Page 45 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

“Listen, girl,” said Rosalie, placing her hands on her hips and giving her a steady look. “I know a catch when I see one. Don’t let this one go.”

“You know how strict the partners are about office dating.”

Rosalie waved her hand in dismissal. “Bah! Don’t listen to them. They’re out of touch.”

“Well, there’s nothing to report. If that time comes, I’m sure you’ll be one of the first to know,” said Morgan, realizing she and Brad would have to be more open if and when they decided they wanted to commit to a relationship. In the meantime, she didn’t want any pressure placed on either of them.

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Morgan packed some of her clothes and personal items, and even more for Blue, for their stay at Brad’s house. The effort to move in would be worth the convenience.

As she drove to Brad’s house, Blue seemed to sense the destination and yipped with excitement from his travel bed.

When they pulled up to the house, Blue’s yips turned to howls. Laughing, Morgan hurried to get him out of the car and raced to the front door with him.

Inside, Brad’s dogs were barking.

Morgan opened the door, led all three dogs to the kitchen, and opened the doggy door to the outside, where they raced around the yard.

Satisfied that things were okay with the animals, Morgan went through the house and out to the front, intent on getting the luggage inside.

As she approached her car, a dark, black SUV with tinted windows barreled down the driveway toward her. Morgan went on alert. Something was suspicious about the car. Her thoughts flew to Constance, and she wondered if Constance had heard about Simon having Thanksgiving with her and was annoyed.

Morgan’s temper flared. She was done fighting with Simon’s daughter-in-law.

She marched over to the car, ready to confront the driver.

The man behind the wheel rolled down his window and studied her, letting his gaze wander up and down her body in a creepy way that made Morgan even more furious. “You can tell Constance that I’m going to report her if she continues this threatening behavior.”

“Look, lady, I don’t know what your beef is with someone named Constance. I’m here to see Brad Hamlin.”

“He isn’t here,” said Morgan, trying not to stare at the scar running down the man’s cheek.

“Well, then, give him this. You can tell him I’m a friend of Nick Carelli. A friend who takes care of any bad business for him. Got it?” He handed her a manila envelope. “Make sure he gets this. We’ll be keeping an eye on him.”

He closed his window and backed up the driveway at such a speed that it amazed her. She waited until he’d turned around at the street and pulled away, then, on trembling legs, she went to get the dogs. There was no way she’d stay here until she made sure it was safe to do so. She texted Brad to call her when he had a chance.

Inside the house, Morgan gathered up the food, treats, bowls, and beds for Brad’s dogs. It’d be crowded, but she’d ask Ashley if the dogs could run free in her fenced yard. Otherwise, she’d find a dog park. All three dogs were well-behaved.

As Morgan lifted the last two plastic bags to put into her car, the envelope she’d placed on the table beside her purse slid to the floor. Immediately, the two Dachshunds grabbed hold of it and tugged, breaking open the envelope and scattering one-hundred-dollar bills across the kitchen floor.

Morgan stared in shock, then went into action. “No, Blue. No, Caesar,” she cried, snatching up the money. What in hell is going on?

The dogs stared at her as she tried to stuff the bills inside the torn envelope. “We’ve got to get out of here.”

She put leashes on the dogs and led them to her car. They sat together in the backseat as she went inside the house to pick up the remaining bags, the envelope, and her purse.

As she headed back to her apartment, she called Ashley and asked for permission to put the dogs in the yard.

“What’s going on? I thought you were spending a couple of nights at Brad’s house,” Ashley said.

“I’ll tell you about it when I can do so in person,” said Morgan. “Something weird is happening with Brad. I’m bringing all the dogs back to my apartment, where we’ll be safe.”

“Oh my! Hurry back. Do you need me to do anything for you?” asked Ashley.

“Having the dogs use your backyard from time to time will be a big help,” Morgan said. “We’ll be there soon.”

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