Sexual Politics (8 page)

“You’re right. It isn’t fair.” Jeannie sat down on the toilet lid and seemed to weigh something. “I should probably tell you this.”

“What? Did you sleep with Gary too?” She laughed at the absurdity of her little joke.

“No. But he wanted me to.”

That was a shock. Justine stared up at her sister. “When?”

“I don’t know, maybe a year after you two married? He came onto me.”

“What did you do?”

Jeannie laughed, clearly embarrassed and amused. “I told him if he ever did anything like that again I’d crush his nuts in a vise grip.”

“Ooo.” Justine grinned. “What’s a vise grip?”

“No idea, but it sounds painful. He took it seriously.”

They both chuckled at the thought.

Jeannie went on. “I’m sorry I never told you. I didn’t want to hurt you.”

“You didn’t. I stopped caring long ago.”

“That isn’t true.”

Justine frowned. “What do you mean?”

“I can tell you care about this photographer. Sean?”

“I do,” she admitted sadly. “Sucks to be me, doesn’t it?”

“Not necessarily. Does he care about you?”

“Where’s your magic eight ball?”

“No joking. Does he care about you?”

“Whatever is happening between us…it feels real. Something is there. I’m just afraid to label it.”

They were both quietly thoughtful for a moment before her sister asked, “He takes nude photos?”

Justine burst out laughing. “Only some of them are nudes. He’s an artist. His medium is photography. He does beautiful work, very emotional, deep. I might even go so far as to call some of it spiritual.”

“Were
you
naked?”

She gave a sheepish nod. “Yes.”

Jeannie covered her mouth and giggled in the same way Justine did. It was a mannerism of the women in their family, handed down mother to daughter.

“I can’t believe it.” Her sister shook her head. “You used to pull your nightgowns over your head and undress in your little tent just so no one would see you.”

Smiling again, Justine wriggled her shoulders under the water. “I’ve come a long way, baby.”

“I’ll say. Which is why you’re hiding out from the paparazzi and every sleazy tabloid reporter in this city.”

“There is that.” She voiced a question she’d pondered for some time. “Do you think Gary cheated because he prefers sexually assertive women?”

“I don’t know. Maybe. Why?”

“I’ve thought about it, a lot. When we were a couple, I never turned him away, but I didn’t initiate either. What if I was too passive? Am I partly responsible for his infidelities?” Justine sank down deeper in the tub, frowning at the thought.

Jeannie huffed in exasperation. “Don’t do this to yourself. You were the perfect wife. He was lucky to have you.”

“I was the right kind of wife. Not for him, but for the public. For appearances. I think he would have chosen differently if he could have.”

“What are you saying?” Jeannie asked.

“I’m saying we were incompatible. That Gary wounded my pride not my heart. I’m completely different with Sean. You have no idea how hard it is for me to hold back with him. I want to knock him to the floor and ride him. Sometimes I want to touch him so badly my fingernails cut into my palms from fighting the urge. I’ve never wanted someone like this before. I think about him all the time.”

“Wow.”

Justine nodded, just as amazed as her sister appeared to be. “I know.”

Slapping the tops of her thighs, Jeannie stood up. “Well, I’ll let you finish your bath in peace. I’ll be downstairs making lunch.”

“I’ll be down. I can’t put all this off indefinitely. Time to take my medicine.”

“That’s the spirit.”

As soon as Jeannie pulled the door closed behind her, Justine picked up the washcloth and continued to bathe, her mind returning to what she’d pondered aloud. What she hadn’t said was how different
she
was with these two men.

When she was introduced to Gary, he was already a political favorite, a standout from the usual crop of candidates. Handsome, young, energetic, and passionate, he won people over with ease. She was flattered by his attention and openly envied by others when he pursued her. Thinking back, she finally understood she was drawn more to the promise of the man not the man himself. He chose her, presented a ring, and she accepted. That’s the way things worked. She followed the script, much like he followed one when he sought his ideal wife. Knowing his tastes better now, she almost felt sorry he didn’t feel he could choose someone more appropriate for him.

