though they were the only two people in the world. In all his life, he had never behaved this way, never felt this way. Being in love was great.
Ryker rolled his eyes. “If you don’t stop this humiliating public display of affection, I think I’ll vomit,” he said, and then pretended to shove a finger down his throat.
“Jealousy is a horrible trait that looks ugly on you my friend.” Axel replied.
At that moment, a loud group of women scampered into the shop. “Axel? Axel Christensen? That is you,” a woman screeched, turning Axel’s head in her direction.
He instantly recognized the sound that came from the tall blonde woman. His lips pressed together, jaw clenched and eyes narrowed.
“Oh my goodness! Axel Christensen! It’s such a small world. I haven’t seen you in ages.” The shrill of her nasally, high-pitched southern drawl, made his ears bleed. Looking back at her entourage as she slithered out of the time capsule, the 1990 Dolly Patron wannabe moved closer to where they sat, her hot pink heels clanking against the ceramic tile.
He didn’t say a word. He glanced at a frowning Kerrigan, tightened his grip on her and squeezed her hand. Charlotte was a loud ball of energy, one of the many things about her that annoyed him. Charlotte’s gaze poured over the couple and flinching, she stiffened. Catching Axel’s eyes, she parted her lips, but nothing came out. He had to establish control.
“Hello Charlotte. It’s been a while. I hope you’re well.”
“I’m great Axel. Looks as if you’re doing okay yourself,” she sneered at Kerrigan.
“Charlotte, this is my girlfriend, Kerrigan. Kerrigan, this is Charlotte. Uh, we’re old friends,” Axel replied tersely.
“Hi there, uh Keri-gain, is it?” She said slaughtering her name like a butcher wielding an axe in a field of cattle. “Ax and I go way, way back. We dated off and on for a long, long time. We had some real good times, didn’t we Ax.” She winked. Snickers and giggles came from the three women who accompanied Charlotte.
He squeezed Kerrigan’s hand again. He wasn’t sure what she must have been thinking, but this wasn’t good. Charlotte Monroe was the last woman he ever wanted to see again, especially with Kerrigan in his company.
“That was a long time ago Charlotte. It’s been at least five years,” he replied coolly. Charlotte was rude, loud and spoiled. Truthfully, he had only dated her for sex, a fact that he had been upfront about. He broke it off when she wanted to get serious.
Still holding Kerrigan’s hand, he lifted their hands from under the table and placed them on display hoping Charlotte would see the promise ring. The woman irritated him like no other, from the shriek of her voice to her bodacious advances on him when they dated.
With an unctuous response, she leaned down pretending to want a better look at Kerrigan’s ring. “Look at that darling little ring. That’s the cutest little thing I’ve ever seen. I didn’t know they made diamonds so small.”
Ryker scowled at Charlotte, glaring with fiery eyes. “Charlotte, my brother didn’t give you a ring, did he? I guess there wasn’t anything to promise. Weren’t you sleeping with half the town? Aren’t you still sleeping with half the town?” He eyed her and then shot a look to the women standing behind her who covered their mouths with their hands.
“Ryker Christensen, you are the most ill-mannered man I’ve ever met.” Charlotte’s face flushed a shade of red nearly as deep as her garish lipstick. “Keri-gain, it was good meeting you. Axel, keep your brother on a leash.” She whipped around, her knock-off designer handbag flapping behind her as she scooted off.
He nodded his head. “Thanks bro.” Axel chuckled.
Axel turned to Kerrigan. “Baby, I’m sorry about that. We can exchange your ring for something bigger—whatever you want. The thing with Charlotte was a long time ago.” He searched her face, hoping she wasn’t angry or upset.
She looked up at him with her round hazel eyes, the edges of her mouth twisting in an upward curl. “Axel, I love my darling little ring with all its tiny little diamonds.” She placed her hand on his chest. “This is the one I want. I don’t need anything more than this.”
His chest tightened at the dual meaning of her words.
Sunday, October 7
The cabin weekend ende
d late Sunday afternoon. They all said their goodbyes and went their separate ways. The ride back with Axel had been comfortable. She wasn’t sure how their relationship and interactions would progress once they returned to life as normal. They arrived in the city before nine o’clock in the evening. He had invited her to stay the night with him at his house, but she was hesitant. She didn’t want anyone from the office to see her and Axel ride in to work together. He pulled the SUV into her apartment complex and they sat in the parking lot.
“Kerrigan, I don't like that you are living alone in this apartment. Besides, I think I’m getting used to you in my bed at night. I may have to kidnap you again. Things worked in my favor the first time,” he said, smirking.
She rolled her eyes and laughed. “Yes, things did work in your favor. What more could you possibly want?” She said.
He pursed his lips and nodded his head. “So much more baby. You have no idea.” The look he gave her sent a shiver up her spine. She wasn’t about to go down this path with him, so she didn’t say another word on the subject.
They walked hand in hand to her front door, but when they stopped, Axel refused to release her hand. Finally breaking free of his grasp, she opened the door and walked into her apartment. She spun around in the doorway to face Axel, who was only inches away. He leaned down and brushed her lips lightly with a soft kiss.
“I’m not inviting you in. I know what will happen if I do. Neither of us will get any sleep, and we both have lots of work to catch up on tomorrow.” She patted his chest gently, hoping to soothe him.
“Well, expect to be called up to my office tomorrow for a special closed-door meeting,” he returned, giving her a sinister grin. Kerrigan felt a swarm of butterflies in her belly, and her cheeks warmed.
“You wouldn’t! Brenda sits right outside of your office.”
“I will. My office is soundproof, and I have an en suite bathroom, equipped with a luxurious shower for such occasions. Do you know how long I’ve wanted to have you in my office? I suggest you bring extra panties. I can’t promise you’ll leave with yours intact.”
Closer To You (Suits in Pursuit) Page 5