Places in My Heart Read online

  “No thanks needed. We’re family, and that’s what families do.”

  She wiped away the tears and led him into the house.

  “Where are Bri and RJ?”

  “They’re in their rooms. I wanted to talk to you for a few minutes first.”

  He followed her to the kitchen and straddled a chair.

  “You want something to eat or drink?”

  “No, thanks. I ate earlier. What’s up?”

  “Now that I know some of the things that cause flashbacks for Rashad, what do I do now? I mean, aside from making sure I warn him or change some of the foods I cook.”

  “I plan to talk to one of the psychologists who will be on staff at the center for a few ideas. I’m just glad he’s beginning to open up.”

  “So am I. If it wasn’t for you, I don’t think he would have. Mom and Dad are going to be so happy when I tell them. He said he’d be home by dinner. You’re welcome to stay.”

  “Not tonight. I’m just coming back from the cabin, and I want to get home and relax.”

  “Isn’t that what you typically do when you’re there?”

  Omar nodded. His mind went back to his time with Morgan—the walk along the lake, watching the sunset, their incredible lovemaking. His body reacted just thinking about the pleasure they shared.

  “Then why—?” Serena studied him critically, then smiled. “Ooh-wee, things are moving fast with your lady agent.”

  “How do you know...?” He trailed off at the look on her face. “Yes.”

  “I knew it! You can’t fool me. She seems like a nice person.”

  “She is, and I really like her. But you have to keep this to yourself for a while.” After this weekend, he wanted the world to know about him and Morgan, but he promised not to say anything.

  Serena walked over to a trio of round wicker baskets mounted on the wall, got some potatoes and took them to the sink. She angled her head and placed a hand on her hip. “Why? She’s not involved in anything shady, is she?”

  He laughed. “No. She just doesn’t want it to get out that she’s dating her first client.”

  “I can see that. The first thing folks would say is that she slept her way to the top.”

  “Exactly. I couldn’t care less what anybody thinks, but I won’t do anything to ruin this opportunity for her.”

  “Sounds like my baby brother is falling in love.”

  His reply was preempted by RJ’s appearance.

  “Hey, Uncle O. I didn’t know you were here.” RJ adjusted his glasses and walked straight to the refrigerator and got the carton of juice.

  “What’s up, little man?”

  “Not much. Are you still taking us to lunch this week?” he asked, reaching into the cabinet for a cup.

  “That’s the plan. Most likely on Wednesday, if it’s all right with your mom.”

  “Mom?”

  “Fine with me.”

  “Yes!” RJ pumped his fists in the air, set the cup on the counter and ran out of the room yelling for his sister, who came barreling into the kitchen.

  Brianna wrapped her slender arms around his neck. “Hi, Uncle Omar.”

  “Hey, baby girl.” He chatted with the children for a few minutes and said his goodbyes.

  When Omar arrived home, he was struck by the silence that greeted him. After two days of waking up next to Morgan, he was not looking forward to spending the night alone. Somehow he had to find a way to get her back in his arms. And sooner rather than later.

  Chapter 14

  Morgan’s smile was still in place Monday morning when she arrived at her office. She passed her assistant and called out a cheery “Good morning, Evelyn,” but didn’t break stride. Seated behind her desk, she booted up the computer and went through her emails. Her heart began to race when she saw one from John Bledsoe with the preliminary results from the tests run on the rail. She clicked on the message and quickly read. From what she could see, the rail was structurally sound, and there was no reason for it to come away from the wall. Then why? She read further and frowned.

  She picked up the phone and called Brandon to see if he had a minute to talk.

  “Sure. Come on over.”

  “Be there in a minute.” Morgan hung up, printed out the email, grabbed the folder containing the photographs she’d taken of the rail and headed to his office.

  “What’s going on, sis?” Brandon asked when she entered.

  “John sent the preliminary findings on the rail.” She handed him the email. “Pay attention to the second paragraph.”

  His brow lifted, and he angled his head in her direction. “Sticky substance on the ends?”

  “The only substance that should have been on the ends was the glue we provide in the kit. And it doesn’t look like that. I noticed it on a couple of the pictures I took.” She handed them over and pointed out the area. The glue was specially formulated to adhere to tile, granite and other bathroom materials, and also acted as a seal.

  “Is this saying they used a different type of glue?”

  She shrugged. “We won’t know exactly what it is until the tests are complete. But it does bring up a few questions.”

  Brandon drummed his fingers on the desk. “And makes me wonder what else Porter is trying to hide.”

  “Yeah, me, too. Which is why I’ll be going over each photo and every scrap of paper with a fine-tooth comb.”

  “Are you staying late tonight? If you are, let me know so I can hang out until you leave.”

  “I have a dance class tonight, so I’m leaving on time, if not a few minutes early. Are you guys ready to do your dance on Friday?”

  “Of course. When we get done, there are going to be so many checks written that Brooke is gonna make us part of her annual show permanently.” He stood and did a little dance step, ending with a spin.

  Morgan rolled her eyes and walked toward the door. “That’s my cue.”

  Laughing, he said, “Keep me posted.”

