Page 26 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

“It’s the least I can do,” said Morgan, feeling a flutter inside her that she quickly pushed away. Any relationship with her boss was wrong for so many reasons.

“Let’s go into the den to relax. It’s the one room that didn’t need painting,” Brad said.

Morgan followed him into a small room that had one wall lined with bookcases. An outside wall held a fireplace, another, a window with a view of the front lawn. It was one of Morgan’s favorite rooms. She took a seat on one of the overstuffed chairs beside the small fireplace; Brad sat in the other.

Caesar jumped up into her lap.

Brad laughed. “Guess I know who’s the favorite. Speaking of that, I think I’ve found a dog for you. I called the breeder who sold me Caesar. She has a smooth, blue-and-cream dapple male who’s almost 10 months old. She’s kept him because he was born with a damaged leg. The family loves him dearly, but one of their dogs is expecting another litter, and she’s finally able to think of letting this dog go. His name is Blue, and she said he’s very spoiled, very used to attention. I told her I’d let her know if you’re interested.”

“Oh, he sounds perfect,” said Morgan. “Do you have a picture of him?”

“Yes.” He handed her his phone with the dog’s photo.

“He’s so cute. I see that his leg is a little crooked, but it is fully formed. I’m definitely interested. His face is so full of intelligence and personality.”

“Let’s call her. You can ask her any questions you might have about special needs or routines or whatever. She’s located in Rochester, New York. I’m happy to drive you there on Sunday. I know you have a commitment on Saturday with your reading friend.”

“Thank you,” said Morgan, deeply touched by his offer to help.

Brad took the phone, punched in the number, and handed the cell back to her.

While Morgan talked, Brad left the room and returned, carrying the bottle of wine.

He listened as Morgan said, “Brad Hamlin and I will plan to pick up Blue on Sunday afternoon, if that’s all right with you. Wonderful. See you then.”

Morgan ended the call and beamed at him. “Thank you! I think it’s going to work out. The more Mickie Hastings told me about the dog, the more I wanted him. She said she’ll text me a complete list of what I’ll need and information on how to handle a Dachshund. Apparently, they are very stubborn.”

Brad laughed and pointed at Caesar. “Case in point. Lovable, fun, funny, and very independent.”

Morgan stroked Caesar’s ears. “And very affectionate.”

“That, too,” said Brad, smiling. “How about another glass of wine?”

Morgan accepted more. “Do you mind going with me to pick up the dog?”

“Not at all,” said Brad. “It’ll be a nice drive. In less than three hours, we’ll be there. After you take care of buying the dog, the return trip will get us back in time for dinner.”

“I’ll want to get all the supplies ahead of time,” said Morgan. “I appreciate staying here but hope to return to my apartment as soon as possible so I can get the dog settled there before I have to go to work on Monday.”

“Have you heard anything more about strangers being around your apartment?” asked Brad.

“No, but I talked with Ashley, and she’s reported a prowler at the house. I need to tell her my change in plans and let her know that I plan to return Sunday night. “

“I’ll give you privacy,” said Brad. “C’mon, dogs! Let’s go outside!”

Caesar jumped off Morgan’s lap and trotted behind Sid as Brad headed to the back of the house.

Morgan punched in Ashley’s number.

She immediately answered. “Hi, Morgan. I’m so glad you called. This evening, when I came home from doing an errand, that same suspicious car was parked down the street, facing our driveway. I think it’s wise for you to stay away until he is no longer hanging around.”

“Did the driver do or say anything when you saw him?” Morgan asked.

“He just turned away so I couldn’t see his face,” said Ashley. “I wanted to confront him, but I just drove past him and pulled into the garage. When I came out and was walking toward the house, the driver pulled away.”

“I just don’t understand why anyone would be tailing me. I’m pretty sure all details in Florida were taken care of and settled,” Morgan said.

“It’s strange,” said Ashley.