LITMIR.BIZ

      Nicholas had been waiting for his gut to settle down ever since his secretary had called to confirm that Shayla Kirkland would be joining him in Hong Kong. He didn't understand why his stomach was tied in knots-she was just a woman.

      Yeah, right. But when was the last time he had actually let a woman invade his dreams? In his dreams he had kissed her, tasted her lips and other areas of her body, as well. The perfume she had worn the day of the interview had been seductive, overpowering, captivating. He wondered if she would be wearing that particular fragrance again. If she did, he didn't know how he would handle it.

      Pull yourself together, Chenault, he thought. Your thoughtsare bound to get you in trouble. Trouble you don't need. Still, he couldn't help remembering everything about Shayla Kirkland, and it had been almost two weeks since he had seen her.

      He nervously glanced down at his watch. Her flight from the States should be arriving at the Hong Kong International Airport about now. He had sent a limo to pick her up and deliver her to the Conrad International Hotel, where he had reserved an entire executive floor. He needed space for his fax machine and computer set-up, and two private meeting rooms where he would hold his business meetings. There would be three suites on the floor-one for him, one for Shayla, and one for Paul when he arrived at the end of the week. As with any big business deal, security measures had to be taken, and that required Paul's expertise.

      Nicholas walked over to the minibar in his room and poured a cup of percolated coffee. He wanted something stronger, but always made it a rule never to drink before noon. A few minutes later, after determining he still had too much nervous energy and the coffee was only adding to it, he decided to go to the health club and endure an extensive workout. A good hour of physical exertion should eradicate Shayla Kirkland from his mind for a while. At least, he hoped that it would.

      Chapter 4

      The Conrad International Hotel was known to be one of the most luxurious in China, and Shayla could see why. It was evident that it was designed for both the business and leisure traveler. All the hotel's guest rooms had sweeping views of the Hong Kong harbor, Victoria Peak, and the city's skyline.

      The panoramic view outside her window was nothing short of majestic. Shayla had been surprised to discover she was housed on the executive floor and that her suite was across the hall from Nicholas's. In fact, the only three suites on the floor shared a huge lobby that also served as a sitting area. She fell in love with an oversize bathroom tub that just seemed to be calling her name.

      She decided to take a long leisurely bath and relax. She doubted Mr. Chenault would need her services today. Surely he would have pity on her and give her this day to rest and recover from jet lag. Maybe not, she thought when the phone rang.

      Walking across the room, she picked it up. "Yes?"

      "How was your flight, Ms. Kirkland?"

      Shayla's heart thudded in her chest. Nicholas's voice was deep and husky. Against her will she remembered his features, seeing them clearly in her mind, especially his gold eyes. She tightened her hold on the phone, knowing she had to get a grip. "My flight, Mr. Chenault, was nice, although it was rather long. Luckily I had some interesting reading material to pass the time."

      "The report on the Ling Deal?"

      "Yes."

      She heard his soft chuckle. "Not what you'd preferred to read, I'd imagine."

      Shayla couldn't keep from smiling. "No. Not even close."

      "I see. But you did complete it?"

      "Yes."

      "Good. We have a meeting with the Hong Kong people first thing in the morning. The meeting room is on this floor."

      Shayla nodded. "Is there anything else I need to know?"

      "Yes, and I'd like to go over those things with you. How about if we get together for a business dinner tonight?"

      Shayla was quick to pick up on the fact that he'd made it clear that it would be nothing more than a business dinner. "All right. There are a few things I need clarification on."

      "Will seven o'clock be a good time for you?"

      "That's fine. Should I meet you downstairs?"

      "No, I'm right across the hall. I'll walk over and escort you down."

      "All right."

      "I'll see you then, Ms. Kirkland."