The Heiress's Secret Romance

by Martha Kennerson

  “Fine?” Ms. Monica supplied. “Child, I’ve known that boy most of his life, and I know the effect he can have on women.”

  “I’ve seen you too,” Lori added, shaking her head.

  “I’ve watched him watching you these last few days. There is an intense interest there, which means only two things.”

  Kathleen couldn’t help but ask, “What’s that?”

  Ms. Monica held up her index finger. “One, he’s feeling you. Isn’t that what the kids call it?”

  Kathleen laughed. “Yes, ma’am.”

  “And two—” another finger went up “—he’s feeling you.”

  Kathleen presented a shy smile. “I—”

  “Let me finish. Morgan’s not like his brothers or his mother. He’s a man of few words. With Morgan, actions speak louder. He doesn’t like drama. Morgan tends to avoid things, leave things unsaid, which can cause problems.”

  “He has issues with communicating unless it’s about work,” Lori added.

  “He’s dated other women,” Kathleen murmured, speaking without thinking. Fearing she’d said too much she quickly added, “Not that we’re—”

  “Child, please.” Ms. Monica gave Kathleen a knowing look. “A blind man can see something is going on between you two. If he’s gone all quiet on you or shut down, you’ll have to make him tell you what’s going on.”

  “That is, if you want him. If not, there’s plenty in this town and elsewhere that do. Hell, if I was twenty years younger and a few pounds smaller...” Lori smiled and winked.

  “You’d still be too old,” Ms. Monica said, giving Lori the evil eye. She reached for Kathleen’s hand. “Morgan’s a good man. He just protects that heart of his. It has been broken once, and he’s afraid to take a chance on letting it happen again.”

  “Really, when? Who was she? What happened?” Kathleen was spitting out questions like rapid fire. This new information took her completely by surprise, and she didn’t know how she felt about knowing that Morgan once loved someone so much that he became afraid to let anyone else get close. Loving someone else like that again was something she didn’t think he would be willing to do. Kathleen had never experienced that type of love before, and she was jealous of whoever this mystery woman was, the one who’d managed to steal Morgan’s heart.

  “That’s not my story to tell. You should ask Morgan about it yourself unless, like you said, you two aren’t dating.” Ms. Monica rose from her seat, as did Lori. She reached for Kathleen’s plate. “I’ll go wrap this up. You can take it to go. I’ll be right back.”

  “Thank you.” Kathleen’s eyes jumped between the two older women.

  Kathleen sat back and waited for the wise women to return. She let Ms. Monica’s words take hold as Kathleen recalled her sister’s advice to make sure she was positive about Morgan before she did anything. He doesn’t want to get close to anyone. Maybe he felt things were getting too close already. She certainly did.

  That’s why he blew off our date. Kathleen’s heart dropped like she was riding on a roller coaster. She hated the idea that some mystery woman from Morgan’s past was preventing them from finding out if what they were experiencing was real. She understood how ghosts from the past could stop her from pursuing things and people that might be good for her. She knew she’d been doing that most of her adult life, focusing solely on her career, driven in part by a need to avenge her mother’s death, something she knew wasn’t rational, but until now there hadn’t been anything she’d wanted enough to make her think twice about her choices.

  But her attraction to Morgan was proof that she needed more in her life than just work. He needed to improve his communication skills a bit. She was still very annoyed about the way he’d handled the situation. Plus, his heartbreak had been a while ago. Maybe he had some other reason for not keeping their date.

  Regardless, Kathleen had to tell him the real reason behind her visit before she left town. Now that she could officially clear them he deserved the truth, especially since her boss could confirm that Mr. Silva’s concerns were misguided but there was no malicious intent.

  Kathleen stood when she saw Ms. Monica approaching. “Here you go, my dear.” She handed Kathleen a to-go box.

  “Thank you...for everything.”

  Ms. Monica gave a nonchalant wave. “No problem. If you want to talk to Morgan, he’s in Adrian’s office right now.”

  “How do you know that?”

