Page 57 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

The next morning, Morgan woke early and lay in bed next to Brad, studying the way his lashes curled against his cheek when he slept.

She reached to touch his whiskered face when his eyes flashed open. He saw her, and the corners of his eyes crinkled with a smile. “Morning.”

As he pulled her to him, Morgan’s heart picked up pace. Even now, she was ready for him, needed him.

Later, she realized she had no choice but to get out of bed and get ready to go to the office. When Rosie had first asked her to join the group right after she joined the firm, she’d been glad to be included in what was an office tradition. It consisted of a congenial committee of administrators who supported one another. She knew how lucky she was to be accepted into their ranks when others had worked for years before being invited.

More excited now, Morgan took a shower and got ready. Then, she grabbed a cup of coffee and left.

###

When she entered the office at ten o’clock, Morgan heard laughter coming from the break room and joined the other women.

“Here,” said Rosie, handing her a paper cup filled with liquid. “We’re having a Bloody Mary before we start.”

“And there are lemon squares, if you want,” said another woman, passing a plate of freshly baked treats around.

“My husband pulled most of the decorations out of storage for us,” said Rosie. “We’ll do our usual decorating with a few new things added. As this is a conservative office, there will be no glittery ones. We’ll stick to our more natural touches, such as pinecones, ribbons, and fresh plants. The poinsettias will be delivered shortly, and the person decorating the front window will be here tomorrow to paint just a few snowflakes. The partners want Hanukkah and Kwanzaa decorations displayed, as well. So, it’s pretty much the same as every year.”

“It does make the office festive,” said one of the women.

“I love this time of year,” said another. “And this is always a fun way to start.”

“Is anyone going away this holiday?” asked Rosie.

Others had no hesitation in giving dates they’d be out of the office.

Morgan remained quiet. She didn’t want anyone to know about her trip to Arizona. Though he’d invited her to go to his parents’ home for the entire week, she’d already told him that she was planning on being away for just three days.

###

When everything was displayed as tastefully as possible, and with Rosie’s approval, the group headed to Bamboo Garden for Chinese food.

Seated at the restaurant with the others, Morgan was amused that, like the rest, she had worn Christmas colors when they had, no doubt, all dressed in fall colors yesterday. Today, her green sweater went with the jade earrings she’d found in a thrift store in Florida.

They ordered dishes to share, and soon she was able to taste several of her favorite items: orange chicken, fried rice, Mapo Tofu, Chow Mein, and dumplings. She’d already warned Brad that she would eat lightly at dinner.

###

Before she returned to Brad’s house, Morgan checked her apartment. She had a few Christmas items in her storage space, including a small, fake tree she’d used in the past. She’d get them out soon. She wondered if Brad planned to decorate his house for the holidays. If so, she would offer to help him.

Morgan picked up a few more clothes, including the fleece winter robe she liked to wear on cool mornings, and headed back to his house. It was the first time in a long while that she was truly looking forward to the holidays.

At Brad’s house, she was enthusiastically greeted by the three dogs on the front lawn before Brad finally pushed them away and wrapped his arms around her. “How was your day? You were missed around here.” He lowered his lips to hers.

Morgan let out a happy sigh and responded with enthusiasm. This special feeling she experienced with Brad was what other people often talked about when describing being with the man of their dreams.

Brad pulled away and wrapped an arm around her waist. “C’mon inside. I’ve built a fire and am marinating chicken to grill for dinner,” said Brad, taking most of the packages from her.

“Lovely.” She picked up Blue, prancing at their feet, and carried him into the house.

The dogs headed outside, and Morgan got the last of her things hung in Brad’s bedroom.

Sitting with Brad on the couch in the den in front of the fire, Morgan sipped a smooth pinot noir.

“Are you going to decorate the house for the holidays?” she asked him. “If so, I’d be happy to help you.”