Scandalous

Scandalous
Donna Hill

www.millsandboon.co.uk

To my three beautiful children, Nichole, Dawne and Matthew, who teach me every day what hard work and true love are all about. And my incredible grandkids, Mahlik, Mikayla and Caylib. You guys rock!

Dear Reader,

You are about to embark on a sexy, passionate, suspenseful, life-affirming journey with Vaughn Hamilton and Justin Montgomery. This novel gave me an opportunity to tap into the world of politics, family secrets, suspense and an unquenchable love story—not to mention a few surprising twists. I am thrilled that Harlequin has reissued what was certainly one of my most popular novels. So if you are joining me for the first time, I thank you. For those who have taken the ride before, welcome back. And do be sure to look for the steamy sequel, A Scandalous Affair, coming soon.

The wonderful team of editors at Harlequin talked me into writing a new family series. This will be a first for me and I am thrilled about the upcoming story of the Lawson family of Louisiana. The first novel will debut in February 2011, and I’m eager to hear what readers have to say. Many of you may have already met the sexy, dashing, playboy Rafe Lawson, who made an appearance in my Arabesque title Heart’s Reward, this past August. If not, you are in for a treat.

Well, don’t let me keep you from diving into this juicy story. I love hearing from you. And you can find me online at www.donnahill.com, or follow me at twitter.com/donnahill and on Facebook.

Until next time,

Donna

www.dhfanclub.ning.com

www.donnahill.com

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Epilogue

Chapter 1

Tiny beads of moisture clung to Vaughn’s nude body as though unwilling to relinquish the hold of her satiny ebony skin. She stepped out of the shower and padded into her bedroom, allowing the warm spring breeze to finish the work her towel had missed.

Sitting on the edge of her bed, she took an almost sensual pleasure in languidly smoothing scented body oil over her damp skin. It was one of the few luxuries she allowed herself. With her grueling schedule as assembly woman for the State of Virginia, Vaughn Hamilton found that leisure time was a rare commodity.

Completing the ritual, she stood in front of the full-length mirror, critically assessing her reflection. As a young girl, she’d always been overly sensitive about her dark complexion. Her father, on the other hand, had always called her his “ebony princess.” But back in the old days, ebony was not the thing to be. And the old chant “the blacker the berry, the sweeter the juice” didn’t ease the pain from the taunts she’d received as a child. She’d grown up longing for the fair skin and long, silky hair preferred by society. As a result, she’d tried to overcompensate in every other area of her life by being the very best at everything she did, as though that would somehow make people overlook how dark she was. Fortunately, with maturity, she’d grown to be proud of her ebony coloring and had long ago dismissed the notion that to be light was right.

She angled her chin toward the mirror—her profile side—a flicker of a smile tugging at her full lips, revealing deep dimples. All in all, hers was a pleasing face, she mused, and her long, shapely body only added to the total picture. She strove hard to keep it in top shape, from the food she put in it, to the clothes she put on it, to the rigorous exercise regimen she adhered to devoutly. As a result, her small, rounded breasts were high and firm to the touch. Her narrow waist was the envy of her few close friends. Her rounded hips and tight thighs tapered down to striking “showgirl legs,” as her mother would call them.

She took a long look at her body. But then a shadow passed across her deep brown eyes, darkening them to an almost inky black. Her long, slender fingers lovingly, almost reverently, stroked the blade-thin faint scar. She turned away from the reflection as the mists of her past swept over her. It was always there—mocking her, reminding her.

How often had her mother tried to persuade her to have it removed by plastic surgery? “No one need ever know, darling,” her mother, Sheila, had said. Vaughn exhaled a deep breath. She needed to know. She needed to be reminded—every day of her life.

But for now she’d push those thoughts behind her, she decided with finality. She jutted her chin forward. Tonight she had to be focused, refreshed, and full of energy. Tonight was the beginning of a new direction in her political career. She couldn’t let anything interfere with that, especially ghosts from the past. This was a night she’d dreamed of for years. A shimmer of doubt creased her brow. Hadn’t she? Or was it her father’s dream? Momentarily she squeezed her eyes shut. At some point her father’s, Judge Elliott Hamilton, great aspirations for her had become her own, driving her relentlessly—to the exclusion of everything and everyone else. Regardless, she was a politician and she loved the job. “It is my dream,” she said aloud, “and I’m going to capture it.” If there was ever any doubt, it was too late now. There would be over two hundred guests awaiting her arrival at her parents’ estate in Norfolk. There was no turning back.

Meticulously, Vaughn continued preparing for the evening ahead. Every notable person in Virginia’s political circles as well as many renowned business people would be in attendance. Her father’s friends. Although she’d made a name for herself as Virginia’s assemblywoman, she couldn’t honestly say she’d made an array of friends in those circles. At least, not the kind who could push her over the election hurdle. That was her choice. She had very firm views that she refused to compromise. As a result, there were many of her male counterparts who’d be more than happy to see the “iron maiden” fall on her opinionated behind. Especially Paul Lawrence, her subconscious voice whispered. It’s over, she reminded herself. He’d gotten what he’d wanted from her, and it was over. She inhaled a shuddering breath as visions of their brief but tumultuous relationship rushed through her.

But as her bid for Congress loomed large, her father had insisted she surround herself with these people of influence. He had arranged for this first of many fundraisers. As much as she disliked the elbow-rubbing and gratuitous smiles, she knew that it was just one of the steps necessary to achieve her goals.

Driving the two hours to her parents’ home, she felt the beat of her heart quicken as the Jaguar brought her closer to her destination. Her hands unconsciously gripped the wheel. She could almost hear her mother’s words of disappointment when she arrived, once again, without an escort. That, too, was her choice. The life she’d chosen did not allow room for a relationship. Not now. Or maybe she just hadn’t met a man willing enough or strong enough to withstand the pressures of the life she led. At least, that’s what she told others. But the reality was, a husband and a family were not in the cards for her. That choice had been snatched away from her long ago. And sometime during the countless lonely, sleepless nights, she’d resigned herself to that fact.

Putting her trepidations aside, Vaughn eased the Jaguar into the private garage behind her parents’ hundred-plus acres of property.

Her father had purchased the palatial estate on the anniversary of his tenth year on the Superior Court bench. There, Vaughn had always felt like a fish out of water, alone and confused in the countless rooms and winding hallways. It was no wonder that when she was gratefully out on her own, she’d chosen a simple two-bedroom townhouse in the heart of Richmond, surrounded by houses and plenty of neighbors.

Even now, at thirty-six, she still had an overwhelming sense of being swallowed whole each time she walked through these ornate doors.

Fortifying herself with a deep breath, Vaughn walked determinedly toward the house. As she approached, she could hear the faint strains of a live band. Daddy had spared no expense, she thought, with a slow shake of her head. She bypassed the front entrance and went around to the back door, which opened onto an enormous kitchen.

The crowded room was bustling with activity and overflowing with mouthwatering aromas. At least a dozen waiters and waitresses, and the cooks and the chef, were jockeying for position.

In the midst of it all stood her mother, directing traffic and giving orders in her distinctive southern modulation. Sheila inspected a tray of hors d’oeuvre a tiny Asian waitress carried, then nodded her approval. Sheila looked up and her chestnut brown eyes rested lovingly on her daughter.

“Vaughn, sugar.” She crossed the space with outstretched arms and enfolded Vaughn in a tight embrace. Sheila whispered in her ear, “It’s not proper for a lady to make her entrance from the back door.” Sheila felt Vaughn’s body tighten as Vaughn tried to contain a chuckle. Sheila pulled her head back to look into Vaughn’s gleaming eyes. She pursed her lips in displeasure at her daughter’s faux pas. But Vaughn’s humor was contagious, and Sheila’s lips trembled at the edges as she struggled to keep from smiling. She kissed Vaughn’s cheeks and slipped her arm around her daughter’s tiny waist. “Listen baby,” she added in a stage whisper, sounding more like the girl who’d grown up in rural Georgia than the woman who now played hostess to political dignitaries. “Our days of entering from the kitchen are long over, and don’t you forget it. Anybody see you doin’ some mess like that gonna set us back fifty years!”

Instantly, both women broke out into deep, soul-stirring laughter, the kind that reminded Vaughn of the way she and her mother had often laughed together before…everything had changed. Exiting the kitchen, Sheila peered over Vaughn’s shoulder. “You came alone?” The question, which was more of a commentary, made Vaughn cringe. Her smile slowly dissolved.

“Yes, Mama. I came alone,” Vaughn conceded on a sigh.

Sheila’s perfectly made-up caramel-toned face twisted in a combination of annoyance and disappointment. “Truly, child, I just don’t understand you. You’re beautiful, important, intelligent…”

“Mother, please, not tonight,” Vaughn snapped, in a low, sharp voice. Briefly she shut her eyes. Then, on a softer note, she added, “Please, Mama. I really have enough on my mind.”

“Well, never mind,” Sheila said, with a toss of her expertly coiffed auburn head, her diamond stud earrings twinkling in the light. “There’ll be plenty of eligible men here tonight. You can believe that.” Her brows lifted in emphasis. Sheila took her daughter’s hand and guided her out of the kitchen. “Hopefully, one of them will meet the insurmountable standards you’ve set for yourself.” And fill the emptiness that shadows that wonderful heart of yours, she added silently.

Vaughn dutifully followed her mother into the main area of the house. Momentarily, Vaughn’s breath caught. The huge hall, which could easily hold a hundred people, had been transformed into a glittering ballroom.

The crystal chandelier glowed brilliantly with soft white light. The antique tables that braced the entry arch to the dining hall overflowed with fresh flowers. The black and white marble floors were polished to an “I-can-see-myself” gloss.

Beyond, in the dining hall, small, circular tables covered in pale rose linen cloths were topped with single tapers that lent the room an iridescent glow. On one side of the room, long tables were covered with exotic fruits, huge bowls of fresh salads, and cold seafood. On the other side a bar had been set up, complete with two fine bartenders. Maybe this single thing ain’t all it’s cracked up to be, Vaughn thought wickedly.

“Mama, everything is beautiful,” Vaughn enthused.

Sheila beamed with pride. “I’m glad you like it. Nothing is too good for you, sweetheart.” She gave her another quick peck on the cheek. “Make yourself comfortable. I’m going to find your father. The guests have already begun to arrive. And do mingle,” she ordered, over her shoulder.

Before Vaughn could respond, her mother was off in a whirl of sequins and diamonds. With no other choice, Vaughn wandered over to the bar and requested a glass of white wine, the only drink she could pretend to tolerate.

With her wineglass in hand, she strolled over to the terrace. The doors were wide open, allowing the fragrant scent of cherry blossoms to waft through the night air. She inhaled deeply as snatches of conversation drifted to her ears. Her pulse raced. She turned toward the voices and her heart slammed painfully against her chest. There, not ten feet away, involved in what appeared to be an intimate conversation, were Paul Lawrence and a woman who seemed to hang onto his every word. Vaughn’s hand trembled and she nearly spilled her wine.

How long had it been since she’d seen him? Not long enough. She should have known he’d be here tonight. She couldn’t let the sight of him rattle her. Just because their relationship was over didn’t mean he’d drop off the face of the earth, as she’d prayed he would. There was no way Paul would miss the opportunity to rub elbows with the politicos who’d put him into the district attorney’s office…even if it meant they’d have to face each other again. Vaughn stood as still as stone, the old fury rising in her like molten lava.

“I hope that’s champagne you’re drinking.”

