Scandalous (2 page)

“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.