Page 23 of Axel

Before he could give into the temptation, he shook his head. “I don’t have time.”

“What about tonight?” She rushed on. “I could come over after dinner…?”

“No.”

She blinked at the harsh sound of his voice. “Mr. Lakeside, I was sent here to do a story on you and so far, you have shaved off minutes of the time agreed…“

“I am a busy man.” He told her coldly, feeling like a complete jerk for what he was doing. It’s not her fault that he could not stop thinking about her and wanting her naked underneath him.

She just stopped herself from stamping her foot in frustration. The man was impossible. “And I am not? I am only here for a week…”

“You will get your story.” He told her tightly. “But I am not going to stop what I have to do in order for you to get it.”

“I thought you were here on vacation?”

He gave her a mocking look. “Was that what your research told you?”

“Yes.” She snapped. “Look, I know that this wasn’t something you wanted to do…”

“What gave it away?”

She wanted to hit him. Instead, taking a deep breath, she tried again. “I promise to take as little as your valuable time as possible. All I am asking is that you meet me halfway.” She was completely unaware what those words were doing to him.

He wanted her to meet him halfway too but for a completely different reason. This was getting ridiculous. He hadn’t been with a woman in weeks and that could be what was driving this insane desire to have her.

“I will be in touch.” He turned away and had gone only a few steps when she called out to him.

“What?”

“When?”

“Whenever I find some time.” He practically ran away from her, his body primed and uncomfortable. He would have to meet her – somewhere public.

Ellie watched him leave with a frustrated look on her face. Leaning against the tree trunk, she closed her eyes and took a shaky breath. Her objectivity was all shot to hell, and she need to get to the rest of the interview before her emotions took over completely.

*****

“Caitlin, hi.”

“I hope I am not disturbing you.”

“No, of course not.” Putting aside the iPod she had been scrolling through, Ellie pushed away from her desk and went to get herself something to drink.

She had come back from her run, took a shower and had something to eat. She had been trying to find an appropriate start to the article and so far, had come up with nothing. “I am happy you called. When can I meet with you and Cathy?”

“That is what I called about. How about this afternoon? You could come and have dinner with us. That way we can kill two birds with one stone.”

“Are you certain I won’t be imposing?”

“I am looking forward to having you. Say about six? We could get the interview out the way and then sit down to dinner.”

“That sounds wonderful. I am afraid I am not getting anywhere with your son.”

The woman sighed softly. “Axel does not like to talk about himself. And I think that is a good thing. He is not filled with pride and does not think himself above people less fortunate.”

“All I want from him is his perspective and how it was growing up here.”

“I am sure Cathy, and I can answer any questions you have.”