The Heiress's Secret Romance

by Martha Kennerson

  “She really must be something special. How long have you known this woman and where did you meet her?”

  “I only met her a few weeks ago. She’s the trainer that OSHA sent to update our systems and training program based on some new regulations that just went into effect,” Morgan explained.

  “Don’t you think that’s fast?”

  “You know me—”

  “I do, which is why I am asking. You don’t get involved. At least not long-term,” KJ stated with a worried look on his face.

  “Neither did you until you met Mia,” he reminded KJ.

  “True. Even then I fought it.”

  Morgan nodded in agreement. “So did I but I couldn’t seem to help myself.”

  “I know the feeling. Congratulations, man.” KJ offered his hand, and the two men shook. “So when do I get to meet her?”

  “I was going to bring her with me when I came to your house tomorrow, if that’s cool.”

  “Tomorrow? What happened to tonight?”

  “We have this other thing we need to do and I’m not sure when we’ll be done or what shape we’ll be in by this evening. Will tomorrow work?” he asked, hoping for a positive response.

  “Of course. There will be plenty of BBQ.”

  “Great.”

  “Yep, you got it bad.”

  Morgan laughed. “I know.”

  “So what brings you to town anyway? Don’t say it’s just to see us,” KJ questioned.

  “I took Kathleen to dinner last night.”

  “Last night. Well, I know you didn’t spend the night here, so I assume you two...”

  “I should go change,” he said, ignoring his brother’s conclusion. “Kathleen and I are meeting her sister at a community center for a service project.”

  Morgan figured KJ got the hint that he didn’t want to go there with him when he changed topics and said, “So she has a sister.”

  “Yes, and she’s an amazing chef.”

  “A chef?”

  “Yes, she has some popular show,” Morgan offered, his forehead creased as he tried to remember the name of her show.

  “That’s cool. What’s her name?”

  “Hannah Winston. You know it?”

  “No, but Mia might. She’s really into cooking networks,” KJ explained.

  “She has two other siblings too. Her brother’s in finance, I think, and her older sister is an executive. At least I think that’s what she told me. I honestly don’t remember what she said,” he admitted. “I do know they all seem to do well for themselves.”

  “Well, I’m happy for you, man.” Colby’s laughter rang throughout the house.

  “Me too, for you, as well. What time tomorrow?”

  KJ shrugged. “How’s one?”

  “Sounds good to me. I’m going to change. I can’t keep my lady waiting.” It was a declaration that Morgan was beginning to enjoy making.

  * * *

  Kathleen sat on one of the chaise longues in her closet with her body and hair wrapped in towels. She looked up at her frustrated sister, and she knew she couldn’t keep this conversation at bay any longer.

  Hannah stood in front of Kathleen with her arms folded across her chest. “Now that you’ve had your shower, do you want to tell me what’s going on? Why are you in such a frenzy about Morgan coming to help us today? The man is obviously crazy about you. He couldn’t seem to keep his hands off you.”

  Her sister’s words broke through the dam Kathleen built to hold back her tears; the truth of Hannah’s statement was too much to bear. Kathleen burst into tears. Hannah sat down next to her sister and put her arms around Kathleen. “What’s wrong?”

  “I’m falling in...love with... Morgan,” she said between sniffles as she tried to catch her breath.

  “Oh, sweetie, that’s okay. It’s pretty clear to me he’s fallen for you too.”

  “I know...” A fresh set of tears fell.

  Hannah released her sister, left the dressing room, returning quickly with a box of tissues in hand. “Here you go.” Kathleen took a tissue and blew her nose. She wiped her tears and took several deep breaths trying to calm herself. “Talk to me, Kat.”

  Kathleen offered her sister a weak smile at her childhood nickname. “I still haven’t told Morgan the truth about everything.”

  “What?”

  “I know, I should have told him.” Kathleen dropped her face in the palms of her hands.

  “Yes, you should have.”

  “I—”

  “Kathleen, you had sex with the man without clearing the air about everything.” Kathleen nodded, keeping her hands on her face. Hannah put her arm around her shoulders. “It’s okay.”

  Kathleen dropped her hands. “No, it’s not.”

