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look at your record,” Justin said, quickly coming to her defense. “You accomplished those things. You got the funding in place to open the youth and senior centers and got the bill passed to crack down on drugs in Richmond. Not your father.”
    His vehemence warmed her. “That may be true. But there are plenty of people who can’t see past my name to who I really am. Too many opponents want to believe that the only reason I’ve gotten this far is because my father is a judge. I work hard at proving them wrong every day.”
    â€œThat’s where I come in,” Justin said, turning her into his embrace. He gazed down into her upturned face. “From the moment I met you,” he whispered gently, “I knew I wanted you in my life. I can’t remember ever feeling this strongly about anyone or anything.” He slowly caressed her cheek with the tip of his finger. “You’re an incredible woman, Vaughn, and I want to be the one to make yourealize just how incredible.” His head lowered and her breath stopped somewhere in her chest. “Not as a politician, or as a judge’s daughter.” His lips were inches away from hers. “But as a woman.”
    Justin’s mouth slowly, seductively covered hers. His arms tightened around her, pulling her solidly against the hard lines of his frame. She felt as if she’d dived under water—weightless, free, as her mouth opened, welcoming the texture of his exploring tongue.
    Wave after wave of pleasure rushed through her being, awakening long-buried desires, forcing them to the surface with a power that was frightening. Yet a warning voice nipped at the shreds of her consciousness. Too soon…too fast. She sank deeper into the kiss. After something…what? Her fingers clutched him for support. The headlines…his life, mine…
    Suddenly Vaughn tore herself from Justin’s embrace. Breathless and shaky, she turned away, commanding composure. Justin clasped her shoulders in a firm grip. Her felt her tense beneath his fingertips. Slowly he turned her around to face him, his own heart ready to burst with the unnatural rapid beating.
    When she turned, Justin fully expected to see doubt, longing, confusion, happiness—even desire, spilling across her exquisite face. Any of those emotions he could easily have dealt with. But not the look of pure dismissal that hardened her features like granite.

Chapter 3
    â€œV aughn,” Justin said in a hushed voice. “What is it? What have I done?” He held her shoulders, feeling the subtle shudders ripple through her. “Damn it, Vaughn, don’t look at me as if I’m beneath contempt. Talk to me!”
    Vaughn swallowed deeply and took a gulping breath. She turned her gaze away and looked out toward the rolling waters. Her jaw clenched. “I can’t,” she finally said in a broken whisper. She shook her head and eased away from Justin’s hold. “I wish I could. But it’s impossible.” She spun around and looked up at him, her warm brown eyes filled with a pain so palpable it reached out and squeezed his heart. “Maybe it would be best if we just cut this afternoon short.” Her voice strengthened as it picked up volume. Justin saw the mask subtly slip into place. “The reality is, I’m not in a position to get involved in a relationship right now. I shouldn’t have led you to believe otherwise. There’s too much at stake,” she added self-righteously.
    She began to sound more and more like a politician as she rambled on, Justin noted with wry amusement. Well, he’d just let her finish and get it off her chest, and then he had a thing or two to tell her, once and for all.
    â€œThe fact is, I must concentrate on my campaign. Too many people are relying on me. My energies have to be focused at this point.” And I certainly can’t focus on anything with you in my life, she thought