Fire and Desire (Arabesque) by Brenda Jackson

His side was unlocked just like he’d told Corinthians. It would be up to her to make the first move. But a part of him knew that she wouldn’t.
    He shook his head, grinning. The spitting sparks of fire that he’d seen in her eyes before she had slammed the door in his face had actually turned him on. He knew that whenever he did get her into his bed, the heat from her fire would torch him to flames. And like he had told her, he would not be a substitute for Dex. She would know with whom she shared the bed. Pleased with that thought, he picked up the phone to return Dex’s call.
    “Madaris here.”
    “Hey, man, it’s Trevor. What’s up?”
    “Not much. I just wanted to touch base with you before tomorrow’s meeting. How are things going?”
    Trevor glanced again at the unlocked connecting door. “As well as expected. I’ve gotten in some sightseeing time. I’ve taken in a soccer game. This is a pretty nice place.”
    Dex laughed. “Don’t get attached to it. You’re needed here.”
    “Don’t worry about any attachments. I’m getting homesick already.”
    “Have you seen Corinthians Avery yet? I understand she’s Remington Oil’s representative.”
    “Yes, she’s here, and yes, I’ve seen her.”
    “And?”
    “And nothing. The woman and I don’t get along.”
    “Yeah, so I’ve noticed, and I don’t understand it.”
    Trevor shook his head. Dex actually believed Corinthians was a prim, proper, well-bred woman and a real lady saint.
    “There’s nothing to understand,” he finally answered. “She and I don’t see eye-to-eye on a lot of things. In fact, we’re like oil and water.”
    “That bad?”
    “Worse. How’re Caitlin and the girls?” he asked, deciding to change the subject.
    “They’re fine and send their love.”
    He smiled. “Tell them ditto from me. And how are the newlyweds?”
    “Clayton and Syneda are fine. They moved into their new law office a few days ago. Can you imagine the two of them sharing office space?”
    Trevor shook his head. Clayton and Syneda disagreed on just about everything. “No, I can’t imagine it. I’m still in shock at the thought of them being married.”
    “You’re not the only one. Take care, man.”
    “You do the same, Dex.”

Chapter 6
     
    C orinthians wondered how she managed to get through the entire day of the research summit without making a complete fool of herself, which she was sure she’d do after walking into the meeting room and seeing Trevor.
    He’d been standing across the room talking to another man. Dressed in a dark blue suit, he looked suave, virile and sexy. He’d actually looked like he had walked directly off the cover of a magazine. And when he’d turned and looked at her, meeting her gaze with those deep, dark eyes and forcing her to remember the kiss they had shared the night before, she had almost come unglued right then and there.
    She had tightened her fingers on the handle of her briefcase to hide her shaking hands, but it hadn’t worked. In defiance, she lifted her chin and met his gaze for a long moment before finally conceding that for once, she could not maintain the disturbing contact and outstare him. Lowering her gaze, she had taken a seat at the table. Luckily for her, there had been an empty chair sandwiched between others that were already occupied, as well as those directly across from her. She’d sighed knowing that at least he wouldn’t be sitting close by.
    But that hadn’t stopped him from getting to her. During the meeting, their glances would periodically meet, weakening her defenses, making her forget how much she didn’t like him, and making it hard for her to concentrate on the proceedings.
    After the meeting, the only thing she wanted was to leave as quickly as possible. She stood and began gathering up her things. Without looking up she knew the exact moment Trevor came to stand behind her. She could feel the heat of his body transfer to hers. Her pulse raced and her hands began