Scandalous (11 page)

“Justin?” she murmured, suddenly afraid that he no longer took pleasure in what he saw. Could he tell? she worried. Did he see the sins of her past? She felt truly naked and totally vulnerable under his unreadable gaze. But just as quickly her fears were extinguished when he smiled, his eyes still filled with longing, and yes, something deeper, she realized. The silent understanding that flashed between them deepened the yearning that had built near to bursting between her legs.

Vaughn raised her arms, silently asking him to join
her. And he did. Straddling her supple form, he braced his weight on his arms. Tenderly, he brushed her face with countless tiny kisses, then down her neck, teasing the pulse that beat erratically in her throat. His wet lips seemed to sizzle across her heated flesh, causing her to cry out his name when his mouth reached her breasts and captured the hardened bud between his teeth. His tongue stroked first one, then the other, in maddeningly slow circles. In response, Vaughn arched her back, pushing the engorged mounds deeper into the recesses of his mouth.

“Mmmm,” he moaned, spreading her thighs with a sweep of his knee. Gingerly he rested his full weight upon her, thrusting up her knees with the forward motion of his broad shoulders.

Lured to her, without guidance, he reached the passageway of fulfillment. Hesitating an instant, he looked one last time into her eyes. Then, simultaneously, his mouth covered hers while his hips plunged downward, engulfing his phallus in a hot tight cocoon of euphoria.

“The promised land,” he groaned.

 

Vaughn snuggled closer to the warm, hard body next to her. A dreamy smile of contentment eased across her ebony face. God, she was happy—and satisfied! She couldn't begin to describe just how satisfied. Her toes curled at the memory of what had taken place between them. Justin was an exquisite, experienced lover. Powerful and gentle. Just thinking about how his rhythmic thrusts had pushed her to heaven and back caused an instantaneous throb to pulse between her thighs. How many times had they made love during the night? Somewhere along the line, she'd lost count but her body still seemed to vibrate with need.

What had he done to her? Her physical experiences with men were limited. Was this the way you were supposed
to feel the morning after? If so, she knew what she'd been missing all those years, and she had no intention of traveling back down that road again. This was just too good! Her decadent thoughts made her giggle, the vibration stirring Justin in his sleep.

His arm, firmly locked around her waist, slid upward until his palm cupped one tender breast.

She moaned softly, thinking him to be reacting in his sleep. She pressed her back closer to his front to discover that Justin Montgomery was anything but asleep.

She tried to angle her head to look at him over her shoulder, but before she could, Justin had turned her fully on her stomach and rested his full weight upon her. He slipped his arm beneath her waist and raised her hips to meet him.

“Good morning,” he groaned hot in her ear, finding his way into the fiery cavern that welcomed him. All Vaughn could do was sigh in pleasure as Justin took them on another ride of ecstasy.

 

The sun was high in the cloudless sky by the time Vaughn and Justin found their way out of bed.

She felt like a young girl in love for the first time. He was sure that ten years had been shaved off of his life. Vaughn was like a fountain of youth, pumping rejuvenating life into what had been an empty heart.

His smile was full of warmth as he watched the woman who seemed perfectly at home in his kitchen.

In the pit of his stomach was a strange stirring. It rose to his chest and seemed to make his heart pump faster. He felt warm all over and undeniably happy. Yet he was still reluctant to put a name to this sensation that ran rampant through him each time he looked at Vaughn. What could he expect from this relationship. She'd clearly stated that
her time would be limited, that her priority was her faithful followers. So where did that leave him, exactly?

Before last night, he'd been sure that he was ready to just dive into this relationship—headfirst—and screw the consequences. Now, after being with her—within her, letting their souls touch—something had changed for him. He realized that with Vaughn he would totally lose himself. He would be consumed by the fire that she'd ignited within him. Before last night, the power that she'd had over him was purely imaginary.

Had he matured enough over the years to be ready to submit himself totally to a woman? Even now, with all the confusing thoughts tumbling through his head, he felt himself harden just by looking at her. He'd completely lost interest in what she was preparing for breakfast, but was more interested in how he could wrestle her out of his oxford-cloth shirt without ripping off all those damned buttons.

To hell with consequences, he thought vehemently. He hopped down from the stool and strode up behind her, pressing himself against her supple form.

