Page 28 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

Smiling, she turned to seven-year-old Lizzy. “Just for a short time. But tomorrow I’ll return for good with a new dog.”

Lizzy clapped her hands. “I want a dog. Can I come over to see it?”

“Sure, anytime your mother says you can,” Morgan said.

Ashley headed their way.

“Let me get these things inside,” said Morgan. “Do you have time for tea?”

Ashley shook her head. “Not today. We’re off to Ben’s soccer game. I guess no problems with your lurker?”

“He was here, a little farther down the road, but I chased him off.”

Ashley shook her head. “We’ve got to get this settled. We’ll talk after you’ve moved back in.” She took hold of Lizzy’s hand, and they went to Ashley’s car parked in the garage.

Morgan managed to unlock her apartment door and slipped inside with her purchases. Now that she knew she’d be alone on the property, she couldn’t wait to leave her packages, pick up a few items, and head back to Brad’s house before leaving to pick up Simon for their bookstore afternoon.

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As she pulled into Simon’s driveway, Morgan was confused to see a BMW already parked there.

She got out and headed to the front door, hoping everything was all right. She’d spoken to Simon yesterday to confirm today’s activities, and he was looking forward to seeing her.

She knocked on the door.

An attractive blonde, appearing to be in her late forties or early fifties, answered the door. She wore jewels in her ears, at her throat, and on her fingers.

Morgan realized who it was and fought to keep her composure. “Hello.”

“You must be Morgan Riley,” the woman said coolly, sweeping her glance from the top of Morgan’s head to the shoes she was wearing. Her lip curled.

“I’m here to pick up Simon,” Morgan said.

“I’m not sure he should leave. His allergies are kicking up,” said Simon’s daughter-in-law, standing resolutely in the doorway. She turned as Simon came up behind her.

“Hi, Morgan. I’m ready to go. I want to tell you about the book I’m about to finish.” Simon moved past Constance Weaver and walked onto the porch. “I assume Constance introduced herself to you.”

“No,” said Morgan. “But I guessed who she was.”

Simon took hold of Morgan’s elbow and turned to Constance. “I’ll be home late this afternoon. If you’re still around, I’ll order dinner for you.”

“Oh, I’ll be here all right. We have a lot to settle between us,” Constance said.

Morgan jerked to a stop and whirled around to face her. “Oh, my word! It’s you! You’ve ordered someone to follow me, haven’t you?”

“What?” said Simon.

“Why would you make such an accusation?” asked Constance, obviously flustered.

“Constance?” Simon’s voice was low with anger.

“A man has been parked outside my house,” said Morgan. “I must say, he isn’t a very good spy. We easily spot him. Was it you, Constance?”

Constance’s jaw dropped, and then she snapped it shut. “I have an obligation to protect Simon. You never know who might be after his money.” She narrowed her eyes at Morgan. “Including you. You suddenly show up in his life? The idea of reading books together is laughable.”

Simon’s cheeks turned an unhealthy red. “I want you to leave right now.” He shook a finger at Constance. “We’ll wait here until you get in your car and take off. If necessary, I’ll call the police to remove you. And if I ever hear of anyone tailing Morgan, I’ll have you put in jail for undue harassment.”

Shock distorted Constance’s face. She rocked back on her heels and gave him a pleading look. “Simon, you know I have only your interests at heart.”