Page 18 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

“If you’re going for pizza, the sausage and sweet pepper is one of my favorites. If you want something more substantial, the veal piccata is outstanding. They serve it with a small helping of your choice of pasta. It’s a delicious combination.”

Brad grinned. “I think I know what you’re going to order.”

Morgan laughed. “I can’t help myself. Like I said, it’s terrific.”

Angie, their waitress, an older woman with gray hair and pleasant features, approached, carrying two bottles of water. “Plain or bubbly?”

“Plain water for me, please,” said Morgan.

Brad indicated the same for him.

“What are you two going to have? Is it the usual for you, Morgan?”

She gave Brad a sheepish smile and nodded to Angie. “I can’t resist. Especially when the leftovers feed me for most of the week.”

“I’ll have what she’s having, but with a side of mostaccioli,” said Brad, looking amused.

“Coming up,” said Angie. She turned to Brad. “Tina tells me you’re a new lawyer in town. Welcome. I hope you like it here.”

“Thank you. So far, it’s been awesome.” Brad glanced at Morgan. “I’ve had some excellent help in getting settled.”

“Yes, I work for Brad,” said Morgan, wanting to be clear about their relationship.

“Very nice. How about some wine while you wait for dinner?” Angie asked them.

“That sounds good. Dinner is on me, so please order anything you want, Morgan. We can get a bottle of wine, or if you’d rather, we can order glasses of wine.”

“How about a glass of Barolo?” Morgan said to Angie. “You know the one I like.”

Angie grinned. “Coming right up. J.R. will bring it to you.”

“Why don’t we get a bottle of the wine Morgan likes?” said Brad, smiling at Angie.

Within minutes, J.R., who Morgan explained was married to Angie, came to their table with a bottle of Barolo wine. Morgan introduced him to Brad. J.R. made a show of opening the bottle and then offered Brad a small taste.

“Go ahead, Morgan. You sample it. You know what you like,” said Brad.

Morgan lifted the glass to her lips and swallowed a taste of the wine, letting it settle on her tongue before swallowing it. “It’s so tasty, nice and smooth.”

J.R. filled Angie’s glass and poured a glass of wine for Brad before leaving the table.

Morgan had just taken a long sip of wine when she saw Rosie enter the room with her husband. Startled, she almost choked.

Brad shot her a look of alarm. “Are you alright?”

She swallowed and caught her breath. “I will be, but watch out. Here comes Rosalie Mancini from the office. Be careful what you say.”

“Why?” asked Brad.

“Tell you later,” Morgan managed to say as Rosalie swept up to them in a flurry of excitement.

“It’s so exciting to see you two together,” Rosalie exclaimed. “I knew it.”

“Hi, Rosalie. I’ve just been helping Brad with his house,” said Morgan, wishing that didn’t sound so intimate.

“Of course you have,” said Rosalie, smiling at Brad. “Our Morgan is a catch. That’s for sure.”

Brad shifted in his seat. “She certainly has been a help in seeing me get settled in town.”