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
