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

Axel, she was happy about the move to Atlanta, the city was turning out to be exactly what she hoped Atlanta offered—well, almost.
    “I’m preparing for my first major presentation. I’m going out with the client tomorrow evening. I’m nervous about our meeting. I heard the guy is a jerk.”
    “You’ll be fine. Are you going alone?”
    She couldn’t help grinning like an idiot whenever she thought about him. “No, I’m going with the CEO of my company. The same man who hired and promoted me, so no pressure, right?” She was glad her mother couldn’t see her face.
    “That’s fantastic honey! He obviously trusts you. Where are you taking your client? To a dinner?”
    “Not exactly. Axel hasn’t told me where we’re going, but he said I should wear jeans.” She liked saying his name and with her mom, she could say his name in an unassuming way.
    “Axel?”
    “Oh. Sorry. Axel Christensen. That’s my boss’ name.”
    “He’s got an odd name. Well, just be you. I know you’ll do an outstanding job.”
    “Thanks mom. Axel is very encouraging. He’s a great guy.” She hadn’t realized that the words leaped from her lips with such enthusiasm until they were spoken. Her mother didn’t detect anything unusual.
    They talked a short while longer about her dad and brother before hanging up. She climbed into bed and still feeling chatty, she called Ashley, to tell her about the lunch meeting with Axel.
    “I told you he’s after you,” Ashley said, after Kerrigan had described how suggestive Axel had been.
    Kerrigan rolled her eyes. “He’s just a flirt and nothing more.”
    “Uh huh. You have a crush on him. He’s ridiculously attractive, more than attractive. You could do a lot worse than him.”
    She rolled onto her stomach and propped herself up on her elbows. “You know I think he’s hot, but I know better. He’s dangerous, even you agree. Men like Axel aren’t interested in women like me for the long haul and I’m not interested in being the office fling. Ash, Axel is just a flirt, that’s all.”
    “What if he seriously likes you? What if all his talk about finding the right woman was about you? The man can’t keep his eyes off you. He finds reasons to be around you. Others have noticed too. Hmm … private lunches and one-on-one meetings. Sounds suspect to me.”
    Kerrigan was reminded of both Rich’s and Megan’s remarks. People in the office had been talking.
    “Really? Our meetings are about the McBride account ,” Kerrigan replied sarcastically.
    “Then why is he using your meeting time to talk about romance? Word on the street says that he’s trying to get you in bed or that you’re already sleeping together.”
    Angered, Kerrigan turned and sat straight up. “What? That’s outrageous! I’m working with him, and that doesn’t mean we’re sleeping together.” She fumed.
    “I know that, and o f course, I defend you, but that doesn’t stop the gossips. If I were you, I wouldn’t worry about the rumors.” Ashley’s soothing tone eased Kerrigan’s anger. “I’d worry about finding out Axel’s motives. Is he playing a game or is he serious about you?”
    She closed her eyes and placed her head into her hands. “Oh, I’m so confused. Honestly, I do like him, but I know what he’s after and I don’t do the casual sex thing.”
    “I hear you, but if you do decide to put a little cream in your coffee, I won’t be mad at you. Axel is one hell of a specimen.” Ashley let out a garish laugh, melting Kerrigan’s tension.
    They both giggled like silly teenagers, and then ended the conversation. Soon afterward, Kerrigan turned in to bed, thinking about her conversation with Axel that afternoon. Perhaps Ashley was right. Maybe he had been finding or creating reasons to get her alone. She didn’t let the thought linger too long before drifting off to sleep.

CHAPTER FIVE
    Wednesday, August 22
    Kerrigan was on the edge about the meeting with McBride that evening. All day