  “Because I called to find out,” Ms. Monica said, frowning like Kathleen’s question was a waste of oxygen. “You two should talk. You might be surprised by the outcome.”

  Kathleen hugged Ms. Monica and walked out the door. It was time to end her stay at Kingsley. She’d done what she’d come to do. The charges were unsubstantiated, so it was time to go. Kathleen could send someone else to complete the rest of the training, as well as help with incorporating new regulations into their policy. Kathleen fought back tears. She couldn’t comprehend continuing to work side-by-side with Morgan, knowing how much she wanted him...cared for him.

  It was time to get her mind off Morgan and find some real bad guys to chase. The case of Kingsley Oil and Gas versus OSHA was now closed, and so, it seemed, was the budding love affair between her and Morgan Kingsley, and it was breaking her heart.

  * * *

  “So does everyone agree with the final sale price?” Alexander asked. A ripple of yeses came through the phone, but Morgan’s mind was on the woman who’d just blown him off and not a piece of property their mother wanted.

  “Morgan... Morgan, you still there?” Alexander asked. Morgan, who had been standing and staring out the window, turned and sat down behind the desk. “I’m here, and I’m fine with it too.”

  “Good—”

  “Wait, you did say that included the mineral rights, correct?” Morgan asked.

  “Yes, of course,” Alexander replied.

  “Are you okay?” Kristen Kingsley, the company’s newly appointed COO, questioned, her concern coming through loud and clear.

  “Yes, I’m fine. Just a bit distracted,” Morgan replied.

  “Anything you want to share?” Alexander asked.

  Not in the least bit. The last thing he needed was for his family to know that the one woman he wanted didn’t want him back. “No, I’m good.”

  The office door opened and an angry Kathleen walked in and slammed the door behind her. She was holding what looked like a to-go container. “The next time you want to blow off a woman for a date, you should at least have the decency to tell her.”

  Chapter 10

  Morgan slowly rose from his seat. “Excuse me.” He came from around his desk.

  Kathleen placed her food container on the corner of his desk and stood defiantly in front of him. “At first I was going to let it go...exit gracefully. But you asked me out, then what...you changed your mind or did you just get a better offer?”

  Morgan was confused, but by the scowl on Kathleen’s face he knew she believed what she was saying. “I have—”

  “And another thing, mister.” She used her right index finger and poked him in the chest. “You don’t say all those beautiful things to a woman and just kick her to the curb without an explanation. What, are we back in high school?”

  Morgan grabbed her finger and held it at his heart. “I didn’t kick you to the curb, and I certainly didn’t blow you off. You said you were leaving early and doing something with your sister this weekend. I’d say you blew me off.”

  “No, I didn’t.” Kathleen stepped forward, closing the gap between them. “I wouldn’t.”

  Morgan watched as Kathleen’s expression morphed from angry to confused to desirous. He could see how sincere she was and he was overwhelmed with emotions. Morgan lowered his head, scanning Kathleen’s face for any sign of rejection. Seeing none, he gently kissed her on the lips. Kathleen
slid her hands up and around his neck, pressed her body against him and moaned his name in his mouth. Morgan deepened the kiss. Soon he heard, “Hello... Morgan.”

  Morgan broke off the kiss and looked over at the phone. “Dammit!”

  “What’s wrong?” Kathleen asked before she heard the laughing. “What was that?” Kathleen looked around the room.

  “I was on a conference call when you came in.”

  Kathleen buried her face in his chest. “Oh no. I’m sorry,” she replied.

  “I’m not. It’s okay. Chill, you guys,” he ordered, his voice taking on a husky tone.

  “I’ll go,” she whispered.

  “Oh no, you don’t. I’m not dealing with that crew by myself,” Morgan said, snaking his arms around her waist.

  “Who?”

  “My family. Alexander, Brice and Kristen, I’d like to introduce you all to Kathleen Winston. Kathleen, the laughter coming through the phone is from two of my brothers and my cousin.”

  “Hi, everyone,” Kathleen reluctantly replied, and everyone responded with an array of hellos.

  Morgan bid farewell and ended the call. “Sorry about that. So...”

