All I Want Is Forever by Lynn Emery Read Free Book Online Page A

reason. Gathering information to help others influence government suited her well. Those out front got the attention and the intense media scrutiny that resulted.
    Talia dropped her briefcase onto her desk and sat down. Instead of following her routine of checkingvoice mail and e-mail messages, she sat staring out of the window.
    Just what would happen between her and Derrick? They’d talked about old times, that much was true. She couldn’t lie to herself. There was a strange chemistry between them. Derrick inspired a sense of safety with his solid, muscular presence. Not that Talia needed protection. The scared, lonely little girl was gone. Still she admitted that it felt good to know that he had her back covered. For years she’d relied only on her own survival skills. Just as he had when they were children, Derrick made her know she wasn’t alone after all.
    His appearance had awakened other memories. She remembered the strong, lithe body of the seventeen-year-old boy. They’d discovered the pleasure of lovemaking. Derrick had made up for a lack of experience with passion.
    â€œAs if you would have known the difference.” She smiled to herself.
    They’d talked about every aspect of taking the big step. Derrick had planned their first time down to the last detail and made sure she didn’t feel pressured. His assured tender caresses had helped her relax immediately. After the first time, she’d been eager to repeat the experience. Then one bright summer day Talia experienced true ecstasy.
    Talia let out a long shaky sigh at the potency of her memory. Somehow she’d have to fend off that feeling. Twisted up with that seductive dream was a ghastly nightmare.
    â€œKnock, knock.” Bill walked in with a smile.
    She jumped at the sound of his voice. “Geez, Bill! You scared the crap out of me.”
    â€œSorry, kiddo.” His jovial expression faded as he studied her. “You okay?”
    â€œYeah, fine. What’s up?” Talia took several deep breaths to shake Derrick’s influence. She put on a smile.
    Bill carried a thick folder under one arm. He sat down in one of two chairs in front of her desk. “You sure? You look rattled.”
    â€œI’m sure.” Talia forced her smile wider. “Just deep in thought on how to kick legislative butt.”
    â€œUh-huh. I was just talking to Pete about this Louisiana thing.” He watched her closely.
    Talia got up and took off her jacket to cover any reaction. “Surprisingly we might be making headway. Jarrod tells me there are some in the Justice Department who realize the problems.”
    â€œI know. I’ve been talking to a few folks myself. A pal of mine pretty high up feels it’s a waste, too.” Bill propped an ankle on his knee.
    â€œHey, I’m back.” Jasmine strolled in with a can of diet cola in one hand.
    â€œHi,” Talia said.
    â€œThanks for the help on that auto industry assignment, cowboy.” She slapped Bill’s shoulder and dropped down into the chair next to him. “Your buddy Ken knows his stuff, and we’ve got a date.”
    â€œSure, I’m here to help your love life,” Bill drawled.
    â€œKen Worthington? Wow, you reeled in the big one, Jas,” Talia said with a grin. Ken Worthington was not only from an old-money Washington, D.C., family, he was a top Justice Department official with a bright future.
    â€œPlease! He’s a nice brother, intelligent, and no cheesy come-on lines.” Jasmine flipped a manicured hand at her.
    â€œKeep him then,” Talia quipped.
    â€œWe’ll see,” Jasmine said, with a sassy toss of her head. “Back to biz. Here are some notes I did last nighton mandatory sentencing. Thank me for my unwavering dedication later.”
    Talia read the outline. “Nice job.”
    â€œJust making sure you keep that handsome hometown guy of yours happy.” Jasmine grinned