Eternally Yours - Brenda Jackson [47]
She had berated herself numerous times over the past two weeks for inviting him to stay at her place. She had been so sure she could handle it but now she seriously had her doubts. All it took was a few moments to think about their weekend together to know the man still was not out of her system.
She let out a deep sigh. This would be a rather interesting weekend.
It was Friday and not quite noon, Syneda noticed, glancing at her watch. Her right arm felt numb and she was positive that at any minute it was going to fall off. Also, her stomach was more than mildly protesting her lack of providing it with nourishment.
A doughnut and a cup of coffee were all she’d had for breakfast. She had too much work to take time to eat anything. Especially if she wanted to leave the office on time to be at home before Clayton arrived. He had phoned earlier in the week and indicated he would be arriving around six.
The smooth voice of Joanna on the intercom broke into Syneda’s thoughts. “Ms. Walters?”
“Yes, Joanna, what is it?”
“I know you asked not to be disturbed but there’s a gentleman here to see you. He doesn’t have an appointment. He says he’s a friend of yours by the name of Clayton Madaris.”
The frown of annoyance on Syneda’s lips was suddenly replaced by one of complete surprise. Clayton was here in New York already!
“Ms. Walters?”
Syneda could tell by the strain in Joanna’s voice that she was getting frustrated with her lack of cooperation. “All right, Joanna, please show Mr. Madaris in.”
Nervously gathering the scattered papers in a neat pile, Syneda placed them in a folder on the corner of her desk. Then she stood to face the man who had plagued her mind for the past couple of weeks; especially this morning before she had become totally absorbed in her work.
The door swung open and Syneda managed to place a friendly though strained smile on her lips.
Clayton entered her office escorted by Joanna. It was obvious Joanna was completely enthralled by the tall, dark, handsome man dressed impeccably in a dark suit.
“Thanks for showing Mr. Madaris in, Joanna. That will be all for now.”
“All right,” Joanna replied, not taking her eyes off of Clayton. “If you’re absolutely sure there won’t be anything else.”
A slight frown of annoyance covered Syneda’s face. Joanna appeared to be in a daze. She hadn’t moved an inch. It bothered Syneda that Clayton had this effect on women. “I’m positive, Joanna. You may leave us alone now. And make sure I’m not disturbed.”
Clayton raised a dark brow at the harsh tone of Syneda’s voice.
“All right, Ms. Walters,” Joanna replied, not ignoring the curtness of Syneda’s words. She gave Clayton a warm smile before leaving.
“I wasn’t expecting you until late this afternoon, Clayton. You’re early.”
“My case this morning was canceled, so I caught an earlier flight out. I had my secretary phone you a few times, but she couldn’t get through to speak with you. She did leave a message though. I hope you don’t mind me showing up like this, but I need the key.”
A confused frown covered Syneda’s features. “The key?”
“Yes, the key to your apartment.”
“Oh,” Syneda said, as understanding dawned. She went into her desk for her purse. “You need the key to get inside my apartment.” She handed it to him. “Just make yourself at home. I should leave here by five. What would you like to do tonight? How about dinner someplace?” She had already decided it would be best if the two of them spent as little time as possible at her apartment.
“What do you usually do on Friday nights?” Clayton asked, taking the key she offered.
“Usually, I just grab something on the way home, then watch my favorite television program.” As an afterthought she added, “That’s if I don’t have a date for the evening.”
“Do you have a date for tonight?” Clayton asked quietly.
“No.”
“Then you shouldn’t change things just for me. However, since I’ll have nothing to do until you get there, how about letting me prepare us something to eat.”
“Clayton, that isn’t necessary.”
“I’d enjoy doing it. I