Vaughn’s tense expression was transformed into one of serenity, her outrage slipping off like discarded clothing. Slowly she turned toward the sound of the familiar voice, an easy smile of welcome deepening the dimples in her cheeks. “Daddy.”

Elliott Hamilton embraced his daughter in a tight hug. But her attention was swiftly diverted to the figure that stood behind his broad frame. It took all the social training, she’d endured over the years for her to keep from staring.

Elliott released his daughter and stepped to her left, possessively slipping his arm around her waist. The movement steadied her and gave her a perfect full-figured view. Her mouth was suddenly dry, Paul all but forgotten.

“Justin, I’d like you to meet my daughter, the next congresswoman from Virginia. Vaughn, this is Justin Montgomery.”

It seemed as though everything happened in slow motion. First, there was that smile of his, which made his dark eyes sparkle and crinkle at the edges. Then, the strong arm that reached out, his large hand open and welcoming, waiting to envelop hers.

When Vaughn mindlessly slipped her hand into his, her brain seemed to short-circuit. A rush of electric energy raced through her arm, exploding in a wave of heat that radiated throughout her body.

“It’s a pleasure, Ms. Hamilton,” he was saying, in a voice that vaguely reminded her of the ocean, deep and soothing.

The sudden explosion of heat that erupted in Justin’s gut stunned him with its intensity. He felt himself being helplessly pulled into the depths of her brown eyes. He’d seen her before. Countless times—glimpses in restaurants and at public meetings, and in newspaper photos and television ads. But he’d never had the opportunity until now to meet her face to face. She had a natural charisma that was impossible to resist. Before tonight, she’d been but an image that he’d admired. The real thing was an entirely different story, one that left the usually unflappable Justin Montgomery totally off center.

Vaughn found her voice and quickly recovered her manners.

“Pleased to meet you, Mr. Montgomery.” The name struck a familiar chord in her brain, but she couldn’t seem to get her thoughts to focus with him staring at her as if he could peer beyond her facade of calm.

The corner of his full mouth, traced by a fine mustache, inched upward in a grin. “I’ve heard a lot of good things about you, Ms. Hamilton.”

“I’m sure my father’s been exaggerating again.” She gave her father a feigned glance of reprimand.

Elliott Hamilton held up his palms in defense. “Honestly, sweetheart, I wish I could take the credit.” He smiled benevolently. “But since Mr. Montgomery just arrived, I haven’t had a chance to launch into my repertoire of accolades.”

Vaughn’s eyebrow arched in question. Her gaze swung back to Justin.

He shrugged nonchalantly, his dark eyes flickering over her. “Word gets around.”

They both realized then that they still held hands and self-consciously released their hold.

Elliott gently patted Justin’s back. “If you’ll excuse us, Justin, Senator Willis and his wife have arrived. And my wife is waving to me frantically.”

Vaughn peeked over the heads of the incoming guests and caught a glimpse of the stately Senator Willis. Her stomach clenched and a cold rush of unforgotten hurt suddenly overwhelmed her with poignant memories. A wistful smile of reminiscence lifted her mouth as she saw Brian’s young face in his father’s.

“Vaughn.” The intonation of her name snapped her out of her reverie.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Montgomery,” she said with a brilliant smile. “I hope you enjoy the party. Excuse me…” She turned to leave, following closely behind her father’s footsteps, when that voice reached out and caught her in mid-stride.

“Justin,” he said, with that smile that could make a woman do the kinds of things she’d only fantasized about.

Glancing at him over her shoulder, she smiled in acknowledgment, then quickly turned away to begin the ritual of smiling, greeting, and playing the role to the line of guests waiting to meet her.

Justin kept a subtle eye on the guest of honor for the early part of the evening—over the rim of his champagne glass, throughout the six-course meal, from a corner shaded by a blooming potted tree, and from the center of the dance floor, where he glided effortlessly with an array of faceless beauties.

Her every movement was fluid and almost choreographed in its perfection, Justin thought. Her shimmering spaghetti-strap black gown dotted with countless black sequins and tiny rhinestones, fit that lithe body like a glove. Damn! Every time he looked at her, his thoughts ran off in dangerous directions and his body threatened to let everyone know exactly what was on his mind.

He continued to watch Vaughn closely, waiting for his opportunity to approach her, when he saw District Attorney Paul Lawrence go up to her, accompanied by a woman who hung onto his arm. Justin had paid such close attention to Vaughn for the better part of the evening that he instantly sensed her tension upon the arrival of Paul Lawrence. He waited for the flash of dimples, but the smile never came, and Justin cautiously waited with a mixture of curiosity and concern.

“Vaughn, it’s good to see you again,” Paul greeted her, showing her his famous campaign smile.

“Paul. It’s been awhile,” Vaughn replied in a monotone.

“This is Victoria Fleming. Vikki, Vaughn Hamilton, our guest of honor.”

Victoria stuck out her pale porcelain hand and smiled effusively, her shimmering red hair glistening in the light. “This is a wonderful party,” Vikki said, apparently oblivious to the tension that sparked like electricity between Paul and Vaughn. “I wish you the best of luck with your campaign.”

“Thank you. I appreciate that.”

Paul tightened his hold on Victoria’s waist. “Vaughn doesn’t need luck. She has a judge for a father,” Paul taunted, the smile never leaving his face.

Vaughn felt as if she’d been slapped, but she didn’t miss a beat. “You would know,” she tossed back coolly.

Paul’s hazel eyes darkened and his honey-toned skin flushed. “If there’s anything my office can do,” Paul said, “do give me a call. You know I’d be happy to help in any way that I can.”

“I’m sure. Nice to meet you, Vikki.” She inclined her head to Paul, turned, and walked away, her fury barely contained as she headed for the terrace, her heels beating a vicious rhythm against the marble floor.

She gripped the rail of the balcony with such force, her fingertips began to burn from the pressure.

“Can I refresh that drink, Ms. Hamilton?”

Vaughn turned with a start, but all traces of her distress were masked, by her public face. She stared into the searching brown eyes. Her stomach fluttered. “Mr. Hamilton.”

“Justin,” he corrected.

She cleared her throat and looked down at her half empty glass. “No, thank you…Justin. I’m not really a drinker.”

“I know,” he grinned. “You’ve been nursing that for hours.”

Vaughn felt a rush of embarrassment sweep through her, but it was quickly replaced with a sense of warning. “You’re very observant,” she replied pointedly.

Justin stepped closer and leaned his hip against the rail. The soft, sensual scent of her floated to him, momentarily clouding his thoughts. His eyes settled on her upturned face and he realized that he’d never before seen a woman with such flawless ebony skin. It seemed to radiate with a vitality that was magnified by sculpted cheekbones and large, luminous brown eyes that must surely peer into one’s soul. And that mouth! What would those luscious lips feel like, pressed against his?

“Is something wrong?” she asked, beginning to feel as if she were being disrobed.

“That was my next question to you,” he said, recovering smoothly.

Vaughn tilted her head in question. “I beg your pardon?”

Justin angled his chin in the direction of Paul and his date. “Mr. Lawrence seemed to have rubbed you the wrong way,” he stated casually.

Vaughn turned away to look out onto the expansive lawn below. “Have you spent your entire evening watching me?” she asked, both flattered and defensive.

“Pretty much,” Justin said, a hint of amusement rippling through his deep voice.

Vaughn turned to look at him and saw the beginnings of a smile tug at the corners of his lips.

“It seems I’m learning an awful lot about you very quickly…Justin. You’re observant and blunt. Is there anything else I should know?”

“There’s plenty.” He stepped a bit closer and her pulse raced. “Unfortunately, it would take a lot longer than one night to reveal it all.”

Her heart beat so fast she was afraid she’d stop breathing altogether. Why did he have to look at her like that—as though he were truly interested in her. She had yet to meet a man who didn’t want her because of her power and political influence. Paul was a perfect example of that. She was sure that this Justin Montgomery was no different. Her defenses kicked in. She was sure he had an agenda, and she wasn’t going to be on his itinerary of things to do.

Vaughn took a deep, steadying breath and exhaled. “Well, Justin, that’s a great line. However, I’m not interested.”

“Hmmm, very defensive,” he said, stifling a chuckle.

Her dark eyes flashed until she caught the gleam of amusement in his. She suddenly felt totally ridiculous for acting like a shrew.

“I’m sorry,” she said finally. She looked around, her dark eyes sweeping across the throng of guests who had come to contribute to her nomination campaign. “I don’t really like fundraisers,” she admitted on a long sigh.

“Who would?” he agreed gently. “Who would like pretending to adore a bunch of stuffed shirts.”

She smiled. “I’m glad you understand,” she replied softly, surprising herself at her candor. He was a perfect stranger.

Justin turned and braced his hip against the balcony railing. Vaughn stood with her back to it. Inches separated them.

“Why are you involved, then,” he asked, “in politics? If you don’t like…all this?”

Vaughn sighed wistfully. “Maybe one day I’ll tell you all about it.” She took a sip of the warm wine.

Why did I say that? she wondered.

Justin turned sideways and looked down at her. “I hope that’s a platform promise, Ms. Hamilton, because I intend to hold you to it.”

She gazed up at him and saw the warm sincerity in his eyes and let the caress of his voice wash over her.

She swallowed hard, and their eyes held for what seemed an eternity. She didn’t realize that he’d taken the glass from her hand, and she couldn’t find her voice to either accept or decline when he swept her onto the dance floor.

The band was playing a slow, bluesy Nancy Wilson song, and Vaughn felt her tense body slowly begin to relax in the comforting embrace of Justin’s arms. Their bodies seemed to fit together like puzzle pieces, Vaughn realized with alarm.

They danced in silence through three numbers before Justin spoke. “Actually,” he said, speaking into the silky texture of her upswept hair, “you’d make an excellent politician.”

Vaughn arched her neck to look quizzically up at him. Her dimples flashed for the first time in hours. “Why is that?”

“You have a knack for evading direct questions.”

“I am a politician,” Vaughn snapped. “What do you mean?” she said more softly.

“You very skillfully avoided answering me about Paul Lawrence. He seemed to have upset you earlier.” Then he smiled sheepishly. “I couldn’t help but notice.”

“Some things are better left unsaid,” she answered quietly.

The music ended and Vaughn stepped out of Justin’s arms. “I have a question for you,” she said. “Shoot.”

“Are you acquainted with Paul?”

“In a manner of speaking.”

“Now, you’re beginning to sound like a politician,” she countered with a smile.

“Touché. Paul and I have crossed paths on several occasions.”

“Personally or professionally?”

“Professionally.”

Vaughn’s brows rose in surprise. “He didn’t try to convict you of anything?” she asked drolly.

Justin laughed heartily. The deep sound rumbled through his chest. It made her feel warm and tingly inside. “No. We stood on opposite sides of the table.”

“You’re an attorney?”

“Don’t say it with such disdain,” he said, pretending offense. “Politicians and lawyers don’t make such strange bedfellows, you know.”

Her dimples winked at him. “I deserved that one.”

They fell in step next to each other and headed for the bar.

“So, who do you work for?” Vaughn asked.

“Scotch-and-soda, and a white wine for our hostess,” he said to the bartender. He turned his lazy gaze on Vaughn. “I don’t work for anyone,” he said, evasively. “I have a small private practice.”

Vaughn held her snappy retort in check. She was beginning to enjoy the verbal sparring. “Alone, or with partners?”

“I have two partners,” he said matter-of-factly.

“Really?” Her interest peaked. “What’s the name of your firm?”

