Free Sexual Politics by Tara Mills Page B

blotted under her nose. “Sure seems like it.”
    * * * *
    Sean couldn’t make a clean break for it. He had to force his way through the gossip peddlers to get to his car.
    “No comment!” he shouted and shoved back when he was jostled and bumped.
    Pulling out of the parking garage he noticed he had at least two vehicles tailing him. Afternoon traffic was heavy so they stayed right on his bumper. There was no way he was going to lose them.
    What was worse, leading them to Justine, or leaving her to deal with whatever was coming on her own? He knew her sister was with her, but it sounded like she needed him . Then that’s where he wanted to be. If they had to, they’d find her another place to stay.
    He was still several miles away when the senator came on the radio. Feeling his tension build, Sean turned up the volume and crowded the car in front of him, hoping to either move them out of the way or force them to go a little faster. To his mounting aggravation, nothing changed.
    Admitting the futility of tailgating, he eased off their bumper. Sean’s impatient muttering was cut short when Senator Hubbard began to speak.
    Although this is a private matter, recent events have forced me to make this very public announcement. My wife, Justine, and I have mutually agreed to end our marriage. This decision was reached amicably, with affection and respect on both sides. I want to thank her for her unfailing support and the many sacrifices she’s made on behalf of my career. It hasn’t always been easy. Now it’s time for me to return the favor and encourage and support her ambitions. I ask that you please respect our privacy during this transition in our lives. Thank you.
    Sean’s heart was racing, his entire body vibrating with energy. Did he hear that right? Turning the dial, he listened to clips and recaps, commentary and speculation about what the senator’s words meant in terms of his campaign and public opinion.
    None of that concerned Sean. The only thing he could focus on was Justine’s husband was stepping aside. Senator Hubbard was taking the high road and graciously letting her go.
    Seeing her sister’s townhouse coming up, he cut to the curb and stomped on the brakes. There were honks and tires squealing behind him but he didn’t care. He leaped out of his car and ran around to the sidewalk.
    He heard the front door open ahead and then Justine was running down the steps to meet him. She looked as dazed and amazed as he felt. Pausing on the last tread she waited for him. He couldn’t say who smiled first. It seemed to happen simultaneously. All of a sudden they were laughing and then he lunged at her. Picking Justine off her feet, he groaned with relief as he spun her around.
    When he came to a staggering stop, they kissed, arms locked tight around each other.
    Slowly drawing back, she giggled. “I hear clapping.”
    He cupped the back of her head. “I don’t care. Kiss me again.”
    She did. The hunger of her kiss surprised the hell out of him, but he wasn’t complaining.
    “I’m in love with you, Justine.”
    “I’m in love with you too.”
    He’d never grow tired of kissing her, holding her. Easing off, he smiled. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
    “Oh God, yes.”
    Since she was still wrapped around him, he carried her to his car. “Watch your head,” he warned, ducking to set her inside.
    “Wait!”
    They both turned to see Justine’s sister running after them waving a purse in the air.
    Justine slapped herself in the head. “Yeah, I suppose I’ll need that.”
    Sean stepped back so she could hand the purse directly to Justine. Bending down so they were eye to eye, the women embraced.
    “I’m so happy for you,” she told Justine, then stood up and moved back with him.
    Justine looked tenderly up at them both. “Thanks. Jeannie, Sean. Sean, my sister, Jeannie.”
    “Nice to meet you,” he said.
    “You too.”
    Justine covered her giggles with her hand, slowly shaking her