The Lady Mentor

By G. E. Taylor

When beautiful Joanna Huntington left the law firm of Petersberg, Ryan and Cole, she never dreamed the storm would force her into the path of the car driven by Vaughn Gordon, the man whom she thought she would never see again. Coming face -to-face with Vaughn at the hospital brought back memories of their first encounter when she was seventeen and lived in Chester. How she’d boldly asked Vaughn to kiss her after she’d sensed the attraction between them was mutual. His touch made her forget any cautious teachings she’d heard, and his kisses had sent so much heat flowing through her that every cell in her body clamored for his full possession. But now she wanted to hide. Vaughn had everything he wanted, except the woman of his dreams. Joanna had been marked off limits, not because she was biracial and he was white but because that was demanded of him. He agreed to back off…for a time. But then she disappeared. Now here she was lying before him possibly hurt. Fate would not be so cruel to take her from him again just when he found her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gloria Taylor
• Release date: Jul 28, 2015
• ISBN: 9781516365111

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Joanna Huntington peered through the semi-dark bus window with concern. Everything outside appeared blurry, shadowy in the night. Hardly anything was recognizable through the thick torrents of rain. Even the streetlights seemed dull; their usual brilliance appeared softer in the dark, stormy night. It was hard to believe just a couple hours ago the sky had been blue, adorned with puffy white clouds. Now the frightening sounds of thunder filled the air, and lightening zigzagged across the sky with such speed it was too awesome to watch.

A deep frown creased Joanna’s brows as she looked down at the small umbrella she held. It would not do her much good in this downpour, but it was better than nothing. The idea of a waiting cab flashed across her mind but just as quickly vanished. The apartment she shared with her mother was not far from the bus stop. Still, the thought of walking the two blocks tonight filled her with little inspiration. She knew she would be thoroughly soaked before she got home. Weather like this made her wish she had graduated law school, was working full-time, and able to afford a car. Instead, she worked part-time at a supermarket while she completed law school. Thankfully, she was in her last semester. As a matter of fact, she was on her last final exams. A glow of pride and satisfaction spread through her.

Gathering up her shoulder-length black hair, Joanna twisted it into a single rope, positioned it on top of her head, then pulled her black cap over it. She picked up her book bag, slipped it over her shoulders, pressed the bell, then stood. Stepping off the bus, she landed in ankle-deep cold water.

Shit! The small curse escaped her lips as she ploughed forward. The wind rocked her, made her stumble and almost lose her balance. Each step she took while trying to keep the umbrella above her head was a struggle. Maybe it would be better to let the umbrella go, she thought, frustrated that the wind turned it inside out, then down again for the second time. Instead, she gripped the handle more tightly and braced it against the force of the winds. She needed to keep some of this rain off her.

Familiar with her surroundings and the need to get home quickly made her less cautious than normal. She was almost in the middle of the street when she glimpsed the pale reflection of oncoming lights. By the time she shifted the umbrella to see how close the vehicle was, it was too late. There was no way the driver could avoid hitting her. She opened her mouth to scream, but no sounds came out. Blood rushed through her body to her head with alarming speed. Her grip on the umbrella loosened. The winds whipped it away, leaving the rain to pelt her unmercifully. In vain, she tried to blink away the ribbon of small white lights that flashed across her vision, and then everything turned black.

As Vaughn Gordon emerged from the car, which he skillfully parked some yards away, he breathed freely. It was a miracle that he’d missed hitting her. With such poor visibility and the dark clothes she was wearing, she was lucky. Thank God he had not been speeding and this was not the busy street of Bloomfield Avenue but one of the side streets. His long strides took him to her in no time. At a glance, he could see no cuts or blood, but she was not moving. He was concerned about that. Maybe she was in shock. He was absolutely certain he had not hit her. He reached into his jacket pocket for his cell phone, then dialed emergency and requested an ambulance. While he waited, he carefully covered her with his jacket, making no attempt to move her. He also made sure the small crowd that had gathered did not come too close to her.

Slowly, he smoothed back the wet, tangled dark hair from her face. His hand stopped moving momentarily. It trembled slightly as recognition dawned on him. The woman lying before him was the one who had consumed his thoughts during the day and haunted his dreams at night from the day she’d left Chester. This was Joanna, his Joanna. The slight scarring behind her ear confirmed what he already knew.

