CHAPTER TWO
When Morgan walked into the law office in the center of town, the receptionist beamed at her and waved her closer.
“Hi, Rosalie. What’s up?” Morgan asked her.
Rosalie Mancini, a fun-loving grandmother in her fifties, loved being the source of information in the offices of the Colebrook, Dougherty, and Sinclair Law Firm. “Wait until you see our new hire. He specializes in family law. All I’ll say is we’re very lucky to have him.”
“What do you mean?” asked Morgan.
“You’ll see. I know you’ve been waiting for an opportunity to switch work with one of the lawyers. This is a great one for you. Talk to me after you meet him. I’m curious to know what you think.”
“Okay,” said Morgan, playing along. Having an attractive lawyer in the firm, as Rosalie had indicated with her wiggling eyebrows, was nothing new.
But it didn’t matter because Darryl Colebrook, the partner-in-charge, disapproved of office romances.
One secretary was fired two years ago because she’d been secretly seeing one of the junior partners Morgan worked for.
The fact that he was a married man was a significant factor.
Morgan wasn’t sorry to see either of them leave.
She felt as if she’d been manipulated by them by being forced to cover up the times that he’d locked his office door so he could be alone with his lover.
Now, full of curiosity, Morgan went to her desk sitting outside Richard Sinclair’s office. In his sixties, Rich was pleasant but as dull as the paperwork he handed to her.
She’d just set her purse down on the desk when Rich called to her. “Morning, Morgan. Please come here. There’s someone I want you to meet.”
Morgan straightened her gray pencil skirt and entered the office.
Her gaze shifted from her boss to the man sitting in a chair in front of Rich’s desk.
She paused to catch her breath and tried not to stare at the visitor.
He was one of the most handsome men she’d ever seen.
His dark hair was more wavy than curly. His eyes were a gray-blue shining from classical features covered by the barest growth of whiskers on his face.
As he gazed at her, he was as breathtaking as Rosalie had hinted.
“Morgan, I’d like you to meet Bradley Hamlin, our new member of the firm. He will be handling family law cases. I’m giving you the task of getting Brad set up in an office and following through on all the necessary paperwork.”
Morgan held out her hand. “Morgan Riley. I’m happy to help you.”
“Thanks. I’m hoping we can work together. I understand you’re extremely capable,” said Brad.
Morgan glanced at Rich.
“As I’m beginning to cut back on my time in the office, this is the best time for you to make the switch. I know you’ve been wanting to do different work.”
“Yes. That would be appreciated,” said Morgan, happy she’d been truthful when Rich had asked her about her job a couple of weeks ago.
Brad stood. “All right. Lead the way, and let’s get started.”
Rich got to his feet. “Good luck to both of you. I think it’s going to work well. Morgan, Brad will be using the remaining empty office. I’ll arrange to have your desk moved and placed outside his office.”
Excitement filled her as Morgan led Brad to an office two doors down.
“This is a comfortable space. The office overlooks the side garden and gets the morning sun. I’ll go to the supply room for some basic office supplies for you.
I assume you have personal items you want to add for yourself.
When I return, I’ll show you how our phone system works.
If you think of anything else you would like me to do for you, please just let me know.
I’ll take care of setting up my desk to accommodate you and your work.
Perhaps you’ll give me a list of your contacts.
They might be important for me to know.”
“Thanks,” said Brad, settling his gaze on her. “I appreciate the help. I’m new here in town, so I may be asking you about a variety of things.”
“Where are you living?” she asked.
“I’ve bought a house on the outskirts of town. It’s an old, restored farmhouse on County Road. Know it?”
“Actually, I do. I’ve driven past it a few times. It’s a lovely home.”
“I wanted space for my two dogs. They love being able to run around,” he said.
“What kind of dogs do you have?” She already imagined him with two large, protective breeds.
His grin lit his eyes, creating an irresistible pull of attraction within her. “A golden Lab named Sid, and a Dachshund named Caesar.” He chuckled. “They’re quite a pair. Keep me laughing.”
“I love dogs,” she said. “But I rent an apartment over a garage, and I’m not sure how that would work. Anything else I should know about? Family?”
“No, my wife died a few years ago, and the rest of my family is in Arizona.”
“I’m sorry to hear about your wife,” Morgan said. “Welcome to Ellenton. I think you’ll be happy both here in the office and on the farm.”
“Thanks,” he said and turned away as she left the office full of questions. At the mention of his wife, a deeply sad look had crossed Brad’s face. There was a story.
As Morgan was returning to the office carrying supplies, Rosalie rushed up to her. “I’m on my break and couldn’t wait to hear what you thought about our new partner.” She placed a hand on her hip. “Well?”
“He’s very nice, and I think he will be easy to work with. I’m happy for the opportunity,” Morgan said, careful not to give away too much.
“Hold on. That’s not what I meant. I mean, what do you think about him, his looks?” asked Rosalie.
“He’s truly a handsome man,” Morgan said primly.
No way was she about to tell Rosalie that when she shook Brad’s hand, she’d almost dropped to the floor from the shocking electric sensation from his touch.
She was putting aside that tidbit until she had time to place it in the right compartment of her mind.
Rosalie clasped her hands together and sighed. “Girl, he’s wasted on you. We’ll see how time treats him. There isn’t a woman in town who won’t wish for an excuse to spend time with him.” She leaned closer. “I understand his wife was murdered, and he hasn’t been serious about anyone since then.”
Morgan gaped at Rosalie. No wonder Brad had worn a look of such sadness.
“Gotta go,” said Rosalie. “Keep me informed.”
Morgan waved but said nothing. She’d wanted change in her life, and now it was happening.
###
The next few days sped by as Morgan helped Brad get settled in the office and showed him how the law firm operated.
She was also a source of information for him regarding the town.
She was able to recommend various services and even directed him to a veterinarian who one of her friends used for her dogs.
As they worked together, Brad asked Morgan about her life, but he shared little about his own, except that he was enjoying the change in his surroundings.
One morning, he asked her for suggestions for a decorator. “I need to update my house. Nothing too wild.”
“I know just the person for you,” said Morgan. “I met her through my book club. She’s well-known in the area for being clever and not too expensive.”
“Thanks.” He paused to focus on her. “I appreciate all you’ve done to help me get settled. You seem to know a lot of people.”
“Truthfully, I’m a bit of a loner,” she admitted, “but I’m happy to help however I can.”
He continued to study her. “It’s sometimes difficult being on my own, but I’m not eager to get involved with anyone.”
Morgan drew a breath and then eased it out before saying, “I understand your wife was killed. I’m so sorry to hear that.”
His eyes turned more gray than blue. “It was a tragedy, something that should never have happened. It’s been over three years… ” his voice drifted away.
“I understand,” she said quietly as he turned and faced the window.
Without saying another word, she left the office.