Читать книгу Eternally Yours - Brenda Jackson - Страница 10

“Clayton and Syneda. I don't believe it.”

Justin Madaris shook his head as he whispered the words to his wife as she lay in his arms.

“They're the last two people likely to end up together. Who would have thought they would have stopped opposing each other long enough to get interested in each other,” he added.

Clayton and Syneda had retired to their separate bedrooms, and Justin and Lorren had made the sofa into an extra bed.

“I can't believe Clayton,” Lorren said tersely. A thundercloud of indignant frowns bunched her brows together. “The nerve of him hitting on Syneda.”

Justin rolled his eyes heavenward. “Aren't you getting a bit carried away?”

Lorren lifted her head to glare down at her husband. “If I am, I have every right to. I don't want Clayton and Syneda involved with each other.”

“Why?”

“He'll hurt her.”

“Have you ever considered letting Syneda handle her own love life, Lorren? She's a grown woman, you know. Besides, don't you think you're being a little too hard on Clayton?”

“No. I love Clayton dearly, but he's a man who loves women. Lots of them. And I don't want him adding my best friend to his flock. Having a constant supply of willing women has spoiled Clayton. I know just how he operates, and I don't want him operating on Syneda.”

Justin smiled. “Is that why you ignored his hints that we check into a hotel tonight?”

A satisfied glint appeared in Lorren's eyes. “You got that right. He was trying to get rid of us. As far as I'm concerned, we arrived right on time.”

Justin laughed, pulling Lorren closer into his arms. His eyes glowed with amusement. “Clayton didn't think so.”

“I'm sure he didn't. Especially when Syneda retired to her own bedroom.”

“What happens when we leave the day after tomorrow?”

“Hopefully by then you'll have talked Clayton out of this foolishness.”

“Me?”

“Yes, you.” Lorren looked at her husband with appealing eyes. “You have to do something. You're his older brother. He might listen to you.”

Justin laughed shortly and shrugged. “Lorren, I respect Clayton's privacy. Besides, it's none of my business and neither is it yours.”

“But Syneda is my best—”

Justin didn't let her finish. “It isn't our business, Lorren,” he repeated. “We should have enough faith in Clayton to believe he won't deliberately hurt Syneda.”

He cupped his wife's chin with his hand and lifted her eyes to meet his. “Clayton loves you. He knows how close you and Syneda are. He won't ever do anything to ruin that.”

Lorren took a deep breath. “I hope you're right Justin,” she said softly in a voice that seemed to come from a long way off.

“I believe I am. Besides, I think you've overlooked one very important fact here.”

“What?”

“One of the reasons Clayton and Syneda were never interested in each other was because neither was the other's type. Syneda is nothing like those women Clayton normally dates, flashy with no substance. She's an attractive, intelligent woman who has a lot going for her. I feel confident she'll be able to handle him.”

Justin grinned. “In fact, you may be worried about the wrong person. I don't know if he realizes it yet, but I think Clayton has finally met his match. You just might want to take out the prayer book for Clayton.”

“Where is everyone?”

Justin raised his head from reading the newspaper and met his brother's eyes. It didn't take much from Clayton's brooding expression to figure out he hadn't enjoyed sleeping in his bed alone.

“Lorren and Syneda aren't here.”

“Where are they?”

“They went shopping.”

“Shopping? That's crazy. Syneda and I went shopping a few days ago.”

Justin chuckled. “Evidently like most women she enjoys it. Lorren said not to expect them back until dinnertime. I guess we're stuck with each other until then.”

Clayton gave his head a wry shake. “I could wring your wife's neck, Justin. She knew I was trying to get rid of the two of you last night, and she deliberately ignored my ploy. And now I have a feeling she's trying to keep Syneda from me today.”

Justin smiled and shrugged his shoulders in mock resignation. “She feels Syneda needs protecting.”

“Protecting?”

“Yes, protecting. Face it, Clayton, your reputation precedes you.”

The two brothers stared at each other for a long time before Clayton finally looked away. He didn't need this, he told himself righteously. Why should he defend his actions to anyone, especially his family? He and Syneda were not teenagers, they were adults. They didn't need keepers, nor did they have to answer to anyone.

