Page 55 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

She studied Brad. His dark hair curled softly above his wide forehead as his blue-gray eyes settled on her, and his lips curled into a smile. She felt the core of her body heat.

Brad winked at her, and she knew she was having the same effect on him.

He rose. “Thanks for the treat. Hurry and get ready to follow me. I can’t wait to get you alone at my house.”

Brad left, and Blue ran to where his leash hung from a hook by the back door and barked.

“All right, all right,” said Morgan, chuckling. “Give me a few minutes, and I’ll be ready.”

###

Driving past the gate and up the driveway to Brad’s house, Morgan felt as if she was coming home and wondered what it would be like to live here with him. Since living alone, he’d learned to keep things tidy, which made it easy for her to think of sharing a house with him.

He proved it all over again what a companionable guy he was when he helped cook their meal, then cuddled on the couch with her to watch a sappy movie she loved.

Still feeling happy about the romance in the movie, they moved together to his bedroom, where he showed her once more that he was a special man, generous and sweet.

###

The next afternoon, before their Thanksgiving meal, Morgan was still feeling the effects of a growing love for Brad when he arrived at Ashley’s house with Simon. Brad had offered to pick him up.

Delighted to see her special friend, Morgan greeted Simon with a hug and a kiss, bringing a smile to his face and a light to his eyes. He stepped back and watched as Brad drew Morgan close and kissed her.

When they pulled apart, Simon gave Morgan a nod of approval.

Morgan had no time to react before Ashley appeared by her side.

Morgan introduced Simon to her, then to Mark, before leading him to the living room, where Mark introduced Simon and Brad to two older women sitting on the couch, each sipping a glass of champagne.

As the two women met the very attractive men, their cheeks grew pink, and smiles lit their faces, much to Morgan’s amusement.

Mark’s mother, Barbara Biddle, was a lovely lady who was very refined, almost regal in her demeanor as she sat in her gray tailored pants and pink cashmere sweater, adorned by a string of pearls. Her sister, Margo Hightower, was dressed in black leather pants that accentuated her curves and a black sweater adorned with rhinestones. Her dyed red hair seemed to complement the tone of her outfit.

“My! My!” said Margo. “I had no idea such handsome men lived in this town. Now, Simon, I want you to sit between Barbara and me. We need to talk.”

Morgan glanced at Simon, wondering what his reaction would be, and was touched to see a wide grin on his face. He immediately found his seat on the couch between the two women. It warmed her heart to see him at the center of attention, because he obviously enjoyed it.

“Let’s get a sip of champagne,” she said to Brad. “It’s such a festive way to start the meal. We usually limit hors d’oeuvres, so we have room for dinner.”

They walked into the kitchen, where a small bar had been set up.

Mark poured each of them a tulip glass of the bubbly white wine and began chatting with Brad.

Morgan left them to go outside to the back porch for some fresh air.

Ashley joined her. “It’s another delightful Thanksgiving. I have to say, you and Brad make a perfect couple. And the ladies are certainly enjoying Simon’s company. Even the kids aren’t fighting. By tomorrow, all this will be gone, and we’ll start decorating for Christmas.”

Brad appeared. “What are you two talking about? Christmas already?”

“Yes, it’s my favorite holiday,” said Ashley.

“I’m hoping to talk Morgan into making the trip to Arizona with me to celebrate Christmas there,” said Brad. “To meet some of my family. I promised my parents I would join them.”

Morgan couldn’t hide the panic she felt. What if she didn’t measure up as someone suitable for their son to date? Her own parents hadn’t approved of her choice to come to a small town like Ellenton. Or any of her choices before or since.

Ashley took hold of Morgan’s hand and squeezed it. “Your parents will love Morgan. We all do.”

“I don’t doubt it at all,” said Brad smoothly, placing an arm around Morgan. “We’ll talk about it another time. I didn’t mean to catch you off guard.”