In the distance, he heard the siren wailing but paid no attention; his full concentration was on her. Fate had brought her to him in the most unusual way. He would not let her go this time. Whatever it took to keep her from disappearing again, he would do. He stood up, beckoned to the ambulance driver to take it nice and slow. After they parked, he instructed them to take her to the community hospital while praying his friend Dr. Justin Khan would be on duty. He would follow behind the ambulance in his car.

Joanna awoke as she felt experienced hands examining her head. Where am I? she asked opening her eyes. But even as she asked, her eyes scanned the room, noting she was in a hospital.

Oh, so you’ve decided to come back to us. The doctor smiled warmly. I’m Dr. Khan. You’re in the emergency room at the community hospital.

Have−−−have I broken anything? Her body didn’t feel like it, but she had to know.

The doctor smiled. No. As a matter of fact, you were very lucky. Apart from a small head wound, you’ll be fine.

Her eyes widened in alarm. Head wound? She reached up to touch the area at the back of her head, which throbbed painfully. She hoped it wasn’t very serious, or that it wouldn’t prevent her from functioning normally. She had obviously hit it when she’d fallen in the road.

Yes. How does it feel?

It hurts, she said, closing her eyes briefly.

I’ll give you something for the pain. After you’ve rested here tonight, you’ll be all right.

Ignoring what the doctor said, Joanna gently eased herself up to a sitting position. There was no way she was staying in the hospital tonight. She had no insurance to cover the cost, and she wanted nothing to do with charity care. The hospital could give it to someone else who truly needed it. Once he gave her the pain medication, she was leaving.

I’ve got to go home. My mother will be worried, she said, swallowing hard.

The doctor looked at her seriously. I’d advise you to stay here tonight, young lady. I’ll ask the social worker to call your mother.

No, I can’t, I’ve got to go home, she stated, her mouth set in a stubborn line.

I’d like you to stay for observation. Having suffered such a head injury as you did tonight, sometimes−−−

Doctor, I can’t stay, she broke in firmly. I’ll rest at home, I promise, she said quietly. Her head really hurt. She wished the pain would go away or lessen in intensity.

The doctor watched a shadow of a smile on her lips, if it could be called a smile. It was more like a grimace. He did not return the smile. Ms. Huntington, I’m appealing to you−−− 

You said nothing is wrong with me apart from this, she said, gently touching the knot at the back of her head. So I don’t see why I can’t go home now. Even to her own ears, she sounded unreasonable and foolish. Still, she had to get the doctor to agree with her. She didn’t need any more bills on top of her student loan. And she would not saddle her mother with them either. Just being here right now was costing a lot. She had to get out of here.

At the moment, I see nothing wrong, but later, something could develop. A head injury is nothing to play with. You hit your head pretty hard after you fainted. I’d like you to stay for observation.

I’m positive nothing will be wrong. I promise I’ll rest once I get home.

The doctor briefly wondered at her stubbornness, and then gave in. What could he do? He could not force her to stay. In that case, I suggest you sign the necessary papers absolving us, this hospital, from any charges, if anything should happen to you since you insist on leaving AMA.

She looked at him, her eyes softly appealing to him. Doctor, I am aware I’m leaving against medical advice, and I’m sorry. I’m grateful for the care you’ve given me, but I do have to leave.

As you wish. The doctor’s lips tightened. He pushed the curtain aside, went to the desk, wrote the order for the pain medication and the discharge reluctantly.

The nurse came shortly with the medication. Joanna swallowed the two tablets gratefully. Someone came with release papers. She signed them while avoiding the eyes of the woman whom she sensed wanted to say something to her. After she was left alone, Joanna slid down the length of the bed, closed her eyes for a minute. Lying perfectly still, she willed herself to relax and for the pounding in her head to go away. After a moment, she eased up to a sitting position, then slowly swung her feet over the side of the bed. So far, so good, she thought with satisfaction. Her head still throbbed, but she would handle it. Now, all she had to do was get on her feet without falling, get into her wet clothes, then be on her way. She was thankful for the dry hospital gown, but she couldn’t very well leave in it.