  “So... What?” Kathleen asked, gifting him with a sexy smile.

  Morgan captured a loose strand of hair and placed it behind her ear. “Can I have the pleasure of your company for dinner tonight?”

  Kathleen smiled. “Yes.”

  “Where are we going?”

  “I don’t know yet. I haven’t heard from that sister.”

  Morgan tilted his head. “That sister? How many sisters do you have?”

  “Two, and one brother.”

  Morgan tightened his hold on Kathleen. “I don’t care where we go. I just want to be with you.”

  Kathleen rose up on her toes and collapsed her hands around his neck. “I want to be with you too,” she replied before kissing him passionately on the lips.

  After finally coming up for air, Morgan asked, “Where do I pick you up?”

  Kathleen stepped out of Morgan’s hold, and he missed her instantly. She reached for his cell phone that sat in its dock on the desk and handed it to him. “Pull up my contact information, and I’ll add my address.”

  Morgan did as she asked and handed his phone to her. After inputting her address, she said, “I live in Houston. I’ll text you the time and location once I know the information.”

  Morgan looked down at his phone. “This zip code looks familiar. Do you live near Hermann Park?”

  “Yes, my house isn’t far from the park at all. I live in the North MacGregor Way area.”

  “Nice. That area has a lot of newly renovated homes.”

  “Yes, they do. I should go.” Kathleen picked up her lunch container and walked toward the door. She looked over her shoulder and said, “I’ll see you later.”

  Morgan gave a quick nod but kept his feet planted. He knew if he didn’t he’d reach for Kathleen again and wouldn’t be able to let her go. Morgan had never felt like this before, and while the power this woman suddenly had over him scared the hell out of him, he couldn’t wait to explore where it would lead. Morgan turned his back to the door and picked up a stack of documents he had to review, knowing how difficult a feat that would be. He was having a hard time concentrating on anything except Kathleen, but had to give it a shot.

  When Morgan heard his door open again, his heart started beating so hard, he just knew she would hear it. He grinned. “Forget something, Kathleen?”

  “No, but apparently you did,” Adrian stated as he entered the office.

  Morgan checked his watch. “Oh man. You’re right. I forgot all about the meeting.”

  “No worries, I stalled. Van is taking them on a quick tour of the plant. We have a few minutes.” Morgan was sitting in his chair so Adrian took a seat in one of the chairs in front of the desk. “I assume this lack of memory has something to do with Kathleen.”

  The corners of Morgan’s mouth turned up. It has everything to do with her. Morgan knew he couldn’t admit that to Adrian because he would never hear the end of it. “Where are we meeting the Ultra Tech executives?”

  “Ignoring the question only means that I’m right. That’s cool. They’re in the executive conference room back at the administration building,” Adrian informed him, leering at his friend.

  Morgan’s smile widened. He knew there was a chance he’d get another glimpse at Kathleen before she left for the day. “Oh man, you got it bad,” Adrian concluded as he stood and walked toward the door. “I know my office is pretty cool but you do know that you have an office somewhere down the hall.”

  “Technically the whole plant is my office,” Morgan countered.

  “In that case why don’t you set up an office next to the training room,” he said, laughing as he walked out the door.

  “That’s not a bad idea,” Morgan murmured to himself.

  * * *

  After spending a few hours with her eldest sister, Kennedy, Kathleen had finally made it home. Hannah had given her the information for the restaurant, and she texted it to Morgan. His reply, See you soon, baby, had her feeling all warm and fuzzy inside, something she’d never felt before.

  Between her work and hobby of collecting unique antiques, Kathleen never seemed to have the time, energy or desire to date. She stood in her exceptionally large walk-in closet—which was a dressing room much like her sister’s—trying to determine what to wear when her doorbell rang. “Who could that be?” She made her way down the stairs. Kathleen knew Morgan wouldn’t dare show up three hours early, especially after she told him to be there at eight thirty. After checking her security screen, she heaved a sigh, but, deep down she was happy to see her guest.

  Kathleen opened the door. “Hello, Lisa. Hannah sent you,” she stated.