What about her? Too bad she couldn’t blame political aspirations for her decisions. It never occurred to her she had choices too, or more accurately that she’d bowed out of actively making any. He liked her, so she liked him back. He wanted her, so she accepted his attentions. There was an imbalance going on. Not once did she ask herself what she wanted, what kind of mate would suit her best. A larger-than-life man favored her and she stopped looking, stopped asking, and stopped questioning out of gratitude.

They were both at fault for the demise of the marriage, but it was a marriage that never should have taken place. Talk about a rude awakening! Too bad she wasn’t thinking clearly before she walked down the aisle. To choose, rather than be chosen made all the difference in the world.

Her mind slipped back in time to Sean’s exhibit in Berlin. What would have happened if they’d met there? Would they feel the same powerful energy and sizzling attraction? If they’d hooked up then would they still be together? Or did they both need a failed marriage under their belts before they learned what they really wanted, what they needed in a companion? Was it their independent life experiences and maturity that made their connection feel so necessary now?

She didn’t have any answers to these questions. Right or wrong, like it or not, her marriage helped make her the woman she was. If she’d had an attentive husband and a family of her own to care for she wouldn’t have felt compelled to create Open Arms, Warm Hearts. Her foundation was making a difference in more lives every day. Without her disappointments she wouldn’t have had the incentive to forge ahead in other directions. It was those personal setbacks that placed her on this new and rewarding path. That was how she’d discovered she had ambition.

Hopefully Open Arms, Warm Hearts wouldn’t be affected by this ridiculous scandal. She should probably call Lise as soon as she got off the phone with Gary, and her assistant Lois. Carter Douglass could talk to Gary. She didn’t want to deal with him.

What was her husband going to say?

Chapter 5

Justine put off lunch until after she made her phone calls. Even empty, her stomach was churning. Stress will do that. She decided to call Gary first.

“Justine, where the hell are you and what the hell is going on?” he asked as soon as he answered.

She took a deep breath and let it out, willing herself to calm down. “Nothing is going on.”

“That’s not what it looks like. Hang on.” She heard him ask someone to give him some privacy. “And close the door,” he added then returned to her. “I don’t care what you do when I’m gone, but damn it, be discreet.”

Now her blood was boiling. “I’m innocent—unlike
you
!”

“I remember him. You introduced us. Were you sleeping with him then?”

“No! You’re not listening to me.”

“I don’t know what to believe. I saw the pictures. Something’s going on. Maybe you haven’t had sex yet, but you’re having an affair.”

Groaning, she spun in frustration. “You’re insane.”

“And you’re in love.”

Justine felt the blood drain from her face. “What did you say?”

“It’s a love affair.” There was a quiet pause on the other end. “Admit it. You love him.”

Swallowing and sniffling, she began to cry. “Yes,” she said softly then fell back against the wall behind her and crumpled to the floor.

“I’m sorry, Justine, for everything. But this is for your own good. And mine. Talk to Carter.”

“No! Gary…”
What?
For her own good? That sounded ominous. Unfortunately he’d already cut her off to transfer the call. The impulse to hang up immediately was almost irresistible. She wanted to fly away, out of this cold city to somewhere warm where she could be anonymous.

Her head shot up when she heard her name in her ear. “Mrs. Hubbard?”

Damn. Too late. She cringed. “Yes.”

“The senator will be making a statement to the media in an hour. We’re finishing the draft now. I suggest you watch it. Or listen to it. Local stations will carry it as well. Goodbye.”

Before she could ask what they were going to say, the bastard ended the call.

“Oh no.”

She dialed Gary’s number again. He didn’t pick up. When she tried his office she couldn’t get past his secretary.

Shaken and afraid, she returned to Jeannie’s guestroom and searched through her purse for the slip of paper Sean gave her. Luckily, he answered right away.

“Justine? What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

“I don’t think so. Something is about to happen. I’m scared.”

She told him about the phone calls, what they’d said. Sean didn’t like how it sounded either.

“If they hang you out to dry, I’ll go on the record and clear your name. I won’t let your reputation suffer for something you didn’t do.”

“I hope it doesn’t come to that.”