Vaughn expelled a gasp of surprise, then giggled merrily while Justin teased her neck with nibbling kisses. Then suddenly he turned her around to face him. His dark eyes stared intently into her upturned face. She held her breath, mesmerized by the power of his gaze.

He blurted out huskily, “I think I've fallen in love with you.”

The declaration was so impulsive, so unexpected, that it seemed to take both of them by surprise. Vaughn blinked away her disbelief.

For several breathless moments they both stared
at each other with such startled expressions that they simultaneously erupted into fits of joyous laughter.

Justin pulled Vaughn snugly into his embrace, absorbing the feel of her, the scent of her, as their laughter slowly settled and the enormity of what he'd said fully took hold.

Did he say he loved her because they had great sex? she worried, listening to Justin's pounding heart. Was it what he thought she expected to hear the morning after? Did he expect some sort of favor now? When was the last time a man had said he'd loved her without some ulterior motive? She couldn't recall. Yet with Justin…did she dare hope?

Justin's words reverberated throughout his head. Why had he told her he loved her? It wasn't possible to fall in love with someone this quickly, was it? Yet nothing went by the book when it came to him and Vaughn. He knew the sex was damned great. There was no question about that. But he'd had great sex before and it had never made him say the “L” word. That was just it, he realized. It wasn't the sex. He and Vaughn had
made love,
in every sense of the words. For the very first time in his life he had truly, unquestionably, made love with a woman. That physical connection with her seemed to somehow transcend every aspect of his life. Their union had created love. Now he fully understood what making love was all about.

He might never be able to define it in words, but he knew in his heart that he had reached an apex in his life and it was due to one woman. This woman.

Justin leaned slightly back, placed the tip of his finger beneath Vaughn's chin, and tilted her head. Her dark eyes swam with questions, doubts, excitement, and reciprocation.

“I meant what I said,” he told her softly. “I know it may seem impossible to believe that in a matter of weeks a person could fall in love.” He took a deep breath and briefly shut his eyes. When he opened them again, he saw acceptance in hers. “But I have, and it's scaring the hell outta me.” He grinned sheepishly.

Vaughn's mouth curved into a warm smile. Her eyes sparkled. She gently brushed his lips with her fingertips, which he lightly kissed.

“I've been so afraid of falling in love, Justin,” she said with deliberate intensity. “Afraid of rejection, loss, hurt. All the love in my life has only caused me pain.” Her eyes skimmed his face. “I don't feel afraid anymore,” she whispered softly. Her delicate hands stroked his cheek. “Not anymore. I guess what I'm saying…is that I love you, too, Justin Montgomery.”

His stomach tightened. His heart knocked hard against his chest. A welcome rush of relieved exhilaration spread through his veins. He heaved a sigh of relief. He lowered his head and touched it gently to hers. “I'll never hurt you, Vaughn,” he vowed. “Never.” He brushed her hair away from her face. “I promise you that.” Ever so sweetly, he sealed his vow with a kiss.

Slowly, he eased away and took her hand, leading her back into the living room. He pulled her down beside him on the couch.

Her heart skittered when she saw the look of uncertainty on his face. “What?” she asked, a sudden fear knocking at the door of her happiness.

Justin breathed heavily. “There's something I need to talk with you about,” he began slowly.

Oh, God, she thought. He's going to tell me he has a wife somewhere. But the painful story that Justin revealed was the last thing she expected to hear.

 

“I've decided to start looking for my daughter again,” he concluded, after divulging the details of his tumultuous marriage.

For several long moments, Vaughn sat in silence, trying to put this revelation in perspective. He wanted her to be a part of his daughter's life. He wanted to give up his practice and devote his energies to finding Samantha. He thought that he might have a lead in Simone Rivers. Rivers, she mused curiously, that was her mother's maiden name. It was almost too much to comprehend.

Her emotions ran the gamut. He'd cared enough about her to confide his deepest emotions, his greatest goals, his darkest fears. Was she willing to do the same? Not yet. Even now, years later, it was still too painful and now potentially too disastrous to discuss. The past was dead and buried. The vivid thought seemed to take on life within her, causing her to flinch. Justin saw her reaction as accusing.