Forcing herself into the wet jeans and shirt was very difficult. Joanna accomplished the task by sheer determination. She swayed a couple of times and had to grab on to the bed to keep steady. Finally, she was dressed. She sat down on the bed heavily. Her hand trembled when she raised it to smooth back her tangled hair. Bending over to tie the lace of her sneaker was a mistake. The room began to spin. She straightened and closed her eyes, breathing in deeply. Jesus, she couldn’t faint, not now. That would give the doctor ample reason to keep her here. She had to take it nice and easy, then she would be okay.

Her mother must be frantic with worry right about now. Maybe she should call her, let her know she was okay. She discarded the thought just as quickly as it came to her mind. Her mother would be more frightened and think the worst. There was no need to make her worry needlessly. Once she felt a little steadier, she would walk to the elevator and be home in no time.

Just as Joanna gathered her strength and decided to walk out of the room, a male nurse entered, pushing a wheel chair. Without much fuss, he helped her in it and placed her feet on the foot-rest. The laces of her sneakers were still untied. Bending, he did them quickly.

Thank you, Joanna murmured. The fright she’d had when she’d bent over to do them had forced her to leave them alone.

You’re welcome.

To say she was grateful for the ride would be an understatement. She felt weak.  Wasting no time, the nurse pushed her quickly down the passage toward the bank of elevators labeled A through D. He offered no conversation, and Joanna did not initiate any. She was just pleased to be finally on her way home. Breathing in deeply, she tried to relax. She was looking forward to crawling into her bed and having a nice, long sleep.

The nurse parked her chair in front of the elevators. All of them were engaged. The ones that opened on the second floor where they waited were all going up. They wanted to go down to the lobby, so the nurse pushed the button for the fourth time.

As Joanna’s eyes followed his hand, one of the elevators’ opened. Two men stepped out, Dr. Justin Kahn and Vaughn Gordon. Joanna drew in her breath sharply. Vaughn Gordon! Why was he here? Had she not been seated, she would have fallen. He was the last person she expected to see. Since she’d left Chester, not a day went by that she did not think of him and wonder if she ever crossed his mind. Now here he was, in the flesh, looking healthy and handsome. She would bet all the money she had on her, which was about twenty dollars, he didn’t remember her. She hoped the elevator came soon, so there would be no awkward moments.

Joanna’s cold hands gripped the arms of the wheelchair tightly. She looked at elevator B, which she waited for. The shiny, steel door remained firmly closed, silently mocked her urgent need to escape. There were no rattling sounds heralding its coming, no lights. Nothing offered her a quick departure from the floor. She prayed fervently for it to come. Why didn’t it come? She needed to leave there immediately before he recognized her or pretended to. Avoid making any eye contact with him. She concentrated her vision on the closed steel door, willing it to open. When that didn’t work, she prayed silently. Now her prayer was a silent chant of please come.

This was one moment when Joanna truly wished she could disappear, but since she didn’t have a lamp with a genie to rub to grant her wish, she continued to pray for divine help. A few more minutes, which seemed more like a year, and the sluggish elevator finally rumbled to a stop and opened.

The nurse pushed the wheelchair forward. Vaughn’s hands moved with the speed of a cobra striking its target. She jerked forward and then backward before settling in the chair. The nurse looked at Vaughn then at Dr.Kahn for an explanation.

Wh−−−What are you doing? Joanna’s hazel eyes collided with Vaughn’s.

Thank you, nurse, I’ll take care of Ms. Huntington, said Dr. Kahn, dismissing him.

Joanna swallowed deeply. Her throat suddenly felt dry. The tip of her tongue moistened her lips. Doctor, I don’t mean to be rude, but I have to go.

Vaughn’s amber eyes slowly appraised her appearance, taking in her shoulder-length black hair, which framed her lovely face and fell just above her breasts. She had on no makeup, but she didn’t need it. Her brown skin was clean and youthful, her black brows arched delicately over her clear hazel eyes. Her half-opened lips, which had parted in surprise, made him remember the drugging effects they’d on him when he’d kissed her. The imprint of her nipples through her damp blouse teased him. It was becoming and was a powerful magnet, but he quickly moved on, not trusting his eyes not to linger. She was much slimmer than he remembered, but her womanly curves were attractive. He liked what he saw, and so did his body. After all this time, she still had the same effect on him.

