Tonight and Forever (6 page)

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.”

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?”

“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.

“Mmmm. Something smells delicious,” Justin said, entering the house carrying a bottle of wine in one hand and a gym bag in the other.

Lorren’s pulse quickened and her stomach fluttered nervously as she gazed up at him. Could she pull off what she’d planned? If so, before the evening was over she would scare the pants off him. Well…she really didn’t want to go that far. The thought of Justin without pants was too much to think about. “It’s gumbo. My roommate in college was from New Orleans and introduced me to Creole cooking. I hope you like it.”

Justin broke into an open, friendly smile. “I’m sure I will.”

Lorren couldn’t help smiling back at him. Hurrying home from her visit with Mama Nora, she had dug through a box containing old magazines that had been delivered with her other stuff that morning. Rummaging through the box, she’d found an old magazine which contained the article, “Ways to Send an Overeager Male Running for Cover.” She hoped the author of the article knew her stuff.

“Thanks for the wine, Justin. You can go on ahead. I’ll join you after making sure everything’s taken care of in the kitchen.”

She tried not to give an overinterested glance at him. In swimming shorts, his physique was so well sculpted. Each muscle in his hard body was defined.

Justin pulled a towel out of the gym bag. “Oh yeah, will you go to the movies with me tomorrow night in Dallas?”

At any time she would have refused his invitation. But since chances were after tonight he would be avoiding her like the plague, she agreed to go for appearances’ sake. “Sure, I’d love to.”

Justin gave her a smile that sent her pulse racing. “Great!”

Lorren took a deep breath when Justin left.
Get your act together, girl, and don’t screw up.

When she reached the lake Justin was already in the water. The only part of him visible was his naked brown chest. She slowly disrobed, revealing her two-piece swimming suit, fully aware his eyes were on her.

Calling out to him, she asked, “How cold is the water?”

“It’s not cold at all, which is surprising for a day in April,” he answered, taking in every detail of the exotic orchid print bathing suit that was molded to all her curves. “Come on in,” he invited.

Lorren couldn’t help noticing the interest he was showing in her outfit.

“You look absolutely sensational, Lorren.”

She smiled. “Thanks.” She then dived down deep into the water, resurfacing seconds later. She pushed the wet hair from her eyes. “Justin Madaris! I thought you said the water wasn’t cold! It’s freezing in here!”

Justin laughed a throaty laugh. “No, it’s not,” he said, swimming toward her. “Just relax. You’ll get used to the temperature.”

“I—I doubt it,” she muttered in a chattering voice.

“Oh, come here, you big baby, let me warm you.” Before she could react, he was wrapping his arms around her. “Does that feel better?”

Lorren nodded, unable to speak. His arms were holding her gently. The motion of the water nudged them together from breast to thigh. She was aware of Justin’s solidly built body. The water pushed them even closer, and her breasts brushed against his chest. The muscles of her abdomen quivered.

Justin felt Lorren’s breasts swell against him. He ached to remove her top and rub his thumb against their taut tips. How many times had he fantasized about holding her like this, so achingly close to his aroused body? Even now, he could smell her perfume, an alluring scent that made him want to…

Suddenly, with trembling hands, he released her. He had to resist temptation. “That should warm you up some,” he murmured huskily. “Come on. Let’s swim for a while.”

Lorren nodded. His touch hadn’t just warmed her; it nearly had her in flames.

They swam, hard and fast, their arms splashing vigorously through the water, trying to channel their powerful heat for one another into playful activities. For an entire hour they had a gung ho time treading water and engaging in water wars. Twice when he caught her trying to cheat during a race, he grabbed her and pulled her under. Once, after making it to the other side and resting on the edge, he jumped out of the water and tossed her up in the air and out over the water.

“Justin Madaris! You’re going to pay dearly for doing that!” she screamed.

He threw his head back, releasing a great peal of laughter before diving in. Coming up beside her, his arms wrapped around her waist. “Threats!” he teased.

In spite of herself, Lorren joined him in laughter. They trod water some more before swimming to the other side again.

“If we don’t get out of here soon, we’ll start looking like prunes,” she said. “Besides, it’s almost dinnertime.”

Justin gave her a devastating smile. “My stomach agrees with you.” He got out of the water. “I really enjoyed myself, Lorren. You’re a lot of fun.”

“I had a great time, too,” she replied, getting out of the water and toweling herself.
Too great a time,
she thought, grabbing her robe. A feeling of happiness rose inside her, making her feel lighthearted and relaxed. This was the most fun she’d had with a man in a long time.

