Page 22 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

“I’m hoping to have you do more and more research for me. Are you willing to take that on?”

“Yes,” Morgan answered without hesitation. “Family law is so much more interesting than business law.”

Brad chuckled. “I’ve always thought so.”

Morgan served the dinner, and they ate, talking comfortably about the town.

When it was time for Brad to leave, Caesar went to his side. Brad knelt beside the dog. “You’re going to stay, Caesar. It’s all right.”

Morgan knelt on the other side of the dog. “You’ll be with me. Okay?”

Morgan held her breath as the dog seemed to decide if it was what he wanted. When Caesar stayed at Morgan’s side as Brad got to his feet, she let out a puff of relief.

“Thank you so much for your help,” she told Brad, as he got ready to return home.

He gave Caesar a pat on the head before leaving.

Morgan waited for a while, then said, “Want to go outside, Caesar?”

The dog yapped and ran in circles of excitement.

She retrieved the harness from the bag of items Brad had brought, and after she finally got him hooked up and into her arms, they left the apartment in a burst of energy.

Carefully, she carried the dog down the stairs and then led him to the fenced-in yard, where he ran around nose to the ground, getting used to the territory.

Ashley came out of the house and walked over to her. “So, this is the dog you’re trying out?”

Morgan laughed. “I’m glad you don’t mind.”

“Mark and I think it’s a great idea. We don’t like having a strange car hanging around the house. Have you called the police?”

Morgan shook her head. “Not until I have proof that someone is after me. I’m happy, though, that Brad didn’t disregard my concern. I think it reminded him of what happened to his wife, and he’s making sure I have Caesar around until I get a dog of my own. He’s checking with Caesar’s kennel for a Dachshund for me.”

Caesar came over to them and wagged his tail at Ashley. She leaned down and patted him.

But when Mark walked toward them, the dog moved to Morgan’s side and barked in a high-pitched sound, ending in a howl, much like the cry of a wolf.

Startled, Morgan and Ashley looked at one another and laughed.

Mark talked calmly to the dog and sat back on his heels, and Caesar finally approached him for a pat on the head.

When Mark stood, he grinned at Morgan. “Caesar might be small, but there’s no question that he’s going to let all of us know if there’s trouble. He’s a great watchdog for you, Morgan.”

“Thanks to my boss, I have him on loan,” she said.

“After seeing this dog, I’m sure our kids are going to try to talk us into getting one. He’s adorable,” said Ashley.

Morgan hooked Caesar to his leash. “Time for me to turn in. Thanks again for understanding. We’ll see how he does when he’s left alone during the day. I’ll try to get home at lunchtime, but I’m not sure I’ll make it.”

“No problem. I’ll even test Caesar to see if he barks when I come around,” said Ashley.

Morgan walked the dog over to the stairway and lifted him up in her arms.

At the top of the stairs, Morgan hugged the dog and set him down before opening the door and going inside.

Freed from his harness, Caesar ran into Morgan’s bedroom, jumped up onto the bench at the end of the bed, and hopped up onto the duvet, where he lay, giving her a doggy smile.

Morgan laughed. “Looks like you’re more than happy to settle in.” She tossed his blanket to him, and he circled under it until he was satisfied enough to lie down right in the middle of the bed.