“I'm glad you finally realized that,” he said, getting in the last word.
Syneda decided not to respond. She didn't want to appear ungrateful, but she had a hang-up about a man doing anything for her. She had learned early in life not to depend on one.
After fastening her seat belt, she turned to Clayton. “What did your family say about us going away together?”
Clayton settled back in his seat. “They didn't have a thing to say.”
Syneda raised a brow. “Not anything?”
“Not anything.” He smiled. “Except for Dex.”
She lifted her head. “Dex? What did he have to say?”
Clayton chuckled. “Dex didn't say anything. He just made the sign of the cross. I guess he thinks we're going to do each other in on this trip.”
Syneda couldn't help but laugh. “Are we really that bad?”
“I guess, but we'll get along okay this trip. We did agree to be on our best behavior and not discuss any controversial topics. Remember?”
Syneda met his gaze then smiled slowly. “Well…” She dodged an answer, turning to look out of the window as the plane lifted off.
“Syneda…” Clayton said her name in a warning tone.
She turned back to him with her smile still in place. “Oh, all right. I remember, and I plan on keeping my end of our agreement. We'll get along just fine.”
Dallas, Texas
The sun was setting in the afternoon sky when the man alighted from the parked car. Instead of being dressed in a business suit, which over the years had become his usual mode of dress while out in public, he had worn only a lightweight jacket and dress slacks. With the person he was going to visit, he could always be himself.
He crossed the dusty road and climbed the grassy hill before entering the meticulously cared-for grounds. In his hand he carried two bouquets of mixed flowers.
The walk seemed to take forever as he weaved his way toward the hillside and the marked stone. He was fully aware of the tears that misted his eyes as he knelt to place the flowers next to the grave. The headstone, although worn with time, still clearly showed the name and inscription written on it.
JAN WALTERS—REST IN PEACE
A knot of pain and sorrow formed in his throat. He closed his eyes as poignant memories resurfaced. It had been exactly thirty years ago today that they had met. It had been a day that changed his life forever. It was a day that brought him here every year, after finding out about her death fifteen years ago. By that time she had been dead three years already.
His heart grew heavy when he thought about all the wasted years they could have had together. They had begun dating during their senior year of college. Then a few days after graduation, after he had left for the Air Force Academy, she had left town without telling him or anyone where she had gone.
He stood, straightening his tall frame. The woman in the marked grave would have his heart until the day he died. He also knew that he would continue to come here each year and share this special day with her. It was their day.
Tears gathered in his eyes and slowly spilled down his cheeks as he turned toward the direction where his car was parked.
Until next year.
“This view of the ocean is breathtaking, Clayton,” Syneda said, leaning against the railing. From the balcony she watched the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean ripple gently toward the shoreline of St. Augustine Beach.
“It sure is,” Clayton replied, coming to join her. He handed her a glass of wine. “Compliments of the management. They also left some entertainment brochures, as well as a visitors' guidebook to all the places to check out while we're here.”
Syneda accepted the glass.
“Thanks.” She looked out toward the ocean again. “I just can't believe all of this.”
“All of what?” Clayton asked, sitting down in a patio chair.
“All of this! The ocean view, the size of this condo, the list of activities lined up for us, this city's history. Everything! And don't you dare sit there and pretend not to be moved by all of it. This place is wonderful, and I plan on enjoying myself immensely the next seven days. Thanks again for inviting me.”
“You're welcome.” He took a sip of his wine. “I told you what Dex's reaction was to us vacationing together. What did Lorren have to say about it?”
Syneda set her glass on a small table and reclined in a nearby lounger. “At first she didn't believe it. She couldn't imagine the two of us being anywhere together for too long without arguing about something. But after I explained we agreed to stay away from controversial issues, she thought it was a great idea. According to her, no one will think twice about us going away together. She said everyone knows the differences in our personalities and philosophies make the two of us ever getting it on impossible.”
“See there. What did I tell you? You were worrying for nothing.”
“Maybe, but a girl has to know when to safeguard her reputation.” She grinned.
Clayton frowned. “You don't think your reputation is safe with me?”
Syneda smiled. “Let's put it this way, Clayton. Everyone knows about your womanizing lifestyle.”
“Really? And what exactly do you know?”
Syneda gave him a rueful smile. “For starters, thanks to your sisters, I know all about that case of condoms in your closet. Do you deny it?”
He chuckled, thinking he needed to have a talk with his sisters for getting into his business. “No. I don't deny it. It's better to be safe than sorry.”
“Have you ever given any thought to just doing without?”
He gave her a slow grin. “I've been doing without for a couple of months, and I don't like it too much.”
She laughed. “Poor baby. What's the matter? The women are finally resisting that Clayton Madaris charm?”
Clayton laughed. “No, that's not it. Would you believe for the past couple of months, I've had a totally insane idea running through my head.”
“What sort of insane idea?”
“I've been thinking that maybe it's time for me to stop playing around and get serious about someone.”
Syneda almost choked on her wine. “You gotta be kiddin'. I can't imagine you ever getting serious about any woman.”
Clayton grinned at the startled expression on her face. “Neither can I, and that's the reason I desperately needed a vacation. I needed to get away to rid my mind of such foolish thoughts. I must be going crazy to even consider such a thing.”
“I totally agree.”
He smiled. “I'm glad someone does. However, my family would disagree with you. They think it's past time for me to settle down.”
Syneda shook her head. “The reason I agree with you is because I understand completely. Falling in love isn't for everyone. I know it's definitely not for me.”
Clayton raised a brow. “Really? I thought most women dreamed of their wedding day.”
“Well, I'm not like most women. I have no intention of ever falling in love,” Syneda said matter-of-factly. She stared at him, eyes bright with curiosity. “What has held you back from ever getting serious with a woman?”
“Fear.”
“Fear? Fear of what?”
“Fear of becoming bored with the relationship. Because of my parents' rather close relationship,