Page 50 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

Mark and Brad shook hands and began talking.

Ashley gave her an impish grin and pulled her aside. “So, Brad is spending the night?”

“Yes. He’ll be able to return to his house tomorrow. But we’re taking no chances that anyone could arrive without his special security system in operation. It should be completed tomorrow. Apparently, the initial work has already been done.”

“I’m glad you decided not to stay there,” said Ashley.

“Me too. Brad’s been taken off the case, and everything has been reported to the judge. I took the bribery money to the Chief of Police this morning. I’ve never been so glad to get rid of something. Believe me, the man who gave it to me looked and acted like he would welcome trouble.”

Ashley indicated the men with a glance. “I’m glad to see that Mark and Brad seem to get along. Mark is so busy with his practice that he doesn’t have time for much socializing.”

“I’m sure that Brad would like to make friends in town. Maybe we can encourage them to do some things together,” said Morgan.

Mark walked over to them and put an arm around Ashley. “I think I’ve found a new golf partner.” He beamed as Brad approached.

Ashley winked at Morgan and turned to her husband. “That’s nice for both of you. Perhaps you can help Brad join the country club.”

“We’ve already talked about it,” said Mark, giving Ashley a pat on the back. “Now, let’s talk about dogs. Brad, how does it work to have a large dog like Sid living with Caesar? Does it work well to have two such different kinds of dogs?”

“Actually, it does. Sid is calm and laid-back compared to Caesar. Caesar is curious about everything and keeps Sid on the move. They’re devoted to one another.”

“Ben wants a big dog like Sid, and Lizzy wants a Dachshund.” Mark turned to Ashley. “Maybe we can do as the kids want.”

“Brad and I can give you a list of all the things you’ll need,” said Morgan. “It’s like bringing a baby into your home.”

“I think it might be easier,” said Ashley, smiling at her children.

Morgan glanced at Brad. “We’d better go eat dinner. The food is getting cold.”

“I’ll call you about a golf game,” Mark told Brad.

Brad gave him a thumbs-up sign.

Morgan helped to leash the dogs before leading them away.

###

Upstairs in her apartment, she and Brad had another glass of wine while Morgan heated the lasagna and tossed the salad Brad had ordered.

“I’m glad you and Mark get along. Ashley is my best friend, and it means a lot when couples are congenial,” Morgan said.

“He seems like a nice guy,” said Brad. “And I need to find an outlet from my work schedule. Do you play golf?”

Morgan shook her head. “I played a little in Florida, but believe me, you don’t want to partner with me. I’m terrible.”

Brad chuckled. “You’re the best assistant I’ve ever had. That counts for a lot.”

The buzzer rang for the oven timer, and Morgan turned her attention to that.

Sitting at the table, Morgan said, “How should we handle the situation at the office? By now, all the partners in the firm will be aware that we are dating. I plan to act as I normally do. That means I will not be talking about us.”

“Yeah, that’s wise. If it becomes office gossip, that’ll be a problem. I’ve never known us to be unprofessional until today in my office. But that has to stop.” His smile softened his features. “I’m very happy that you’re willing to take a chance on us.”

“I am,” she said firmly, though inwardly, she was fighting off the insecurity that living with Dale had instilled in her about relationships.

“I’ll let the dogs out one last time, and then I’m ready to settle down for the night. How about you?” Brad asked.

The question wasn’t a simple one. Morgan had known all evening how their time together was going to end and was excited by the prospect of making love with Brad.