Suddenly he sprang from his seat, jamming his hands into his robe pockets. He walked away from her and turned on the stereo, keeping his back stiffly toward her. His heart sank to a new low. Her physical response was not what he expected. He thought Vaughn to be the most compassionate woman he'd ever met. But maybe her compassion didn't extend beyond her public image. He was so engrossed in his dark thought that he didn't hear Vaughn come up behind him until she spoke.

“Whatever, you need, darling, I'll be there for you,” she said, her voice full of the empathy he believed her to have.

Slowly he turned around and looked down into her face. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “I can only imagine how difficult it's been for you all these years.”
With trembling fingers she caressed his stubble-roughened chin. She smiled gently. “You'll find her,” she assured. “I know you will. And when you do, I'd like to be there.”

With all the love that flowed through him, he wrapped her in his arms, burying his face in her hair. “Thank you for coming into my life,” he whispered hoarsely. “Thank you.”

“S
o how long have you been working for the assembly-woman?” David asked Crystal as he handed her a cup of coffee.

Crystal smiled and shook her head. “Vaughn and I go so far back, I can't say where friendship ends and work begins. A lot of years, in other words,” she said, taking a sip of the steamy brew.

The Amtrak train rumbled comfortably along the track. The scenery of downtown D.C. was soon out of view.

“So I guess you know her pretty well,” he commented, settling comfortably in his seat.

“Yeah,” Crystal grinned. “I'll introduce you once we get back.” She paused. “Maybe we could all get together for dinner one night,” she suggested hesitantly. “She's seeing Justin Montgomery these days. We could do a foursome.”

Justin Montgomery.
That information could prove
useful. He cleared his throat and turned in his seat to look at her.

“To be honest, Crystal, I'm a very private person. I'm not really into group activities. I guess it comes from always having to deal with conference goers and boards of directors,” he lied smoothly. “And personal time,” he added in an intimate tone, “is a special treat for me. I'd like to use it getting to know you better. My job requires a lot of travel. I don't want the little bit of time I have with you to be shared with anyone else.” His eyes skimmed her face warmly and Crystal felt a definite tingle work its way through her body.

“Then we'll just have to make those times extra special.”

He gave her hand a little squeeze. “I'd say we were well on our way.” He grinned, giving her his best smile.

“Tell me more about what you do,” Crystal said in an attempt to recover her equilibrium. David truly had her senses whirling.

He leaned back and sighed heavily. “It's really pretty boring stuff. I mean, compared to working for a politician.”

“I want to hear all the boring details anyway,” Crystal insisted, smiling brightly.

David shrugged. “Basically, I travel across the country and help businesses to get on a stronger footing. In other words, I analyze their finances, programs, goals, and things, and help them to do it better.” He'd rehearsed this speech so many times in his head over the past few days he'd begun to believe it himself.

“That sounds great, David. You get to meet folks, travel, and have an impact on a lot of people. What could be boring about that?”

His full lips tilted into a half smile. “I guess it's what
you make it,” he said nonchalantly. “I've been doing this for so long it's just second nature. I don't even think about what I do beyond getting the job done as quickly and effectively as possible.”

Crystal nodded. “It's inevitable to slip into complacency if you don't look beyond the small picture.”

“That's true,” David said absently, not really paying attention to her assessment. His mind was already on other things. “But enough about me, tell me about you.” He gave her a meaningful look. “I want to know it all.”

Crystal beamed. David was the first man she'd met in so long who didn't want to have a running monologue about himself, his accomplishments, his ex-wives or girlfriends, or his sexual prowess. David was definitely a welcome relief.

“What would you like to hear?”

David shrugged lightly. “Start with the present and work your way back,” he suggested with an encouraging smile. “What does a chief of staff do, for starters?”

Crystal laughed. “All right.”

This time he was paying attention. He absorbed every word. There was certainly some information he could use. As he watched her, smiling as she talked, he had a pang of guilt. The sudden sensation unnerved him. He shifted slightly in his seat. Crystal was actually a wonderful woman. She was bright, great looking, fun to be around. Sexy as hell. If things were different…but things weren't different, he admitted, adjusting his thoughts to the task at hand. Somewhere, buried inside, he wished it were. But, he reminded himself, he had a job to do. He wouldn't allow a mere attraction stand in the way of his goals. He settled deeper into his seat, put on his most ingratiating smile, and listened. Too bad, though, he mused. He could really have a thing for Crystal.