“Me too. But if it does, you won’t have to face it alone.”

She swiped at a fresh tear under her eye. “Thank you.”

“Should I come over? Listen to it with you?”

“Would you mind?”

“Not at all. On my way. See you soon.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

“We’re in this together, right?”

She laughed and blotted under her nose. “Sure seems like it.”

* * * *

Sean couldn’t make a clean break for it. He had to force his way through the gossip peddlers to get to his car.

“No comment!” he shouted and shoved back when he was jostled and bumped.

Pulling out of the parking garage he noticed he had at least two vehicles tailing him. Afternoon traffic was heavy so they stayed right on his bumper. There was no way he was going to lose them.

What was worse, leading them to Justine, or leaving her to deal with whatever was coming on her own? He knew her sister was with her, but it sounded like she needed
him
. Then that’s where he wanted to be. If they had to, they’d find her another place to stay.

He was still several miles away when the senator came on the radio. Feeling his tension build, Sean turned up the volume and crowded the car in front of him, hoping to either move them out of the way or force them to go a little faster. To his mounting aggravation, nothing changed.

Admitting the futility of tailgating, he eased off their bumper. Sean’s impatient muttering was cut short when Senator Hubbard began to speak.

Although this is a private matter, recent events have forced me to make this very public announcement. My wife, Justine, and I have mutually agreed to end our marriage. This decision was reached amicably, with affection and respect on both sides. I want to thank her for her unfailing support and the many sacrifices she’s made on behalf of my career. It hasn’t always been easy. Now it’s time for me to return the favor and encourage and support
her
ambitions. I ask that you please respect our privacy during this transition in our lives. Thank you.

Sean’s heart was racing, his entire body vibrating with energy. Did he hear that right? Turning the dial, he listened to clips and recaps, commentary and speculation about what the senator’s words meant in terms of his campaign and public opinion.

None of that concerned Sean. The only thing he could focus on was Justine’s husband was stepping aside. Senator Hubbard was taking the high road and graciously letting her go.

Seeing her sister’s townhouse coming up, he cut to the curb and stomped on the brakes. There were honks and tires squealing behind him but he didn’t care. He leaped out of his car and ran around to the sidewalk.

He heard the front door open ahead and then Justine was running down the steps to meet him. She looked as dazed and amazed as he felt. Pausing on the last tread she waited for him. He couldn’t say who smiled first. It seemed to happen simultaneously. All of a sudden they were laughing and then he lunged at her. Picking Justine off her feet, he groaned with relief as he spun her around.

When he came to a staggering stop, they kissed, arms locked tight around each other.

Slowly drawing back, she giggled. “I hear clapping.”

He cupped the back of her head. “I don’t care. Kiss me again.”

She did. The hunger of her kiss surprised the hell out of him, but he wasn’t complaining.

“I’m in love with you, Justine.”

“I’m in love with you too.”

He’d never grow tired of kissing her, holding her. Easing off, he smiled. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

“Oh God, yes.”

Since she was still wrapped around him, he carried her to his car. “Watch your head,” he warned, ducking to set her inside.

“Wait!”

They both turned to see Justine’s sister running after them waving a purse in the air.

Justine slapped herself in the head. “Yeah, I suppose I’ll need that.”

Sean stepped back so she could hand the purse directly to Justine. Bending down so they were eye to eye, the women embraced.

“I’m so happy for you,” she told Justine, then stood up and moved back with him.

Justine looked tenderly up at them both. “Thanks. Jeannie, Sean. Sean, my sister, Jeannie.”

“Nice to meet you,” he said.

“You too.”

Justine covered her giggles with her hand, slowly shaking her head. “Jeannie, I love you, but we’ve got some sheets to heat. I’ll call you.”

Jeannie laughed and, blushing, waved them away. “Go, go!”

Sean ran around to the driver’s side and hopped in. As he turned the key and the sisters waved one last goodbye, he suggested, “I say we make your husband the godfather of our first child. What do you think?”

She snorted with amusement and dropped her head to his shoulder. “I love it. Let’s go practice making one of those right now.”