Eternally Yours

“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.

Chapter 6

I never did get a chance to thank you for coming back as soon as you did, Syneda. I hope I didn't ruin your vacation.”

Syneda looked into the handsome face of the man sitting on the other side of her desk. Thomas Rackley, a widower in his early forties, was a well-liked defense attorney who had begun working with the firm two years ago. She had often accompanied him to dinner and the theater until he began dropping hints of wanting a more serious relationship. To avoid the risk of hurting him by their becoming too involved, she had suggested that they begin seeing other people. Not too soon thereafter, she had begun dating Marcus.

“You didn't totally ruin my vacation.” Syneda grinned. “But had it been anyone other than you, I would have given them hell.”

Thomas let out a deep chuckle, fully believing she would have. Moments later his smile faded. “I ran into Marcus Capers at a baseball game while you were away. So I hope the friend you were with didn't mind the interruption.”

Syneda met his gaze. She knew the question that was on his mind. If he'd seen Marcus, it meant he knew they hadn't gone away together. He was curious to know if she had gone on vacation with a male or a female, but was too much of a gentleman to ask. She took a deep breath. It was time to bring to an end that part of her relationship with Thomas forever. She didn't want him fostering any false hope; especially now that she was no longer dating Marcus.

They looked at each other for a long moment before Syneda answered. “He understood.”

There was a pause in the room before Thomas replied. “I see.”

Syneda decided to change subjects. “So how are things going with Mrs. Armstrong?” she asked quickly.

“Thanks to you, she has agreed to reveal the depth of her husband's cruelty. I believe once the prosecuting attorney reviews her case, the charges will be dropped. It was clearly a case of self-defense.”

“And Dr. Armstrong?”

“His condition has changed from critical to stable. He'll live. However, he'll be getting quite a bit of bad publicity once the media gets ahold of what he's put his wife through.”

“I'm just glad Mrs. Armstrong has finally realized she has other recourses than remaining in a situation that has caused her to be painfully abused. No one should have to suffer the physical and emotional batterings she's gone through.”

Thomas nodded in agreement. He continued to stare at her. “I hope he's what you want, Syneda. You deserve to be happy,” he said, switching back to their earlier conversation.

Syneda's thoughts immediately fell on Clayton. She had no doubt he would certainly rock her world a bit. “I believe he is, and thanks, you've been a good friend.”

Thomas looked at her, his eyes compelling. “I wanted to be more.”

“I know, but it wouldn't have worked out between us.”

“Because of our ages?”

Syneda shook her head. Although he was forty-three to her twenty-eight, their ages had never been an issue with her. “No, it wasn't that. I'm just not ready for what you want. I doubt if I ever will be. The love and marriage scene aren't for me.”

He stood and held out his hand to her. “If you ever need a friend, I'm here for you.”

Syneda accepted his hand and the offer of friendship that came with it. “Thanks, Thomas. I'll remember that.”

When Syneda returned to her office from lunch, Joanna looked up from her desk. Her blue eyes were dazzling with merriment. “There was a delivery for you while you were out.”

“Oh?” Syneda asked, pushing open the door to her office. The sight awaiting her was breathtaking. Four huge vases filled with roses sat in the middle of her desk. Speechless, she entered her office. The rose fragrance permeated the room.

“They're beautiful, aren't they?” Joanna asked, gazing at the four dozen peach-colored roses. “I wonder who sent them.”

Quickly recovering from her initial shock, Syneda took in a deep breath. She hoped they weren't from Marcus.

“I placed the card on your desk next to your calendar.”

“Thanks, Joanna. Please let Mr. Dickerson know I've returned, and I'm free to go over the Franklin case now.”

Recognizing a dismissal, Joanna nodded and closed the door behind her.

Syneda walked over to her desk, picked up the envelope and pulled out the card. Her hand shook when she read the message inside. She couldn't help the smile that touched her lips nor could she prevent her heartbeat from quickening.

The card read: “A dozen roses for each day we spent together. Saint Augustine wasn't the same without you.” It was signed “Clayton.”

“Clayton.” Syneda whispered the name as she leaned against the corner of her desk to slow down her breathing. Marcus hadn't sent the flowers as she had assumed. They had come from Clayton.

Nervously thumbing through the personal directory on her desk she located the numbers of her search. She picked up the phone and began dialing.

“Clayton Madaris's office.”

“Yes, may I speak with Mr. Madaris, please?”

The woman's response was pleasant and businesslike. “I'm sorry but Mr. Madaris is unavailable. Would you like to leave a message?”

“Yes, please tell him Syneda Walters called.”

“Oh, Ms. Walters. Mr. Madaris left instructions to put you through should you call. Please hold for a minute.”

The secretary clicked off the line and Syneda nervously toyed with the telephone cord while waiting for Clayton to come to the phone.

“Syneda?” Clayton asked coming on the line.

Tremors raced through Syneda at the deep masculine sound of her name from Clayton's lips. Her hands on the telephone tightened as blood coursed hotly through her veins. Even over the telephone, he was reaching out to her and the sensations were like a soft caress. She tried to sound natural when she replied. “Yes, Clayton. The flowers are beautiful. You shouldn't have.”

“I couldn't help myself,” he said huskily. “I meant what I said on the card. I want to see you, Syneda. Soon. This weekend. Is that possible?”

Syneda took a deep breath. “Yes.”

“How about if I fly in on Friday afternoon?”

A lump formed in Syneda's throat. The silkiness of his suggestion touched her everywhere. “I'd like that.”

There was a slight pause before he asked, “Are you sure?”

“Yes, I'm sure.”

Another pause. “Do you want to go out to dinner when I get there?” he asked.

“If you'd like. Or we can have something delivered. Let's decide when you get here.”

“Okay. I'll see you on Friday.”

“Until then, Clayton.”

“Yes, until then.”

Clayton hung up the phone and glanced down at the legal brief he'd been working on before Syneda's call. He pushed it aside as he sat back in his chair.

He hadn't realized he'd been holding his breath until the plans had been finalized for his visit to see her. He had been in knots all week at the thought that after returning to New York, she would have had second thoughts about continuing what they had started in Saint Augustine.

He shifted uneasily in his chair, wondering what had actually happened to bring him to such a state over a woman. There had never been a time when a woman had consumed his every thought. There were too many females out there to get hung up on just one. Women had a way of making the most sensible man act foolish. So what in the world was happening to him?

After Justin and Lorren had left to return to Texas, he had tried resting, relaxing and enjoying his time alone. But he hadn't been able to do any of those things. Instead he had thought of Syneda. He had spent an uncomfortable amount of time thinking about her and had begun feeling resentful. Resentful that any woman's overpowering allure could bring forth such a need in him.

So he had tried not to think about needing her and wanting her. He had even made up his mind not to contact her when he returned to Texas from Florida. But something had happened to him that he hadn't counted on, something that had gone beyond any rational thought. It was something that—after taking more showers than he could count—still had him mystified until he had finally faced the truth. Syneda had been able to do something no other woman had done. She had somehow exposed deep feelings within him.

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