Page 31 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

“No wonder your friendship is so important to Simon,” said Ashley, unaware of Morgan’s thoughts about him. “You can help protect him.”

Morgan agreed and changed the subject. “How are you? It feels like I’ve been away from home for weeks, not just days. I like knowing you’re close by.”

“Me, too,” said Ashley. “We’re all fine. How is it going with you and Brad?”

“Whoa!” said Morgan. “It’s not like Brad and I are together. He’s just being supportive, letting me stay with him while I need a safe place to be.”

“Hm-m-m,” Ashley said. “I ran into Rosalie Mancini at the grocery store, and she seems to think there’s something serious going on between the two of you.”

Morgan bit her lip and paused before speaking. “There’s no romance between Brad and me.” She hated conflict, but she was furious with Rosalie for spreading such news. She needed her job, and her old boss had made office dating a no-no in the firm.

“Well, I know a couple of women dying to date him,” said Ashley. “Maybe that will end Rosalie’s talk about the two of you.”

“If things were different, if we didn’t work in the same place, I’d like to get to know him better. He’s a super guy,” said Morgan.

“And easy on the eyes,” Ashley said. “I’ve got to get back to my mother-in-law and the kids. I promised we’d have a pizza dinner before she takes us to the early movies. Mark is out of town with a group of buddies on a fishing trip.”

“Well, have fun. I’m sure I’ll see you tomorrow evening when I return,” said Morgan. “Now, I’ll get things ready and then go to Brad’s.”

She walked Ashley to the door, then quickly arranged the dog bed in a corner of the kitchen, positioning the dog at the center of things. Next, she placed the new toy and another in the dog’s bed. She filled a bowl with water and put it down next to the end of the kitchen island. In one of the cupboards, she found a spot for dog treats and other items he might need.

Morgan stood back and studied the room, delighted by how natural it looked set up for a dog.

Her cell phone rang. Brad.

“Hi, where are you? I’m just finishing up at the office and wondered if you wanted to meet me in town for a bite of dinner?” Brad asked.

Thinking of what Ashley had told her about Rosalie’s thoughts, Morgan said, “I know you wanted to take me out to dinner, but why don’t I fix us something at the house? It might be more relaxing that way.”

“That would be really nice,” said Brad. “I’m ready to unwind a bit. I’ll pick up a steak at the market, and you can do whatever you want to go with it.”

“I’ll fix a potato casserole and some broccoli,” said Morgan. “Does that sound okay?”

“Even better,” said Brad. “See you soon.”

###

Morgan decided to go to the store to pick up the ingredients for the casserole and to buy some fresh broccoli. She was careful about what she spent on groceries, but this was an occasion that called for a trip to Markson’s Market, a special gourmet store she liked. It cost more to shop there, but the produce, fish, and meat selections were excellent.

She was in the middle of the vegetable aisle at the store when she heard a familiar voice, two of them, actually.

“Why, hello, Brad,” said a silky smooth voice, which she recognized as belonging to Sylvie Curtis, a friend of Ashley’s. “You’re here at the market late on a Saturday afternoon. Picking up something for yourself?”

“Actually, I have plans,” said Brad smoothly.

“I hear you’re dating Morgan Riley. Is that true?”

“What? No, she just works for me,” said Brad. “I’m not dating anyone, and I have no desire to do so.”

“I was so sorry to learn about your wife,” said Sylvie. “It was some time ago, but one never forgets. You’ll find Ellenton a good place to be. See you again, hopefully.”

When the conversation ended, Morgan grabbed a couple of potatoes and hurried to the aisle containing the spices she wanted for the casserole.

She was walking toward the checkout lanes when Brad emerged from the back.

When he saw her, he grinned and waved. “I’ve got steak.”

She held up the basket in her hand. “I have what I need for the casserole.”