Eternally Yours - Brenda Jackson [12]
“They’re not!”
“They are, too! Just look at that outfit you’re wearing. It invites stares.”
Syneda stared at him with anger reflecting in her eyes and her mouth open. “I don’t believe you, Clayton. There’s nothing wrong with my outfit.”
“Not if you’re a woman looking for a pickup.”
“How dare you—”
“You didn’t want to come on vacation with me for fear of cramping my style. Maybe I should have made sure I wouldn’t be cramping yours,” he said curtly.
Syneda stood. “I’m leaving.”
Throwing more than enough money on the table to cover the drinks they had ordered but not yet gotten, Clayton followed a fuming Syneda out of the door. Leaving the lounge, they rode in silence along the shoreline road that led back to the condos. As soon as he opened the door to the condo, Syneda entered and went straight to her bedroom, slamming the door behind her.
Clayton let out a disgusted sigh as he poured a drink and stepped out on the terrace. He stood transfixed for an hour or so looking at the ocean that was lit only by the moon’s glow. He turned around when he heard a movement behind him. Syneda stood before him. She had changed into a nightshirt.
“Clayton, I’m sorry. I can’t believe we had an argument after agreeing not to.”
Clayton held open his arms and she walked into them. He pulled her close to him. “I’m the one who should be apologizing, Syneda. I behaved like a jerk tonight and I apologize. There was nothing wrong with the way you were dressed. You looked sensational. I guess I’m so used to eyeing women myself that I know what goes through other men’s minds when I see them doing it. And I don’t want them thinking about you that way. I guess I’ve taken it upon myself to be your protector while we’re here.”
“Yeah, so I’ve noticed. But Clayton, you don’t have to protect me. I’m twenty-eight and old enough to take care of myself. Have you forgotten that I live alone in New York?”
Clayton smiled down at her. “Deep down I know you can take care of yourself, but that doesn’t keep me from wanting to do it for you.”
Syneda grinned. “I guess with three younger sisters you’re used to it.”
“Maybe so,” Clayton replied, although deep down he had a feeling the root of his problem was jealousy, plain and simple.
Syneda stepped back out of his arms. “I’m really enjoying myself, but I don’t think you are. Maybe I should leave tomorrow and return to New York. You’re so busy looking out for me that you’re not relaxing at all.”
Clayton brushed a stray curl from her face. “No. I’m fine, and I don’t want you to leave. I enjoy your company. Like today, for instance. I had a great time building that sandcastle with you on the beach. And tomorrow is our day to spend shopping at the malls, remember.”
Syneda smiled. “How could I possibly forget something as important as that?”
Encircling her with a protective arm, Clayton drew her closer to him. For a long moment there was no conversation between them. They just held each other. Clayton was going through pure torture. Everything about Syneda was sexy, and he felt a quickening in the lower part of his body. If he didn’t separate himself from her, he couldn’t be held accountable for his actions. “Syneda?”
“Umm?”
“I think we should call it a night, don’t you?”
Syneda stepped out of his arms and peered up at him through a sweep of long lashes. A smile covered her lips. “Friends again?”
Clayton returned her smile as a surge of warmth passed through him. “Yes, friends again.”
“Good. As much as we argue at times, I like having you for my friend.”
“And I feel likewise.”
Syneda leaned up on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. “Good night, Clayton.”
“Good night, Syneda.”
He watched as she turned to leave. He couldn’t help but notice how the sleeper she wore clung to her body, accentuating her shapely hips and tiny waist. He had a feeling he was in for a long, sleepless night.
Chapter 3
“Don’t tell me we’ve finally done something that’s tired you out,” Clayton said, grinning. He handed Syneda a cold can