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in as Crystal continued with her agenda, which included luncheons, meetings, and follow-up appointments. But even as she listened, a part of her was totally detached from the conversation. That part was focused on Justin and the glorious two days they’d spent together.
    She felt as if she’d been transformed into someone else, and she was scared. There was no doubt about that. Her track record as far as love and romance were concerned was dismal at best. The few serious relationships she’d been involved with had ended disastrously. The traumatic ending of her young love affair with Brian Willis had irrevocably changed her life and made her cautious of relationships. Her liaisons in between had been meaningless until she’d met Paul. She thought he’d be the one, but her brief relationship with Paul Lawrence had been the ultimate in betrayal. Though their relationship had been over for nearly two years, she’d remained wary of would-be suitors.Every man who’d come into her life had ultimately wanted something other than her; from a political favor, to money, to casual sex, to an appointment on her staff.
    She knew that she was taking a big risk with Justin. But for the first time, she was with a man who had his own and didn’t need her or her influence to further his own goals. Justin clearly had no political aspirations. He had his own money and a flourishing career. Most of all, he made her feel—God, he made her feel—way deep down in her soul, a place that she didn’t know was still living and breathing within her. Just the thought of him made her toes tingle and her pulse pound.
    She realized they’d barely known each other a month. Twenty-seven fabulous days, to be exact. She was still overwhelmed. She knew that her emotions were doing an Indy 500, but she couldn’t help it and she no longer wanted to. She deserved to be held, to be kissed senseless, to be loved. She needed to start living again. It was long overdue.
    â€œI’ve never known a nonstop, ‘til you drop schedule could put a smile on your face,” Crystal said, effectively cutting into Vaughn’s steamy thoughts. Vaughn’s face burned with embarrassment.
    â€œSorry. I was just thinking. But,” she qualified, raising her index finger, “I heard every word you said.”
    â€œHmmm. That remains to be seen,” Crystal breathed, unconvinced and very curious. She took a seat opposite Vaughn, crossed her legs, put down her pad, and stared wide-eyed at her boss.
    â€œWhat?” Vaughn questioned innocently, knowing full well that Crystal was waiting for a scoop.
    â€œDon’t what me,” Crystal admonished. “What, or better yet, who put that starry look in your eyes and the glow onyour face? If I didn’t know better, I’d swear you looked happy.”
    Vaughn laughed out loud, albeit a bit nervously, at Crystal’s blunt observation. Generally, Vaughn was able to camouflage her true feelings expertly. It was a bit unsettling to discover that where Justin Montgomery was concerned, that practiced skill was disintegrating rapidly.
    Vaughn sat back and began shuffling the papers and folders on her desk in an attempt to recover her composure and avoid Crystal’s pointed gaze. She cleared her throat.
    â€œCan’t I look happy?” she asked lamely, stalling for time.
    â€œOf course you can,” Chris replied gently. “It’s just that it’s so rare.” She paused. “And it’s been so long,” she added softly, her eyes filled with warmth for her friend. Crystal, more than anyone, was aware of the tight reins that Vaughn kept around her heart. Hers was the shoulder Vaughn had cried on after that fiasco with Paul. But Crystal also knew that there was something deep in Vaughn’s past, a wound that would not heal, and one that Vaughn had refused to disclose. There was a part of Vaughn’s past that she kept entirely