He looked her full in the face, a bold grin lighting his eyes. “Montgomery, Phillips, and Michaels.”

It took all she had for her mouth not to drop open in astonished embarrassment. “You’re that Justin Montgomery?”

“I guess so,” he chuckled. “Disappointed?”

“You don’t have some ‘little’ practice! You have one of the busiest firms in D.C.” His notoriety didn’t end there, Vaughn thought. Justin Montgomery was also known for his eye for investments, which had afforded him a luxurious life-style.

Justin noted that she’d expertly sidestepped his question once again. He shrugged his broad shoulders. “We keep busy.”

“I know your partners—Khendra Phillips and Sean Michaels. They were involved in a major case a couple of years back.” How could anyone not notice Khendra Phillips, with her gleaming auburn tresses, wide eyes, and expressive mouth? Khendra always reminded Vaughn of the singer-turned-actress, Sheryl Lee Ralph, of Dreamgirls fame. And Khendra’s husband, Sean Michaels, was to die for.

He nodded. “Those are the ones.”

Her brow crinkled. “How come you and I have never crossed paths?”

“I try to keep a low profile. Actually,” he took a sip of his drink, “I do more speaking engagements than litigation. I let those two hotshots handle that. They say it keeps the spark in their marriage going.”

As she listened, glimmers of press clips flashed through her head. Her past was haunting her more than usual tonight. “I see,” she said stiffly. “Listen, Justin…I really should mingle with the other guests. They are paying a lot of money to be here tonight.” Her smile was devoid of emotion. “Please excuse me.”

She made a move to leave. Justin touched her arm and a tremor raced through her. “Is it something I said?” he asked, perplexed by her sudden change in attitude.

“It was nice talking with you, Justin. Good luck with your practice.”

He stared at her hard. “There you go again, avoiding my question.”

She returned his look without flinching. “Thanks for the drink. And the dance,” she said with finality. She eased away and was quickly swallowed up in the crowd.

Justin stayed long enough to listen to the round of toasts on behalf of Vaughn, who made a point of avoiding him for the rest of his stay. Shortly after, he said his goodbyes.

Just as he was heading for the door, Vaughn crossed his path. She stopped short.

“I hope you enjoyed yourself tonight. I appreciate your coming,” she said formally.

“Listen,” he began, his thick brows forming a thunderous line, “I don’t know what happened between us back there. But if I’ve offended you in any way, I apologize. I know that sometimes I have a tendency to come on a little strong.” He stepped closer, cutting off the space and the air between them. Her head swam and her pulse pounded in her ears as the heavenly scent of him rushed to her brain. “But I’m also known for going after what I want—in the courtroom and out.” His dark eyes stared deeply into hers. “This isn’t the end, Ms. Hamilton.” He raised a finger and gently stroked her jaw. “Not by any means. You can either do this the easy way,” he shrugged his shoulder, “or my way. It’s your choice.” His smile was devilishly wicked, but his eyes were deadly serious.

Vaughn’s eyes widened in disbelief. Who the hell did he think he was, anyway? Vaughn thought in a rush, her thoughts finally focusing. She was an assemblywoman for the state of Virginia. She was the daughter of a Superior Court judge. How dared he talk to her as if she were just…just a woman? As she opened her mouth to tell him just where he could go, he leaned down and placed a silencing kiss on her pouting lips. “Think about it,” he said, brushing past her. “I will.”

Vaughn spun around in open-mouthed astonishment to watch his casual departure as though nothing more had transpired between them than an impersonal goodbye.

“Wasn’t that Justin Montgomery I just saw kissing you?” came a friendly voice practically in her ear.

Vaughn turned quickly back around, her thoughts spinning. She forced her mind to clear as her eyes rested on her best friend and chief of staff, Crystal Porter.

“Crystal,” she responded stupidly.

“Very good,” she teased. “Now, back to my question.”

“Oh, that,” Vaughn answered casually, recovering her poise. She waved her hand in dismissal. “Just a friendly goodbye, that’s all.” Her dimples flashed.

Crystal’s thick eyebrows arched in disbelief. “You can tell me anything, girlfriend. But you know that I know better.” Her voice lowered to a sassy whisper. “You haven’t let anyone, or should I say, any man, get close enough to you even to smell your perfume, let alone give you a kiss. And on the mouth, at that.” She pursed her lips and peered at Vaughn from beneath thick black lashes.

“Don’t be dramatic, Crystal. That’s not true.”

“Yeah, right. Anyway, it’s time to make your goodbye and thank-you speech to the masses.”

“Thanks.” They began walking toward the dining room. “Actually, I’ll be glad when this whole night is over,” she said, trying unsuccessfully to shake off the lingering effects of Justin’s kiss.

“You think you will. But you know you love the limelight. You were born for this sort of stuff. And Virginia would be a helluva better place if you had a seat in Congress.”

Vaughn squeezed Crystal’s arm. “I don’t know what I’d do without you, Chris.”

“Sure you do. You’d hire someone almost as qualified as I am. Because you know I’m the best.”

“Yeah, you keep reminding me. Now, let’s go and get these people out of here.”

“Go for it. And lay it on thick,” she added with a smile, as Vaughn made her way to the front of the hall.

Flashbulbs and applause competed feverishly as Vaughn spoke both passionately and humorously about her bid for Congress.

“…your presence here tonight renews my determination to win this election. I stand by my conviction that government is ultimately responsible for its people.” A roar of applause filled the room. “I intend to take the voices and needs of my constituency to Capitol Hill. I have no intention of becoming,” she paused for effect, “one of the good ol’ boys.” Laughter filled the air. “My stand on women’s rights has caused storm clouds to gather, but that’s what umbrellas are for.”

“The crowd loves her and the press adores her,” Sheila whispered to Crystal as she eased up beside her, both of them watching Vaughn enchant the ballroom crowd.

“She definitely has what it takes, Mrs. Hamilton. There’s no question about that.”

“But there’s a long road ahead,” Sheila continued. “There’ll be those who’d rather she stayed at home, barefoot and pregnant, than run for higher office. You be there for her, Crystal,” Sheila pressed, squeezing Crystal’s arm for emphasis.

Crystal turned to look at Sheila, the faint hint of warning in her voice sending a shudder of alarm skimming up her spine. “I’m sure we can handle any mud that gets slung,” Crystal assured. “Vaughn is tough.”

“She’ll have to be tougher,” Elliott interjected, joining the two women. “There’s no room in politics for the weak of heart.” He put his hand around his wife’s waist. “I’ve paved the way for that girl. I know she’s not going to let me down.”

Sheila straightened her shoulders and fixed a smile on her face. “Of course she won’t, sugar,” Sheila assured her husband, even as a sense of foreboding found a haven in her heart.

The room erupted into thunderous applause as Vaughn concluded her speech. She joined her parents on the sidelines.

“Whew. That’s that,” Vaughn breathed with relief.

“You did good, girl,” Crystal said giving her a brief hug.

“Thanks.” Vaughn grinned. Crystal Porter was the only person she knew who could turn girl into a three-syllable word.

“This is only the beginning, princess,” Elliott said. “So you’d best be prepared.” He clamped his lips around the unlit pipe that was his trademark.

“I will, Daddy. I will,” she said wearily. “Mama, I’m going to be heading home. I’m beat.”

“I know you are, sugar. You must have shaken a thousand hands tonight.”

“Not to mention the countless wet kisses,” Crystal chimed in.

Vaughn switched her gaze to Crystal, her eyes flashing in annoyance.

“What?” Crystal asked innocently.

Vaughn shook her head. “Never mind. I’m getting out of here. Mama, Daddy, I’ll speak to you both tomorrow.”

“If you’re that tired, Vaughn,” her father said, “I think it best you stay here tonight. You don’t need to be driving home half asleep.”

She heard the beginnings of an order in his voice but she wasn’t having it. Not tonight. “I’ll be fine.” She kissed his cheek and then her mother’s. “I promise. I’ll call as soon as I get in.”

Elliott frowned and gnawed on his pipe, not at all pleased. But there was no point in getting his shorts twisted in a knot on such an auspicious night. This one time he’d let her rebellious streak go. “You just make sure you do that.”

“Goodnight, everyone,” Vaughn said wearily. “Chris, do you need a ride?”

“No. I have my car. I’ll see you on Monday. Be safe.”

Vaughn waved and swept out the door, deeply relieved to be out from under the supervision of her father. She couldn’t wait to get home and hop into bed.

As she slowly pulled out of the drive and onto the street, the sound of a honking horn caught her attention. She peered through the darkness and saw the headlights of a parked car at the edge of the six-foot iron gate. Cautiously, she eased the car down the lane. Quickly she checked that her windows were up and the doors were locked. Just because you paid a lot of money to live someplace didn’t protect you from crime, she thought nervously. Norfolk’s crime statistics could attest to that. She pressed her foot on the gas, intent on speeding past the waiting auto before the driver had a chance to know what was happening.

Her black Jaguar jetted forward, but not before the driver stepped in front of her car. “Holy….” she screeched, as she slammed on the brakes. The momentum threw her against the steering wheel. For several long moments she sat shivering in her seat, her head pressed against hands that couldn’t seem to release the wheel.

The sharp tapping on her window caused her to gasp in alarm. Her head snapped up. Her eyes, wide with fright, darkened into two dangerous slits. She bit down on her lip to keep from expelling a spew of expletives. Like a flash of lightning she unfastened her seatbelt, popped the locks on the door, and flung it open, nearly knocking down the unfortunate soul who was about to wish he hadn’t gotten up that morning.

She jumped out of the car, hands on hips, eyes blazing. “Are you totally out of your mind? I could have killed you, you damned idiot!”

Justin leaned casually against the hood of the Jaguar. He folded his arms across his chest. “Now, it wouldn’t have looked very good for your campaign image if you’d run me over.”

“What?” she sputtered. “You are out of your mind!” Her chest heaved in and out, enticingly, Justin noted, as she tried to get her breathing under control.

Justin stepped around in front of her. “I just felt this was a good way to get your attention. And to let you know that I was very serious about what I said earlier.”

Now, she really couldn’t breathe. Not with him standing close enough for her to see the sparkle in his eyes. Oh, God. “What is it that you want, Mr. Montgomery?” she asked, completely exasperated and totally at a loss as to how to deal with this unpredictable, gorgeous man.

“I thought I made myself clear earlier,” he said in a rough whisper. “Obviously, I didn’t do a very good job.” He stepped even closer, allowing only a breath to separate them. “Maybe this will help.”

Vaughn felt hypnotized, immobilized, as his steady gaze held her in place. By degrees he lowered his head until his lips gently touched down on hers. Ever so slowly, Justin’s mouth grazed over her own, commanding her to yield to him.

She felt her head spin, her stomach flutter, her heart race with blinding speed. She felt as if a whirlpool had taken up residence within her. Unwillingly, her body began to unwind as Justin’s hand cupped the back of her head, pulling her deeper into the kiss. Without thought, her fingers reached up and stroked his smooth cheeks. His arms wound down around her, welding them together.

She heard his low groan mix with her sigh as the tip of his tongue flicked across her lips. Then, without warning, the tantalizing sensations that ripped through her ceased. Justin eased back without totally releasing her, once again stunned by the sudden impact of the emotions that heated every fiber of his body.

“How about if I follow you home to make sure you get there safely?” he whispered, drawing in a deep breath to calm himself.