“Allow me.” Justin took the robe from her fingers and held it out so she could slip her arms into the sleeves. His hands smoothed the fabric around her shoulders, down her back, and over the curve of her hips. He was tempted to go farther, to run his hands lightly up the insides of her thighs, to make her ache for him as much as he was aching for her.

Lorren’s head was whirling. How could his touch have this effect on her? His arms were now around her waist, forcing her against his body so she could not ignore his want of her. She closed her eyes. She couldn’t give in. “Thanks, Justin,” she whispered.

“You’re welcome.” His hot breath caressed her ear. “Are you ready?”

His husky voice reverberated through her body. “Ready?”

Justin turned her around to face him. His hand moved caressingly along her side. “Yeah. Are you ready to go?”

Unable to speak at the moment, Lorren nodded.

They walked back to the lake house. Justin drew her closer to his side, making her aware of the strength radiating from him as well as the power of his body. When they entered the house, she attempted to breathe normally. It wasn’t easy. His proximity had nearly stolen the air from her lungs.

“Is the spare bedroom okay?” Justin asked.

His question startled her. “For what?”

“To change clothes.”

“Oh. Sure,” she replied, embarrassed that she’d jumped to conclusions. “I’ll meet you back here in a few minutes.”

They returned to the living room about the same time. Lorren had changed into a pair of shorts and a T-shirt, and Justin was wearing jeans and a sweatshirt. She noticed the gold coin medallion around his neck. “That’s a nice medallion, Justin.”

“Thanks,” he replied, unconsciously tucking it inside his sweatshirt. “Do you need help preparing anything?” he asked.

“No thanks. Just make yourself comfortable. It’ll only take a few minutes to warm up everything,” she replied, rushing off to the kitchen. The man was too sexy for words.

Back in the kitchen, she busied herself with dinner, trying not to think about the man in the other room. The gumbo’s spicy aroma helped clear her mind.

In the living room, Justin glanced up at a huge painting Lorren had hanging on the wall. It was a painting of two African children, a boy and a girl. Both were dressed in their native apparel. “Who are they?” Justin asked, turning in Lorren’s direction and asking the question across the open breakfast bar separating the kitchen from the living room.

Lorren glanced up and saw him standing in front of the painting. She smiled at him. “Evidently you’ve never read any of my Kente Kids books, Justin,” she said teasingly. “Or you would know that’s Suma and Zakiya, my two original Kente Kids. They are everybody’s favorites. Suma is a male African name which means the first one, and Zakiya is a female African name which means smart and intelligent. Every so often, I introduce a new Kente Kid in one of my books. That’s what I’m doing in the book I’m presently working on. There are now a total of six Kente Kids.”

“And who’s the new kid?” Justin asked, grinning.

“A little boy by the name of Mukasas. His name means giver and provider.”

“That’s interesting.” He turned his head back to the painting. “I wouldn’t mind having a copy of this painting for my very own.”

Lorren grinned. Like Justin, most people were immediately taken with her Kente Kids. “Sorry, that painting is one of a kind. It was painted by a friend of mine from college and given to me as a gift.”

Justin nodded as he glanced around the room. He noticed a stack of boxes sitting on the floor in the corner. “You’re still unpacking?”

“Yes. Those boxes arrived this morning. I’m not sure whether or not I’ll be unpacking all of that stuff. Other than the items I need for my writing, I’m going to wait until I’m settled into my own place before unpacking most of it.”

“Will you be moving into town?”

“Yes, but I’m in no hurry. I like the privacy and the seclusion this place provides. I wish I could talk Mama Nora into selling it to me. It’s just what I need. I don’t want anything too big. It’s perfect.”

Justin walked into the kitchen as Lorren was making the salad. “Why don’t you ask her?”

She shook her head. “I can’t do that. She loves this place as much as I do.”

Justin nodded. “How would you like leasing the one I’m in?”

Lorren looked startled. “Where’re you going?”

Justin’s mouth curved into a smile. “I’m buying the Taylors’ place. In fact, I’m meeting with the attorneys tomorrow to sign the final papers. That’s the reason for the cookout on Thursday. It’s sort of a celebration. I’ve been negotiating with the seller for over four months now. We’ve finally reached a satisfactory agreement.”

“You bought Taylor Oaks?” she asked, totally surprised. In her early days in Ennis, Taylor Oaks had been one of the largest spreads in the county. Sam and Holly Taylor had been members of Ennis’s elite society. Their beautiful cattle ranch had also been the sight for breeding thoroughbred horses. It was situated on over three hundred acres of land encompassing the most beautiful oak trees found anywhere. That ranch had been Lorren’s dream home since the time she’d first attended the Taylors’ annual barbecue. She used to envision herself living there.