“There has to be a reason for that.”
“Galen, I need your help,” Pete said in a tormented voice. “We’re family now and the House of Morgan works as one.”
Technically they had different mothers though, yes, they were all Morgans. He stared at the door and wondered where Natalie had bolted to and what she was doing. He picked up a pencil and twirled it in his hands. “Father’s words that he certainly didn’t live by.”
Peter sighed. “True. Help me out Galen, I’m already dealing with my upset wife.”
At least he didn’t have one of those anymore. Alison Evermore had been a horrible wife who only ever tore him down while she complained about everyone and everything. When she left him “to find herself,” Galen hadn’t even been upset. He’d been relieved, but he understood a little where Peter came from. He massaged his forehead. “I’ll talk to Natalie.”
A few minutes later, he hung up the phone and squeezed the bridge of his nose. Family always came first, but Natalie hadn’t done anything to hurt any of them. He couldn’t let her get hurt either. Their father had kidnapped his sister and left his mother heartbroken to keep her under his control. No other woman should lose a child because of a Morgan. He stood and straightened his shirt.
Jennifer’s perfume from last night wafted upward. He’d need a shower and a new shirt, fast. Last night he’d had way too much to drink which led to bad decisions.
First, he checked outside the office and all his employees were at their desks working, including Natalie whose blonde head was visible over her computer monitor. He breathed out in relief. She hadn’t run away.
Last night was over and he’d get to Natalie before the end of the work day—with a plan. Once he returned to his office, he called his secretary who would have new clothes delivered in half an hour. Galen showered in his private bathroom and cleaned himself up so that he no longer smelled like sex, alcohol, and cigarettes.
After he changed and stared at himself in his office bathroom mirror, he tossed the rest of the pack in his basket and left the office.
Natalie sat at her desk, typing away, blonde hair shining like silk. He sauntered toward her. The horrible gray wig had been tossed in a plastic bag and tucked beneath her drawer. Under all the layers she wore, he’d bet her body matched her face. He glanced up immediately and felt his face was slightly hot. He coughed. “Natalie.”
She adjusted her glasses and stared up at him. A spark raced through him, but her expression read that she didn’t feel the same. “I’m working on the Dover building report, Mr. Morgan.”
“Good.” He told himself to get over this attraction fast. Natalie was an employee, which made her off limits. However, it also made her his responsibility. He nodded his head as if he actually cared about work. “That acquisition would be the centerpiece of our building plans.”
Her perfectly formed for kissing lips were thin as she sucked them in, not even granting him a smile. “I understand, sir. I’ll have the report by the end of the day.”
Sir. For the next few weeks, he’d be at her side, so he leaned closer. “Before you go, I’d like to get dinner with you.”
Her hands pressed against her heart. “What?”
He looked around and realized she was the only woman in the office. The last thing he meant to do was single her out, but he kept his head down and spoke in a low voice—circumstances had changed their working relationship. “We need to talk more about this morning and it would be better if we’re not in the office.”
“I don’t know.” She clutched her gold cross from under her layers of black.
He placed his hand on his heart and swore like he was in a court with a bible under his palm. He’d been an altar boy, so he always followed rules with good girls. “I promise I’ll keep my hands off you the entire time.”
She laughed, and her face lit up. She covered her lips until she stopped her giggles. Finally she said, “Oh. I didn’t think that. Okay, I’ll meet you at the elevator at five o’clock.”
His stomach churned. Clearly this attraction was all one-sided on his part but he’d get that under control. A pretty woman like Natalie didn’t need him ogling her. He squared his shoulders. “Thanks, Natalie. And I’m looking forward to your report. You’re one of the best employees we have here.”
She covered her heart again and took a deep breath. “Does that mean I’m not fired?”
Fired? For going to a doctor? For having bad luck? He had no idea why she’d think that. “Why would you be fired?”
This timesheblushed, but she turned back to her desk. “No reason—we’ll talk about that tonight I guess.”
Right. Tonight was not a date, but he’d try to understand how best he could help her. His altruistic thoughts helped lessen his zipping pulse. “See you soon then.”
He rushed back to his office and tried to concentrate on work. His brother’s wedding last night had made him realize he was lonely, which might explain the immediate reaction to his employee. He’d ensure no one, not even his half-brother, took advantage of her.
Today was a crazy day. He picked up his phone and located Damien’s number. Earlier that morning, his brother and partner had needed Galen’s help to find Damien’s kidnapped wife—and then he’d alerted Peter about Jennifer at the medical facility. Hopefully the newlyweds were reuniting. He decided not to bother Damien at all so he put his phone down.
However, as if summoned from Galen’s own thoughts, Damien walked into the office, looking glum. He sank into the visitor’s seat. “Galen, what happened to Ms. Parker?”
So he’d noticed too. Galen shook his head. “She took off her mask.”
Damien leaned closer. “You mean she was always cute?”
