Page 32 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

As Brad got in line behind her, Sylvie approached them. “So, you two are dining together?”

“I’m helping her get a dog like my Dachshund. We’re discussing the details. That’s all,” said Brad.

Morgan remained quiet as she quickly took care of her transaction and left. If Sylvie thought she and Brad were doing more than that, everyone in town would know about it.

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At Brad’s house, Morgan greeted the dogs and then went to work making the casserole. The idea of having a dog in her own home was exciting. Its presence would certainly enliven her normal, boring routine.

The dogs announced Brad’s arrival home. She quickly finished putting together the ingredients and slid the casserole into the oven. As excited as she was for the dog, she was sadly aware that this evening at Brad’s house would be the last one.

“Hi,” said Brad, coming into the kitchen. “I made another stop to get a bottle of wine for dinner. Something special. I’m sure you’re anxious to be in your own place.”

“It’ll be enjoyable to celebrate our last evening together,” Morgan said. “I’ll miss the company, though. The dogs, especially. But I have you to thank for helping me find one of my own.”

Brad’s gaze rested on her. “I’m glad it’s worked out. It’s important to know that we can be real friends. It makes working together easy.”

“There are people in town thinking it’s more than that. I know my old boss is very against people in the office dating, so I want to be careful about not giving anyone the impression we are.”

“I understand, though I can’t believe Richard is so prickly about such a situation,” said Brad. “Why don’t you go ahead and get comfortable in the living room, and I’ll take care of opening the bottle of wine.”

Morgan sat on the couch facing the fire. She liked the coziness of this room and knew it would be a pleasant place to relax as the months grew colder.

As usual, Sid plopped down at her feet, and Caesar jumped up into her lap. She sighed with contentment, relieved that the issue of someone following her was being resolved. It had scared her more than she’d admitted.

Brad came into the room and handed her a glass of wine. “Here’s to another pleasant evening.”

“Thanks for being such a marvelous host,” said Morgan, raising her drink in a salute to him.

“My pleasure,” said Brad. “It’s great to know we can be compatible outside the office.”

“I’ve discovered who’s been following me and why,” said Morgan. “You won’t believe it.” As they sipped their wine, she told him about Constance hiring a man to spy on her.

“You’re right. It’s greedy on Constance’s part and mean of her to do that to you,” said Brad. “Some people think a good life, a successful one, is about money. But that’s not it at all. Being in an accident and seeing your life flash before your eyes makes you realize what is really important. It’s about how you live, not money.”

Morgan studied the sadness that washed across Brad’s face at the memory of the accident that took his wife’s life.

“My parents think being successful is measured in dollars. That’s just one of the reasons we don’t get along. I’m an only child who’s always felt as if I didn’t really fit into their world. They’d leave me at home while they traveled with friends. My next-door neighbor was more of a mother to me than my own.”

“That’s sad,” said Brad.

“I don’t wish my parents any unhappiness. They’re content with their lives. But I feel as if I have nothing in common with them. And when I married a man they didn’t approve of, they wrote me out of their lives.”

Brad clasped her hand. “I’m sorry. I guess I was one of the lucky kids with great parents. I still see them whenever I can.”

“Do you have any siblings?” Morgan asked.

“A brother and a sister,” he said.

“I didn’t mean to make my life sound so horrible,” she said. “My parents were not loving people, but they saw that I was cared for and educated until we finally went our own ways.”

“I get it,” said Brad. “Families are complicated. Dealing with family law has taught me a lot.”

Morgan rubbed Caesar’s ears. “I’m glad Richard allowed me to work for you. He knew I was getting pretty bored with corporate law.”

“Believe me, I’m happy about it. There are many details to be handled, and I need to be able to trust that they’re taken care of.” He stood. “I’m going to heat the grill. Want me to check on the casserole?”

“Would you?” said Morgan. Dale would never have made such an offer. She realized she’d married him to prove to herself that she didn’t want to live the fancy but empty life of her parents. What had started as an excellent relationship had soured quickly after he got involved with friends who wanted to make a quick buck. And he got caught up in drinking and gambling. It had brought everything crashing down around them.