  “No, it’s not, and I shouldn’t have encouraged you. I forgot how emotionally inexperienced you are and I don’t want you to get hurt,” Hannah stated. “But you are going to tell him, right?”

  “Yes, of course. I was waiting for the assignment to end, but now, I’m going to tell Morgan as soon as my boss officially closes the case.”

  “I thought you did that already?”

  Kathleen saw the confusion in her sister’s eyes. “I did, but I don’t have the final say.”

  “Well, when will that be?”

  “Hopefully Monday, and I’ll tell Morgan everything as soon as I know.”

  “Why does that even matter? I mean, you said they were innocent. Why not just tell Morgan now?”

  “Because my deception was about business that I let turn personal—”

  “But only after you’d determined that they were already innocent.”

  Kathleen shook her head. She stood and walked over to the dresser. “That doesn’t matter. I still deceived him...them, and I put my reputation and job in jeopardy.”

  “How did you do that?”

  “I got involved with the target of an investigation, Hannah. That crosses all types of ethical boundaries,” she explained, throwing her hands up in disgust.

  Hannah heaved a sigh. “So what are you going to do?”

  “I’m going to get this case closed, come clean to my boss and tell the Kingsleys the truth. I’m hoping when I explain things and give them the good news about the outcome of the investigation they might find a way to forgive me,” she rationalized.

  “And if they don’t?”

  “I don’t know,” Kathleen admitted.

  “Well, if Morgan cares for you like I think he does, he’ll find a way to move past it. I’m sure of it,” Hannah stated with confidence.

  “It’s not just that.”

  Hannah stare fixed. “What else is there?”

  “He doesn’t realize we come from an equally wealthy background.”

  Hannah gave a nonchalant wave. “Oh that, that’s nothing.”

  “It’s something to him.”

  “I can’t believe he hasn’t figured it out.” Hannah ignored her buzzing phone. “All he has to do is search the internet for you or me, for that matter.”

  Kathleen exhaled. “Thankfully he’s not into social media.”

  “All right, but what does all this have to do with the service project?”

  The look of confusion had returned to her sister’s face.

  “Dad supplied all the materials for this job.”

  “So...” Hannah frowned.

  “So? Don’t you think he’ll find it odd that we’re doing a service project with a bunch of Winston materials lying around the place?”

  “First off, our donation was in the form of money and workforce. They could purchase the materials from many different places, and our name isn’t on any of them.” Hannah started walking around her sister’s closet, checking out her wardrobe. “You’ve been out of the business too long.”
r />   “So have you,” Kathleen countered.

  “Yeah, but I know what’s going on and that we don’t make the materials we use,” she snapped back.

  “You’re right. Sorry, sis. I guess my paranoia is getting to me.”

  “It’s fine. Look, I think you’re concerned over nothing, but I’ll head over now and make sure there’s nothing out there that says Winston Construction or that there’s no one’s around to blow your cover, okay?”

  “Thank you.”

  “No problem.” Hannah hugged her sister. “Keep the faith, and I’ll let myself out. See you soon.”

  “Hannah’s right. Just keep the faith. You can do that because Morgan’s worth it. What we have is worth all the risk,” Kathleen told herself.

  Chapter 17

  Kathleen moved in front of her full-body mirror. She loosened her robe and looked down at the evidence of her and Morgan’s passion last night and that morning, and all of his words came rushing back into her mind. Kathleen took a deep breath and released it quickly. “Everything is going be fine. As soon as you get dressed,” she said, pointing to her reflection.

  She opened her dresser drawer, selected a black lace bra and underwear set and slipped them on. She pulled out a pair of blue jeans, a green V-neck shirt and a blue jean jacket. Kathleen put on a pair of blue running shoes, lightly made up her face and pulled her hair up into a high ponytail. She was gathering up the towels when her doorbell rang. Kathleen tossed everything into her hamper, picked up her phone and purse and went downstairs to open the door.

  “Hi.” Kathleen was taken aback at the sight of Morgan in black jeans, a tan short-sleeve shirt, black leather jacket and black oxfords; she loved his more casual look. He was holding a brown leather bag and her heart raced because she knew what that meant. Kathleen stepped aside to let Morgan inside. As soon as he crossed the threshold, he dropped the bag, pulled Kathleen into his arms and captured her lips in a mind-blowing kiss. “Oh, wow.”