  “Yes. Hannah thought you might need a little help getting ready for your date.”

  Kathleen waved Lisa inside. “Sadly, she’s correct. Wait, please tell me you were already in town.”

  “I was,” she said, laughing.

  “Good, follow me.”

  The two women climbed the stairs and returned to Kathleen’s closet. “See the problem?” Kathleen pointed to her wardrobe.

  The luxurious dressing room with a designer closet system would make anyone swoon.

  Kathleen nodded and walked over to each compartment where her clothes were held and opened the doors.

  “May I?” Lisa asked.

  “Please.”

  Lisa walked up to each compartment and flipped through all the garments. Nearly everything had a designer label, but it was all conservative professional business attire. Only one compartment had what could be perceived as business casual clothes.

  “Is that it?” Lisa frowned.

  Kathleen shrugged and nodded. “Except my jeans, leggings and casual tops, that’s it.”

  “I see why Hannah did what she did.”

  Kathleen exhaled noisily. “What did Hannah do?”

  The doorbell rang, and Lisa smiled. “Right on time.”

  “Shall I get that?” Lisa asked with a gummy smile.

  Kathleen dropped down on one of the two gray-and-white chaise longues in the closet. “Might as well.” Kathleen knew her sister must’ve made arrangements for her to have something more appropriate to wear tonight. While she wanted to strangle her, Kathleen also wanted to thank Hannah. She only hoped there would be something she could wear that didn’t scream jump my bones, in spite of the fact that was exactly what her wayward body wanted.

  “Here we are,” Lisa announced, returning to the closet. She held up two large stuffed garment bags that she hung on a freestanding rack. Lisa unzipped one, removed the clothes and hung them on the rack. She removed a small gift bag that she set on the dresser. Kathleen walked over to the rack, flipped through everything her s
ister sent and was pleasantly surprised. Everything suited her perfectly. All the outfits selected were sexy but not over-the-top, like those Hannah usually preferred, especially when she was going out.

  “Wow, these are great. I can’t believe she picked these out,” Kathleen replied.

  “She didn’t,” Lisa said, unpacking her makeup bag. “She sent me shopping for you. I’ve gotten a sense of what you like based on the few times I’ve had the pleasure of working with you.”

  “You most certainly did. Thank you. Now, how many do I get to pick and when do they go back?”

  “You aren’t some frumpy stepsister and we’re certainly not your fairy godmothers. They don’t go back.”

  “What?”

  “Hannah bought them all. She figured this would be the first of many dates you’ll be going on.”

  “There’s, what, twenty outfits here?” Kathleen couldn’t hold back her surprise.

  “There’re twenty-four actually,” Lisa corrected.

  Kathleen fought back tears. She knew Hannah always had her back and doing something like this was right up her alley, but it still touched her heart knowing that her sister always seemed to know when she needed her the most.

  Lisa looked over Kathleen, who had her hair in a messy ponytail; she was wearing leggings and a long white T-shirt. She shook her head and said, “We better get started. We only have two and a half hours before Prince Charming arrives.”

  Kathleen giggled like a little girl. “He most certainly is that.”

  “But first.” Lisa picked up the small gift bag she’d placed on the dresser and handed it to Kathleen. “This is from both of us.”

  Kathleen’s brows drew together. “What’s this?”

  “Something we both hope you’ll need, if not tonight, then very soon.”

  Kathleen pulled out the decorative tissue paper and looked inside the bag. Her mouth fell open and her heart raced at the idea of using their gift. She bit her bottom lip and smiled. “Thank you,” she whispered.

  Chapter 11

  Morgan admired all the different style homes he passed as he made his way to Kathleen’s house. North MacGregor Way community was well-known for its historic and eclectic homes near downtown Houston. Morgan pulled his silver Aston Martin—a passion for expensive cars was the one indulgence all the Kingsleys shared—into Kathleen’s circular driveway, which sat on a corner lot in a tree-lined area. Morgan grabbed the bottle of Domaine Ramonet Montrachet Grand wine on the front seat and exited the car.