Eternally Yours (6 page)

“Did we surprise you two?” Lorren Madaris asked speculatively, eyeing Clayton and Syneda with a sort of stunned expression on her face. “We arrived a few hours ago. When we discovered the two of you weren’t here, Justin used the spare key to get in.”

Clayton hugged Lorren and shook hands with his oldest brother. Although he and Syneda had been well hidden in the shadows, it was apparent they had been doing a lot more than chitchatting outside the door.

“Surprise is putting it mildly,” Clayton muttered to them. His voice was as unwelcoming as his expression. “Your timing is lousy, big brother,” he whispered for Justin’s ears only.

Justin Madaris gave Clayton a hard look. “Apparently it was right on time,” he whispered back.

“So what brings the two of you here?” Clayton asked, entering the condo, still holding Syneda’s hand. “Whatever the reason, I hope it’s a short visit.” He wasn’t kidding. And to make sure Justin and Lorren knew it, the tone of his voice was deadly serious.

Evidently it wasn’t serious enough. Both Justin and Lorren were smiling with a look that said, “Now that we see what you’re up to, not on your life, buddy.”

After a moment of tense silence, Justin finally spoke. “Lorren has some news she just couldn’t wait to share with Syneda. And your lack of phones in this condo made calling impossible.”

“Our lack of phones was to ensure complete privacy and avoid untimely and uninvited interruptions,” Clayton replied, placing emphasis on the last part of his sentence. “So what’s your news, Lorren, that was so pressing you had to deliver it in person?” His eyes fell on the sister-in-law he had come to love and adore but at the moment wanted to strangle.

He couldn’t help noticing her love-mussed clothes, tousled hair and slightly swollen lips. Despite not wanting to do so, he couldn’t help smiling. Evidently Justin and Lorren had found a rather interesting way to pass the time while they had waited for him and Syneda to return.

Lorren’s eyes sparkled with total happiness. “We’re having another baby!”

“Lorren, that’s wonderful! I’m so happy for the two of you.” Syneda threw her arms around Lorren, sharing her excitement.

Clayton couldn’t help but roar in laughter. Now he had two pregnant sisters-in-law. Evidently his brothers had taken the good book’s directive to be fruitful and replenish the earth rather seriously. “Somehow Lorren being pregnant again doesn’t surprise me,” he said. “It really doesn’t surprise me at all.”

Senator John Harris sat across the table from the other three men in the large conference room. They were all staring at him as if he’d lost his mind. He hated it whenever they stared at him like that.

Finally one of the men, Senator Carl Booker, spoke. “I think you’re taking all of this too personal, John.”

“Because it
is
personal, Carl. Nedwyn Lansing and I have been at odds with each other since the first day we both arrived on Capitol Hill. The passage of that bill was important to me.”

Matthew Williams, the oldest senator in the group, spoke. “But it didn’t pass, so I suggest you get over it. What you’re proposing to do is crazy. I’m not all that fond of Lansing, none of us are, but I wouldn’t deliberately do anything to destroy his political career.”

“That’s why you and I are different, Mat. I would destroy his career in a minute if I had the right ammunition. All I’m proposing is to get someone to dig into his past, just in case something is there. No one can be that squeaky clean. Even George Washington had skeletons in his closet.”

“Forget it, John,” Senator Paul Dunlap said. “If the media hasn’t uncovered any dirt on Lansing, then there isn’t any to be found.”

The other men in the room nodded in full agreement.

Senator Harris fumed. “That’s not necessarily true.” One by one he looked in the eyes of everyone at the table. “No one has found out about that twenty-two-year-old woman you’ve been two-timing your wife with for the past two years, Mat. Nor have they found out about your lovely teenage daughter’s recent abortion, Paul. And last but not least, Carl, I really don’t think anyone knows a thing about your son’s drug addiction.”

Senator Harris’s eyes crinkled at the corners at the surprised look on each of the men’s faces. He had just stated information they all thought no one knew. “And don’t insult my intelligence by denying any of it. I have everything I need to prove otherwise.”

“What do you want from us, Harris?” Dunlap asked in a voice with an edge to it. “It’s getting late and I would like to make it home before midnight.”

“I want all three of you to back me on this. Ruining Lansing has to be a group effort. And another thing, he has too many close friends who happen to be Fortune 500 CEOs. I find it hard to believe he’s never accepted any type of kickback from any of them.”

“I assume you’re referring to Garwood Industries, Remington Oil, and Turner Broadcasting Corporation?” Carl said. “Everyone knows those three are loyal financial contributors to Lansing’s campaign coffers.”

“Yes.”

“That can be explained,” Paul replied. “Lansing and old man Garwood were friends since Garwood Industries opened their first Texas branch office. And since his grandfather’s death, Kyle Garwood has maintained a close relationship with Lansing.”

After taking a drink of water he continued, “As far as his association with S. T. Remington is concerned, it’s my understanding they were roommates in college. And as for Ted Turner, they became good friends during the time Lansing was the mayor’s assistant in Beaumont, Texas. He encouraged the school board to do an experiment using cable television as a teaching tool for elementary and secondary students. It was a project that proved to be very successful and got Turner Broadcasting much recognition.”

“Besides,” Mat contributed, “none of us can deny the fact that Lansing has done more for the interest of the oil and cattle industries than anyone in Congress. That’s why he’s always gotten such strong support from the oil companies and the cattlemen.”

Senator Harris slammed his hand down on the table. “There has to be something in his past that will drop his popularity with the voters,” he thundered. “And I plan on finding out what it is and destroying him the same way he destroyed my bill.”

“C
layton 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.