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 her chair. He smiled. “My pleasure, and don’t worry about your bill. I’ll take care of it for both you ladies.”
“Thanks. That’s kind of you. I’ll see you guys later.”
Lorren felt abandoned and thoroughly set up by her friend. Looking across the table, she found Justin’s eyes on her as he sat back down.
“How have you been, Lorren?”
“Fine.”
“Are you almost all settled in?”
“Not quite.”
Justin held her gaze with his for a few moments. “So you decided to go swimming the other day after all.” It was a statement, not a question.
Lorren’s eyes widened. “How did you—” she began, then broke off as she realized what the only possible answer to her unfinished question could be. He’d been at home. “I, ah—”
“You what, Lorren?”
She hesitated before answering. “I didn’t know you were home. Your car wasn’t parked out front. I assumed you had gone somewhere.”
Justin leaned back in his chair. A slow smile touched his features. He sensed her nervousness. “Most of the time I keep my Vette parked in the back, under a shed. Texas weather can be murder on a good paint job. And to answer the question you didn’t complete, the reason I know you went swimming is because I saw you.”
And what he’d seen had been a sight to behold. He’d been sitting at his kitchen table, which overlooked the lake, reading an informative but boring medical journal article. For some reason he’d glanced up and caught sight of her. Whatever information he’d been reading abruptly faded from his mind when he’d received the jolt of his life. Of course, he’d known she had a shapely figure. The black dress she’d worn at Ms. Nora’s party had clearly emphasized that. But the swimming suit she’d been wearing had knocked the breath out of him. All he could do was stare. He couldn’t pull his gaze from her. He had all but devoured the vision of her wet curvy body, admiring every inch of it.
Lorren shifted her chair. “I, ah—” she swallowed. “After you left, I changed my mind and thought the swim would relax me.”
Justin studied Lorren’s well-manicured hand tightening around the glass of soda. “Did it?”
Lorren lifted a brow. “Did it what?”
“Did the swim relax you?”
She shrugged. “Yeah, pretty much.”
He smiled. “I’m glad.”
Lorren’s throat suddenly felt dry, and she took a huge swallow of soda. Justin seemed amused, not irritated, that she’d gone swimming alone, less than an hour after turning down his invitation to go swimming with him.
“You have nice strokes.”
Lorren almost choked on her drink. “Excuse me?”
“Your strokes are nice. You’re a good swimmer.”
She studied him intently. “You must have seen a lot that day.”
Smiling, his teeth flashed white against his dark skin. “Yeah,” he said huskily. “I saw enough. And I was very impressed with everything I saw. Every bit of it.”
Lorren bridled at the double entendre.
Before she could dissect his words, he bailed himself out. “With your swimming, of course.” He grinned lazily, certain she knew her aquatic ability had nothing to do with his remarks.
“Of course,” she returned stiffly.
“Have you given any thought to what I asked you the other day?”
He saw her tense at his question. Her eyes met his candidly. “As I told you, there’s nothing to think about.” She stood. “Well, I’ll be seeing ya.”
“Where’re you headed?”
“Fred’s Garage. I had my car shipped here from California. It arrived this morning with a flat tire.”
“Wait up and I’ll walk with you partway,” Justin said, signaling the waitress for the checks. “My next patient isn’t due in the office until three.”
Lorren glanced around the crowded diner, with its clinking dishes, faded wallpaper, and aromas of home-cooked meals. Over the years, it appeared very little had changed, including Sophie’s clientele. There were still the truck drivers, senior citizens, and some of the younger locals who enjoyed Sophie’s down-home country breakfast in the mornings, her mouthwatering lunch at noon, and her delectable soulful spread at dinnertime. Her sweet potato pie was worth dying for.
“Ready?” Justin broke into her thoughts.
“Yes. I really don’t need an escort,” she said to Justin when he ushered her out of the restaurant.
“I know, but I need to walk off lunch anyway.”
They were both quiet as they strolled along the sidewalk. More than once she was drawn closer to his side in order to let people pass. And each time she was acutely aware of him holding his ground so their bodies would brush against each other.
Lorren tried concentrating on her surroundings. Some years ago the citizens of Ennis had decided to preserve their historic downtown. As a result, after extensive development, renovation, and restoration, the numerous buildings lining Main Street had undergone some degree of revitalization, preserving a bit of the historical nostalgia of her favorite part of town. It had become the central business district.