He let out a disgusted sigh before turning hard eyes to his brother. “I would never deliberately hurt Syneda, Justin.”

“I know you wouldn't, Clayton.”

A faint light appeared in the depths of Clayton's brown eyes. “Thanks,” he said quietly. “I wish there was some way I could assure Lorren of that, but there isn't. Being attracted to each other was the last thing that Syneda and I planned on happening. It just did. The attraction became more than the two of us could handle last night.”

“I gathered as much when I opened the door last night on you guys.”

Clayton grinned. “Yeah, that was bad timing on your part. You and Lorren are welcome to stay here for another day but then I want the two of you out of here. The last thing Syneda and I need is outside interference. We're going to enjoy the rest of our vacation in peace and quiet without you and Lorren acting as chaperones. Now with that out of the way, let's go grab some breakfast.”

Justin chuckled. “I don't know if there's a need. You've just said a mouthful.”

A spectacular view of the yacht harbor and intercoastal waterway was the setting for the Clam Shell Restaurant, a popular favorite with locals, yachtsmen and tourists. The restaurant was renowned for its luncheon specials, which were best enjoyed while sipping a cooling tropical drink.

Syneda and Lorren had chosen a table on the wooden deck that provided a breathtaking view of the Comachee Cove Yacht Harbor.

“Isn't the food terrific, Lorren? Clayton and I had lunch here a few days ago and—” “Just what's going on with you and Clayton?” Lorren asked pointedly.

“What do you mean?” Syneda replied innocently.

“Don't act crazy, girlfriend. You know exactly what I mean. When Justin opened the door on the two of you last night, it was obvious we had interrupted something.”

Syneda's lips broke into a wide grin. “Clayton and I could have made the same assessment about you and Justin.”

“We are not discussing me and Justin. We're discussing you and Clayton.”

Syneda sighed. “Clayton and I discovered that we're sexually attracted to each other, and both feel we should explore our attraction. There's nothing wrong with enjoying a sexual encounter for no reason beyond the physical pleasures it would bring.”

Lorren didn't say anything for a few minutes. Her expression was one of total shock and disbelief. Lately, Syneda's mood swings were extreme and unpredictable. “I don't believe what I'm hearing. You've never been a woman to let a man use her casually for a little quick, easy sex.”

“And you think that's what he'll be doing?” Without giving Lorren a chance to reply, Syneda continued as her mouth curved into a smile, “Then there's no reason for me to feel guilty about using him, as well.”

For the first time since the conversation she'd had with Justin the night before, Lorren gave serious thought to the possibility that Justin could be right. Her concern just might be directed at the wrong person. “What do you mean by that?”

Syneda leaned forward in her chair and met Lorren's level stare. “I've figured out what's been happening to me for the past few months.”

“What?”

“I'm going through an emotional meltdown. Maybe it stems from the type of cases I've been handling lately or the fact that I'm approaching thirty in a couple of years. I don't know. All I know is that I'm sick and tired of being self-reliant, practical and levelheaded. This sister,” she said, pointing at herself, “wants a new attitude.”

“And you think messing around with Clayton is the answer?”

Syneda smiled. “No, but it's better than thinking seriously about getting my nose pierced, putting a tattoo somewhere on my body or shaving my head.”

Lorren couldn't help grinning. “Why not get married? You could have with Marcus. That's what he wanted.”

“But that's not what I wanted. I don't love him. I'm not in love with any man, and I'm certainly not interested in getting married. I think of a wedding ring as a neon sign flashing the words, ‘You no longer have a life of your own.”'

“That's not true. Look at me and Justin, and Dex and Caitlin. No marriage is perfect, Syneda, and it sure doesn't make everything else in your life automatically fall into place. Nor is it a protection against career crises, economic disaster or loneliness. But I wouldn't trade it for anything.”

“Yeah, you say that now, but I can remember a time when you wouldn't have. Your marriage to Scott was the pits.”

“True, but it's the opposite with Justin. That just goes to show miracles can happen.”

“But I don't want a miracle in my life, Lorren, nor do I need one. All I want out of life is happiness, namely mine. I don't want to be responsible for anyone else's. Nor do I want a man to become my other half. I just want to become my entire whole self, and I think I'll start with an affair.”

