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.
Brad shook his head. “We don’t suspect any particular client at this point.
Nick knows I’m off the case, but that doesn’t exempt us from providing information to someone else.
He could be angry about that. I’m very happy my security system has been upgraded at my house, and the partners have agreed to improve the security here at the office.
Cameras would help us identify anyone doing this. ”
“Do you think it’s wise for you to remain at your house?” Morgan asked.
“At some point, you must make a stand. Judges and lawyers across the country are facing more harassment than ever. We can’t appear to be weak. I’ll take my chances. I just don’t want anyone else to get hurt.”
Morgan sat back in her chair, looked up, and studied him, letting his words sink into her thoughts. “You’re right. We cannot let others cripple our good intentions.”
“This may not have anything to do with Nick Carelli,” said Brad. “I’m no longer part of the case, and I’ve been given clear instructions to stay away from it by my partners. This is something new for them, and they don’t like it.”
“I can understand why. Do you need me to do anything special for you?” she asked him.
“Just the usual. The court system typically operates in a more thorough manner than the Carelli case suggests. The pace is slower, the rules clear, the routine in place.” Brad gave her a steady look. “The law is the law, and I believe it will prevail.”
“When will the Carelli case be heard?” she asked.
“Sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas,” he said, suddenly looking grim. “A difficult time for everyone.”
Trying to lighten the mood, Morgan said, “I’m so happy you and Simon will be part of my Thanksgiving this year.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” said Brad. “Now, I need to head to New York. I have a hearing that I have to attend.” He checked his watch. “I’ll call you on the way and give you a list of the projects I need you to work on.”
“In the meantime, I’m still doing some research on the available rehab facilities and their programs for one of your clients’ needs.”
“Thanks. I think that may be a solution for keeping her child out of foster care,” said Brad.
He disappeared into his office, grabbed his briefcase, and left.
Morgan let out a long sigh. Working with Brad was definitely not the boring work she’d done before, and though there was a lot to think about, she was happy to have made the change.
###
That night, she ate a quiet dinner with only Blue to keep her company. Without competition from the other dogs, he stayed close to her, placing a paw on her leg for attention whenever she stopped rubbing his ears, and finally leaving her side to bring a ball to her to throw.
“You are a very spoiled dog,” said Morgan, unable to be stern with such a cutie.
He barked and wagged his tail, making her laugh.
She fed him and took him outside for his nighttime outing. Even though it was dark outside, the spotlights from Ashley’s house gave them enough light to play in the fenced-in yard.
Ashley’s kids heard Blue barking and raced outside to see him.
Their mother was close behind and hurried over to Morgan.
As the kids threw a ball for Blue, Ashley spoke quietly to her. “The kids don’t know it, but Mark and I have arranged to get both a Lab puppy and another, a female Dachshund puppy from Caesar’s breeder. We’re picking both dogs up just before Christmas. It should be quite a spectacle.”
“Oh, I love Christmas surprises,” said Morgan. “They’ll be thrilled. And they’re good with Blue, so I’m sure they’ll be gentle with puppies.”
“It’s going to be a lot of work, but I know how important it is for kids to have pets,” said Ashley. “What’s new with you?”
“I’m busy at work, but I love it. It makes me feel satisfied to help with such important work for kids.” She smiled at Ashley. “Brad was glad to be invited to Thanksgiving dinner. I’ve already bought my ingredients for dessert. Pumpkin, apple, and pecan pies.”
Ashley hugged her. “You’re a doll to do that and to make the stuffing for the turkey. I’m not much of a cook, but I love to decorate the house for the holidays.”
“That’s why the holidays work so well with both of us involved. The office will be closed next Wednesday, giving me time to get everything done.”
“I’m glad you’re making plenty of desserts,” Ashley said, “because my mother-in-law’s sister has agreed to come for dinner. As you know, her sister is a lot of fun. I think Simon will get a kick out of her.”
“Simon is happy to be asked for dinner,” Morgan said. “It makes it more enjoyable. The more the merrier.”
“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.