 

“What have you found out?” Elliott gruffly asked the caller.

“She didn't come home last night,” was the wooden response.

Elliott's jaw clenched into a knot. He felt a burn in the pit of his stomach. “Where is she?” he spat.

“At 5836 Larchmont Road. Justin Montgomery's place.”

The burning intensified. “Thank you.” Slowly Elliott replaced the receiver. His large, dark hand curled into a fist and slammed down onto the desk. The coffee cup rattled, losing some of its contents on the maple desk.

A deep frown carved itself into his brow. His eyes darkened to a dangerous hue as he pondered his next move.

 

Downstairs, Sheila pushed the lightly buttered biscuit around on her plate. She was worried about Vaughn. She needed to talk to her about her father and this obsession he had about her. It was getting out of hand.

Sheila checked the wall clock. It was nearly eleven. Elliott had yet to come downstairs today. He was probably still brooding. That was just fine with her. He needed to think about what he'd done. She got up from the table, dumped the contents of her plate into the garbage, and proceeded out to the front hallway. Cautiously she looked, once, up the winding staircase—saw no one and heard nothing. Good, she thought, taking her purse and jacket from the hall closet. She had to get to the bank before noon.

 

“What do you want to do today?” Vaughn asked in a drowsy voice. After another session of toe-curling lovin',
all
she
wanted to do was purr. She snuggled under Justin's arm and pressed her face against his smooth chest.

“Don't ask,” he mumbled, pinching her bare behind.

“Ouch!” She slapped his arm. “Now I know the real reason why you want me,” she pouted.

“If you say for your body,” he grumbled deep in his chest, “you'd be damned right.” He tenderly massaged her breasts to emphasize his point.

“How very chauvinistic,” she cooed in a throaty whisper as sparks of yearning lit brightly within her.

“That's me,” he chuckled, increasing the pressure.

“If I really thought that,” Vaughn said on a long sigh, “we wouldn't stand a chance.”

“Mmmm. I don't know about that,” he countered, pulling her astride his throbbing body. “I think I'd just have to convince you I was the best thing that could happen to you.”

Her voice shuddered as she felt the length and breath of him fill her. “I think you…may…be…right.” Her eyes slid closed as Justin's hips rose and fell in a driving, demanding rhythm. Vaughn gripped the headboard to brace herself against Justin's powerful thrusts as he took them on a journey of unspeakable pleasure.

 

Hours later, fully clothed and playfully trying to keep their distance, Vaughn and Justin mapped out their day. Vaughn sat Indian-style on the loveseat, while Justin partially reclined on the sofa.

“At some point, I want to stop by my office. I'd like to show you the profile on Simone Rivers.” He breathed heavily. “I know I shouldn't get my hopes up.” He angled his head to look at her and met compassionate eyes. “But it's just this feeling I have. It may be farfetched, Vaughn, but anything is possible.”

Vaughn unwrapped her long denim-clad legs, walked around the birchwood coffee table, and sat beside him.

Lovingly, she stroked his forehead, easing away the lines of tension that etched his brow. As she watched the strain slip from his face, she was once again engulfed in her own fears. The same sensation of wariness that had touched her when they'd first met needled her again. Suppose somehow, in some way, inadvertently, in his crusade he uncovered… She couldn't bear that. She wouldn't think about it. That would never happen.

“There's nothing wrong with hoping,” she said softly. “I just don't want you to get hurt.”

He nodded and took her hand. “I know, and I appreciate your concern.” He pecked the back of her hand with a quick kiss and rose from the couch. “But I'm a big boy now.” He smiled. “I can handle it.”

Vaughn stood and slipped her arms around his waist. “In that case…big boy,” she crooned in a good imitation of Mae West, “let's get ta' steppin'.”

 

Simone had debated for the past few days whether or not she was doing the right thing. On one level, she believed she had the right to the truth. On another, she felt as if she was betraying her foster parents.

Simone sat down heavily on her bed and stared at the business card in her hand.
Child-Link, Inc.
She'd gotten the card ages ago at that same seminar Justin Montgomery had conducted on child advocacy. She knew the services were essentially free, but if they could find her real parents, she'd made up her mind she would donate half of her windfall to the organization.

