Scandalous by Donna Hill

to seek professional help for her friend.
    Two steps behind Justin was Tess. “Ms. Hamilton, I’m so sorry,” she apologized. “He just pushed his way past me. I tried to…”
    â€œDon’t worry about it, Tess,” Vaughn responded absently, her eyes never leaving Justin’s. The flicker of a smile teased her lips. “Mr. Montgomery has a tendency to come on like gangbusters every now and then.”
    When Vaughn’s gaze slid past Justin’s face, she saw Crystal nudging Tess out the door. The soft click let them know that they were totally alone.
    â€œI’m glad you came, Justin,” Vaughn began, quickly cutting him off before he could get started. “If you hadn’t shown up here, I was coming to you.”
    Justin had been all geared up for a battle of wills. This spontaneous shift momentarily caught him off guard. His eyes narrowed suspiciously.
    Vaughn turned away from him and walked toward thecouch, where she sat down. She crossed her long legs, giving him a teasing view of her firm thighs. She stretched her arm across the back of the couch. Her eyes invited him to join her. Justin suddenly felt as if he’d been tossed into a seductive scene in a movie. Well, if this was to be his debut appearance, he was going to give an Academy Award performance.
    With long, purposeful strides he came close, looking down at her intensely. Vaughn extended her hand and he took it, pulling her from her seated position right up against the hard lines of his body. Without words, without preamble, his mouth covered hers. As he crushed her in his embrace, his tongue forced her lips apart and plunged into the recesses of her warmth. A shudder rippled through her, sending sweet spirals of ecstasy singing through her veins. This was so right, she realized, sinking helplessly into the rapture of his kiss, giving back as much as she was getting. This was what she’d been searching for. At last she’d found it. She’d never let anything come between them again.
    â€œVaughn,” he moaned against her mouth. He buried his face in her hair, inhaling the natural sweetness. “I thought…”
    â€œSssh,” she whispered. “There’s so much I need to tell you. So much I need to explain.”
    Reluctantly, Justin angled his head back slightly, looking questioningly down into her smoky eyes. His arm held her firmly around the waist. His finger traced the soft line of her jaw. Her eyes briefly fluttered closed as she fought down the tremor of his touch.
    â€œWhy don’t we get out of here?” she asked huskily. “I don’t want to be interrupted…by business.”
    â€œGet your things,” he said in a rugged whisper.
    Â 
    â€œHello, Ms. Rivers?”
    â€œYes,” Simone answered, the smooth voice causing a flutter in her stomach.
    â€œThis is Chad Rushmore, of Montgomery, Phillips and Michaels.”
    Simone sat up straighter in bed, tossing her textbooks aside. “Hello, Mr. Rushmore.”
    â€œMs. Crenshaw suggested that I call and advise you that we received your information. It’s being passed along to Mr. Montgomery.”
    â€œThank you.”
    â€œI must say, after looking over your credentials, I think you’d make an excellent intern.”
    Simone grinned with pleasure. “I’m glad you think so. I hope Mr. Montgomery feels the same way.”
    â€œWell, if my recommendation means anything, I’m sure you won’t have a problem. If you do get the internship, we’ll be working closely together.”
    Simone’s heart thudded. “I hope everything will work out.”
    â€œSo do I,” Chad said sincerely. “I’m looking forward to meeting you.” Chad took a deep breath then continued, “I’m sure someone will contact you shortly, Ms. Rivers,” he added, regaining his composure.
    â€œThank you for calling,” Simone said softly, wishing she