erection. Brenda interrupting him during masturbation was the equivalent to his mother catching him yanking off to a dirty magazine—an easy turn off.
His second act not fully carried out, he had no choice but to face her. With the intensity between them mounting, he was more determined than ever to break her.
CHAPTER FOUR
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Five minutes later, Axel appeared in the lobby, to find Kerrigan standing at the large floor-to-ceiling windows, peering out at the city as he walked up and stood next to her. Aware of his presence, she turned to greet him.
“Sorry about disappearing . I had to take care of something. You ready?” He kept his voice smooth and calm, hoping his anxiety didn’t come across. He had waited for such a long time, to get her alone and away from the office.
“Yes. I’m ready.”
He tugged her elbow playfully . “Great. It’s such a beautiful day out. You might have to convince me to come back. Come on, let’s go.”
She smiled back , and her tight shoulders relaxed. “Well, you’re the boss. If you decide to play hooky, I can’t stop you,” she said with an effervescent tone like bubbles overflowing from a champagne glass.
“No, you probably couldn’t stop me, but I’d take you with me. I need a partner in crime if I’m going to play hooky. Besides, I think we could have a lot of fun together.”
Her lips stretched into a beam . “Just in case this is a test, you should know that I’d never take advantage of company time.”
“I think I need to keep you close to me at all times. You’ll keep me honest.”
He led them to a park nestled between an old office building and a wooded area. When they arrived, he pulled out his cell phone.
“We’re here. Yes, right now. Thanks,” he said to the person on the other end of the call.
He turned and penetrated her with his heavy gaze. “I thought we’d enjoy lunch in the park. Food is on the way. Okay with you?” He studied her face.
Her eyes sparkled like stars in the Milky Way . “Yes. This is perfect weather. I love being outdoors.”
He stretched out his arms wide, enjoying the rays of sunlight . “Great.”
They walked along the tree-lined cobblestone pathway to a remote section of the park where tables and benches were arranged. A stonewall separated the area from an open green space, making it secluded and intimate. A wide variety of plants and mums painted in various shades of pink, white, yellow, red and purple lined the top of the wall, adding height for privacy. The skyline was a panorama painted with tall skyscrapers made of metal and glass stretching toward the stratosphere. The sounds of urban life were muffled in the distance. A brilliant afternoon sun played peek-a-boo in the bright blue sky behind fluffy white clouds. Freshly cut lawn and the sweet aroma of a botanical haven permeated their senses.
He led them to a garden table in the secluded seating area of the park. He towered behind her as he pulled out her chair, brushing his nose against her soft hair. Closing his eyes, he inhaled the floral fragrance that was uniquely hers. His heart raced in his chest, and his mouth became dry.
After she had sat, he maneuvered his chair to the side of the table, sitting more closely to her. Two copies of the McBride presentation in hand, she passed one to him. The light graze of her fingers sent a cold chill up his spine. Flipping through the pages of his copy, he paused as he read them over. A slow, easy smile crept onto his lips.
“ Kerrigan, this is amazing. You’re amazing. It’s brilliant how you’ve played into McBride’s love of sport fishing with the campaign’s theme. I think you should present, not me. I know the man quite well. He’ll respond much better to an intelligent, beautiful woman than he would respond to me.”
“You’re kind, but I’ve never pitched anything this big before. Are you sure you want me to do it?”
He captured her eyes with his and held her gaze.
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