Page 42 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

When Brad’s lips met hers, they were soft but sure. Then, his kiss deepened, creating whirling emotions within her.

Morgan clung to him, allowing all her suppressed feelings for him to bloom into something tangible.

When he pulled away, she felt bereft and looked up at him, drowning in his blue-eyed gaze that swept over her face with a tenderness she’d never experienced with anyone else. There was vulnerability, too, which made him even more attractive than he already was.

“I’ve wanted to do that ever since that first day in the office together,” he murmured.

The dogs crowded around their feet, barking at them, wanting attention.

Brad laughed and stepped away from her. “I haven’t yet had to train them to leave me alone when I’m holding a beautiful woman in my arms. Until now, I’ve never needed to.”

Still dealing with new emotions, Morgan picked up Blue and hugged him, needing something to hold onto.

Brad wrapped an arm around her. “We’d better stop while we can.”

“It’s best.” As much as she wanted him, she didn’t want to rush into things too quickly.

Throughout their meal, sexual tension built between them. She couldn’t deny her feelings, nor the need inside her.

It was obvious that Brad felt the same. The simmering, sensual looks he gave her made it difficult to swallow her food.

After dinner, they sat on the couch, and it seemed natural to go into his arms. Then, lying side by side, Brad cupped her face in his hands. “I’ve fallen for you. I’ve hoped you’d feel the same way, even though you kept telling me it wouldn’t be allowed.”

“I was attracted to you from the beginning,” admitted Morgan. “But I wasn’t going to get involved with any man. But seeing how hard you work, caring for others, and defending them from further injury, I soon realized you were different. Someone I could rely on not to hurt me.”

“I’m sorry you’ve been hurt in the past. Want to talk about it?” he asked gently.

Morgan began to tell him about Dale and her parents, and it was as if a dam broke inside her. She poured out all the hurt, anger, disappointment, and pain that she’d experienced.

He listened quietly, stroking her back from time to time and tenderly wiping tears from her cheeks.

When she was through, she covered her face with her hands. “Oh, my! I don’t know where I’ve been storing all of that, but thank you for listening.”

“I’m glad I can be here for you,” he said. “I’ve struggled since my wife was killed and even before that when things weren’t going well between us. I’ll never be free of the guilt of her death. I will carry that with me forever. But having someone like you by my side makes the pain more bearable.”

“In time, I hope to help you heal from that pain,” she said, kissing him.

Exhausted, exhilarated, and hating the idea of leaving, she reluctantly got to her feet. “I think it’s best if I go home.”

“Sure you don’t want to stay?” asked Brad, giving her a winning smile.

She chuckled. “You know I want to, but I’d better go.” She stroked his cheek. “The next time you ask, my answer might be different.”

He stood, pulled her up beside him, and wrapped his arms around her. “Then I’ll definitely ask again.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Sunday morning, Morgan awoke and stretched. She’d dreamed of Brad. A tender dream of loving him. Not like the nightmares she’d survived when Dale died and left her with debts.

Remembering how Brad had made every part of her come alive, she wished she’d said yes to his invitation to stay over. But, like it or not, she was going to be sensible and give the relationship time to grow into something she hoped would be lasting.

She got up and dressed to take Blue for a walk. When Morgan tried to get him out of bed, the dog made it clear he wasn’t that excited about it. But when she put on his harness and attached his leash, he all but leaped into her arms to go outside.

The air was nippy, and Morgan was reminded again that Thanksgiving would soon be approaching. She saw activity in Ashley’s house and walked to the back door.

Ashley answered her knock. “Good morning. Come inside, it’s cold out there. The dog is welcome, too.”

“Thanks,” said Morgan. “I want to talk to you about Thanksgiving. Even though we prepare the meal together, you’re the one who hosts the dinner. This year, I’d like to invite both Simon Weaver and Brad Hamlin.”