Wordlessly she nodded and stepped back out of his embrace. Like an automaton, she slipped into the driver’s seat of her car, fastened her seatbelt, and put the car in gear. She shook her head to clear her thoughts, wondering if what had just transpired was real, or if she’d just imagined the whole erotic episode. But when she looked up and saw his headlights cut a path through the pitch black night, she knew it was all too real.

Slowly, she pulled out ahead, and as promised, Justin followed her for the full two-hour drive to her townhouse. It took all her concentration to get home in one piece. Her thoughts kept shifting between the road ahead and the man behind the wheel of the midnight blue BMW.

Mercifully, Vaughn parked the car in her driveway, fully expecting Justin to get out of his car. He didn’t, and she found herself acutely disappointed. Instead, he waited for her to put her key in the door, turn on the hall light, and lock the door behind her. On shaky legs, Vaughn momentarily leaned against the locked door. When she heard the sound of his car pull out of the drive, she hurried to the window to see the taillights disappear.

Vaughn let out a shuddering breath, then wearily went upstairs to her bedroom. She walked across the pale peach carpet, mechanically dialed her parents’ home, and told them she’d arrived safely. Numbly she listened to her mother tell her what a success the evening had been and that she was hoping she and Vaughn could get together for lunch during the week. Vaughn only half listened, agreeing to whatever was being said. Her thoughts wouldn’t stay focused. Finally, her mother said goodnight.

Undressing, then cleansing the remnants of makeup from her face, she began to relive every single detail of her encounter with Justin Montgomery from the moment she’d met him. It all seemed like a dream, she thought with wonder. Even as she slipped under the satin sheets, she had the unsettling sensation that at any moment Justin was going to pop out from beneath her bed or step out of her closet. It took all she had not to peek under the floral quilt. As she drifted off to sleep, the beginnings of a smile tugged at her lips. “Looks like we’re gonna do it your way, Mr. Montgomery,” she said softly. “But I’m not going to be so easy next time.”

Chapter 2

All night long, Vaughn tossed and turned, visions of Justin assaulting her from every angle. She relived his touch, savored his kiss, longed to inhale the scent of him once again. But with the start of a new day, her senses seemed to have returned. The previous evening took on a sense of unreality and became more distant as her days were filled with plans for her campaign. It was the nights that were difficult. In the still of the evening she recalled vividly the thrill of being in his arms. She’d dreamed of him again and awakened with a tingling sensation that had left her body feeling totally unsatisfied.

What in the devil did I let happen that night? she wondered, as the steamy shower cascaded over her. Have I been so starved for affection that I let the first aggressive man I meet dominate my thoughts, day and night? No way, she thought, shutting off the water and stepping out of the stall. No way.

He must want something, just like everyone else. She had to admit, though, he ran a good game. She chuckled at her own gullibility. However, determined to put thoughts of Justin Montgomery out of her head, she dressed in her sweatsuit and sneakers and took her morning run around the park. But if she thought she could run him out of her system, she was truly mistaken. With each step she took, she surreptitiously peeked over her shoulder, expecting, even hoping, that Justin would step from behind a tree to kiss her breathless once more. She swore she saw his face in every other man she passed. She imagined she caught a whiff of his cologne as a group of cyclists sped by. This is crazy, she mused, making the turn back onto her street. She wiped the perspiration from her forehead with her wristband and ran smack into Justin as he stepped out of her front gate.

“Well, good morning,” he greeted, steadying her with a strong grip. “This is a great look for you,” he teased, his eyes roving over her.

For the first time since she’d been a child, she was self-conscious about her looks. She knew that her dark skin must be about as shiny as a pair of polished shoes. Perspiration ran in rivulets down her face. This is just great, she thought. The very thought that he could have caught her in this very unflattering light suddenly ticked her off and all of her frustration and longing over the past two weeks overflowed.

She took a step back so that she could look him full in the face. Her eyes narrowed and her neck arched to an arrogant angle. She planted her hands firmly on her flaring hips.

“Let me tell you something…Justin,” she spat out his name with vehemence. “First you come on to me like gangbusters, then you plant yourself in front of my car and scare the hell out of me. Then you kiss me like you’ve known me all your life and follow me home.” And then I don’t hear from you, she wanted to say, but didn’t. “Then you have the audacity to pop up on my doorstep unannounced, and all you have to say is, ‘this is a great look for you’?” She leaned dangerously forward, rising on tiptoe to press home her point. “No, buddy, it doesn’t work like that. Not with me. Maybe this sweet-talking routine of yours has worked in the past, but I’m not buying it,” she concluded in a huff, pointing her finger at him like a dagger.

The corner of his lip inched up in a grin and she instantly felt her resolve begin to waver. “Well, I guess I deserved that,” he said mildly, seemingly unruffled by her tirade. It took all his willpower to keep from staring at the rapid rise and fall of her breasts. “That’s why I stopped by this morning. I wanted to take you to brunch to make up for being such a…” he peered quizzically at her. “What did you call me again?” He placed his forefinger on his lip in contemplation. “Ah, yes, a gangbuster. Yeah, to make up for coming on like a gangbuster.” Mischief danced in his eyes. “I just don’t know what came over me,” he concluded, all innocence and light. “But most of all,” he took a step closer, “I couldn’t seem to get you out of my head.”

Vaughn’s shoulders slumped. She expelled a long-held breath and shook her head, but she refused to give in to the smile that threatened to ruin her tough stance. Vaughn cocked her head to the side. “Mr. Montgomery, I hope your pockets are deep, because I’m starved and you have a lot of making up to do.” She spun away and headed for her door. “Wait in your car,” she instructed over her shoulder. “I’ll be out in twenty minutes.”

“Ooh, I love it when you talk to me like that,” he called out, amusement rippling through his voice.

This time Vaughn did give in to the joy that bubbled within her. She laughed all the way up the stairs to her room and didn’t stop until she’d showered, finished dressing in a pair of designer jeans and matching shirt, put on a pair of Italian loafers, and grabbed a navy wool jacket from the hall closet. Just for today, she pledged, slipping into her jacket, I’ll put my mistrust, my politics, and my old hurts aside and enjoy this time with a very sexy man who makes it so easy to forget. She stepped out the door, determined and confident, strutted around to the passenger side of his car, and slid in.

“Twenty-five minutes,” Justin said, checking his watch before pulling the car onto the road. “You said twenty. I was beginning to get worried.”

“Right.” She rolled her eyes, intent on pretending annoyance. “Just drive, before I change my mind.” But the confidence that she’d had only moments before seemed to dissolve by the second as the close proximity of Justin Montgomery took its full effect on her. What am I doing? she worried, the strong manly scent of him scrambling her thoughts.

For several minutes they drove in silence, the steady rhythm of the car stereo the only sound. Vaughn fiddled with the gold button on her jacket and had nearly pulled it off when Justin’s voice broke the silence.

“I’ve never known a woman named Vaughn. It’s quite unusual.” He looked at her from the corner of his eye. “Is it a family name?”

She smiled briefly. How many times in school and in business had she been mistaken for a man when her name was read on the register or her résumé was reviewed by prospective employers? She secretly enjoyed the looks of surprise when she’d answered in attendance or appeared at an interview. She only wished that the reason for her unusual name was because someone cared that much about her to have her carry on the name.

“My father wanted a boy.” Justin caught the hint of wistfulness in her voice. He looked at her curiously, but her face remained impassive. “I guess it was his way of saying to hell with fate,” she concluded.

“He’s definitely tempted fate on a lot of levels.”

“He certainly has,” she answered shortly.

“Have I hit a sore spot?”

Vaughn snapped her head in his direction. “Why would you ask something like that?” she countered defensively.

“I watched you with your father last night and the way that you responded to him. Now when his name comes up you get all tense.”

Vaughn straightened up in her seat. “I didn’t think it was that obvious,” she replied quietly, disconcerted that the public mask she’d so expertly kept in place had slipped. Or was it simply that this man—this devastating man—had seemed to see through all the barricades she’d erected, apparently without effort? The thought stirred her uncomfortably.

“It is. But if you’d rather not talk about it, then we won’t.”

“Then I guess we won’t.”

“Fine. What would you like to talk about?”

She hesitated a beat. “I’d like to talk about why you’re so intent on squeezing your way into my life, for starters.”

“Good comeback,” he said jovially. “How about if I give you a full confession over brunch? We’re almost there.”

For the first time since she’d stepped into the car, she took note of her surroundings. The smell of the James River filled the interior. Vaughn turned her head toward Justin and stared at him through narrowed eyes.

“I thought a nice midday riverboat cruise on the Annabel Lee would be nice,” Justin offered, in response to Vaughn’s questioning look. “I hear the food is excellent. There’s a live band, and most important, you can’t get away from me unless you decide to jump overboard.” He squinted his beautiful brown eyes at her. “That was the deciding factor.”

“Very funny,” Vaughn said. “And very thoughtful,” she added, with a dimpled smile that set Justin’s pulse racing.

“I was hoping you’d say that.” Unable to resist the temptation of tasting her again, he quickly leaned over and kissed her moist mouth. Relishing the sweetness anew, he sucked on her bottom lip and Vaughn felt the tremors of yearning explode within her. Reluctantly, Justin released her. “I’m just a thoughtful guy.” His voice lowered to a thrilling throb and his eyes held her in an invisible embrace. “If you give me half a chance, Vaughn Hamilton, I can show you just how thoughtful I can be.”

Her heart thumped, then settled down to its normal rhythm. “You’re off to a flying start,” she said softly.

Momentarily, with her looking at him with those glorious eyes and bewitching smile, he had the insane notion to pull off and take her as far away from civilization as possible, then ravish that luscious body until she begged him to stop. Fortunately, good judgment took over. He expelled a shaky breath. “Which is exactly what we’re gonna have to do if we don’t want to get left at the dock. That boat leaves in about five minutes.”

Laughing, hand in hand, they ran across the dock and darted up the gangplank. Vaughn thought for a few moments about how sudden and wild her actions were with Mr. Montgomery. What was it about him? Why did he strike such a chord within her? Why did she allow him to get so close? She shook her head. She wasn’t going to think about that now. Now, she was going to hold tightly to his hand and remember how good it feels to do something as simple as hold a man’s hand. She felt carefree and young again, and she never wanted the feeling to end.

Once on board, Vaughn was treated to an afternoon of pure magic. The exquisite seafood cuisine, the soothing sounds of the band, and most of all, the comfort of being in Justin’s company. He was every bit the gentleman. He saw to her every need. He made her laugh with his sharp wit and exceptional talent for mimicking the other passengers on board. Above all, he made her feel special, truly important.

By degrees her guard came down and she found herself talking about things, personal things, that she had kept buried for years.

“I really don’t know how I got involved in politics,” she confessed, as they strolled arm in arm across the deck and out onto the boardwalk. “My father seemed to have my whole life mapped out even before I was born. For as long as I can remember I was surrounded by politicians and attending political events. I imagine the Kennedys know what my life was like. My father’s idea of a family outing was to have my mother and me sit in the spectator box in court while he presided.” She laughed.

Justin heard the false note of gaiety in her voice and slipped his arm around her waist, pulling her close. “Didn’t you have any say so? I mean, wasn’t your father interested in what you wanted to do?”

“You obviously don’t know him very well. There is no way but his way. There’s no argument, no debate.” She sighed. “To tell you the truth, I never knew any other kind of life. It’s kind of hard to debate when you have nothing to compare it with.”

“What about your friends? Didn’t they have interests?”

“Coincidentally,” she grinned, “all my friends were children of my father’s friends. Who, of course, were politicians.”

