Page 53 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

“Exactly,” said Ashley. “Now, I’d better round up my kids. It’s a school night, and they need to get inside and settle down before bedtime.”

Morgan laughed. “Blue looks exhausted, but happy. I have a feeling he’ll go right to sleep when I take him inside.”

After she settled in bed, Blue beside her, she rolled over and inhaled the scent of Brad’s aftershave on the pillow he’d used the night before. How, she wondered, could I ever have been so lucky to find someone like him?

###

On Saturday, Morgan walked into the bookstore, delighted to see Simon sitting in their special, hidden spot behind one of the bookcases. He’d told her he’d be downtown for lunch with a friend so she did not need to pick him up.

“I’m glad to see you here already. How are you? You look great,” Morgan said. “Do you want coffee?”

“Yes, thank you.” He pointed at his feet. “I’m breaking these new shoes in.”

“Very important,” she said. “And practical, too. I’m glad to see them. I’ll be right back with our coffee, and then I want your opinion on this book. I’m afraid I’m not a fan.”

He grinned. “We’ll talk about it when you get back.”

Morgan left him and quickly returned with their coffees. She handed him one, then she sat in “her” chair and faced him. “First of all, I want to know how you are. I can’t wait for you to come to my Thanksgiving dinner. Everything is still okay?”

“Yes, but for the first time in years, Constance decided to spend the holiday with me. I told her I already had plans, and she backed down. Fortunately, both Merilee and Austin have invited me to Houston for the Christmas holidays, and I’ve accepted. It’s always pleasant to be with them. My grandson, Austin, is my double in so many ways. It makes me feel proud every time I get to be with him and his wife. And Merilee has always been a favorite of mine, even after she broke up with my son and came to work for my company.”

“I’m happy that you have such a lovely Christmas to look forward to,” Morgan said. “I think it’s going to be a nice holiday for me, too, with Brad in the picture.”

“I like Brad and admire his ability to get things done. He’s already given me some notes to think about,” said Simon. He took another swallow of coffee and set his cup down. “Now, let’s agree to disagree about the book.”

Morgan laughed. “You go first. If you’re eloquent, you may help to change my mind about what I see as a bias against women in this book.”

Simon’s eyebrows shot up. “Maybe you’ll be the one changing my mind.”

They had a lively two hours of discussion, and Morgan sat back in her chair. “This has been so enjoyable. Let’s decide on what book to read next, and then I’ll drop you off on my way home.”

“Sounds like a plan,” said Simon. “If we hurry, I may even get a nap in before dinner.”

They laughed together, and Morgan felt a surge of affection for him. Simon had found a special place in her heart.

###

That evening, Morgan put Blue in her car and headed out to Brad’s. After sharing her small apartment for only one night, they both agreed it was much more comfortable to spend time at his house.

As soon as they pulled up to the new gate protecting his driveway, Blue started howling. Morgan put in the code Brad had given her, and the gate opened, increasing Blue’s howls.

Laughing, Morgan drove to the front of the house and hurried to get the dog out of her car. Brad stood by the open front door and allowed the dog to rush past him into the house.

He walked to the car to help her with the bags of things she’d brought and stood by as she turned to face him.

Smiling, he drew her into his arms and then lowered his lips to hers.

Feeling her legs growing weak from the heat racing through her body, she wanted so much more than a kiss. But she knew it was up to him to set the pace for the weekend, that she shouldn’t rush him. He’d been badly hurt in the past and would let her know how to proceed.

“I’m glad you’re here,” he said, studying her. “And very glad you’ve agreed to spend the night.”

“Me, too,” Morgan said. She handed him a bag of groceries and another filled with doggy items, then picked up her overnight suitcase. She’d brought her new, sexy nightgown and couldn’t wait for him to take it off.

CHAPTER TWENTY

Having shared a glorious weekend with Brad, learning more about him, and testing how compatible they were, Morgan was reluctant to leave for her apartment on Sunday evening. Though they were strengthening their relationship, neither she nor Brad brought up living together. Truthfully, Morgan was relieved. She wasn’t quite ready to give up her independence.

The anticipation of the upcoming holiday season brightened the next few days as she began preparing for Thanksgiving. Wanting to look her best, Morgan splurged and bought herself a new pair of black pants and a sweater in a yummy pumpkin color perfect with her auburn hair. Christmas items were displayed everywhere, and with a bit of whimsy, she chose a cute red bow tie for Blue to wear for the holidays.