Page 25 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

She loaded the groceries into her car and headed to his house, anxious to see how the dogs had fared.

As she pulled the car to a stop and got out, she heard the dogs barking with excitement. It made her more determined than ever to find a dog of her own.

She unlocked the front door with the key Brad had given her and laughed as the dogs charged at her, wagging their tails in delight. She patted them properly, and she put them out in the back so she could carry the groceries inside.

She brought in all the bags, unloaded them, and placed the contents where she thought they should go. Brad could make any changes he wanted.

Morgan decided to make a quick and easy lemon chicken casserole. She put it together, and she washed the lettuce for a salad. Then she checked the time and slid the casserole into the oven to cook. If Brad wanted a late dinner, the casserole could keep warm.

She poured herself a glass of chardonnay she’d purchased, and with a sigh, took a seat at the kitchen bar. The dogs came and sat at her feet. Looking at them, she realized how lonely she’d been.

Her cell rang. Ashley.

“Hi,” said Morgan. “Did you get my message this morning?”

“Yes, that’s why I’m calling,” Ashley said. “How long will you be staying at Brad’s house? You mentioned you didn’t know.”

“I still have no idea. We both think it’s a good idea for me to be away from my apartment. As I told you, a man came to my apartment door in the middle of the night. I saw him thanks to the lights Mark has put up in the back of your house. I don’t want anything to put you or your family in danger. That’s why I think it’s best if I’m not there.”

“I’ve called the police and reported someone poking around the house, and your incident with a stranger at the house. They can’t do anything about it really, but the person on the phone did say they would have a patrol car circle by during the night. That’s the best they can do.”

“Thanks,” Morgan said. “I’ve looked up Dale’s old business in Florida and can’t find any sign of it. And I can’t think of any reason someone would be after me. It’s a mystery.”

“I hope it gets resolved. I hate to think of anything bad happening to you. I’m glad Brad was willing to have you stay there.”

“Yes, he’s been very kind,” Morgan said. “I’m staying upstairs where I have privacy. I don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea. He’s always been a perfect gentleman. Besides, he’s not emotionally ready for anything more than friendship, especially not with me.”

“If he did, I wouldn’t be surprised,” said Ashley. “You’re a beautiful woman on your own. Smart, capable, lovely.”

“Are we doing a little matchmaking?” Morgan teased.

Ashley laughed. “Nothing of the kind. But if anything comes of this friendship, I’ll be cheering.”

“Oops! Here he is. I’d better go,” said Morgan, following the dogs to the front door.

She ended the call and waited for Brad to reach them.

When he saw them waiting for him, a huge grin spread across his face. “Wow! I get a big greeting tonight.” He stepped inside and sniffed the air. “And what’s that I smell?”

“A chicken casserole,” said Morgan, suddenly feeling shy. “I went grocery shopping and got dinner ready.”

“This is something I could get used to,” Brad said. “Let me change my clothes, and I’ll meet you in the kitchen. Have the dogs been fed?”

“No, I was waiting to see how you do it,” said Morgan. “But I confess, I did give each of them a treat.”

“Spoiled already, huh?” said Brad, rubbing Sid’s ears and then picking up Caesar, who covered his face with kisses.

He set Caesar down and headed to the master bedroom. Both dogs followed him.

The more time Morgan spent with them, the better she liked the idea of having a dog of her own. She knew that being a pet owner meant dedicating yourself to giving them lots of time and attention, but she was ready.

The dogs raced back to her.

Brad walked into the kitchen and went over to the stove, opened the oven door, and turned to her with a grin. “Looks delicious. And wine? I could use a glass. The case I was working on this afternoon is an ugly one with no real winners.”

Morgan poured him a glass of wine and handed it to him. “When you’re ready to eat, I’ll make a salad. The casserole will be ready soon, but it can be held in the oven.”

Brad took a sip of wine and beamed at her. “This is really nice.” His features softened. “I’d almost forgotten what it was like to come home to something like this.”