Joanna shivered, not from the cold of being in the wet clothes or with revulsion but from something else−−−, a sensual need that only he could draw from her body. Vaughn had not touched her physically, but the heat from his gaze did. She would have preferred not to react to him in this way, but her body had a mind of its own. She felt her breasts growing heavy and her nipples hardening. There was nothing she could do about it.

What was he doing in Montclair anyway? Why wasn’t he in Chester or Florida? Her frantic mind searched for an answer. Yet she could not come up with one that made sense. After she’d left Chester with her mother, she’d thought she would never see him again, although she’d secretly hoped she would. Here he was she could touch him to see if his skin felt the same. But she wouldn’t dare. She already knew the answer. Touching him would ignite the flame in her that had lain dormant. And once lit, she would not be satisfied until he did something to assuage the need in her.

The atmosphere was charged with awareness. Dr. Kahn looked at Vaughn meaningfully, hoping for a clue to help him understand what was happening between his patient and his friend. But Vaughn returned the look steadily without saying anything. These two people knew each other, Dr. Kahn was sure of it. He’d known Vaughn since their college days. Though they had different career paths, they’d remained friends. He sensed Vaughn’s interest in this woman went far beyond ordinary concern for her safety.

Ms. Huntington−−−May I call you Joanna? Dr. Kahn asked as he smiled at her.

Joanna nodded her consent.

There is still time to change your mind.

I’m sorry, Doctor. I can’t.

Shrugging his shoulders, the doctor appealed to Vaughn. Vaughn, my friend, maybe you can talk her into staying the night since you brought her in. Vaughn Gordon, this is Joanna Huntington. Joanna, Vaughn. Dr. Khan made the brief introduction while his keen eyes observed them and confirmed what he suspected. Vaughn knew Joanna more than he was willing to say. And she appeared to know him as well. She was trying her darnest not to make any eye contact with him.

Ha! Joanna thought, amused. Vaughn needed no introduction. They knew each other. Their acquaintance went as far back as when she was almost eighteen and he was about twenty-five. Only now, she hoped he didn’t remember everything. From the way he looked at her, she was sure he recognized her, but she could be wrong. They had not seen each other well over a year. It was highly likely, that he didn’t remember her. She discarded the thought almost at once. Vaughn knew who she was. Why else, would he prevent the nurse from getting on the elevator with her?

Vaughn’s amber eyes commanded that Joanna look at him, but she carefully avoided them. The doctor is right. Why don’t you stay here tonight, just to be sure everything is all right? he asked his voice deep and attractive.

No, she answered, looking straight ahead. I’d like to leave now.

Dr. Kahn sighed. I think you should take her home then, Vaughn.

Forgetting her throbbing headache, Joanna’s head whipped around quickly, alarmed at the doctor’s suggestion. Doctor, that won’t be necessary, she protested hastily. The last thing she wanted was to be in the close confinement of a car with Vaughn. I’ll find my way home.

By silent, mutual, agreement, both men ignored what she said as if she had not spoken.

I’ll take her home, Justin, and thanks for your help. Vaughn smiled at his friend.

Don’t mention it, the doctor said, smiling as he waved them on to the elevator.

Joanna sat in rigid silence. How dare Vaughn ignore her wishes? She didn’t want to be obligated to him in any way. She could see that some things about him had not changed. His take-charge attitude was one of them. It was just as well the elevator was occupied with other people. It eliminated the opportunity for her to vent her anger at him.

Vaughn parked her chair near the reception desk, looked at the nametag of one of the volunteer’s. She was an older lady in her mid-sixties, and had a warm, friendly smile. He specifically chose her, banking on the thought that she would follow his instructions precisely. He approached her respectfully, gave her his best smile, showing perfect white teeth. His face was not classically handsome like some men with the chiseled jaw, perfect lips, and straight nose. In fact, his nose was not straight at all, having been broken back in his youth when he’d fought the neighborhood bully, a boy twice his size and age at the time. He had worn that broken nose with pride and honor. He’d gained respect and he was seldom challenged. The slight off- centeredness of his nose gave his strong face character. The ladies, young and old, found him attractive.

Ms. Marilyn, may I ask a huge favor?

She smiled. Yes, of course.

My fiancée should not leave this chair for any reason. She may fall and hurt herself and the baby. He smiled broadly like the proud papa.

