Page 51 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

“Yes, I’ll be ready. We’ll need to shut the dogs out of my bedroom, or there won’t be room for you.”

Brad grinned at her. “I’ll take care of that. I promise.”

Morgan laughed. “Deal. I’ll do the dishes, and then I’ll get ready for bed.”

A short while later, Morgan lay in bed waiting for Brad to finish his nightly routine in the bathroom. She liked knowing he wouldn’t rush into their first time together. Her last memories of Dale weren’t pleasant, and she’d need Brad’s patience.

He emerged from the bathroom and slid into bed beside her. He lay on his back for a few minutes before turning to her.

He caressed her face in his broad hands and studied her. “This isn’t a casual thing. I was attracted to you from the start. I’ve waited until I knew you felt the same way.”

“It’s been a long time since I was truly interested in spending time with anyone like this,” she said.

Understanding the tremor in her voice, he said, “I’m glad you feel safe with me.”

His lips met hers.

Forgotten emotions filled her, and Morgan knew it was going to be the best night of her life.

###

The next morning, Morgan got up before Brad. She put on a robe and quietly opened the bedroom door. Before she could stop them, the two Dachshunds jumped up on the bench at the end of her bed and onto the mattress. They reached Brad at the same time that Sid licked Brad’s face.

Sputtering, then laughing, Brad sat up and swept the hair out of his eyes. “Morning, everyone. Guess that’s one way to wake up.”

“I’m sorry. I couldn’t stop them,” said Morgan, remembering how Dale would have reacted, swearing and accusing her of doing everything wrong.

“No worries,” said Brad. “The only problem is that you’re standing there, and I’m over here. Don’t I get a morning kiss?”

Smiling, she hurried to his side, laughing as he pulled her onto the bed so they could snuggle, the dogs gathering close.

Cuddled against him, Morgan knew it wasn’t only the best night she’d ever known but the best morning, too.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Morgan and Brad had breakfast together, and Brad headed home with the dogs. He needed to make sure that the security crew had arrived, and he wanted to leave his dogs there.

Watching them leave, Blue howled with dismay at being left behind.

Morgan hugged him and then prepared to leave the house. She’d try to return to her apartment at lunchtime to take Blue outside and give him some attention.

As she drove to work, Morgan rehearsed what she’d say if anyone mentioned dating Brad to her. Like most offices, newsy tidbits tended to race through theirs, fueled, no doubt, by Rosalie. Morgan figured the less said about her relationship with Brad, the better.

Making love with him last night had shown her how special it was when a partner made sure you were satisfied and treated you with both tenderness and generosity. She’d been such a fool to stay with Dale. Although she and Brad hadn’t had much chance to talk this morning, he’d shown her how much he cared when he’d cuddled her close before getting out of bed.

###

When Morgan entered the office, everyone was in an uproar. A brick had been thrown against the glass side panel of the front door, and a group of employees stood by while a policeman took photographs of the shattered glass inside the office.

“What happened? Was anyone hurt? Was there a message?” Morgan asked, feeling sick at the idea that Nick Carelli might be behind this violence.

“No message attached,” said Rosalie. “But it’s definitely a warning to someone in the office. The partners are meeting now to discuss it.” She leaned closer to Morgan and whispered in her ear. “I think it has something to do with Brad. He was visibly upset to learn about it.”

“Thanks for telling me. I’ll see if there’s anything I can do to help,” said Morgan, studying the mess before heading to her desk.

She passed the conference room where the partners were sitting and talking, and realized how concerned they were. She guessed this was the first time something like this had happened at the firm.

Morgan was typing up notes when Brad returned to his office. “I’m sorry this attack has happened. Do you think Nick Carelli is behind this destruction?” she asked.