Scandalous by Donna Hill Page B

we’d have a late dinner at theStrawberry Café. How does that sound? I can’t wait to see you again,” he ended on a husky note.
    â€œIt, it sounds wonderful, Justin. But I really can’t…not tonight.” She straightened her shoulders and forced a tone of airiness into her voice. “You wouldn’t believe the kind of day I’ve been having. I won’t be any good to anyone, including myself, by the end of this day. I’d probably fall asleep.”
    â€œWhat’s wrong, Vaughn?” he asked bluntly. “And don’t tell me it’s the job. You’ve been doing this for years. It’s second nature. What’s the real reason you don’t want to see me tonight? More second thoughts?”
    He was too good at seeing through her, she thought miserably, even over the phone. “Justin, listen,” she began. “Believe me, I’d love to spend the evening with you.” You don’t know how much. “But circumstances…won’t permit it.”
    Justin’s jaw clenched so hard his head began to hurt. What was he going to have to do to get her to trust him, to let go? What had happened to her to make her so wary? He knew that he wanted Vaughn in his life, especially with the turn that it was about to take. But he wasn’t sure he had the patience or the endurance to give what it was going to take to get through to her. Maybe it wasn’t worth the effort.
    Justin let out a long-held breath. “Fine,” he expelled. “If that’s what you want. Call me…when you have some time. Goodbye, Vaughn.”
    Vaughn heard the dial tone hum in her ear. She looked up to the ceiling, clutching the phone to her breasts. Her eyes stung. “It’s best this way, Justin,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion.
    Justin slammed his fist against his desk and sprang from his seat, spinning it in a circle in the process. Recklessly,he raked his fingers through his close-cropped hair. Never had any woman made him so crazy! He spun away from the window, his face a mask of confused anger. Something had happened. Something or someone had gotten to her to make her do a 360 in less than twenty-four hours. He pressed his lips together. He was never one to just give up, not when it came to something he wanted. Vaughn was that something. She was the key, and he had no intention of letting her slip through his fingers. No matter what she said.
    Â 
    Simone had just returned to her dorm room after her last class for the day. It was nearly three o’clock. She wanted to place her call to Mr. Montgomery’s office before it got too late. She tossed her knapsack onto her bed and snatched up the business card from her nightstand.
    Quickly she said a silent prayer and then dialed.
    â€œMontgomery, Phillips and Michaels,” answered the polished voice.
    Simone took a deep breath. “Yes, good afternoon. My name is Simone Rivers. I’m a student at Spelman.”
    â€œYes?” Barbara inquired tersely. She had a desk full of work to complete before the end of the day and she wanted to get home at a reasonable hour.
    â€œMr. Montgomery had a speaking engagement here at the college several months ago,” she stated quickly, sensing the woman’s impatience. “He said he’d be looking for interns this summer. I’d like to apply for an internship with the firm.”
    Barbara frowned. “Why would you want to come all the way from Atlanta to D.C. for an internship?” she asked skeptically.
    â€œI was very impressed with Mr. Montgomery’s presentation, and I have similar advocacy interests. I feel this internship would be an excellent opportunity.”
    Barbara smiled indulgently. “I see. Well, Mr. Montgomery has to clear all internships. You’ll have to mail in your qualifications and he’ll be in touch with you.”
    Simone’s faced beamed with delight. “Yes!” she