She took a deep breath. She needed to put the wheels in motion before she went away. She reached for the phone
and dialed. All her muscles tensed. She felt her pulse begin a steady upward spiral as she listened to the line connect and the phone ring.

“Good morning, Child-Link. Melissa Overton speaking. How may I help you?”

Simone swallowed hard. She gripped the receiver so tightly that her palm began to sweat. “Hello, um, my name is Simone and, uh, I'm wondering…hoping that you can help me find my parents…”

 

A warm breeze wrapped around them as they ate brunch at an outdoor café in Georgetown. The day was perfect, the air clean, the sky clear. Trees were blooming all around them. The scent of flowers and fresh-turned soil filled the air. Couples, singles, and families were out in force, taking full advantage of the glorious day.

“It's not necessary for us to take a trip to my office today,” Justin said, taking a sip of iced herbal tea. “The day is too beautiful to waste a minute behind office doors.”

“It's your call,” Vaughn offered. She stabbed the last chunk of chicken salad with her fork and lifted it to her mouth. “What do you want to do instead?”

“Do you play tennis?” he questioned. There was a definite hint of challenge in his voice, Vaughn noted.

Her lip curved upward. “I have a nasty backhand,” she taunted.

“I'll bet you dinner that I can beat you three sets out of five.”

Vaughn tossed her head back, emitting a deep, husky laugh. Should she tell him that she'd been one tennis ball away from the Olympic team in her senior year of high school? Briefly she thought about those carefree days. She could have been a champion. But all her father saw in her future was law. And then there was Brian. But before those
two events, she was good. She still taught at the inner city youth program. Well, Mr. Montgomery never backed down from a challenge, and neither would she. Anyway, she'd confess later—after the game. “You…are…on…buddy.” She lowered her head. Her eyes squinted as she stared pointedly at him. “You truly don't have a clue as to what you're in for. As a matter of fact, hotshot, let's sweeten the pot.”

Justin leaned forward meeting her gaze. “Let's.”

“Not just dinner for one night, but for the whole week—home-cooked—winner's choice. You can cook—cain't cha?” She grinned devilishly.

“Ooh, aren't you the crafty one? I know my way around the kitchen.” He chuckled deeply. “But that won't be
my
problem.”

“Let's cut the rhetoric, buddy, and head to the courts. I want to see what you've got.” Vaughn stood up.

Justin snatched her around the waist, pulling her fully against the hard lines of his body. His voice dropped to a pumping whisper. “I thought you already knew what I had.”

“Call me curious,” she breathed against his parted lips.

“Curious,” he crooned softly, letting his lips brush lingeringly over hers. Reluctantly, he eased back. “Let's go before I change my mind and take you back home.”

 

“I guess this is where we part ways,” Crystal said, as she and David exited the train and emerged in bustling Pennsylvania Station.

“Only temporarily,” he replied close to her ear. He checked his watch. “How long do you think your business with your mom will take?”

“The better part of the day. We have to meet with the
attorneys and settle my dad's estate. It's not much,” she added with a false grin of gaiety, “but my mother wants me there for moral support.”

“How long has it been?” asked David, as they wound their way through the throng.

“Just about a year,” she answered quietly. “The insurance company has been dragging their feet and they finally ran out of excuses.”

“That's how they make their money,” David said cynically, “by keeping yours.”

Crystal nodded in agreement.

They exited the terminal and were instantly engulfed in the surge of travelers rushing for the honking cabs.

“Where can we meet?” David asked, as he hailed the next cab in line. “I'd like to see you this evening.” He turned toward her. “And spend the day with you tomorrow, if that's possible.”

Crystal was oblivious to the rush of sight and sound that swarmed around her. All she could hear was David's low, mesmerizing voice. All she could see were his caramel face and soulful brown eyes. Damn! she thought, I think I've hit the jackpot. She felt like clicking her heels.

“I'm sure we can work something out,” she said lightly. She reached in her purse and took a scrap of paper and pen and jotted down her mother's phone number. “Here.” She handed it to him. “I should be in after six tonight.”

David tucked the paper into the pocket of his leather jacket. “I'll call you.” He lowered his head and touched her lips with his. “Good luck today.” He held open the cab door for her and she slid inside.