“Here we are,” Lorren said, upon reaching Fred’s Garage. “That’s my car over there,” she stated, pointing to the dark blue Camry. “It shoul
d be ready now. It’s been here since this morning.”
Justin nodded. “Even so, you’d better check to be sure. I’ve discovered punctuality and timely service aren’t Fred’s strong points.”
Lorren couldn’t help the smile creeping into her features. “You’re right. I guess some things never change.”
“And some things will in good time,” he replied, his eyes fixed on her. The true meaning of his words was all too clear. “If your car isn’t ready, let me know. I’ll be glad to give you a lift home.”
“Thanks, but that won’t be necessary.”
“How about going swimming with me this evening? The only patient I have is the one scheduled at three.”
Lorren hooked her thumbs in the pockets of her jeans and met Justin’s gaze. An idea began forming in her head. What if she agreed to become involved with him? Or at least let him think she had. How would he handle it if her preaffair requirements were more than he was willing to agree to? Would he suddenly back off? Was she brave enough to pull off such a stunt? The thought was insane, but if there was a possibility it might work and get him to leave her alone, then…
A huge smile appeared on Lorren’s face. “I’d love to go swimming with you, Justin. I owe you a rain check anyway.”
A look of surprise registered on Justin’s chestnut features. “I thought you didn’t give rain checks.”
“You’ll be my first.”
He studied her, his eyes dark and intense. “Are you sure?”
She knew he was referring to more than just swimming. “Yes, I’m sure.”
“Okay, then I’ll see you later. I better get back to the office. Remember the offer still stands if you need a ride home.”
“Thanks. I’ll do that.” Lorren watched as he turned to walk away, suddenly feeling in control. “Justin?” she called after him.
He turned around. “Yeah?”
With dazzling determination she decided she might as well go for the gusto. “Don’t worry about dinner. It’ll be my treat this evening after our swim,” she said breezily. “It’s the least I can do after your terrific breakfast.”
He stared at her. “Thanks.”
She watched him until he was no longer in sight.
Had she bitten off more than she could chew?
Upon arriving at the office, Justin discovered that Mrs. Breland, his three o’clock appointment, had canceled. Just as well, he thought. His mind was definitely not as focused as it should be. All his mental activity was concentrated on one person—Lorren Jacobs. The woman had him more confused than ever.
Why had she suddenly accepted his invitation to go swimming and invited him to dinner? Had she decided an affair with him wasn’t such a bad idea? He had gone to bed last night thinking that a woman like Lorren was the last thing he needed in his life right now.
But the last thing he had been prepared for were dreams of her. The sweet image of her curvy body had tortured him in sleep. In his dreams he had tasted her, soothed her, and gently destroyed her defenses. But his torment hadn’t stopped there. He’d also dreamed of holding her tightly in his arms as he made love to her, sinking deeper into her body, inhaling her fragrance as his body vibrated with a fever that…
There was a sudden knock on the door. He jumped at the sound. “Come in.”
Sandra Dickerson, a middle-aged woman who doubled as both his receptionist and secretary, peeked around the half-opened door. “Your mom’s on the line,” she said, smiling. “And I’m out of here until morning.”
“Have a good evening, Sandra. See you then.”
“Okay, see ya,” she said, waving and closing the door behind her.
Justin took a long steadying breath before picking up the phone on his desk. “Mom? When did you and Dad get back?” His parents, both college professors at a university in Houston, had been visiting friends in Atlanta for the past two weeks.
“We got back this morning and right in the nick of time. Dex called within twenty minutes after we returned.”
Justin’s smile widened at the mention of the brother he hadn’t seen in quite some time. Dex was working in Australia as a geologist with a major oil company.
“How is he?”
Marilyn Madaris released an excited breath. “You’ll find out soon enough. He’ll be here for Christy’s birthday party.”
“Wonderful! Is he coming home to stay?”
“Let’s hope so.”
Justin heard the deep longing in his mother’s voice. In his mind he could envision her, a Nancy Wilson look-alike, sitting at the kitchen table wearing a smile only mothers wore when they thought of their children returning home. He had seen that same motherly smile on Ms. Nora’s face when she’d told him that Lorren was his neighbor.
“And how have you been, Justin?”
“Fine, Mom.”
“Have you been seeing any nice girls lately, dear?”
Leave it to his mom not to beat around the bush at anything, he thought with a smile. That was Marilyn Madaris’s style. After a brief hesitation, he replied, absently fingering the medallion around his neck. “I do my share of dating.”
