Eternally Yours by Brenda Jackson Read Free Book Online Page B

had consumed him, had hardened him, and had made him fully aware of how much he wanted her.
    Clayton sighed deeply. He would no longer fight the inevitable. He wondered how Syneda would handle the fact that he had every intention of getting close to her. Very close. He was a man who believed in going after what he wanted.
    And he wanted her.

Chapter 4
    “I ’m ready, Clayton.”
    Clayton turned his attention away from the television to cast his gaze upon Syneda as she entered the room. He was utterly spellbound as he stood to his feet. She looked absolutely radiant.
    While waiting for her he had begun watching a sitcom that he had found rather enjoyable. However, all thoughts of the television program left his mind when he saw her. He could only stare at the stunning woman standing across the room.
    She was dressed in a fuchsia-colored dress that fit like a glove.
    A knot formed deep in Clayton’s throat. He was totally captivated, and before he could stop his mouth from saying aloud his innermost thoughts, the words flowed from his lips in a voice rich with masculine magnetism and sensual appeal. “You look great, Syneda.”
    The dark intensity in Clayton’s eyes touched Syneda to the core. The dress she had chosen to wear was one she had bought earlier that year to attend the law firm’s annual get-together. The style of the dress showed off her figure to alluring advantage. She had made quite a hit in it at the party.
    “Thanks, and you look pretty good yourself.” She thought he looked particularly handsome dressed in a charcoal-gray suit, white shirt and printed tie.
    Anxious to get away from Clayton, if only for a minute to get her bearings and to stop her senses from spinning, she said, “I think I lied earlier.”
    “About what?”
    “About being ready. I left my purse in the bedroom. I’ll be right back.”
    Clayton drew in a deep breath when Syneda turned to leave the room. His gaze traveled over her from behind. Her dress had a daring deep V-back that seemed to end at her waist. His skin felt flushed, his tongue felt thick in his mouth and his eyes felt swollen from expanding. He stared at her bare back, small waist, soft curves and long shapely legs. He could feel the hammering of his heartbeat in his chest and was no longer stunned at the rush of pleasure that surged through him.
    Syneda hurried off into her bedroom. Pausing just inside the door, she took a long, deep breath. What was happening to her? Clayton wasn’t a man she had just met. Why was being around him affecting her this way? Why was every sensory nerve in her body sharpened with maddening awareness of him? With no answers but a determination to enjoy herself during the evening, she took another deep breath before snatching her purse off the bed. Moments later she returned to the living room where Clayton was waiting.
    “I’m really ready this time.”
    “No more than I am,” Clayton replied softly. Taking her hand he led her out of the condo.

    “What a beautiful ship,” Syneda said to Clayton as they boarded the Rivership Romance . It was a 110-foot triple-deck catamaran that was positively elegant. On board was an interior of Tiffany lamps and plushly carpeted dining salons and a lounge.
    The exterior contained promenade decks with seating that provided a stunning view of the ocean.
    “Welcome aboard. I’m Captain Johnstone,” a tall man dressed in a starched white captain’s uniform greeted. “Tonight we’re featuring live entertainment and a full cocktail service. Dinner will be served promptly at eight and will include a selection of several mouthwatering dishes. Our crabmeat-stuffed whitefish baked in parchment is usually a favorite.”
    “That sounds delectable,” Syneda replied, flashing the captain a warm smile.
    “It is and we’re here to please. We want you to enjoy yourselves.”
    “Thank you and I’m sure we will,” Clayton replied, ushering Syneda on board. He hadn’t liked the smile the good captain