Justin shook his head sadly. “Doesn’t seem like you had much of a childhood.”

“It wasn’t that bad,” she said unconvincingly. “After a point, I really got into it and found that I was good at what I did. I graduated at the top of my class and worked at one of the top law firms in D.C. When my father suggested that I run for the state assembly four years ago, I did, without question.”

“And now you’re ready to move on to bigger and better things,” Justin added.

Vaughn nodded. “But this time I want to be sure that when I win, it’s because of me, and not because of my father’s influence.”

“All anyone has to do is take a look at your record,” Justin said, quickly coming to her defense. “You accomplished those things. You got the funding in place to open the youth and senior centers and got the bill passed to crack down on drugs in Richmond. Not your father.”

His vehemence warmed her. “That may be true. But there are plenty of people who can’t see past my name to who I really am. Too many opponents want to believe that the only reason I’ve gotten this far is because my father is a judge. I work hard at proving them wrong every day.”

“That’s where I come in,” Justin said, turning her into his embrace. He gazed down into her upturned face. “From the moment I met you,” he whispered gently, “I knew I wanted you in my life. I can’t remember ever feeling this strongly about anyone or anything.” He slowly caressed her cheek with the tip of his finger. “You’re an incredible woman, Vaughn, and I want to be the one to make you realize just how incredible.” His head lowered and her breath stopped somewhere in her chest. “Not as a politician, or as a judge’s daughter.” His lips were inches away from hers. “But as a woman.”

Justin’s mouth slowly, seductively covered hers. His arms tightened around her, pulling her solidly against the hard lines of his frame. She felt as if she’d dived under water—weightless, free, as her mouth opened, welcoming the texture of his exploring tongue.

Wave after wave of pleasure rushed through her being, awakening long-buried desires, forcing them to the surface with a power that was frightening. Yet a warning voice nipped at the shreds of her consciousness. Too soon…too fast. She sank deeper into the kiss. After something…what? Her fingers clutched him for support. The headlines…his life, mine…

Suddenly Vaughn tore herself from Justin’s embrace. Breathless and shaky, she turned away, commanding composure. Justin clasped her shoulders in a firm grip. Her felt her tense beneath his fingertips. Slowly he turned her around to face him, his own heart ready to burst with the unnatural rapid beating.

When she turned, Justin fully expected to see doubt, longing, confusion, happiness—even desire, spilling across her exquisite face. Any of those emotions he could easily have dealt with. But not the look of pure dismissal that hardened her features like granite.

Chapter 3

“Vaughn,” Justin said in a hushed voice. “What is it? What have I done?” He held her shoulders, feeling the subtle shudders ripple through her. “Damn it, Vaughn, don’t look at me as if I’m beneath contempt. Talk to me!”

Vaughn swallowed deeply and took a gulping breath. She turned her gaze away and looked out toward the rolling waters. Her jaw clenched. “I can’t,” she finally said in a broken whisper. She shook her head and eased away from Justin’s hold. “I wish I could. But it’s impossible.” She spun around and looked up at him, her warm brown eyes filled with a pain so palpable it reached out and squeezed his heart. “Maybe it would be best if we just cut this afternoon short.” Her voice strengthened as it picked up volume. Justin saw the mask subtly slip into place. “The reality is, I’m not in a position to get involved in a relationship right now. I shouldn’t have led you to believe otherwise. There’s too much at stake,” she added self-righteously.

She began to sound more and more like a politician as she rambled on, Justin noted with wry amusement. Well, he’d just let her finish and get it off her chest, and then he had a thing or two to tell her, once and for all.

“The fact is, I must concentrate on my campaign. Too many people are relying on me. My energies have to be focused at this point.” And I certainly can’t focus on anything with you in my life, she thought longingly. She took a breath and lifted her chin. “Believe me,” she said, a bit more gently, “you’re a…desirable man.” Justin almost lost his composure and laughed out loud as he watched her try to keep a rein on her emotions. “Under other circumstances…” She didn’t complete her sentence, because what could she honestly say? Could she tell him that if things were different, she wouldn’t hesitate to give in to all the feelings that were wreaking havoc with her heart? Could she tell him that if a part of her hadn’t been obliterated, she would feel differently about the future? Could she tell him that her lessons in love had nearly destroyed her? No. She couldn’t.

Justin had watched her every move since she’d begun her litany of dismissal. She wanted him, and he knew it. She wanted him so badly that it scared the hell out of her. But there was also something else, something hidden so deep it leaped beyond just a fear of a relationship. He was never a man who gave up on anything he wanted. And he wanted Vaughn Hamilton more than anything he’d ever wanted before. She could throw up all the roadblocks she wanted, but he’d knock down every one of them until she finally and unequivocally removed that mask for him and him alone. And he would be there to help her unleash the passion that he knew smoldered beneath that polished surface.

“Are you about finished?” he asked pointedly.

Vaughn nodded.

“Then I think you ought to know that I don’t give two damns about your campaign, your constituents, or your blasted busy schedule that’s supposed to keep you so occupied that you won’t have a life! Will all of that keep you warm in bed at night?” He answered his own question. “No. I think not. Not like I can…and will.”

The heat of his erotic threat whipped through her and pounded in her veins. Vaughn’s mouth opened, then closed instantly.

He took a breath and his voice softened. His gaze implored her to listen with her heart. “What I do care about is you, Vaughn. For some godforsaken reason, I care about you. Don’t ask me why or how. I don’t know. Everything is happening too fast for me. But I don’t want to stop it. I couldn’t if I tried.”

He reached out and stroked her cheek with the tip of his finger. A shiver ran through her body at the feather-light touch. Her eyes briefly fluttered closed.

“What’s happening between us…” He shook his head, searching for the words. His hands opened to her and tightened into fists. “It only happens once in a lifetime, Vaughn. The passion, the connection, the vibrations that run like live wires between us…can you say that you’re sure you’ll find this again? Are you sure you’ve ever had it before?” He bent slightly down to meet her at eye level. He held her shoulders, willing his fingers to transfer his emotions to her.

“I don’t want to know about your past. Let’s begin from here, now, today, as if all the yesterdays never happened. We can start slowly.” He grinned encouragingly. “Or at whatever pace you choose.” The flicker of a smile sparkled in Vaughn’s eyes. “But whatever you do, give this a chance.” He paused a moment, then began again, his voice dropping an octave. “I know you want this.” He stepped closer. “You know how I can tell?” he asked arrogantly, the light of mischief dancing in his eyes.

“No. How can you tell?” Vaughn whispered, softening at his touch.

“Because every time I hold you in my arms, like this…” He enfolded her in a gentle embrace. His mouth lowered to whisper above hers. “And kiss you, as I’m going to do…”

“Yes,” she breathed.

“I can feel every fiber in your body dissolve into hot liquid and burn through my veins like a white heat. You’re in my blood, Vaughn. Just as I’m in yours.”

His mouth tentatively touched down and covered hers. He felt her tremble and pulled her securely against him, clamping his palm behind her head, urging her deeper into the kiss.

Her mouth willingly opened, drawing in the tangy taste of his exploring tongue. Their tongues, their lips, their hearts danced exotically with each other, heightening, then lessening the explosive intensity that poured through them.

The sensation of her hardened nipples brushing against the fabric of her shirt nearly caused her to cry out. Vaughn pressed herself closer to Justin to relieve the maddening pressure in her breasts.

Their muted sounds of desire filtered through the early evening air as their bodies welded together in tantalizing contact. Justin’s own shaft of desire bloomed painfully hot and hard, pulsing against the stirring gyrations of Vaughn’s hips.

This time it was Justin who broke contact. He pulled her solidly against him, burying his face in her hair. A low groan rose from deep in his stomach. With great effort, he brought his breathing under control.

“That’s how I know,” he said raggedly, willing his body to contain the shudders that whipped through him.

Vaughn eased back and looked up into his eyes. A slow, seductive smile curved her lips. Her dimples deepened. Her eyes trailed languidly over his face. “I think you’re right, Mr. Montgomery,” she conceded in a whisper. “But we’re going to take it very slowly,” she added softly, “very slowly. I don’t want to make any more mistakes in my life, Justin.” Vaughn reached up and cupped his cheek. He turned his face into her palm and kissed her open hand. “You’ve got to be patient with me, Justin.”

“I’ll be whatever I have to be, Vaughn. If it’s what you want.”

She let out a deep sigh. “Then I guess this is the start,” she said, hope, fear, and joy filling her voice at once.

“You won’t regret it,” he assured her solemnly.

“If I do, you’ll be sorry I did,” she warned, poking him playfully in the chest, needing this moment of frivolity to regain her equilibrium.

“You’re on!” He smacked her solidly on the lips with a kiss to seal the pact.

“Well,” she breathed, “I hope you still have plenty of money left in your pockets, because I seem to have worked up an appetite.”

Justin let out a hearty laugh, wrapped his arm around her, and ushered her to his car. “Your appetite will be the one thing to topple this relationship, lady.” They both laughed, the sound bright and promising as the budding blooms of spring.

Over the next few weeks, Vaughn and Justin spent all their free time together—discreetly. Their lives consisted of concerts, sharing late-night dinners, and home-cooked meals as Vaughn attempted to keep her private life out of the public eye. They talked of world affairs and of her campaign plans, took long drives in the midnight hours of spring. From that first night forward, their destinies were irrevocably sealed.

Chapter 4

Simone Rivers sat in the small living area of her Spelman College dorm. Like a sponge she absorbed yet another news article in the Atlanta Journal, detailing the fund-raising event of the season for Vaughn Hamilton. She had avidly followed the rise of the many African-American female politicians for years. The few details she’d gleaned about Vaughn Hamilton only confirmed her conviction to become just like the woman.

Simone folded the paper and placed it on the dinette table. Unfortunately, Simone didn’t have the political connections Vaughn had. She didn’t have a judge for a father or a political socialite for a mother. Her foster parents were simple people. Her foster father worked for the Atlanta post office, and her foster mother was a part-time librarian. What Simone did have were determination and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. And this summer she was determined to do her undergraduate internship in a political environment outside Atlanta. And she hoped to get to meet Vaughn Hamilton in the process.

She sighed heavily, drawing the attention of her roommate, Jean.

“Sounds deep,” Jean commented, peeking over the edge of her textbook.

Simone shrugged. “I was just reading this article on Vaughn Hamilton’s big shindig last week.”

“And?”

“I really admire women like her—women who are willing to go against the odds and take what they want. Women who aren’t intimidated by outside forces, but who are secure in who they are.” Her light brown eyes glowed with admiration.

“Sounds like you’d make a great walking advertisement for her campaign,” Jean teased.

“Very funny.” Simone rolled her eyes in annoyance. She hated it when Jean teased her about her political zeal.

“Don’t get all bent, Simone. You know I was just kidding,” Jean said, half apologetically. Jean was a biology major, and politics was the furthest thing from Jean’s mind. She tried valiantly to keep up with Simone’s rhetoric and name dropping, but the whole abstract concept of politics crashed against her logical, analytical brain like a mack truck. However, it was Jean’s unshakeable reason that Simone sometimes relied on to keep her focused on her goals. Jean returned her attention to her textbook when her eyes brightened with what she thought was a brilliant idea.

“Hey, if Hamilton is running, she has to have a campaign staff. Why don’t you try to get an internship with her this summer?”

Simone gave a weak smile. “I’m way ahead of you on that one.” She plopped down on the plaid couch and stretched out her long legs. “I called about two weeks ago. One of her aides told me that they had just filled their quota for summer interns.”