“Really? As far as I’m concerned, they’re all faceless women since your family hasn’t met any of them. It’s hard for a mother with three sons to accept the fact that none of them have marriage on their minds.”
Justin grinned. “I’m sure you can forgive Dex for his lack of enthusiasm. His divorce from Caitlin nearly tore him apart. And you can definitely forget Clayton. He claims the only men that aren’t fools are bachelors.”
“Humph,” she snorted. “And what about you?”
“I’d remarry in a heartbeat if the right woman came along, Mom, you know that,” he chuckled.
“Do I, Justin? I’m beginning to think this fate song you’ve been singing over the years is for the birds. A part of me can’t help but wonder if perhaps you’re only fooling yourself.”
“Fooling myself? About what?”
“About ever wanting to marry again.”
Justin raised his eyes to the ceiling. “Mom, if it’s meant for me to marry again, I will. Now tell me how the rest of the family is doing.”
Chapter 4
I must be out of my mind, Lorren thought as she drove through the residential streets of Ennis toward Mama Nora’s house. How could she have convinced herself to try and pull a fast one on Justin Madaris? Syneda was right. The man was no wimp. There was no doubt in Lorren’s mind that he was way out of her league. But it was too late to back out of it now. She would have to go through with it and pray that somehow her plan worked.
What do I have to lose if it doesn’t work? she asked herself as she pulled into Mama Nora’s driveway. She dredged up a wavering smile. Probably my peace of mind. Not to mention my sanity.
“So…” Mama Nora poured herself a cup of coffee and sat at the table to join Lorren. “Have you finished unpacking?”
Lorren nodded. “Yes, except for the boxes that arrived this morning. I really appreciate your letting me use the lake house while I finish working on my book. The seclusion helps me concentrate.”
“Mmmm.” Mama Nora sipped the coffee she had poured into the cup. “And just how long will it take you to finish this book?”
“No more than two to three months at the most. Then I’ll begin looking for a place to live somewhere in town before beginning a new book.”
Mama Nora nodded. “I’m still not crazy about you being out there alone. But I feel a lot better, though, knowing Justin isn’t far away.”
Lorren leaned back in her chair. “You really like him, don’t you?”
“Who? Justin? Sure I do. I’ve known the Madaris family for a long time. They’re good people. Roman and Justin’s daddy were roommates in college.” Mama Nora took another sip of coffee before she continued. “Justin turned out to be a fine young man, even with all the pain he’s suffered. He’s worked hard over the years to mend that hole in his heart.”
“Did you know his wife?”
<
br /> “No, but I understand she was a sweet little thing, and that he simply adored her. It was sad how she died and so young.” She shook her head. “I can remember his mama telling me how hard Justin had taken her death. For a while his family thought he’d never recover, that he had hardened his heart and would be a loner forever. But he pulled himself together and came around.” Mama Nora swept a strand of gray hair over her left ear. “Yep, there’s no doubt in my mind that one day he’ll remarry.”
Lorren refrained from making eye contact with Mama Nora. Instead, she fingered the pattern of the tablecloth. “Yes, he’s said as much,” she replied softly. “He certainly has an optimistic view on life. He claims he’s waiting for fate to bring this special woman to him.”
Mama Nora took another sip of coffee. “So I’ve heard. I hope it happens soon, and he gets just the kind of woman he needs. A good man like him shouldn’t go to waste.”
Lorren’s head shot up. “Surely you don’t believe in this fate stuff?”
“Me? Naw. But evidently Justin does, or at least he’s convinced himself he does. People who have encountered pain in life will use just about anything as a safety net.” She stared at Lorren. “You and Justin are alike in a way. Both of you are people made for love.”
“Love? Me? Not hardly. I prefer just living, and to me living and loving don’t necessarily go hand in hand. This business of love and marriage may be a turn-on for Justin, but they’re a definite turnoff for me. I don’t think I’ll ever fully get over what Scott put me through…supposedly in the name of love.”
Mama Nora touched Lorren’s hand. “Believe this, child, all our hearts have been wounded in some kind of way. A person has to be able to dust herself off after a fall and move on. Somehow you got to get on with your life and not look back.”
The words penetrated Lorren’s mind. That was the whole idea of her moving back to Ennis—to get on with her life. And a man like Justin Madaris was too dangerous to the life she wanted. Whenever she was around him, she found herself thrown into one episode of blank-minded tizzies after another. He had the ability to stop her from thinking straight. She was determined more than ever to get him out of her life.
Tonight and Forever Page 5
