The Heiress's Secret Romance

by Martha Kennerson

  Kathleen sat down, and Morgan took the seat across from her. “Can I get you anything to drink?” Carl asked.

  “I took the liberty of choosing a nice chardonnay to accompany the appetizers I made for you.” Hannah sent Carl to the bar to collect the bottle, and when he returned he filled their glasses. Another young woman appeared with two large square plates. She placed the plates in the center of the table after Hannah had Carl remove the centerpiece.

  “I prepared a baked brie with figs and walnuts. Oh, I hope you don’t have a nut allergy,” Hannah said to Morgan.

  “No, I don’t.” Morgan’s cell phone rang; he checked the screen and sent the caller to voice mail.

  “Good, because it’s divine. There’re buttered Parmesan croissants, shrimp scampi dip and baked ham-and-cheese roll-ups. Try the roll-ups. They’re ham, Swiss cheese and a poppy seed glaze. Everything’s delicious, if I do say so myself.” Hannah’s whole face lit up.

  Kathleen reached for a roll. “We better try one or she’ll never leave us alone.”

  Morgan selected one and took a bite. “This is very good.”

  “Yes. Hannah, it’s very good,” Kathleen agreed.

  “Great. We have a full menu, but if you trust me I can make you something fabulous,” Hannah offered, smiling at both Morgan and her sister.

  Morgan raised his right hand. “I’m game.”

  “That would be great. Thanks, sis.”

  “Excellent. You two enjoy and your dinner will be out shortly.” Hannah exited the room.

  Morgan reached for his glass of wine and raised it. “To a very interesting evening,” he said, grinning.

  Kathleen smiled, picked up her glass and clinked his with hers. “It’s getting off to an interesting start, that’s for sure.”

  Kathleen filled her plate with several appetizers and watched as Morgan did the same. “Your sister’s pretty great and her cooking is amazing.”

  Kathleen wiped her mouth. “She really is...both my sisters are.”

  “What does your other sister do?” Morgan took a drink from his glass, and his phone rang again. He looked at the phone’s screen; his smile disappeared and his face went blank.

  “Anything wrong?” Kathleen took a sip of her wine. She wasn’t sure if she really wanted to know the answer to that question, but she was happy she didn’t have to answer his question about her other sister yet.

  Morgan exhaled noisily. “I was engaged once. To a socialite named Bonnie Ford, and she’s reaching out to me again.”

  “I see...” Kathleen’s eyes dropped to her plate and her heart fell to the floor with the thought that this woman was back in his life. She set her mouth in a hard line, preventing all the emotional craziness in her head from escaping her mouth.

  Morgan reached across the table and held Kathleen’s hand. “Bonnie and I haven’t been anything to each other in years.”

  “Then why is she calling you now?”

  “I’m not sure. We haven’t spoken yet.”

  “Engaged.” Kathleen pulled her hand back and took another sip of her wine. They must have had something pretty special if she still thinks it’s okay to reach out to him. Maybe he still has feelings for her.

  * * *

  Morgan sighed and sat back in his seat. He could almost see the wall coming back up between them, and Morgan knew he couldn’t let that happen. Morgan hated talking about the circumstances behind his breakup with Bonnie but he figured if he didn’t this might be his first and last date with Kathleen.

  “The Ford family was part of the same social circle as mine. We met while in high school. She went to an all-girls boarding school, so we mostly saw each other on the weekends and holidays.”

  “So this was just a high school thing,” Kathleen concluded incorrectly.

  At that, her face had brightened like a light bulb, and he hated to disappoint her. Damn. I wish I could just stop right here, but I will not start this relationship off on a lie. “Not exactly. More wine?” He reached for the bottle.

  “Yes, please.”

  Morgan topped off both their glasses and returned the bottle to the silver bucket where it had been resting on a bed of ice. They both took a drink before Morgan continued. “After high school, we went to the same college, and both majored in engineering. The Fords own a small refinery.”

