Unchained Memories (34 page)

“Come into me, now,” she begged, arching her back and spreading her legs.

He needed no other encouragement as he plunged into her, so hot, so wet, so erotic.

They moved in unison, urgent, wild, relentless, until she cried out his name as her muscles contracted around him in spasms. Unable to hold back for one more second, he let it go, allowing the tumbling sensations to spill and slide all around him.

She held onto him for a long time as their breathing went from ragged to calm, allowing the knots in his body to relax, and the anxiety of the day to uncoil.

Daring to bring them back to reality, Clay spoke. “You’re right about me and the way I deal with my family. I thought by giving them the money they needed for their education, I was being a good big brother, an exemplary son. But I exchanged money for my time, never acknowledging one doesn’t substitute for the other.” He stroked Charley’s hair as he held her close. “I intend to do something about that.”

Charley caressed his face then kissed his lips. “We’ll do it together.”

Her words rained over him like a sun shower. He had finally found the woman he was willing to put ahead of all else. He had finally found the woman he was willing to share his life with.

For he had found Charley.

Epilogue

“Ms. Taylor, what brings you here today? The Legislature isn’t in session.”

Charlotte turned to see Senator Keefer heading for the cafeteria with his aide following in his wake.

“I’m attending the hearing on the second phase of the Health Technology Bill.”

Charlotte had been lobbying for its passage for months, with certain revisions, of course. And Senator Keefer, a hard-to-win-over Republican, had finally given the current form of the bill his stamp of approval.

“Anyone special you’re anxious to hear from?”

She couldn’t contain her pride. “My husband. Dr. Clayton Montgomery. He’s testifying in favor of the bill. I’m supposed to meet him at twelve thirty.” She glanced at her watch. It was close to that now. “He’s scheduled for one. Afterward, I thought I’d take him on a tour of my home away from home. Even though he’s lived in Princeton his whole life, he’s never been to the State House in Trenton. Can you believe it?”

“I don’t think many people have. Bring him by my office after the hearing. I’ll give him the VIP tour.”

“Thanks. We’ll see you later.”

Charlotte smoothed the skirt of her red suit, and walked down the hall toward the rotunda, addressing the different senators and assembly men and women by name as she passed. The hearing had gone well that morning, but the afternoon session had her worried. In addition to Clay, the agenda included financial analysts who were sure to scare the committee with their dire predictions of the cost of such a plan. She’d have her work cut out for her next week.

Her breath caught in her throat as she saw her husband standing on the far end of the rotunda. She loved when he wore a suit. Classic, charcoal cashmere hugged his tall, toned frame and the dark green silk tie made his eyes look like emeralds. She picked up her stride and reached him in record time.

“Hi.” She kissed him on the lips and took his hands in hers. “You look amazing.”

He gave her that smile that sent her insides bouncing and crashing. “You look pretty amazing yourself. I didn’t see you this morning. I love the red suit.”

“I knew you would. I bought it with you in mind.”

“Did you consider I might enjoy removing it as much as I like seeing you in it?”

“I did. And I look forward to it. After the hearing. Do you have your notes?”

“Right in here.” He raised his briefcase.

“Do you need to go over anything?”

He put his arm around her shoulders as they walked toward the hearing room. “I don’t need to go over a thing. I’ll be speaking from my heart. After ten years of working in the ER, I’m sure I can convince our legislators that people in emergency situations will have a greater chance of full recovery if they are diagnosed more quickly. The stories I plan to tell will have them throwing money our way.”

Charlotte gave him a rueful smile. She knew about the tough cases he had. The people who could have lived a full and vibrant life had the hospital been equipped with cutting edge machines. But the hospitals couldn’t afford them. They needed the government to subsidize the newest technology, which would not only save lives, but make the quality of those lives better. But the government might not be able to find the money in their budget either.

Something had to be done.

And Clay was a master of persuasion.

“Are you ready?” Charlotte asked, smiling up at the man she not only admired but loved.

“I’m ready. Let’s do this.”

The words of solidarity streamed through Charlotte and sent her heart soaring. Not long ago, they had been on opposite sides, sparring over who helped people more. But now, they had a shared goal, a passionate goal allowing them each their chosen career while strengthening their bond.

After all these years, who would have thought she’d end up with the man who had starred in her fantasies? After all their conflicts, who would have thought he’d be more than an unchained memory?

A word about the author...

Maria Imbalzano is a matrimonial lawyer in central New Jersey where she not only uses her law degree to navigate her clients through the court system, but her psychology degree to guide them through their personal struggles. While writing motions, legal memoranda, and briefs is fascinating, it pales in comparison to creating memorable characters and taking them on their emotional journeys.

In addition to practicing law and writing fiction, Maria enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters either at home or at the Jersey Shore.

Visit Maria at www.mariaimbalzano.com

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