Tonight and Forever by Brenda Jackson Read Free Book Online Page A

particular reason for this little episode of male-bashing? You’ve been on a roll since we got here.”
    Lorren took a sip of her soft drink, then regarded her friend through lowered lashes. “No reason.”
    The look Syneda sent her was pointed. “Let’s not get cutesy, Lorren Nicole Jacobs. We’ve been through too much together. The disappointment of my father not coming for me, your schoolgirl infatuation with Carlos Nottenkamper, and last, but not least, your bummer of a marriage to Scott.”
    Lorren raised her eyes heavenward. “Thanks for reminding me of that last one.”
    Syneda smiled sweetly. “Couldn’t pass up the chance. So, are you going to tell me what’s bothering you, or will you keep me guessing?”
    Lorren tried pulling her scattered emotions together. When she spoke, her voice was low and unsteady. “I’m attracted to Justin Madaris.”
    “For crying out loud, Lorren. Tell me something I don’t know. Have you forgotten that I’m the one who called a cab for you the other night. It was obvious at Mama Nora’s party the two of you were attracted to each other.”
    Lorren shook her head. “No, Syneda. You don’t understand. I mean deeply attracted, to the point that I’ve felt things.” She dropped her voice lower, her words barely more than a ragged whisper. “Physical things.”
    Syneda stared at her friend for a moment. She would have grinned at the bewildered expression on Lorren’s face had she not known the depth of her anxiety. “Oh, Lorren,” she said softly, a tender smile dancing across her lips. “Honey, you’re supposed to feel physical things when you’re attracted to someone.”
    “I didn’t feel anything physical like this for Scott.”
    Syneda sighed. “Then that should tell you something, shouldn’t it? When will you realize that Scott Howard didn’t walk on water? In my opinion, he didn’t walk on land either. He crawled around on his belly like other snakes.” She smiled. “So, you’re really attracted to the good doctor, uh? Well, hallelujah! It’s about time you’re attracted to someone. Now maybe you’ll stop overprotecting yourself because of what Scott put you through and get on with your life.”
    “You act as though I haven’t dated at all since my divorce. I’ve gone out with numerous men.”
    “Numerous men?” Syneda asked, drawing out the words slowly. “Don’t make me get hysterical. What you dated were numerous wimps. The only competition you got was from their mamas. Face it, honey, Justin Madaris is no wimp.”
    Placing her elbows on the table, Syneda laced her fingers under her chin. “Why are you fighting your attraction to Justin, Lorren?”
    Lorren took a deep breath before answering. Syneda was one of the few people who knew most of the details of her breakup with Scott. “You know Scott’s accusations. You know all the things he said about me.”
    “Yes,” Syneda answered softly. “And I’ve told you a million times not to believe any of it. He said those things to hurt you. Hurting you was the only way he could cover his own feelings of inadequacy.”
    Lorren took another sip of her drink before responding. “I really wish I could believe that.”
    A wry smile tilted the corners of Syneda’s mouth. “Do more than believe it, Lorren. You can prove Scott was wrong.”
    Lorren’s brow shot up. “And how am I supposed to do that?”
    “You know the answer to that. The way I see it,” Syneda continued, “there’s only one thing left for you to do. Sleep with Justin.”
    Lorren’s mouth dropped open at the calm, easy way Syneda had made the suggestion. “Syneda Tremain Walters! Are you out of your cotton-pickin’ mind?”
    “No, but you’ll be if you don’t make an attempt to find out the truth once and for all. So what’s the problem?”
    Lorren glanced at her friend sharply, wondering if the onion burger Syneda had just eaten had gone to her head instead of her stomach. Syneda didn’t believe in casual sex