Joanna gasped. What? Fiancée! Baby!

CHAPTER TWO

Look−−, I’m−−. She glanced up at the woman to tell her the truth but didn’t get the chance.

The volunteer beamed down at her, smiling from ear to ear. Is this your first child? Without waiting for an answer, she continued. You must be very excited. The first is always something. My husband and I have six. We are grandparents now, and that’s a joy too.

Honey, I’ll get the car. Vaughn smiled, taking the opportunity to leave. He walked quickly through the lobby, comfortable in the knowledge that he would come back and find Joanna safely guarded by Marilyn. Joanna was livid! Not a good way to start off, but he would find a way to make her understand he could not take the chance of not seeing her again. It had been too long.

Joanna’s eyes wandered around the lobby. It was filled with people from the hospital−− workers, security guards, policemen, patients, and families. A constant flow of people passed in and out through the sliding doors, which opened and closed regularly. Others were seated in upholstered chairs and benches set along the walls and in the center, where a group of overstuffed sofas were. The snack counter was quite busy; the crowd seldom gave the attendant a break. Display showcases offering a wide variety of gifts, from flowers to teddy bears, were strategically placed at various spots around the room. Conversation was low, but there was the occasional loud call from a mother when her child strayed too far from her. Joanna listened to Marilyn with one ear. How could Vaughn tell her such blatant lies?

In the first place, she was not pregnant. In fact, she made sure anyone she dated didn’t get the idea that the relationship would get that far. Her studies took priority over her personal life. She just didn’t have the time to mess around. After some of the guys realized she was serious about not sleeping with them, few ever called back, which was okay with her. Joanna shifted in the wheelchair as the weight of the truth surfaced and hit her. Those other reasons were true, but deep down in her soul, in the core of her being; there was one special reason above all others that prevented her from crossing that line. And it went back to when she’d lived in Chester and Vaughn had been there also. Hastily, she pushed back the thought, preferring to focus on the present.

She should tell this sweet lady the truth that she wasn’t Vaughn’s fiancée as he’d claimed. But Joanna had a feeling it would fall on deaf ears. Marilyn was clearly taken with Vaughn. He always had that effect on people, especially the ladies. Joanna didn’t have the heart to tell this dear lady that Vaughn had lied to her, and she wouldn’t cause a scene by attempting to leave the wheelchair. She didn’t trust her feet to hold her up, so she remained seated.

Vaughn returned to the lobby, thanked Marilyn, then helped Joanna up. Amid Marilyn’s well-intentioned advice on her health, Joanna allowed Vaughn to take her arm to support her as they walked to his Mercedes. She was more than thankful for his strength. After he settled her in the seat, he climbed in, and they set off in the direction of her home, with him following the instructions she gave him.

Joanna slowly breathed freely in the semi-darkness. Her eyes fastened on his hands as they guided the car. They were capable hands, talented hands. They could make her body respond in ways that made her blush just thinking about it. Back there in the lobby and while he’d talked to Dr. Khan, she’d noticed his rich, deep tan and thought how well it enhanced his looks. His thick black hair was longer than she remembered it but not unusually long. She liked it. His straight black brows over his amber eyes just made her fingers itch to trace them. The dark pinstriped business suit he wore was tailored to fit his lean, well-built body. It emphasized the strength of his broad shoulders and the subtle power he emitted.

Reluctantly, she dragged her eyes off him and focused on the road. Why did you lie to that sweet lady about me being pregnant?

I wanted to make sure you didn’t disappear again, he said without remorse. Marilyn is a grandmother, very protective toward a young, expectant mother, he said, glancing at her, then looking back at the road. You aren’t pregnant, are you? Of course he would die first if she confirmed, then he would love the child because it was part of her. He held his breath while he waited for her answer.

Joanna’s eyes flashed balefully at him. You have some nerve asking now, after what you told that lady, she thought tightly. She took her time answering. Wouldn’t you like to know? Whether I am or not has nothing to do with you. I’m not obligated to answer that.  She wanted him to sweat a little. He was too sure of himself, thinking he could just march back into her life and pick up where they’d left off. He had a lot to answer for. Not to mention his desertion prior to her leaving Chester. He owed her an explanation, at the very least. One moment, he’d made her feel and think like a