  “Sounds like you two had a lot in common.”

  “I thought so. Even though Bonnie was pursuing her degree, all she wanted was to marry me, have kids and stay home.”

  “And you didn’t like that.” Kathleen nodded.

  “Actually, that’s exactly what I wanted.”

  Kathleen went poker-faced. “You did? Do you still feel like that?”

  Here we go. I might as well ask for the check now. “If I’m honest, I love the idea of coming home and finding someone waiting for me. Not to wait on me hand and foot, if that’s what you’re thinking. I want a partner in every way. But—”

  “But what?”

  “I know this will be hard to believe but I grew up in a mostly traditional home. While my mother helped my dad out at the office a couple of days a week, for the most part, she was a stay-at-home mom when we were really young.”

  “Victoria Kingsley?” Doubt crossed her face.

  “She wasn’t always Victoria Kingsley. For a long time, she was Mrs. Alexander Kingsley and Mom. Then my dad and uncle died, and everything changed.” Not knowing what Kathleen was thinking or feeling about these new revelations, their earlier conversations about his aunt and the emotions of his father’s death rushing back overwhelmed him. He gripped the stem of his wineglass with more force than he realized, and it broke off in his hand, cutting him. “Ouch...”

  They saw the waiter approaching, but Kathleen held up her right palm to stop his forward movement. She pushed her chair back and rose slowly and silently. Morgan sat still and closed his eyes. He was trying to bring himself back under control. Morgan felt the warmth of Kathleen’s hands cupping his face. She turned his head and said, “Open your eyes, baby.”

  Her words and touch brought him instant relief. The emotional hurricane swirling inside him subsided. Morgan opened his eyes and stared down into the warmth of hers. She had knelt down right next to him. “What’s developing between us, Kathleen, has already surpassed what I thought she and I had,” he said, hoping she could see the conviction in his eyes.

  Kathleen smiled, rose up and gently kissed him on the lips. “That’s all I wanted to hear. Let’s get your hand cleaned up. Does it hurt?”

  Morgan sighed. “A little. But I want you to know everything about me. I don’t ever want any lies or misunderstandings to come between us. My parents and brothers have great relationships and I want that too...with you.”

  * * *

  Kathleen was fighting back tears at the sight of Morgan’s pain and sweet declaration at the same time trying to slow her racing heart. His words wrapped around her like a warm sweater she had that once belonged to her mother. The idea that she’d been lying to him and his family about who she was and her motives for being there was making her ill.

  “Carl, my man,” Morgan called, waving him over. He wrapped his bleeding hand in his napkin. Kathleen stood and stepped aside.

  “Yes, sir,” Carl answered as he made his way over to the table.

  “Do you have a first-aid kit?”

  “Yes, sir, I’ll get it right away.”

  “I think we should get you to a doctor,” Kathleen suggested.

  “No, it’s not that bad. A couple of butterfly stitches should be fine.”

  Carl returned with the kit, and Hannah was on his heels. “Here you go, sir.”

  “What happened?” Confusion and concern were written all over Hannah’s face.

  “Just a small mishap. I’ll pay for the glass,” Morgan promised.

 
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Hannah waved off his offer. “Carl, please get this mess cleaned up.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Excuse me while I go take care of this.” Morgan glanced down at his hand. “Where’s the men’s room?”

  “This way, sir.” Morgan kissed Kathleen on the cheek before following Carl to the other side of the restaurant.

  Kathleen gazed after him.

  “Wow, you really are into him, aren’t you?” Hannah observed.

  Kathleen stared down at her feet and slowly nodded. She raised her head and turned to face her sister. “Yes, I am. Too bad nothing will ever come of it.” Tears began streaming down her face.

  Chapter 13

  Hannah took Kathleen’s hand, grabbed her purse and led her to the ladies’ powder room. The lounge area was large with mirrored walls; two white leather sofas and two white circle chairs sat in the middle of the room facing each other. Both women sat down on the first sofa they reached. “What are you talking about?” Hannah asked, wiping away Kathleen’s tears.