  “I will.” She shook her head. She liked seeing this playful side of Brandon and wished he would relax and behave this way more often. All of her brothers were intense, but he took it to new heights. Even Khalil, who was the most serious of the bunch, made time for fun.

  She stopped short upon seeing Evelyn in her office when she returned. “Evelyn?” Morgan swore the woman jumped ten feet in the air.

  “Oh, I was just putting two messages on your desk.” Evelyn skirted around Morgan and rushed out.

  She took a cursory glance around her desk to see if something had been moved or was missing but didn’t notice anything. Setting aside the puzzling encounter, she sent a message to John asking him to email or call as soon as the test results came in, and then she went through the photographs again. She had no idea what she was looking for but figured she’d know it when she saw it. Morgan tagged a few questionable ones that she planned to inspect further and made more notes. By the time she looked up, she had worked way past lunchtime, and her stomach had begun to lodge a protest by growling so loudly that it startled her. She stood, stretched and grabbed her wallet.

  “Evelyn, I’m going down to the café. I’ll be right back.”

  “Enjoy yourself.”

  Morgan paused briefly and stared. Why is she being so nice all of a sudden? Maybe the woman had taken Morgan’s threat to report her seriously. Whatever the case, it was a welcome change. Shaking her head, she continued to her destination. Twenty minutes later, she dropped down in her chair, unwrapped the turkey sandwich and took a huge bite. Paired with a cup of chicken noodle soup, it should hold her until she made it home after dance class tonight. Morgan rotated her chair toward the window.

  With nothing to occupy her mind at the moment, her thoughts automatically traveled to the weekend with Omar. She
had enjoyed every second of the trip, and her body heated up just thinking about the man’s bedroom skills. And that passionate encounter in the tub... Her eyes drifted closed as every vivid detail came rushing back—from his caresses and kisses to the way she had ridden him in the candlelit space with the moon streaming through the window, bringing her to climax after climax and making her scream his name.

  “Ms. Gray?”

  Morgan jerked upright, spun around in her chair and placed the forgotten sandwich on her desk. “Yes.”

  “You have a phone call on line two.”

  “Thank you.” She’d been so lost in her memories that she hadn’t ever heard the phone ring. She picked up the receiver. “Morgan Gray.”

  “Good afternoon, sweetheart,” came the warm baritone.

  She gripped the phone tighter. Just the sound of his voice turned her on. “Hey, yourself. What’s up?”

  “Just missing you and wanting to hear your lovely voice.”

  “I miss you, too,” she murmured.

  “I have to tell you, I didn’t sleep too well last night.”

  Neither had she, but she wasn’t going to tell him. “Poor baby,” she teased. “Maybe a nice, hot cup of mint tea will help. It always does the trick for me. It’s very soothing.”

  “I don’t think the mint tea will work. The only thing that can help me is another dose of you.”

  Morgan almost dropped the receiver.

  “I can’t wait to sample your sweetness again. This time I think I’ll conduct a thorough taste test. I don’t want to miss one spot. Would you like that?”

  Her body trembled, and an ache started in her core. Yes and now! “Yes,” she whispered. “Do...do I get to do a taste test? I’m going to start at your sexy lips, work my way over your strong jaw and down to your amazing chest. Mmm, I might have to linger there for a bit. I don’t want to miss one spot,” she added, using his words. “Then I’m going to—”

  “Morgan, baby,” Omar said, his voice strained. “If you keep talking, I am going to be at your office in thirty minutes. And I’m not coming to talk.”

  She immediately snapped her mouth shut. What was she thinking? Her gaze darted to the door, and she breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing that it was closed. “Um... I need to get back to work.”

  “Yeah, and I need to go take a cold shower.”

  “It’s your fault. You started it,” Morgan fussed, but she was smiling.

  “And when I see you next, I’m going to finish it.”

  “I don’t think so. The next time we meet will be tomorrow at the Cobras practice facility, and you will have your professional hat on.” He grumbled something about what she could do with that hat, and she laughed.

  “Ha-ha, funny. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Okay,” he said.

  She was still chuckling when she hung up. She picked up her spoon, finished her lunch and grabbed another file.

  Morgan worked steadily for the next hour, then packed up to leave. She met Siobhan coming down the hallway. “You still here?” Morgan observed.

  “Not for long. Justin and I are going out to dinner, so we’re heading straight there. How was your weekend?”

  She felt a rush of heat on her face.

  Siobhan smiled. “That good, huh? I take it you took Omar up on his offer.”

  “I did.”

  “Well, I’m glad you had a good time. I hope you remember what I told you. See you later.”

  Yes, she remembered that Siobhan had told her to be careful of falling for him. And yes, Morgan was afraid she might have been right. Sighing, she took the elevator down to the parking garage and got into her car. It took almost an hour to reach the studio, and Brooke was waiting in the office with a big smile on her face.

  “So, any updates on your budding romance?”

  “Hello to you, too, Brooke.”

  “Hi. Well? Don’t keep me in suspense. I know something happened after last week, especially with the way he was looking at you. Since I’m not getting any action, I have to live vicariously through you.”

