Page 3 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

“I’m lucky, too,” said Morgan. “They’re like my family.”

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On Monday, Morgan awoke with little enthusiasm for going into the law office. It wasn’t that she didn’t like the people there. It was a congenial group. But the work for one of the partners was boring. He dealt with business contracts and other projects that were unexciting to her. She hoped an opportunity to work for one of the other lawyers would open up someday.

Morgan knew she could find a job outside the law firm, but her salary was excellent, and she was saving for a house of her own. That was important to her after selling the place in Florida. Besides, she knew she was valued at the office, and that meant a lot to her.

Still, she craved creativity. That’s why she’d signed up for an online writing class. Reading so many books, she wondered if she could write one. But the thought of publishing one, thereby exposing herself to public scrutiny, was terrifying, which is why she had quit. But it inspired her to read books differently, with an eye to format and plot, which was helpful when reviewing books for Jim at Pages.

Trying new things, meeting new people, and doing something different were all part of her plan for the future.

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?”