Lorren sighed. “But why with Clayton?”

“Why not with Clayton? I like him, I trust him and I've recently discovered I'm attracted to him. Isn't that enough?”

“What do you think, Syneda? Will affairs be all you'll ever want?”

“Possibly.”

“I don't believe this! You sound just like Clayton. His attitude on life seems to have rubbed off on you. I ought to say that the two of you deserve each other, but I can't. I want you to want more.”

“But I can't allow myself to want more. Every time I feel myself wanting more, I remember Mama and how she died believing in a man who didn't come through for her or for me,” Syneda replied quietly.

Lorren sighed deeply. She was among the few people who knew the situation regarding Syneda and her father. “All men aren't the same. For example, there's no comparison between Justin and Scott. One day you'll meet someone who's your soul mate, Syneda. Just like Adam was to Eve, like Ruby Dee was to Ozzie Davis, like—”

“Beauty was to the Beast?” Syneda cut in.

Lorren laughed. “Yes, just like Beauty was to the Beast. And like Prince Charming was to Cinderella, like—”

“I get the picture, Lorren.”

“I hope you do, Syneda. I honestly hope you do.”

Clayton glanced at his watch for perhaps the one hundredth time since he had awakened that morning to find Syneda gone. It was now four o'clock. Where were they? What he had told Justin earlier that day had been the truth. He could wring Lorren's neck.

He stood on the terrace drinking a glass of wine and staring moodily at the ocean. What would Syneda's attitude be toward him when she saw him again? Would she regret what had happened between them last night? Had Lorren convinced her she was making a mistake getting involved with him?

The sound of the doorbell interrupted his thoughts. Evidently Justin had returned. He had left a few hours ago to play a game of tennis with another physician he had met at lunch.

Leaving the terrace, he went to open the door.

“Telegram for Syneda Walters.”

Clayton stared at the young man. “She's not here but I'll make sure she receives it,” he said, taking the telegram and signing for it. He went into his pocket and handed the guy a bill that brought a bright smile to his face.

“Thank you, sir!”

Clayton was staring blankly at the sealed telegram when the door opened again a few moments later. Lorren and Syneda walked in carrying a number of packages.

Clayton's eyes immediately met Syneda's. He was stunned by the rush of pleasure surging through him at the sight of her. His eyes wandered over her face for a long moment, and the slender hands holding the packages she placed on the sofa. She was wearing a printed romper and looked absolutely fantastic. The rare beauty of her sea-green eyes touched him. Her beauty was exquisite and overwhelming.

There was a noticeable pause in the room before Lorren cleared her throat. She couldn't help but pick up on the sexual magnetism radiating between Clayton and Syneda. At the moment, she wasn't quite sure which of the two individuals most needed her sympathy. “Hi, Clayton. Where's Justin?”

Clayton swallowed and forced his gaze from Syneda to his sister-in-law. All thoughts of wringing her neck were temporarily forgotten. “He's playing tennis with another doctor he met at lunch.”

He then turned his sharp and assessing gaze back to Syneda. “How did shopping go?”

“It was okay,” Syneda answered, almost unable to breathe. Clayton looked wonderful dressed in a pair of cutoff jeans and a tank top. He definitely had a monopoly on virility, she thought. His arresting good looks totally captivated her.

“I almost forgot. This came for you a few minutes ago,” Clayton said.

Syneda forced her eyes from his to the item he was handing her. “A telegram?”

She tore into it and read it quickly. Regretful eyes met Clayton's. “It's from my firm. Something has come up and I have to get back to New York immediately.”

“Why?” Clayton and Lorren exclaimed simultaneously.

“What's wrong?” Lorren asked as she threw her packages down next to Syneda's and gave her friend her absolute attention.

“A few weeks ago I was handling a case involving an abused wife. However, she wouldn't file for a divorce from her husband.”

“Yes, I remember you mentioning it,” Clayton replied, taking a step closer.

“She's been arrested.”

“Why?”

“For shooting her husband. He's in critical condition.”

“I don't understand,” Lorren stated bemusedly. “Why would she be arrested? It was probably a case of self-defense.”