  Morgan dropped her bag on a chair and folded her arms. “Whatever, girl. You get plenty of action. But to answer your question, we spent the weekend at his mountain cabin.”

  Brooke’s eyes widened and her mouth fell open.

  Morgan reached over and pushed her chin up. “Close your mouth before something flies in.”

  “I mean, I was expecting you to tell me something like you shared a few steamy kisses, but...wow. You two aren’t wasting any time. I guess you’re doing a little more than just ‘seeing him casually,’” Brooke said, making quote marks in the air.

  “He’s... I don’t know...different, smart, caring, loyal. I didn’t expect to like him this much.” She had sensed a shift in their relationship the last time they made love. It was gentle and stirred her deeper emotions.

  “If he has all those great qualities, it should work out fine, because you’re the same way.” She glanced over to the open door and lowered her voice conspiratorially. “Is he good in bed?”

  Morgan couldn’t stop the smile spreading across her lips. “Incredible.”

  Brooke squealed and slapped a hand over her mouth. “I knew it. I wouldn’t expect anything less from a man who looks like that.” She fanned herself. “I think I’m going to start watching football more often. You can get me a ticket to a game, right?”

  Morgan burst out laughing. “Yeah, I’m sure I can talk to Malcolm about it.”

  “Are there any others on the team who look that good?”

  “Quite a few.”

  “Okay. Count me in for at least one game.”

  “I’ve invited you to Malcolm’s barbecues, but you always decline.”

  “I won’t be declining the next one,” Brooke said with a straight face and strutted out of the room.

  Morgan smiled. True, there were some good-looking guys on the team, but in her mind, none of them held a candle to Omar Drummond on or off the field.

  * * *

  Tuesday afternoon, Omar jogged over to the sideline to get a drink. He had planned to do only a couple of drills with a rookie tight end, but somehow got roped into a speed and agility workout. He checked his phone and saw that Morgan had left him a text letting him know she’d be arriving around one. He had a good thirty minutes, which gave him time to take a quick shower.

  On his way back to the field, a woman called out to him. He turned and released a deep sigh. “Hey, Andrea.”

  “Well, hello, stranger. Long time no see. How’ve you been?”

  “Good, and you?”

  “I’d be better if you took me up on my offer.”

  “Sorry, but the answer is still the same.” Andrea Fletcher was one of the team’s cheerleaders and, although there was nothing specific written in the rules, every player knew they were off limits. It kept the drama to a minimum. And even if they weren’t, she’d never make the list of women he would date. She had a killer body with everything in the right places, and a beautiful mocha face, but she reminded him of his ex—high-maintenance. She had been trying to get him to go out with her for the past two years, and he’d turned her down every time. He figured after the last time, she had finally gotten the hint and moved on. Apparently not. And as quiet as it was kept, she had dated at least three players on the team, moving on to the next when one was cut from the team or demoted to second or third string. She moved closer, and he took a step back.

  “I know you’re a stickler for the unwritten rule about not dating the cheerleaders on the team, but I have great news. I just turned in my resignation because I scored a spot in a dance production.”

  “Congratulations. I wish you the best.”

  “Now that I’m not affiliated with the team, we can be free to date.” An
drea slid her arms around his waist and said sultrily, “And I promise you won’t regret it for one minute.”

  She leaned up and tried to kiss him, and he averted his head. “The answer is still no.” Omar gently but firmly removed her arms and looked up. His gaze connected with Morgan’s furious one. He cursed under his breath.

  “Hello, Mr. Drummond. I’m just dropping off the information you asked for.” Morgan’s voice was colder than an ice bath.

  “Hey, Morgan. Morgan, Andrea Fletcher. Andrea, this is my agent, Morgan Gray. If you’ll excuse us.” He took Morgan’s elbow and steered her away. “Good luck with your new job,” he called over his shoulder. He escorted Morgan a distance away, and she rounded on him before he could open his mouth.

  “I guess the media didn’t have it all wrong.” She thrust a stack of brochures at him and stormed off.

  He caught up to her in a few strides. “Morgan, believe me when I tell you nothing was going on.”

  Her light eyes flashed in anger. “So her arms were around you because, what...she was practicing a new cheer?”

  “She was trying to come on to me...again. And I told her the same thing as I did the last four times—that I wasn’t interested. Didn’t you see me remove her arms? Nothing else happened.” She started walking again and he followed. Omar spoke to a passing teammate but waited until they reached the parking lot to continue. “Dammit, Morgan, we just spent an amazing three days together. Do you honestly believe that I would turn around and start messing around with another woman? Baby, weren’t you listening to anything I said this weekend?”

  “I have to go. If I have any information to share regarding your contract, I’ll send you an email.” She got into her car and sped off.

  He cursed again, turned and went still. Malcolm stood across the lot, leaning against his motorcycle. Not in the mood to deal with anything Malcolm might have to say, he pivoted and stalked back the way he’d come. As he got closer, he could see Andrea peeking around the corner. He ignored her and kept walking until he reached the locker room.

  Omar leafed through the brochures from the dance studio and slid them in the outer pocket of his duffel bag. He removed his cleats and put on his tennis shoes, then stuffed the cleats along with his sweaty clothes inside and zipped it closed.