“Hmmm. Bad break. That would have been perfect.”

The two friends sat in silence, both caught up in trying to arrive at an alternative solution.

Simone folded her arms beneath her small breasts and twisted her lips in consternation. She knew she’d waited too long to make her contacts. But until two weeks ago, she wasn’t sure how she’d have managed living expenses outside of her dorm. She knew that her parents had spent most of their savings to send her to college. Or at least, that’s what she’d thought; until they’d revealed to her that upon her nineteenth birthday, which was in three weeks, she’d have access to an account in the amount of $250,000. They’d refused to say how they’d amassed that much money, only that it was now hers. She was still reeling from the shock.

“Hey,” Jean said suddenly, making Simone jump in surprise. “Remember about three months ago when that f-i-n-e brother, um, um, whatshisname?” She popped her fingers trying to make the name materialize. “Montgomery!” she cried triumphantly.

Simone sat up in her seat, her thoughts racing. “Right. When he came here to speak, he said he’d be happy to help out with internship and job referrals,” she shouted. “And I was really impressed with his stance on children’s rights and advocacy.” How could she have forgotten? She’d been so preoccupied with working with Vaughn Hamilton that she’d completely overlooked Justin Montgomery’s generous offer.

Briefly she thought of her own situation and what an impact his presentation had had on her at the time. It had really made her think it was possible to find the truth, that the law was there to be used, if you knew how. That was what she’d wanted more than anything, to learn how to use the law to find the truth. And now she had the means to do it.

“Do you still have his card?” Jean asked.

“I hope so.” Simone popped up and trotted off to her room with Jean close on her heels. Simone reached up to the top shelf of the closet and took down a well-worn shoebox.

Sitting on the edge of her bed, Simone and Jean sifted through the myriad papers, old love letters, and news clippings.

“Here it is,” Simone said jubilantly, holding up the cream-colored card.

“Great. Give him a call,” Jean urged, nudging Simone.

“Today’s Saturday, silly.”

“Oh, yeah, right.” Her bright idea momentarily dimmed. “Well,” Jean said, “that gives you two days to prepare a knock-’em-dead internship-of-the-year presentation speech.”

Simone grinned. “That’s just what I’m gonna do. By the time I finish my pitch to Mr. Montgomery, he’ll be begging me to join his staff!” She turned toward her friend, her black eyes sparking with fire and her soft but firm voice growing serious. “I have a real strong feeling about this, Jean.” She clutched the card in her hand. “I really believe that this internship is going to be the turning point in my life.”

Lucus Stone tossed his copy of the Washington Post across the glass table in disgust. The grainy black-and-white photo of Vaughn Hamilton stared back at him, beautiful, smiling, and confident, a combination that would not be ignored by the voters.

So, the daughter of Elliott Hamilton was truly running against him. The whole notion was almost funny, that this woman thought she had what it took to run against him and win. His deep blue eyes darkened. He’d held his congressional seat for over a decade, virtually unopposed, and he had no intention of losing. Especially to a woman. Especially this woman. He didn’t give a damn who her father was. Vaughn Hamilton was no match for him.

He stood up and ran his hand across his smooth chin, then through the shock of glistening gray hair that gave him an air of confidence and maturity that his constituency loved. However, he mused, there was no point in taking chances. The political tides changed rapidly, and Lucus Stone was never one to be caught adrift. And he was never one to leave anything to chance. He crossed the room in smooth strides and reached for the phone. Punching in the numbers, he waited.

“Hello?” answered a sleepy male voice.

“David, it’s me.”

David Cain slowly sat up in bed, forcing himself awake. Lucus Stone never called him at home unless it was urgent. His thoughts scrambled for organization. “Good morning, Mr. Stone. What can I do for you?”

“It’s afternoon,” Lucus corrected tersely. “Did you see today’s paper?” he asked, demanding to know but also realizing that this miscreant hadn’t even gotten out of bed for the day.

“Uh, no.” David rubbed the last of the sleep out of his light brown eyes.

“Well, get it and read it. Meet me at my office in an hour. I have a job for you.” Lucus broke the connection.

David stared at the receiver. What could be so important that Stone would want to see him at his office on a Saturday? He tossed the twisted sheets off his muscular body and got out of bed. Knowing Stone, he’d better have every line of the newspaper committed to memory by the time they met. He stalked across the lush bedroom and into the adjacent bath.

David turned on the faucets full blast. He’d worked for Stone before on a variety of projects over the years. Everything ranging from local deliveries to intimate investigations of very influential people. Lucus Stone had over the years compiled a dossier on anyone of importance in government office. He was the modern-day J. Edgar Hoover. He was feared but respected. However, Stone’s methods for combating his opponents remained questionable in Cain’s mind. Little did Stone know that Cain, too, had been compiling a dossier—just for insurance, of course. That secret knowledge caused a slow smile to lift the corner of Cain’s wide mouth.

The steaming water rushed over the mass of rippling bronze muscles as Cain flexed and contemplated what his latest project would be.

Sheila Hamilton sat opposite her husband at the white wicker table that had been placed on the balcony. A lush spring breeze blew caressingly over her supple caramel skin, rustled the blooming greenery, and gently stirred the grass. The air was filled with anticipation as the new season primed itself to burst forth. But instead of the sense of expectation that Sheila normally felt at this time of year, she was filled with a sense of foreboding.

“Elliott,” she said softly, distracting him from a case review that lay open in front of him.

Determined not to show his annoyance at the interruption, he slowly removed his glasses from the bridge of his nose and counted, silently, to ten, placing the bifocals on the table. “Yes, dear?” he said evenly, pleased with himself for maintaining control. Control was important, he reminded himself daily. Control dictated every facet of his life—or else there would be chaos, he reasoned. He looked across at his wife.

She hated it when he stared at her like that. It made her feel as if she were under a microscope, a curiosity to be examined. Sheila adjusted herself in her seat and took a deep breath. “Elliott,” she began again, “I have a very bad feeling about this entire…campaign thing,” she expelled, shaking her head with concern. Her smooth brow creased as she continued. She leaned forward. “We’ve been lucky these past years, Elliott,” she said in a hushed but steady voice. “You know that. There’s no way that someone, somewhere, isn’t going to dig up the dirt. This isn’t some local assembly position, Elliott. This is a congressional seat. She’ll be up against an incumbent who hasn’t been defeated in nearly a dozen years! Lucus Stone is ruthless when it comes to opposition. And now, Vaughn will be that opposition.” Her anxiety over her daughter’s future filtered through her voice and registered in a web of tension on her face.

Elliott stood up. His wide jaw clenched. His ebony skin seemed to darken further with unspent outrage. He squinted his eyes into two warning slits.

“I will discuss this one last time, Sheila. I have paved the way for Vaughn all her life,” he said, with a shake of his balding head for emphasis. “Everything has been taken care of for years. There’s nothing anyone can do to her or to us. I won’t allow it. Do you think for one minute that I haven’t foreseen this day and planned for it? Nothing will stop Vaughn from reaching my goals. Nothing!” he said with finality. He straightened and adjusted his pants over the slightly protruding paunch. Then, in a soothing voice, “Everything will be fine, dear. There’s no point in you worrying. Haven’t I always taken care of everything?” He gave her a benevolent smile, patted her hand absently, and got up and strolled into the house.

Sheila Hamilton watched her husband leave, and her heart sank. When had things changed? It seemed only moments ago the young Elliott Hamilton, full of dreams, ambition, and himself, had burst into her life. From the first moment they’d met, Sheila had known that Elliott was destined for great things. He’d caught her up in his dreams. He’d made her a part of his plans. He’d promised her a life of influence, happiness, and luxury. He’d delivered all that he’d promised, and more. And she believed he could do anything he set his mind to do.

Sheila always knew that Elliott was a man driven, and with good reason. He came from a family that had virtually nothing. He was the first member of his family to have an education beyond the ninth grade. But Elliott had changed. He’d become consumed by his own dreams, to be fulfilled and exceeded by Vaughn. At any cost.

She shut her eyes and the old pain resurfaced and twisted her heart. She pressed her fist to her chest. She was afraid. This was the first time in her forty years of marriage that she didn’t believe her dynamic husband had the power to make the impossible a reality. What was more frightening was that she could not intervene. To do so would destroy her marriage and possibly ruin Elliott’s career, and she knew she would lose the greatest love of all…Vaughn’s.

Simone hadn’t told anyone about the money, not even Jean. She just had the irrational feeling that if she spoke about it, it would all somehow disappear. She knew that the notion was ridiculous, but that still didn’t stop her from checking the account every other day—just to be sure.

She sat down on her bed, staring blankly at the array of posters, class schedules, and activity notices tacked to her bulletin board. Somehow she believed that the money was either a clue to her past or a doorway to her future. It was up to her to decide which path to choose.

Her gaze drifted, then rested on a picture of her foster parents that sat on her dresser. She smiled wistfully. She picked up the picture and looked at it lovingly. She loved her foster parents. There was no doubt in her mind about that. Linda and Philip Clark were everything a child could want. They cared for her and loved her unquestionably, regardless of the origins of her birth. Yet deep in her soul remained the silent yearning to know from where she’d come. And why—why had she been abandoned? Why was she so unworthy of her natural parents’ love? That question had gnawed at her all of her nineteen years. At times it made her feel worthless, unlovable, and insecure. She hadn’t been wanted from birth. That was a heavy burden. Then there were those times she’d even had doubts about her foster parents’ love. Why had they never adopted her and given her their name? They had an explanation, a flimsy one, but an explanation nonetheless. One which worked well during her adolescence, but failed to hold up to teenage scrutiny. Eventually she’d stopped asking, but the underlying pain had always remained with her.

Over the years, Simone had valiantly shielded herself from her insecurities, forcing herself to excel. By eighteen, she’d amassed trophies in track and field, tennis and swimming. She’d skipped grades on three separate occasions, had always remained at the top of her classes, and now had the opportunity to graduate a semester early if she could secure an internship to satisfy the requirements for a political science major. Simone was an achiever, a planner and a stickler for being prepared. Which was what she had to be when she made her call.

Simone pushed herself up off the bed, deciding to take a jog around the track and try to organize her thoughts in preparation for her phone call to Justin Montgomery. When she returned from her run she would finish putting together her package containing her cover letter, résumé, and letters of recommendation from her professors. She knew her head would be clearer when she returned. Physical activity had a way of smoothing out the rough edges for Simone. Whenever she had a difficult test or a presentation to make or was struggling through a personal dilemma, she would run or swim. The ultimate result was that her head was always clearer and she had more perspective. For the moment she would put her myriad thoughts and emotions on hold and wait to unleash them on the track.

Her tight thighs and calves expanded and contracted as her sneakered feet pounded against the gravel track. Her arms pumped. Her thick ponytail swung defiantly against the wind. Her slender frame cut an alluring silhouette against the lush green background.

As Simone jogged, the rush of adrenaline pumped through her veins and the clean spring air filled her lungs, clearing her head and crystallizing her thoughts. It was at the moment she rounded the track for the third time that she realized just how she would use her inheritance.

David nearly busted a gut trying to contain himself when Lucus Stone dropped Vaughn Hamilton’s name as his next assignment. To say he’d take great pleasure in getting the goods on that bitch was an understatement. He never thought he’d have the opportunity to make her pay for what she’d done to him. Now he had his chance.

