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

any more than she did. “For your information, Syneda, Justin Madaris is the problem. He’s not the type of man I want to get involved with. It’s bad enough he’s my neighbor, but I simply refuse to let—”
    “Whoa, whoa, whoa. Back up a minute. Did you just say Justin’s your neighbor?”
    Lorren shifted uneasily in her seat. “Yeah, but that doesn’t—”
    “Hold it right there. Let me get this straight, girlfriend. Justin’s out there with you, all alone, in no-man’s-land?”
    “It’s not no-man’s-land.”
    Syneda gave her a half smile. “All right, all right, so it isn’t no-man’s-land. The two of you are out there all alone in the boondocks?”
    Lorren raised her eyes to the ceiling. “Evidently there’s a point to all of this. If so, please make it.”
    “The point is, I think Justin Madaris is exactly what you need, a man with experience.”
    “Syneda, a man with experience is the last thing I need. His expectations would be too high. I couldn’t handle it if another man was to tell me how worthless I am in bed.”
    Smiling through the sadness she felt for her friend, Syneda said, “As far as I’m concerned, the person who told you that lie wasn’t a man, but a snake. Now tell me, what have you and Justin been doing out there all alone?”
    Lorren took another sip of her drink. She hadn’t seen Justin since the morning he had prepared breakfast for her. That had been two days ago. She’d expected him to show up uninvited again with the pretense of wanting to go swimming, or being a good neighbor by checking up on her. When he didn’t, she’d become confused at her mixed feelings of both relief and disappointment.
    “We haven’t been doing anything,” she finally replied. “I haven’t seen him much.”
    “Well, don’t look now, but the good doctor just walked through the door. He’s seen us and is headed this way. My-oh-my, it should be against the law what that man does to a pair of Levi’s jeans.”
    When Lorren turned to look at Justin, she had the irrational urge to bolt out the door. She felt trapped, and a shiver swept down her spine. The mere sight of him did strange things to her.
    “Good afternoon,” Justin greeted, stopping at their table.
    “Justin, what a pleasant surprise. Come join us,” Syneda said, a smile curving her lips.
    He returned the smile. “Thanks.” He sat down in the chair next to Lorren. A waitress came to take his order. “Hi, Sunnie. Just give me the usual.”
    Justin and Syneda went into a round of topics, ranging from the weather to foreign affairs. Lorren contributed to the conversation only when asked a direct question. For the most part she tried ignoring Justin’s presence. However, every time his gaze lingered on her, she was reminded of his parting words to her the other day.
    “We’d love to. Wouldn’t we, Lorren?” Syneda asked.
    Lorren blinked. “What? I’m sorry, I’m afraid I wasn’t listening. My mind was elsewhere.”
    “Justin invited us to a cookout Thursday night, and I’ve accepted,” Syneda said, giving her a meaningful look. “That will be great since that’s when I’m staying overnight with you.”
    Lorren shrugged. “Fine.”
    The waitress reappeared at their table. Lorren and Syneda declined dessert, but Justin ordered a slice of strawberry shortcake.
    “There’s nothing like an onion burger from this place to set you back. I’ll probably have indigestion for weeks. Any good advice, Doctor?” Syneda asked, grinning.
    Justin smiled. “A teaspoon of baking soda mixed with water. It’s a homemade remedy that works.”
    “I’ll give it a try,” Syneda said before glancing at her watch. “Well, I hate to run, but I’ve got to go.”
    Lorren looked up startled. “Go where?”
    “Shopping. But there’s no reason for you to leave, too,” she replied, with eyes twinkling in devilment.
    Syneda turned to Justin. “Thanks for the invitation to the cookout.”
    Justin stood when Syneda got out of