  “Morgan still has no idea who I am and that I’ve been lying to him. To his whole family.”

  Hannah frowned. “I don’t understand.”

  “I just couldn’t do it,” Kathleen said, her voice barely above a whisper.

  “Yes, you can. Let me help you.”

  “How?” Kathleen held her sister’s gaze. “How can you help me with this? The Kingsleys thought I was there to train their staff on some new regulations. Not investigate them. I looked Morgan and his mother in the eyes and lied to them.”

  “Answer me this. Why do you do what you do?”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Your job, why do you do it?” Hannah clarified.

  “You know why. I don’t want other families to go through what we did,” she explained, reaching in her purse for a Kleenex.

  “Right. Did you initially think you had a case against the Kingsleys? That they could be putting their employees in danger?”

  Kathleen took a deep breath and released it slowly before replying, “Yes.”

  “If you found out that the Kingsleys had done something wrong, would you have let them get away with it?”

  “No.”

  “I didn’t think so. You were doing your job, Kathleen. Your investigation is over, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “With a positive outcome, right?” Hannah’s eyebrows rose. Unable to speak, Kathleen gave a quick nod. “So the case is closed.”

  “It is,” Kathleen confirmed, swiping at her tears. “But I have to wrap up a few things still related to the policy writing aspect of things.”

  “Okay, how long will that take?”

  “Not long. A week...maybe.”

  Hannah took her sister’s hand. “So just tell him the truth then. It will be fine. I saw the way he was looking at you. He’ll understand that you had a job to do. At least he won’t have to worry about you being some gold digger.”

  Kathleen smirked. “There is that. But—”

  “No buts. Just enjoy spending the weekend getting to know him better and let him get to know you too. There’s more to Kathleen Winston than her net worth and job.”

  “Thank you, Hannah.”

  Hannah stood, grabbed her sister’s hands and pulled her off the sofa. “Now get up and fix your makeup. You have a handsome guy waiting for you, and I have a great meal to serve.” Hannah kissed Kathleen on the cheek and left her to pull herself together.

  Kathleen stood in front of the mirror and took a deep breath. She pulled her compact out of her purse and blotted her face. “Hannah was right—we’re getting to know each other. This will be over soon, and I know Morgan will understand,” she said to her reflection. She gave herself one last look and went back to join Morgan.

  “There you are,” Morgan said, standing next to the table.

  “Just thought I’d freshen up. How’s your hand?”

  He held up his bandaged right palm. “It’s fine.”

  “So is our table, I see.” Kathleen noticed that the table had been redressed with fresh linen, new crystal glasses and dishes.

  “Yes, it is. Shall we continue where we left off?” Morgan held out Kathleen’s chair.

  Kathleen took a seat. “Absolutely.”

  Morgan returned to his chair, but before he could even start their conversation, Carl returned, rolling out a two-level cart. “Your dinner is served,” he announced.

  “Thank you, Carl,” Hannah said, coming up behind him. “Morgan, since you were such a good sport about trying my appetizers, I figured I should make you something special.” Hannah raised the lids on the plates. “I hope you like your prime cut filet mignon medium rare. I know my sister certainly does.”

  Hannah handed them each a plate. The corners of Morgan’s mouth quirked up. “I most certainly do,” he replied with a broad smile.

  Hannah placed a plate of asparagus and potatoes on the table. “I’ll send over a bottle of Vérité La Joie. It’s an excellent red blend I hope you enjoy with your meal.”

  “I’m sure it will be great. Thanks, Hannah, for everything.” Kathleen knew her sister was aware she wasn’t just thanking her for the meal. She hated having such big lies between her and Morgan but she hoped he’d understand the circumstances.

  Morgan cut into his steak and took a bite. “This is so good. It melts in your mouth.”

