Read Online Pull Me Closer (Suits in Pursuit) by Lauren H. Kelley - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Lauren H. Kelley
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is more focused than the newspaper reports.”
Th e corners of his lips twisted into a smirk. She always reminded him of his position. “I’m glad to relieve you of your worry. Now that we’ve established the truth, we can move on to more interesting topics. I enjoy learning new things about my employees.” Take that.
The rest of their chat had been easy. Two o’clock came, and then it went—they would be late getting back to the office. He enjoyed her company, and learning that they shared similar tastes, interests, likes and dislikes.
“After graduating from business school, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life,” he said.
She nodded in agreement. “Me either.”
“I interned at an agency in New York for six months, and I loved it.”
“I interned at an agency after college, too. The creative energy and excitement of the hustle and bustle won me over too.” A smile touched her eyes. “My first real gig was in New York.”
He wrinkled his forehead. “Why did you leave the city?” He asked.
“The pace got old. Plus, I received an offer I couldn’t refuse—tripled my salary and moved to Texas where the cost of living was much better. Besides, I landed the internship thanks to one of my brother’s connections. In some way, I wanted to prove to my family that could make it on my own. They weren’t thrilled with my career choice.”
“That’s why I started the agency. I didn’t want my father’s money. I wanted to achieve success on my own terms and of my own merit. I’ve always believed in hard work, but I play hard too.”
“So, you’re just a regular hardworking Joe?” She teased, the smile in her voice chiming like a song.
He cocked his head to one side. “I’m as regular as they come—just a little more interesting, I hope.”
Axel was undoubtedly flirting. He hoped that making her realize how down-to-earth he was would ease her antsy jitters and anxiety whenever they were together.
This was a good start. He enjoyed spending one-on-one time with Kerrigan, getting to know her personally. Although he could spend all afternoon with her, he knew the afternoon had to end.
“Thank you for indulging me in a game of hooky this afternoon. Better get you back to the office. I’d hate your reputation to be smeared by the likes of me. You might be mistaken as the lady I’m keeping company with,” he teased, trying to gauge her reaction.
Shifting in her seat, Kerrigan raised one eyebrow and rubbed her nose. “I didn’t mean to insult you.” Her voice was soft and meek.
“It’s disappointing that I have this reputation. It’s quite opposite of the man I am. I want so much more,” he said.
“Aw, the plight of the highly sought, eligible bachelor,” she sneered.
He stood and held out his hand to help her up. “It’s too bad that I’m not highly sought by one woman I want.”
She placed her hand in his , and he helped her up from the chair. Her touch surprised him, not expecting the rush of warmth that started in his hand, moved up his arm, and then radiated through his torso and down to his feet. They walked back through the park quietly neither saying a word. When they neared the front of the building, he slowed his pace, prolonging their time together.
Facing forward, he observed her with a furtive glance from the corner of his eye. “I’m a bachelor but, not by choice. I’ve been waiting for the right woman to come along so I can show her what I’m made of, whom I am and how good things can be with me.”
“I’m sure you’ll find your special lady someday.” She said.
He stopped, gently grabbing her by the forearm and she whirled around to face him. He peered into her eyes. “I already have, but she’ll take some convincing. She keeps barriers between us. Kerrigan, do you have any idea how I can get her to trust me, open up to me?”
His words landed perfectly as if he were an arrow and she the dartboard. Bulls-eye.
“Sounds as if you need a
Th e corners of his lips twisted into a smirk. She always reminded him of his position. “I’m glad to relieve you of your worry. Now that we’ve established the truth, we can move on to more interesting topics. I enjoy learning new things about my employees.” Take that.
The rest of their chat had been easy. Two o’clock came, and then it went—they would be late getting back to the office. He enjoyed her company, and learning that they shared similar tastes, interests, likes and dislikes.
“After graduating from business school, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life,” he said.
She nodded in agreement. “Me either.”
“I interned at an agency in New York for six months, and I loved it.”
“I interned at an agency after college, too. The creative energy and excitement of the hustle and bustle won me over too.” A smile touched her eyes. “My first real gig was in New York.”
He wrinkled his forehead. “Why did you leave the city?” He asked.
“The pace got old. Plus, I received an offer I couldn’t refuse—tripled my salary and moved to Texas where the cost of living was much better. Besides, I landed the internship thanks to one of my brother’s connections. In some way, I wanted to prove to my family that could make it on my own. They weren’t thrilled with my career choice.”
“That’s why I started the agency. I didn’t want my father’s money. I wanted to achieve success on my own terms and of my own merit. I’ve always believed in hard work, but I play hard too.”
“So, you’re just a regular hardworking Joe?” She teased, the smile in her voice chiming like a song.
He cocked his head to one side. “I’m as regular as they come—just a little more interesting, I hope.”
Axel was undoubtedly flirting. He hoped that making her realize how down-to-earth he was would ease her antsy jitters and anxiety whenever they were together.
This was a good start. He enjoyed spending one-on-one time with Kerrigan, getting to know her personally. Although he could spend all afternoon with her, he knew the afternoon had to end.
“Thank you for indulging me in a game of hooky this afternoon. Better get you back to the office. I’d hate your reputation to be smeared by the likes of me. You might be mistaken as the lady I’m keeping company with,” he teased, trying to gauge her reaction.
Shifting in her seat, Kerrigan raised one eyebrow and rubbed her nose. “I didn’t mean to insult you.” Her voice was soft and meek.
“It’s disappointing that I have this reputation. It’s quite opposite of the man I am. I want so much more,” he said.
“Aw, the plight of the highly sought, eligible bachelor,” she sneered.
He stood and held out his hand to help her up. “It’s too bad that I’m not highly sought by one woman I want.”
She placed her hand in his , and he helped her up from the chair. Her touch surprised him, not expecting the rush of warmth that started in his hand, moved up his arm, and then radiated through his torso and down to his feet. They walked back through the park quietly neither saying a word. When they neared the front of the building, he slowed his pace, prolonging their time together.
Facing forward, he observed her with a furtive glance from the corner of his eye. “I’m a bachelor but, not by choice. I’ve been waiting for the right woman to come along so I can show her what I’m made of, whom I am and how good things can be with me.”
“I’m sure you’ll find your special lady someday.” She said.
He stopped, gently grabbing her by the forearm and she whirled around to face him. He peered into her eyes. “I already have, but she’ll take some convincing. She keeps barriers between us. Kerrigan, do you have any idea how I can get her to trust me, open up to me?”
His words landed perfectly as if he were an arrow and she the dartboard. Bulls-eye.
“Sounds as if you need a
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