Is the scandal worth it? Only she can answer that.
For two years Justine Hubbard has played the
supportive wife role for her husband in public...and nowhere else. Senator Gary
Hubbard’s philandering ended her love for him. But sometimes there are
reasons people decide to maintain the illusion of a happy marriage when the
relationship is over.
Living a lie until after the election wasn’t an
issue—until she met Sean O’Donnell. She can’t fool the perceptive photographer.
He understands her. He wants her. After feeling invisible to her husband,
that’s an intoxicating discovery. But having condemned her husband for his
hushed affairs, it would be hypocritical to give in to her desire for Sean.
All it would take is a whisper of scandal for
her husband’s political enemies to bring him down. She wouldn’t dream of
sacrificing Gary’s career, their causes, and her own good name. But how can she
stay away from Sean now that she’s fallen for him?
Excerpt
The senator put his arm around his wife while she stood, frozen, her
smile brittle on the edges. “Justine is a big patron of the arts. I’m glad she
found someone interesting to talk to tonight. She hates these functions.”
Sean smiled tightly, noting her discomfort. “She’s not the only
one.”
“Yes, well…” The senator rubbed his hands together. “The sooner I
get out of here, the sooner I can get home.”
Sean felt the next perfunctory kiss was for his benefit. His heart
went out to her.
“Don’t wait up,” the senator said to his wife.
One more insincere handshake with Sean and the man was gone.
She seemed to shrink, as if letting go of the tension took an inch
off her height. “I think he forgot to call for my car.”
“I’m just about to leave. Would you like to share a cab?”
The corner of her mouth twitched and she nodded, her lovely hazel
eyes shining, though not a tear fell.
They ditched their glasses and headed to the atrium. Twice his hand
strayed automatically toward the small of her back as they walked. He had to
remind himself not to touch her.
Collecting their coats, he helped her into hers then slipped on his
own, winding his slate gray scarf around his neck.
He didn’t hesitate to offer his arm on the way out. Her high heels
demanded it. Even though the sidewalk had clearly been shoveled once already,
snow continued to fall, the scattered salt leaving circular patterns of melt
amidst the slick. The doorman waved a cab forward and opened the door for them.
Sean helped her into the back then slid in after her.
The doorman shut them in as Sean adjusted his long coat on the seat
around him. “Let’s drop you off first.”
“All right.” She leaned forward and gave the cabbie her address.
*
* * *
Justine was hyper aware of O’Donnell’s hand resting on the seat not
eight inches from hers as they rode across the city. If they both stretched out
a pinky, they might even touch. Beyond handshakes, she hadn’t touched a man in
so long. Gary no longer counted. He only touched her in public. After his
second brief affair, she’d insisted.
Her life, her marriage, her husband—all of it was a sham.
Glancing surreptitiously at Sean O’Donnell as he watched the scenery
pass, she was struck by how handsome he was, in a completely natural way. There
was no hint of product in his hair to tame and control the wayward curls
flaring out behind his ears. If anyone gave Gary’s hair a little pat it would
shift on his head like one solid, perfect helmet.
Even though it was faint, she could smell Old Spice coming off her
quiet seatmate. It made her smile. Ah, memories. Back in the day, she used to
love that aftershave. Gary only wore expensive cologne.
Sean cleaned up nicely, but she could tell he was as uncomfortable
with the public side of his life as she was with hers. There was something
genuine about him. After living with a facsimile of a human being for seven
years, that was an attractive quality to have.
The cab turned onto her street and she began to worry the purse in
her lap. Their ride had taken no time at all. They pulled to the curb in front
of her townhouse and she started to open the clasp on her purse for her share
of the fare. That’s when Sean O’Donnell finally touched her bare hand, stopping
her.
“It was on the way,” he said.
“Thank you.”
He exited the car then held the door, assisting her out. “I’ll walk
you up.”
Afraid it would feel too much like the end of an awkward date, she
declined his offer, though she appreciated his consideration. “That isn’t
necessary.”
“Don’t forget, the Russell Gallery. I hope to see you there, Mrs.
Hubbard.”
Flattered, she laughed softly. “I’ll be there. But please, call me
Justine.”
She liked how his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled.
“Sean.”
“Thank you for the ride.”
“My pleasure. Goodnight, Justine.” He stood there, silent and
seemingly unaffected by the large, fluffy snowflakes settling on his hair and
shoulders.
“Goodnight, Sean.” Feeling a blush coming on, she hurried up her
front steps and slipped her key in the lock. He was still watching over her
from the open car door when she turned on the light and stepped into the foyer.
Lifting her hand, she gave him a final parting wave.
Nodding once in return, he dipped his head and got back into the
taxi.
As the car pulled away, she fell against the door and turned the
deadbolt, her heart racing in a thrilling and inappropriate way.
About the Author
Tara Mills is
a contemporary romance writer, lover of laughter, wit, and all things
beautiful.
I'm a pampered
wife, mother to three fantabulous sons and one awesome daughter-in-law, and an immature
nana who loves to play. Yep, I think I've covered it all. Oh, and I'm
altitude challenged—teeny, tiny, little me.
My Review
Tara Mills really does know how to evoke some pretty strong
emotions. Her characters just seem to jump right off the page. Justine Hubbard
is trapped inside a loveless marriage with a husband who continues to have
affairs, but she stays with him because despite this, she can’t bring herself to
damage his career by leaving him. She then meets Sean O’Donnell, a super sexy
photographer who can see the cracks in their relationship. The attraction
between them is so electrifying that it had me hooked, but it was the emotional
side to the story that really had me unable to put it down.
This is a great story that will stay with you
long after you’ve finished it. Well done Tara!
