Scandalous by Donna Hill Page A

many years had she and Sean talked about starting their own practice? But they’d been too loyal to Justin to pull up stakes? And now he was handing them their dream on a silver platter. It was almost too good to be true.
    Khendra straightened in her seat. “How long have we known Justin?”
    â€œAbout eight years.”
    â€œRight. And knowing Justin, he never does anything on the spur of the moment and without a real strong reason.” She took a deep breath. “There’s more to this than he’s telling.”
    â€œI didn’t want to say anything, but that’s what I was thinking.”
    â€œWhat do you think it is?” she asked.
    â€œI wish I knew.”
    Khendra smiled coyly, her eyebrow arched. “Don’t you think it’s up to us to find out?”
    Sean saw the spark in her eyes and knew that those wheels were turning a mile a minute. “What are you thinking, Khen? I know that look.” He peered at her from beneath heavy black lashes.
    â€œI say we need to do some investigating on our own. As much as I would love for us to have our own practice, I want to be sure it’s for all the right reasons.”
    â€œAgreed. What do you want to do?”
    Khendra reached across the table and took her husband’s hand in hers, running her fingertip languidly along his palm. Sean felt himself instantly harden at her touch. She leaned enticingly forward, giving him the barest glimpse of the swell of her breasts. Her normally husky voice lowered another octave. “Why don’t we take a long lunch and discuss this further…at home?”
    Sean grinned devilishly, his eyes darkening to a smoky sable. He leaned across the table to place a titillating kiss on Khendra’s moist lips. “That’s the best offer I’ve had all day.”
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    Justin finally had a free minute to return Vaughn’s phone call. Just anticipating hearing her voice brought a warm smile to his lips. These past few weeks had changed him deeply. Vaughn was like some wild dream come true. He knew he’d have to take his time to convince her to cross those walls she’d erected. Instinctively he knew she’d been burned before, and she was right to be cautious. Whatwoman wouldn’t be, given the circumstances of their meeting?
    He smiled. Everything was going to work out; he could feel it. He reached across his desk and pulled the phone closer. He dialed her number. Waiting, he leaned back and put his feet up on the desk. He patted the breast pocket of his jacket. The tickets were in place. He’d had to twist a few arms and call in a few favors to get his hands on them. But he knew it would be worth it. The concert and then a late dinner tonight, he mused, listening to the ringing on the other end.
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    Vaughn stared at the phone. It was her private line. It was probably her father again, wanting to add more fuel to the fire. She sighed heavily.
    Justin frowned. Maybe she’d stepped out, he concluded. He leaned over to return the receiver to the cradle when he heard Vaughn’s voice. He snatched the phone back.
    â€œVaughn. Hello. It’s Justin.”
    Vaughn squeezed her eyes shut. Maybe it would have been better if it had been her father on the other end. She wasn’t ready to talk with Justin. She was still too torn.
    â€œJustin…hello. I really can’t talk right now. I was on my way out to a press conference.” She swallowed and ordered her heart to slow down. Oh, Justin. She gripped the phone. Since her conversation with her father and her momentary flash of rebellion, she’d had some time to think things through. She’d come to a decision.
    â€œNo problem. I won’t keep you. I wanted to entice you to a night of music and great food. I have two tickets to the Carpenter Center for the Performing Arts. There’s a jazz concert there tonight with all of the favorites. The list is incredible. Then I thought