Eternally Yours. Brenda Jackson

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.