Free Pull Me Closer (Suits in Pursuit) by Lauren H. Kelley

healthy dose of patience. Give her time to learn to trust you,” she said.
    He released her arm . Hope was a lighter load than the uncertainty that he had carried all these months. “Hmm. That is good advice. Although I’m not a patient man, especially when I know what I want.” He glanced back down at her.
    “If you’re not willing to wait for her, she must not be very special to you.”
    He caught her eyes again. “She ’s incredibly special to me. Of course, I want things to move along faster, but I know she’s afraid. What are you afraid of Kerrigan?” Shit. The question blurted out.
    She gasped and stepped back. “Excuse me?”
    His heart hammered in his chest. “I, I meant … your womanly insights might be helpful.” He stammered. “What would make you afraid to explore your feelings?”
    “That’s a topic for another day.” She rested her fanned hand on her chest at the base of her throat.
    “I’ll hold you to that. So, have you written any pages in your new chapter? Are you finding everything you had come here looking for?”
    She shrugged her shoulders. “I’m learning that writing a new chapter takes time. I’ve found some things I was looking for, and well others … not so much.” Her eyes sank.
    “Then we’ll definitely have to do this again. Maybe we can find a way to get you everything you’re looking for, and you can give me your perspective on what might make a woman afraid to explore her feelings.”
    He held the door open for her. The light in her eyes flickered out, and they glossed over, her expression downcast. He wasn’t sure if his directness had upset her, but her mood passed in an instant. As they entered the building, she turned and flashed him with the beaming glow of her gentle smile. Adrenaline pumped through his system and his heart fluttered.
    “Thank you for lunch. I’ll practice delivering the presentation.”
    “Kerrigan, I enjoyed your company. We’ll do lunch again soon. Don’t forget about tomorrow evening. Give me your cell phone number in case I need to reach you. I’ll dial you now, and then you’ll have my number too. We’ll leave here at seven. Wear something comfortable like jeans. We’ll have fun.”
    After t hey had exchanged phone numbers, she pivoted on her heel, heading toward the elevator. Giving him a sideways glance, she tossed words at him over her shoulder. “Thanks again for lunch.”
    Watching her slink from his view, she was as lovely, going and coming, the sway of her hips rekindling memories of his earlier predicament and he was back where he started.

    Kerrigan unlocked her front door and rushed inside. Her thoughts returned to her conversation at lunch with Axel. Who was this mystery woman? He could have any woman he wanted. She had seen some of them, beautiful models, tall blonds and brunettes—that was the kind of woman who would steal his heart. The conversation made her uncomfortable, and although she knew she had no right to be, she was angry. He had confessed his interest in someone else and wanted her help to get into the psyche of his mystery woman. She knew she needed to abandon any silly romantic notions she had about him.
    She had a long day and still had lots to do. She thought about what she should wear to work the next day, especially for the client meeting with Harris McBride that evening. She would have to bring a change of clothes since Axel had told her to wear jeans. She packed black skinny jeans, a shimmery red blouse and ballerina flats. What would he think of her outfit? She reminded herself that he was a dangerous proposition to be avoided at all costs. What he thought didn’t matter.
    After she had eaten dinner, she called her mother for a quick chat.
    “How are you sweetie?”
    “I’m good. How are you? How’s dad?”
    “Oh, we’re both fine. Nothing new on this end. Are you enjoying your new job?”
    She wasn’t about to reveal her secret crush on the boss. Other than the strange situation with