Burning Intensity Read Online Free PDF Page A

latent, powerful sexual chemistry—for that had always lain between them—but also with the weight of things unsaid, and words that had been exchanged, promises made the last time they’d been together.
    It was completely uncharacteristic for her to shy away from speech, from doing what was right, necessary. Yet pain lurked beneath the surface between them. Hurt, rejection and a whole host of other complicated emotions swirled and built up.
    El decided the longer she put this off, the harder and more devastating it could be. In truth, she’d already put it off months longer than she should have.
    Never in the past had she taken the coward’s route, the easy way out. The only result of those actions had been to postpone the pain and make it worse. She needed to make this right. Things mightn’t be the same between them, but she would not use James. She couldn’t bear to have him question her intentions, to lay that sin at her door with the others.
    El met his gaze, relishing the warmth in those blue eyes, despite the pain and confusion also clear in his face.
    “I’m actually here to ask for help. Something’s come up and… But now I’m here… Well…” she struggled.
    James waited patiently, his features not betraying much. He seemed willing to hear her out, but not inclined to help her or to make this easier than necessary.
    Since she was the one in the wrong here, she couldn’t fault him for that.
    El straightened her shoulders, took a deep breath and steadied herself. She held his gaze, opening herself unflinchingly to him.
    “I’ve been wrong, and I owe you an apology for that. Can I come in, please? So we can talk?”
    “About work?”
    “That too, but first I can try and explain.”
    “I’ve always listened to you,” James said slowly, seeming to measure his words before he spoke them. “And since you’re being honest, I can be so too. I’m angry, and upset, but I’m also interested in why you never called. I’ve not known you to go back on your word, but… Okay, come on in. Let’s do this inside.”
    James stepped back and held the door open for her.
    She shouldn’t have been surprised, but his flat had changed very little in the last few months. A large, open plan space made the tiny flat appear roomier than many others of its kind. A small kitchenette took up one corner, with a large window that let the sun shine in and was home to a number of small pots of various herbs. Cleaned dishes had dried in their rack overnight and, while not spotless, the main living area was clean.
    James silently led her over to the long couch, pushing the low coffee table far against the wall to give them both more leg space. Framed prints hung on the walls and gave color to the atmosphere.
    “You haven’t changed a lot in here,” El said as she removed her jacket, folded it and placed it out of the way on the table.
    James sat, a small smile on his face. “I haven’t put the crown jewels on display yet, no.”
    El chuckled, reminded of how easily they had teased each other despite their differences. “You’ve never been the flamboyant kind, not privately at least.”
    “I’m devastated,” James mocked her, a palm pressed dramatically to his chest. “Would it be easier if I act more the part of the arrogant, playboy thief for you? I can offer you a tour of my etchings? Invite you into the back room where I have all manner of priceless art, jewels and sculptures stashed away? Since we’re such good friends I won’t even ask for a warrant. You can arrest me. We’ve always had a penchant for playing cops and robbers.”
    This time El did laugh. The truth in his words both stung and comforted in their familiarity.
    “You’ve not complained about my interrogation techniques before,” she replied lightly as she sat, her legs angled to the side so they faced each other. James’ gaze sharpened and the teasing, relaxed manner stiffened.
    Once again unspoken, leaden sentences remained heavy in the