Page 41 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

Simon rose from his chair. “Thank you, Brad. I appreciate that more than you know.” He turned to Morgan with a smile. “You two make a terrific team.”

Morgan and Brad exchanged glances, and then she simply said, “Thanks.” Inside, her pulse was racing. She wasn’t sure how to interpret the compliment. Brad looked uncertain himself.

Simon insisted on walking them to the door.

Morgan kissed him goodbye on the cheek. “See you next week.” She was still troubled by the idea that Constance might want him declared incompetent.

On the sidewalk, Brad faced her. “Why don’t you come to my house like we discussed? The dogs can play, and I’ll grill something for dinner.”

“That sounds great. There’s something I want to discuss with you.” She knew he’d be honest with her.

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Morgan pulled into Brad’s driveway, surprised by how at home she felt. There was something so welcoming about the place. In the backseat, Blue whined with impatience when Brad’s dogs barked.

She parked the car and set Blue down on the ground. He took off, yipping with excitement.

Brad opened the front door and stood aside as Blue barreled past him. Laughing, he waved to her and waited for her to reach him.

“I see we’ve made a wise choice in letting Blue have some playtime with my dogs. He was moving very fast to get through the house and out into the backyard.”

She laughed. “He heard the dogs and couldn’t wait to get out of the car. Me, too. I had an upsetting afternoon, and I’m grateful to be here. Funny, it felt natural for me to be driving up the driveway.”

He returned her smile. “It’s beginning to feel natural for me, too. Come in, and let’s relax out back.”

They walked through the house and onto the back deck. It was an unusually warm fall day, and the sun felt good on her face as she took a seat in one of the chairs.

“What can I get you to drink? Are you hungry?” he asked.

“I’m ready for a glass of a light, refreshing wine and maybe something to nibble on,” she said.

“I’ve got just the thing,” he said. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

When Brad returned to the deck, he was carrying a bottle of Pinot Grigio, glasses, and a bowl of mixed nuts.

He poured two glasses of wine, handed her one, and sat down facing her. “Here’s to a pleasant evening.”

“Thank you,” she said. “It’s especially nice to be able to relax after realizing what my friend, Simon, is facing. I have something to ask you. Do you think Constance purposely bought him shoes that were slippery?”

Brad held up a hand to stop her. “Don’t go there. Constance is an unpleasant person, but I don’t think she’d do something that intentional. If you continue meeting him on a weekly basis, you’ll be able to keep an eye on such things.”

“Okay, I needed to hear that. The idea of her being so cruel has been bothering me,” she said. “I not only want to keep meeting him on Saturdays, but I want him to join me for Thanksgiving at Ashley’s house. And Brad, I hope you will join me and all of us for Thanksgiving Day, if you have no plans. We’d love to have you there. I’m sure Mark would like the company.”

“I think Simon will be very pleased by your invitation. I know I am. Holidays can be very lonely.”

“I’m so happy you will come. It means a lot to me.”

His features softened as his gaze rested on her. “You’ve brightened my life in so many ways.”

A warm flush filled her cheeks. “I feel the same way.”

Brad set down his wine glass. “Rules be damned. I don’t care what anyone at the office might think. I want to enjoy being with you.”

He got up and pulled her into his arms. “I’ve waited a long time to find someone like you.”

Morgan’s heart fluttered and then pounded as heat poured through her at the way he was holding her, tenderly but with purpose.

Brad tilted her chin and gazed down at her with such longing she wanted to cry for all that she’d missed with Dale.