  “I’m sure it does, just like the asparagus. You should try some,” Kathleen said, laughing at Morgan’s plate, which was stacked with meat and potatoes, only before taking another bite of her asparagus.

  Carl returned with a bottle of wine and presented it to Morgan. “Shall I open and pour?”

  “Sure, and thank you,” Kathleen replied as Morgan had his mouth full again. Carl offered the initial taste to Kathleen. “Excellent.” Kathleen cut into her steak, tried her sister’s potatoes, which she knew would be good, and smiled.

  Carl filled both glasses before he returned to the kitchen. Kathleen took a sip of her wine and said, “So, a stay-at-home wife. That’s what you’re looking for.”

  Morgan held up his right index finger, swallowed his food and took a drink from his glass. “Wow, that is good. Your sister has excellent taste in wine.”

  “Yes, she does. She’s a chef.” Kathleen smiled. “Stay-at-home wife, that’s what you’re looking for?”

  “Not necessarily. I just don’t want someone who is so driven that she forgets about what’s important.”

  “Is that what your mother did?”

  “Not intentionally. After my father and uncle died, she had to step up and lead our family and run the business. It consumed her.”

  “That couldn’t have been easy.” Kathleen reached for more asparagus. “You sure you won’t try any?”

  “The steak and potatoes are fine.”

  Kathleen smiled and shook her head at the look on his face. “You don’t like green vegetables?”

  “Not one that looks like it’s a stem of a tree,” he stated, adding more potatoes to his plate.

  “So is that what happened to Bonnie? She became too consumed with her career? Changed the plan on you or something?”

  “Not exactly.” Morgan finished off his wine and picked up the bottle. “Would you like some more?”

  “Sure. And if you don’t want to talk about it, that’s fine.” Kathleen was a pro at dodging uncomfortable questions. She’d certainly had enough practice after her mother’s death and whenever she was at any social function with her family.

  Morgan refilled their glasses. “No, it’s fine. I want you to know me.”

  Kathleen felt good about his statement and willingness to open up to her, but bad because she wasn’t doing the same. She told herself that Morgan would understand why she held back on him and he’d soon know
everything about her as well.

  “While in college Bonnie embraced her privileged life.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “She joined what we used to call league clubs. Clubs geared to trust fund babies who liked to believe they were doing good works for others, but in reality, all they did was write checks. Nothing real was ever for anyone but themselves. It was all just for show. Bonnie insisted that we follow members of our social circle to charity events that meant nothing.”

  “Like what?”

  “Teas, fashion shows, and we even went to the Kentucky Derby. Although that was pretty cool.”

  Kathleen smiled and wished she could tell him that her family went to the Derby every year: one of the perks of her wealth. Attending the race was one of the many things her mother enjoyed and one of the last they’d done together. “Because of the horses, right?”

  “Right.”

  “So she started changing?” Kathleen concluded as she continued to eat.

  Morgan held Kathleen’s gaze. “Yes, her wealth became everything to her. So much so that she was no longer my Bonnie.”

  His Bonnie. The words stung, even though she was part of his past. “Is that why things ended?” Kathleen reached for her wineglass.

  “No. Things ended because I found out that she was not only cheating on me, but she’d only agreed to marry me to ensure her family would be able to do business with my mother, which is ridiculous. Victoria Kingsley only does business with people she wants to, regardless of the relationship.”

  “What?” Kathleen coughed, having nearly choked on her wine.

  “Are you okay?” His face twisted with concern.

  “Yes, I’m fine,” she assured, reaching for her water glass.

  Morgan waited for Kathleen to stop coughing before he continued his story. “She’d met someone more into her, and she wanted to end things with me, but her father told her she couldn’t. For the sake of the family’s business and for her to be able to maintain her lifestyle, Bonnie had to marry me in order for their family to be set financially. He even told her that she could keep her old boyfriend as her lover if necessary.”