He slammed the door of his red Mustang convertible and started whistling a tuneless song. The engine roared to life and David started to laugh, a deep, dark, dangerous laugh that built to a crescendo as he pulled into D.C. traffic and headed for his office in Georgetown. Shortly after, he pulled into the small parking lot and headed for the building that was sandwiched between a real estate office and a women’s boutique.

He trotted up the three flights of stairs to his office. Tossing his suit jacket onto the wooden chair, he crossed the small room to the locked file cabinet. Selecting the key from his ring, he opened the grey metal file drawer and quickly found the file he needed.

David smiled as he flipped the Lucas Stone file open and made several notations on the back sheets. He closed the folder and leaned back in his chair, staring at the letters emblazoned on his open door. David Cain, Political Consultant. A man for hire, he thought.

He put his feet up on his wooden desk, ruminating about the road he’d traveled to get to where he was. He’d been detoured; there was no question about it. David had been groomed for a life of law and politics. He’d focused all his ambitions on achieving the life of power and prestige that he craved.

Graduating at the top of his law class at George Washington Univer-sity, he’d easily landed a cushy job with McPhearson, Ekhardt, one of the leading law firms in the District of Columbia. He was headed for great things, until his focus became misdirected when he set his sights on the young attorney Vaughn Hamilton. She was magnificent, everything that he had ever desired in a woman. She was ambitious and intelligent, she was competitive, and most of all, she had the right connections.

He looked at the black-and-white photo of her smiling face in the newspaper. She’d remained virtually the same. The years had been good to her. There was only the subtle change around her eyes. More mature? More worldly? He couldn’t be sure. David, however, had changed, at least physically. His body had filled out, and he’d maintained it vigorously. The result was broad, muscular shoulders and biceps. His thighs were thick and they rippled with power. He was no longer the smooth-faced young attorney-on-the-rise. His square chin was covered in a smooth, finely tapered beard that lent maturity and a sense of mystery to his face. Gone was the full-blown natural hair and in its place was a very short, tapered cut. Yes, on sight, David Cain was a different man. But inside, the burning desire to have what he knew he deserved remained the same.

A picture of Vaughn as she’d looked on that last day flashed before him. Even now, after so many years, his groin still grew rigid at the very thought of her. That weakness infuriated him. It had cost him his career. He spun around in his chair to face the soft rays of sunshine coming through the tinted windowpane. The movement only served to aggravate the tension between his legs.

If it wasn’t for her and her stuck-up, virtuous, holier-than-thou attitude, he could have been a Lucus Stone instead of a hired hand. She thought she was better than him, above his advances. What she really was was a frigid bitch who needed a man to teach her a good lesson.

Now he had the opportunity to pay her back in spades. It was one job he would truly enjoy. He closed his eyes and laced his fingers behind his head. Visions of the voluptuous Vaughn Hamilton flashed before him. He twisted uncomfortably in his seat. Now for a plan, he thought.

Chapter 5

It was almost business as usual when Vaughn floated into her office on Monday morning. Almost, because there was a definite feeling of electric energy in the air that hadn’t been present when she’d left on Friday. She’d spent yet another glorious weekend with Justin, and until this very moment, work was the farthest thing from her mind.

The phones were ringing off the hook, staff members were racing around, and when she reached her office, she saw through her open doorway that there were enough phone messages and faxes to start a small avalanche.

“Ugh,” she said out loud, and stepped into the artsy office.

“You ain’t seen nothing yet,” Crystal said from her favorite overstuffed chair behind the door.

Vaughn jumped in surprise. “Darn it, Crystal, if you don’t stop doing that, you’re going to give me a heart attack!”

“Puh-leese,” Crystal tossed off, rising from her throne. “I’ve been sitting in this same damn spot every morning for the past four years. You need to stop.” Crystal sucked her teeth in dismissal of Vaughn’s complaint.

“Yeah,” Vaughn huffed, hanging up her teal Burberry trenchcoat on the cherrywood coat rack. “And every morning for the past four years you’ve been scaring me out of my pantyhose!” She rolled her eyes hard at Crystal and tried not to laugh.

Crystal boldly ignored her. “Girl, get over it. We have work to do.” She strutted over to the desk and deposited a stack of letters and folders. “Every newspaper in the tri-state area wants an interview. We gotta get busy.”

Vaughn smiled as she watched Crystal flip through her notepad. Under neath that down-home-girl facade lay the mind of a brilliant strategic planner and a heart of gold. Vaughn wouldn’t trade Crystal in for a whole staff full of Yale grads. The girl was awesome. But between friends, Crystal was just plain ole’ Chris from the projects. Vaughn and Crystal were physically opposite in every respect. Where Vaughn was dark, slender, and tall, Crystal was fair, with skin the color of sautéed butter and eyes that shimmered like the blue-green Caribbean. She had wide hips and the kind of high, firm behind women paid money to possess. Her hair, when she decided to wear it out, nearly reached her waist and was blacker than pitch, a result of her distant Trinidad heritage.

When Vaughn and Crystal had first met on their college campus, Vaughn had silently envied Crystal’s light tones and Barbie doll hair. It wasn’t until years later that Vaughn had discovered that Crystal had her own insecurities about her looks. Crystal, too, had never felt accepted by her peers. She was taunted for “thinking” she was white—boys wanted her only for her looks, and most girls hated her on sight. In retaliation, Crystal had adopted that wise-talking street-girl persona—to be one of the crowd. It was only with Vaughn that she allowed her depth to shine through. The friendship of Vaughn and Crystal was like a catharsis for both of them, and it had blossomed into more than just friendship over the years.

“So,” Crystal began, once Vaughn was seated. “I’ve scheduled three news conferences for you. One today, and two on Wednesday, and an interview with Channel 6…” she checked her watch, “in about two hours.” She paced the room as she spoke, only briefly checking the notes she’d committed to memory. “I contacted Lucus Stone’s office this morning to see if I could arrange an informal debate. They weren’t having me today,” she stated cynically. “But I’ll be back at them in a couple of weeks, after we get some heavy press coverage. They’ll be ready to talk then.”

Vaughn took it all in as Crystal continued with her agenda, which included luncheons, meetings, and follow-up appointments. But even as she listened, a part of her was totally detached from the conversation. That part was focused on Justin and the glorious two days they’d spent together.

She felt as if she’d been transformed into someone else, and she was scared. There was no doubt about that. Her track record as far as love and romance were concerned was dismal at best. The few serious relationships she’d been involved with had ended disastrously. The traumatic ending of her young love affair with Brian Willis had irrevocably changed her life and made her cautious of relationships. Her liaisons in between had been meaningless until she’d met Paul. She thought he’d be the one, but her brief relationship with Paul Lawrence had been the ultimate in betrayal. Though their relationship had been over for nearly two years, she’d remained wary of would-be suitors. Every man who’d come into her life had ultimately wanted something other than her; from a political favor, to money, to casual sex, to an appointment on her staff.

She knew that she was taking a big risk with Justin. But for the first time, she was with a man who had his own and didn’t need her or her influence to further his own goals. Justin clearly had no political aspirations. He had his own money and a flourishing career. Most of all, he made her feel—God, he made her feel—way deep down in her soul, a place that she didn’t know was still living and breathing within her. Just the thought of him made her toes tingle and her pulse pound.

She realized they’d barely known each other a month. Twenty-seven fabulous days, to be exact. She was still overwhelmed. She knew that her emotions were doing an Indy 500, but she couldn’t help it and she no longer wanted to. She deserved to be held, to be kissed senseless, to be loved. She needed to start living again. It was long overdue.

“I’ve never known a nonstop, ‘til you drop schedule could put a smile on your face,” Crystal said, effectively cutting into Vaughn’s steamy thoughts. Vaughn’s face burned with embarrassment.

“Sorry. I was just thinking. But,” she qualified, raising her index finger, “I heard every word you said.”

“Hmmm. That remains to be seen,” Crystal breathed, unconvinced and very curious. She took a seat opposite Vaughn, crossed her legs, put down her pad, and stared wide-eyed at her boss.

“What?” Vaughn questioned innocently, knowing full well that Crystal was waiting for a scoop.

“Don’t what me,” Crystal admonished. “What, or better yet, who put that starry look in your eyes and the glow on your face? If I didn’t know better, I’d swear you looked happy.”

Vaughn laughed out loud, albeit a bit nervously, at Crystal’s blunt observation. Generally, Vaughn was able to camouflage her true feelings expertly. It was a bit unsettling to discover that where Justin Montgomery was concerned, that practiced skill was disintegrating rapidly.

Vaughn sat back and began shuffling the papers and folders on her desk in an attempt to recover her composure and avoid Crystal’s pointed gaze. She cleared her throat.

“Can’t I look happy?” she asked lamely, stalling for time.

“Of course you can,” Chris replied gently. “It’s just that it’s so rare.” She paused. “And it’s been so long,” she added softly, her eyes filled with warmth for her friend. Crystal, more than anyone, was aware of the tight reins that Vaughn kept around her heart. Hers was the shoulder Vaughn had cried on after that fiasco with Paul. But Crystal also knew that there was something deep in Vaughn’s past, a wound that would not heal, and one that Vaughn had refused to disclose. There was a part of Vaughn’s past that she kept entirely out of reach. Crystal stood up and patted Vaughn’s busy hands, stilling them. “Listen, I’m not prying. I never have. If you’re happy—whatever the reason—I’m happy. If you feel like talking, you know I’m always here.”

Vaughn smiled up at her friend of over fifteen years. “Thanks,” she said softly. “I know.”

“Good.” Then Crystal did a quick switchback to her role as chief of staff. “Once you’ve gotten that smile off your face, go over your agenda and let me know if there need to be any changes. Not that anything can be changed.” She smiled mischievously. “But you know how I like your input.”

Vaughn flashed what could only be termed a sneer. Crystal stuck out her tongue in response.

“I’ll be back in an hour.” Crystal headed for the door.

“Could you send Tess in? I need to respond to these letters.”

“I’ll send her right in.” Crystal closed the door softly behind her.

As soon as Vaughn was alone, her thoughts drifted back to Justin. She wondered what he was doing right now. Was he thinking of her? Her heart beat a little faster. What was he wearing today? Did he splash on that cologne that made her brain turn to mush?

She shook her head to clear her thoughts. What was happening to her? This daydreaming and fantasizing was so unlike her. She seemed to have become engulfed in a whirlwind, a storm of unimaginable power. She was spinning helplessly. It was a heady, frightening sensation. For the first time in her life, at least since her teens, her emotions seemed to be totally out of her control. She couldn’t seem to rein them in and put on the brakes. Although there had been other men in her life, she had always felt some sense of control over her feelings, some sense of reality. Not now. And Justin Montgomery was the eye of her storm.

The light tapping on her door and the ringing of the phone competed for her attention.

“Come in,” she called out, while reaching for her private line.

“Yes. Vaughn Hamilton.”

“Good morning, Vaughn.”

Her stomach did a quick lurch. “Hi, Dad.” She waved Tess inside and motioned for her to sit. “How are you?”

“I’m fine. I thought we could meet for lunch and discuss a few things.”

Vaughn frowned slightly. She didn’t like the sound of “discuss a few things.”

“Has something come up, Daddy? Because if it’s not urgent, I really have a full schedule today.”

“I believe it would be in your best interest to fit me into your schedule. There are matters that must be dealt with immediately. What time is good for you?” he continued.

Vaughn sighed heavily and clenched her jaw. She knew she’d give in even as she told her father about her agenda. But she at least wanted to make him feel a twinge of guilt for disrupting her day, though she knew he wouldn’t.

