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

she had been thinking about what she should and shouldn’t say. Although this wasn’t the formal pitch, she knew that developing a positive relationship with McBride was critical. Brenda had sent her an email on Axel’s behalf reminding her that he would meet her at seven o’clock in the lobby. She was glad that they were meeting so late. Everyone would be gone by then. Someone seeing them leave together was the last thing she needed. The rumor mill factory would go into overdrive.
    At six thirty, she went to change into her jeans and blouse, and then headed to the lobby. When she arrived, Axel was already there waiting. The butterflies in her belly fluttered at the sight of him. She had never seen Axel dressed so casually. He sported dark, designer denim, a white button down shirt and stylish sporty loafers. Damn! He’s fine as hell. Axel’s suits didn’t do justice to his athletic build. He was built solid like a tank and his ass looked fabulous. His arms were sculpted and strong. She would have to work hard to keep her eyes off him.
    He hadn’t seen her enter the lobby. He was on his cell phone with his back to her as she walked up from behind. He must have sensed her presence because he turned around, and then fumbled his cell phone, nearly dropping the thing. He stammered a few parting words on the phone as he ended his call. His eyes stayed glued to her as he feasted on every inch of her body. His lusty gaze made her stomach quiver and knees weak. Not attempting to hide his appraisal or approval, he liked what he saw, and he wanted her to know.
    She opened her mouth to speak, the words trapped in Kerrigan’s throat, and nothing came out . The rolling waves in her stomach made her queasy like a lovesick teen. She was relieved when he spoke first.
    “Hi Kerrigan. You’re timing is perfect. You look …” he paused, his eyes sweeping her up and down again, “… absolutely incredible! You ready?”
    “Thank you.” Her cheeks warmed. “Yes, I’m ready. Where are we going?”
    “We’re going to a baseball game. I have a private suite at the stadium. I was just talking to McBride’s assistant. He’s going to be late. He has some emergency to handle.”
    “Are you sure he’s coming? Maybe we should rain-check?”
    “No. We’re going regardless.” He grabbed her by the hand and pulled her out of the door and toward the parking deck elevator. “Besides, I think you and I could use some fun, with or without McBride. It’s only Wednesday, and it’s already been a long week. Let’s go.”
    When they reached the elevator, he released her tingling hand, the feeling of his firm grip lingering.
    Axel walked her to the passenger side of a black Lexus IS F. His car was luxurious and masculine and sporty. He opened the door and helped her climb inside. The car’s interior smelled like him—musky and male, wrecking her senses, and her head spun. He slid into the driver’s seat, hit the ignition button, and the car roared to life. They had driven in silence for a few awkward minutes before he broke the tension.
    “You like baseball?”
    “I’m not a big fan, but going to a live game is always exciting.”
    “I’m not a big fan either, but the skybox is an investment for entertaining.”
    “ Sounds like a good investment. Do you entertain clients a lot?”
    “ Yes, mostly. I host office gatherings with the staff and use the space for … recreational outings.”
    “Recreational outings?” She threw a curious glance at him.
    “Yes. Dates.”
    She frowned. “That’s interesting. Do you mean for boy-girl dates? How’s that an investment?” She couldn’t wait to hear his reasoning. This would be good.
    He smile d. “An investment in my future happiness, of course. I don’t plan to be a bachelor forever. I’m working hard not to be.” She saw him look down at her bare left hand, or perhaps that was in her head. She really had to get a grip.
    She was going to set him straight, keep him honest as