“That has to be proven in a court of law,” Clayton replied to Lorren's statement, taking the position of the attorney that he was.

“What does any of this have to do with you, Syneda?” he asked, his mouth set in a taut frown. “You're not a defense attorney.”

“I know, but the woman asked for me and refuses to talk with anyone else. The firm has requested that I come back to New York as soon as possible,” Syneda replied.

“But you're on vacation. Surely there's someone else who can help the woman until you return next week.”

“Unfortunately there isn't. She feels comfortable with me. I have to go back.” Syneda turned to Lorren. “Could you call the airlines for me and book me on the next available flight back to New York? There's a phone in the main office, which is located next to the tennis courts. I need to pack.”

“Sure,” Lorren replied and left immediately.

“I'll go back with you.”

“That's not necessary, Clayton. You shouldn't ruin the rest of your vacation just because of me. Now, if you'll excuse me, I really need to begin packing.”

Syneda went into her bedroom, leaving a disgusted Clayton standing in the middle of the floor.

A few minutes later Clayton entered her bedroom. “Things aren't over between us, Syneda.”

She looked up at him. “What do you mean?”

“I think you know the answer to that,” he replied huskily. “Things can never go back to being the way they were between us—”

“Until we've satisfied this lust for each other that's racking our bodies?”

Clayton took a step closer. “You think that's all it is?”

“Of course that's all it is. What else could it be? And I feel the best thing to do is to go ahead and get it out of our systems.”

Clayton's pulse raced. “What exactly are you suggesting?”

“Exactly what it sounds like.”

Clayton raised a brow. “An affair?”

“Yes, an affair. A short, fulfilling and mutually satisfying affair.”

Clayton could not believe what he was hearing. Although he never had reason to inquire how serious they had been, he was well aware that since knowing her, she had been involved in a number of affairs. So why did her eagerness to engage in another surprise him? “Starting when?” he asked, studying her intently.

Syneda looked down at the bed. “Much to my regret, it has to be later. I have to return to New York.”

Clayton couldn't shield the flints of desire and passion that shone in his eyes. “Can I visit you in New York?”

Syneda met his eyes. They touched her deeply. “Yes. You're welcome to come visit me anytime. You've always known that. Nothing has changed.”

Clayton took a step closer. He took her hand in his. “Yes, things have. My next visit will be in a whole new light, won't it?”

Syneda glanced down at the floor, deliberately avoiding his eyes. “Yes.”

Clayton lifted her chin so their eyes could connect. “What about your concern regarding what the family thinks?”

Syneda hunched her shoulders. Deep down she knew that an involvement with Clayton was a bad idea. They were all wrong for each other but her mind was made up. What she had told Lorren at lunch was the truth. As far as she was concerned, she was going through changes in her life and needed something or someone to shake things up a bit, and Clayton would certainly do that.

Then she spoke softly. “Justin and Lorren already know what's going on, and they'll keep it to themselves. No one else has to know.”

“Are you suggesting that we keep things a secret?”

Syneda nodded. “There's no reason for anyone else to know. It won't last that long anyway.”

Clayton looked at her for a long while. “You sound so sure of that.”

“I'm not entering into this relationship with any misconceptions, Clayton.”

“Meaning?”

“I only want to finish what was started here. A serious relationship is the last thing you or I want.”

Clayton pulled Syneda into his arms. “You think you know me rather well, don't you?” he asked. Cupping her chin in his hand, he tilted her head back and lowered his head to hers. When his mouth opened over hers, she welcomed it. She felt the probing of his tongue as it delved deep into the warmth of her mouth.

Her eyes fluttered shut as his tongue rubbed against hers, as their mouths sealed in a searing kiss.

Syneda's arms crept slowly around Clayton's neck as she strained toward him. A hot, heady rise of pleasure exploded deep within her, filling her with profound heat. And at the same time, a multitude of sensations coursed down her middle and her belly.

They were panting and breathless when Clayton slowly lifted his head. Syneda's lips were slightly swollen, and her pupils were glazed with desire. She had the sexiest expression he'd ever seen, Clayton thought, gazing down at her. He then began wondering if a serious relationship was really, as she thought, the last thing he wanted.