“How about 2:30?” she said flatly. “I’d really appreciate it if you could come here. It’s going to be difficult for me to get away.”

“I’ll be there at two,” he replied. “Court reconvenes at three. See you then.” Elliott Hamilton hung up the receiver and looked, once again, at the pages in front of him. He pressed his lips together and slid his glasses from his nose. With his free hand, he rubbed it roughly across his face. He didn’t like it; he didn’t like it one bit. Vaughn had to be brought under control. Everything rested on appearances. He’d worked too hard to get her to where she was today. He wasn’t going to let her ruin it; that’s all there was to it. He slapped his hand against his mahogany desk with finality. That’s all there was to it.

The Chaney Building, which housed Justin’s suite of offices, loomed ahead. Moments later, Justin eased his BMW into the underground parking garage and swung into his spot. He looked across the lanes and saw that Sean and Khendra’s Lexus LS was also parked in their usual spot. Good, he needed to talk to Sean.

Retrieving his briefcase and his black leather trenchcoat from the backseat, he automatically activated the alarm system and locked the doors. In long, brisk strides, he crossed the gray and white concrete and entered the elevator that would take him to his offices on the sixteenth floor.

Justin pushed through the heavy, ornately carved wood doors that led to the immense reception area. Although he’d been coming through those same doors for nearly three years, he still had sudden flashes that it was all fantasy. Yet, this was his. He’d worked for it and everything, including every detail in the wood, had his markings. It was all a tribute to his enormous success, both in the courtroom and out. It was as a result of his success that he now had the time and opportunity to pursue other avenues, such as public speaking, advocacy, and writing that book that had been gnawing at him for years. And now, he finally had time for a woman in his life. He smiled unconsciously as visions of Vaughn bloomed ripe. He had the time to devote himself to making this relationship work and not have his work destroy the relationship—as it had between him and Janice.

Years later, it still hurt. Janice had been his first love, and his young heart had been fired with romance and ambition. He’d wanted Janice along for the ride. They’d married, had a child almost immediately, and before Justin had realized what had happened, they were divorced and Janice was gone, along with their infant daughter.

He’d expended his savings, his skills, and all the resources available to him trying to locate his ex-wife and child. They’d virtually disappeared off the face of the earth. Finally, after years of frustration, he’d given up and dove into his work with an incomparable intensity.

For that reason he’d become a devout advocate of children’s rights. He truly believed that he could somehow make an impact on legislatures to repeal the laws governing the sealing of adoption and foster care placement records and allow those children to lawfully find their natural parents. He had been a catalyst in helping to establish several organizations across the country who assisted parents and children in finding each other. It was his hope that although Janice saw no need to have him involved in their daughter’s life, his child would somehow find him through the channels now available. That hope was like an eternal flame that burned in his heart. If and when his dream of reuniting with his daughter was realized, he wanted Vaughn to be a part of that ultimate joy.

“Good morning, Mr. Montgomery,” Barbara Crenshaw, his executive assistant, greeted him cheerily. Her soft gray-green eyes warmed at the sight of him.

“Morning, Barb. Any messages?”

“They’re on your desk. Do you want coffee or should I send out for breakfast?”

“Coffee will be fine. I want to get my notes together for the staff meeting.”

“I’ll be right in.”

Justin waved and nodded acknowledgment to the bevy of staff members that made up his team as he wound his way through the maze of offices that led to his own. Once inside the soundproof room, he hung up his coat, rounded his desk, and punched in the extension for Sean’s line.

“Good morning, Phillips here,” came the distinctly feminine voice.

Justin smiled broadly. “How can that man of yours ever get any work done if you’re in his office doing who knows what when I’m not looking?”

Khendra’s husky laughter filtered through the phone. “Who says we’re here to work? We just come in to get a change of atmosphere,” she teased, enjoying the bantering that went on between them. “I presume you want to speak to my handsome, brilliant husband,” she added, giving her husband a quick wink.

“Well, only if you’re not keeping him too preoccupied to talk to me, of course,” Justin joked.

“Let me just check and see if he wants to be distracted, by business, that is, this early in the morning.” Khendra chuckled. “Listen,” she said, switching gears, “I was just going over the reports on the Harrison murder case. I think we should take it, Justin. I know I can pull this off.”

“Great. Bring your notes. We’ll discuss it at the meeting.”

“Here’s Sean.”

“Hey, Justin. What’s up?” Sean’s voice came over the wire.

“I was hoping you, uh, had some free time this morning, before the meeting.”

Sean immediately caught the hitch of hesitation in Justin’s voice. His thick eyebrows arched. Justin was never hesitant about anything.

“Sure. You want me to stop in now?”

“Yeah. Barb is bringing in coffee. Have you had breakfast?”

“We just finished. I just need to make two short calls and I’ll be right down.”

“Thanks.”

“Justin?”

“Yeah, Sean.”

“Is everything all right? You don’t sound like yourself.”

Justin thought for a moment and almost laughed out loud. He wasn’t himself. “Everything’s fine. Better than fine. That’s what I want to talk with you about. See you in a few.”

Justin reached again for the phone. His smile was broad. This time he dialed an outside number to the local florist.

Shortly there was a light knock on Justin’s office door.

“Come in.”

Sean strutted in, the picture of polish, power, and control. Sean was a connoisseur of fine clothing. His instincts and tenacity when it came to criminal law could be paralleled only by his wife, Khendra. But Sean knew when to relax and enjoy the good life he’d built for himself. He spent hours in the gym and on the racquetball court, which was where he and Justin had met nearly eight years before. They’d become fast friends, sharing a variety of similar interests. Justin had come to rely not only on Sean’s legal judgment, but on his personal judgment as well.

“What’s up, partner?” Sean asked, breezing in and taking a seat opposite Justin.

Justin stood up, slinging his hands into his pockets. He turned dark eyes on Sean. “I’m thinking about making some…changes.”

Sean’s eyebrows rose in question. He remained silent and listened as Justin revealed a side of himself that Sean hadn’t known existed.

The morning flew by with blinding speed. Before Vaughn had completed half of her tasks for the day, it was time to meet her father for lunch. She’d had Tess order two jumbo salad specials, knowing that they would be both filling and in keeping with her father’s diet, which he readily ignored.

Her midday interview with Channel 6 had gone off smoothly; the statements she’d made to the reporter from the Herald would be in the next day’s paper. She’d gone through half her mail, returned nearly a dozen phone calls, and remained sane through it all. To cap off a morning of success, she’d just received a huge bouquet of two dozen red roses from Justin. The whole office was buzzing. And she knew that as soon as Crystal was finished with her meeting, she’d be beating down her door for some answers. She’d tried to call Justin to thank him for his thoughtful gift, but he was tied up in a staff meeting.

In the meantime, she had her father to deal with. She checked her watch. Ten to two. He’d be arriving in minutes. Vaughn straightened her desk and crossed the parquet floor to the small conference table that held their lunch. She looked over the array of salads, breads, and low-calorie dressings. Everything was in place.

The brief knock on the door signaled her father’s arrival.

“A little noisy around here today, I see,” Elliott commented, hanging up his coat on the rack. He took out his pipe and slipped it between his teeth.

Vaughn crossed the room and gave her father a quick kiss. “I took the liberty of ordering lunch,” she said, crossing to the table. “I thought we could eat and talk.”

Elliott took a seat without comment. He looked across at his daughter and waited for her to be seated.

“Would you like some spring water, or tea?” she asked nervously, the ominous look of her father rattling her. He waved the offer away. She sat down like an errant schoolgirl waiting to be reprimanded. She became angry at herself. She influenced all sorts of men and women and changed government policy. So, why did her father still have the ability to rattle her nerves?

“I want to get straight to the point of this meeting,” Elliott began without preamble. “I just received a report today on your activities over the weekend.”

For an instant she was sure she couldn’t have heard correctly. “You what?”

“You were seen at the docks on Saturday, with that Montgomery fellow in a very compromising position to say the least.”

Vaughn felt the heat of embarrassment and anger burn her face. She shot up from her seat. “Are you saying that you had me followed?” she asked, her voice rising in indignation and disbelief.

Elliott cleared his throat and shot her a thunderous look. “Let’s just say that your activities have been brought to my attention.”

Vaughn spun away, barely able to contain the fury and humiliation that welled inside her.

“Sit down!” Elliott ordered.

“I will not,” she tossed back, spinning around to confront him, her face a blanket of outrage. “How dare you? How dare you have me followed? What right do you have to interfere in my private life?”

“I have every right,” he countered. “Wasn’t your experience with Paul enough to teach you a lesson? And Brian,” he added. The impact of his last comment had the desired effect, he noted, as he saw her resistance crumble.

The cold, on-target remark was like a splash of ice water. Vaughn felt her eyes sting with tears that threatened to overflow. Her throat tightened. She would not allow him to see her cry. Never again, she vowed. She remained standing, stiff and defiant, meeting her father’s eyes head on.

“Vaughn,” he said, almost gently, “I have only your best interests at heart. I want to protect you. Now is not the time for you to get…involved.” He cleared his throat. “The last thing you need is for the tabloids to pick up on any relationships you may be having. They’ll eat you alive. You’ll have enough to contend with without the added burden of a relationship that couldn’t possibly go anywhere. For heaven’s sake, child, you only just met the man. I gave you more credit than that.”

“Did you really?” she asked hollowly. “I didn’t think you gave me much credit for anything, Daddy.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Of course I do. If I didn’t believe in your abilities, do you think I’d have guided your career for so many years? I want the best for you, sweetheart. But I want you to realize your ambitions before you make any commitments. You need to be sure of who you’re dealing with and ultimately of what they want from you. Everyone wants something, Vaughn; you know that as well as I do. It’s the nature of our lives. A mistake now could be disastrous for your career.”

Is that all she would ever have? she wondered numbly. A career? What about love, a family, a man in her life who loved her for who she was? Was Justin the right man? Maybe her father was correct. Hadn’t he always been right? Hadn’t he always made everything right?

He reached across the table and patted her cold hands. “I know you’ll realize the truth in what I’m telling you. Put an end to this, before it gets out of hand. I know you may not agree with me now. But if you think with your head and not with your heart, you’ll see that I’m right.”

Vaughn’s eyes trailed across the room to her desk and settled on the brilliant bouquet of flowers. Inhaling deeply, she nodded.

Elliott rose. “Then it’s settled.” He rounded the table and briefly touched his lips to her cheek. “You won’t regret this, sweetheart.”

Vaughn pressed her lips together to keep them from trembling. Elliott collected his coat. His goodbye went unanswered.

Mechanically, Vaughn rose, crossed the room, and locked her office door. She turned and pressed her back against it. She squeezed her eyes shut and fought down the tremors that raced up and down her spine. What was she going to do? Her political career was already a daunting struggle, but now she would have to put her energies into fighting her father as well?

Slowly she recrossed the room and sank down onto the low couch that braced the far wall of the airy office. A part of her knew that her father was right. She didn’t know Justin Montgomery. Her past experiences had demonstrated time and time again that the men in her life had proved disastrous, on many levels. Was Justin any different?

Her father was one of those men as well. For reasons she couldn’t fathom, she at times found it almost impossible to get from under his spell. Her father had dictated every aspect of her life for so long, that she felt incapable of making an independent decision.

Vaughn sucked on her bottom lip. She’d always succumbed to her father’s demands and expectations. She stood up and took a deep breath, her face resolute, her eyes glowing with rebellion. Until now. This time she would prove her father wrong. Justin would prove him wrong.

Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.

Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».

Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.

Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.