Eternally Yours (7 page)

“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.

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.

Before the trip to Florida, his relationships with women had been uncomplicated. Over the years he had dated a number of incredibly attractive women, but never did one have him thinking more about passion than winning court cases. Why was this thing with Syneda, of all people, different?

Why had kissing and touching her caused tremors deep within his body days after they’d parted? He shook his head, thinking how in the last couple of days he’d lain in bed thinking about her and wanting her. It didn’t take much for him to close his eyes and visualize her in every outfit she’d worn while they were in Florida. Right at this very moment, he would do just about anything to have her in his arms, with her soft, warm body pressed close to his.

He took a deep breath. It was an effort to breathe. A first for him. His features tightened at the thought that he was losing control. Again.

Clayton stood and moved to one of the windows facing downtown Houston. The only excuse he could come up with for his reactions was that it had been some time, sixty-four days to be exact, since he’d slept with a woman. Why was he putting himself through unnecessary misery? All he had to do was pick up the phone. He knew a number of women who’d be more than willing to take care of his needs. But for some strange reason not just any woman would do.

He wanted Syneda.

He again shook his head. He hoped Syneda was right when she said the two of them were dealing strictly with a case of lust. Pure and simple. A deep sigh escaped him. He had a feeling anything involving Syneda wouldn’t be pure and simple. And he had a sinking feeling that no matter what happened between them this weekend, his life would never be the same.

He frowned. That thought bothered him more than anything.

Later that day Syneda sat at her desk going over her notes from her last appointment. Margie Sessions wanted a divorce from her husband of thirty-four years, a husband she claimed had been unfaithful.

Although the woman had tried not to show it, it was obvious she was deeply hurt. The pain was evident in her eyes, her speech and in the way she had paced the room for nearly an hour while providing an account of how she had discovered her husband’s infidelity.

Listening attentively while observing the woman, Syneda also found it blatantly obvious that even after discovering his unfaithfulness, the woman was still very much in love with the man.

Syneda had convinced the woman to think things through before making any hasty decisions. “If you decide to go through with this,” she’d told her, “I hope you’re prepared for the emotional pain you’ll have to endure. That pain may be far worse than what you’re going through now—although you may feel nothing is worse than finding out your husband has been unfaithful to you. The two of you share three children and six grandchildren, not to mention a wealth of cherished good memories.”

“Are you saying I should just forget what he did? That I should let him get away with it and do nothing?”

“No, Mrs. Sessions, that’s not what I’m saying. I just want you to be sure that you’re ready to deal with the emotional turmoil this divorce may cause you. I have no qualms about representing you. I’m tough, and I fight hard for my clients. But there are some things you need to think about. During the years of your marriage, the two of you have accumulated a lot of possessions, so there’s also the physical settlement to deal with. However, as your attorney I have a moral obligation to advise you to try and salvage your marriage before thinking of ending it.”

“There’s nothing to think about. I can’t remain married to him. I can’t stop loving him, but I’ll never trust him again. A marriage can’t survive without trust, Ms. Walters.”

Margie Sessions’s story wasn’t a new one. Syneda had heard similar ones during the years since she had begun practicing family law. The anger, the hurt, the sense of betrayal, and the need for revenge were emotions most of her clients wanting divorces encountered.

Syneda had just reached for a small recorder to dictate her office notes when the buzzer sounded on her desk. “Yes, Joanna, what is it?”

“You have a call from Lorren Madaris.”

“Please put her through.”

A few seconds later she heard Lorren’s voice. “Syneda?”

Syneda smiled. “Lorren. How are you?”

“I’m fine. I went to the doctor today and he said everything is okay.”

“You mean Justin isn’t going to deliver this baby? I thought he did a great job with Justina.”

Lorren giggled. “Be sure to tell him that when you see him again. He said delivering Justina aged him about twenty years.”

Syneda grinned. “So what do you want this time, a girl or a boy?”

“It doesn’t matter. We have both already, so whatever we’re having this time is fine with us.”

Syneda sighed. She was completely elated with her friend’s happiness.

“Syneda, have you talked to Clayton lately?”

Syneda tried detecting censure in Lorren’s voice and didn’t note any. “Yes, I spoke with him earlier today. He’s flying in this weekend.”