  Morgan leaned his forehead against hers. “I missed you,” he admitted. His voice sounded weak.

  “I missed you too. I’m guessing those are a few of your things.”

  “They are. Should I take the bag upstairs?”

  “Later. We have to get to the Ward Community Center. You look great, by the way,” she complimented.

  “So do you, like always. I love the jeans, although they’ll make keeping my focus that much more difficult.” Morgan opened the door. “After you, my lady.”

  As they made their way to the community center, Kathleen shared its eighty-year history in Houston’s Third Ward with him. She explained how the residents came together and contacted several companies to get support in bringing their community center back to its former glory. She left out the fact that her family’s company had been their largest benefactor.

  When they finally arrived at the center, Kathleen quickly scanned the area for any Winston Construction signs that might’ve been posted. Kathleen breathed a sigh of relief when she saw none. They exited the vehicle and headed inside.

  “There you are,” the center’s director said as she approached Kathleen.

  “Good morning, Mrs. Benson.” Kathleen kissed the slimly built gray-haired older woman wearing a long flowered dress with a white apron wrapped around her waist.

  “Good morning.” She brought the glasses that hung around her neck to her eyes and checked the clock on the wall. “I guess it’s still morning...barely. Now, who is this handsome gentleman?”

  “Mrs. Benson, this is a friend of mine, Morgan Kingsley.” Kathleen turned and looked up at him. “Morgan, this is Mrs. Benson. She’s an old family friend, and she spearheaded the campaign to get this center updated. As a way to thank her for all her hard work, the community voted to make her the center’s director.”

  “That’s what I get for opening my big mouth,” she teased, extending her hand.

  Morgan gave her hand a gentle shake. “Pleased to meet you.”

  “Morgan came to help us out today. I’m sure you can find something for him to do.” Kathleen looked around the center’s entrance and all the boxes, furniture and sporting equipment that littered the foyer and every hallway leading from it.

  “Are you good with your hands?” Mrs. Benson asked.

  “I most certainly am,” he replied, briefly cutting his eyes to Kathleen.

  Kathleen felt warm all over, and she only hoped she wasn’t as scarlet as Mrs. Benson’s nail polish. “Morgan’s family owns an oil and gas company, so he’s always working with his hands,” she quickly explained.

  “Good. Head down that hall,” she pointed to the left of where they stood. “Knock on the last door to your right and ask for Danny. He has a couple of walls that need a coat of paint.”

  Morgan reached for Kathleen’s hand. “I guess I’ll see you later.”

  Kathleen squeezed his hand and smiled. “I’ll come by and check on you in a little while.” She watched as he walked away and her heart immediately started to ache. Kathleen was starting to feel like she was losing something important. Get it together, girl. Everything’s going to be fine.

  “Hello...” Mrs. Benson snapped her fingers in front Kathleen’s face.

  “Yes, ma’am,” Kathleen replied, snapping out of her trance.

  “Someone’s smitten, I see. I say that young man is more than just a friend.”

  Kathleen didn’t want to be disrespectful to Mrs. Benson, but she didn’t want to discuss her personal life with her either. Deflect. “Where do you need me today?”

  “The library, of course. We still have to fill all those beautiful bookshelves you refurbished for us. I still can’t get over your father’s generosity. First, he donates all the money we need to restore and upgrade this place, and then he sends us thousands of books to fill our library shelves, so we’re ready the day we open. Or should I say the Irene Winston Memorial Library.”

  Kathleen smiled. She loved the idea of the library being named after her mother.

  Kathleen’s mother had been an avid reader, especially during the last year of her life. Irene had an eclectic taste when it came to books. She loved everything except romance novels. Kathleen’s mother once told her that the reason she didn’t read about other people’s romances was because she was living one of her very own. Kathleen now knew exactly what her mother meant.

  “It was his pleasure. My mom was a big fan of reading.”

  “I know she was, sweetie.” Mrs. Benson ran her right hand down Kathleen’s arm as if she was trying to warm her up. “We better get to work.”

  “I’m on it. Just one more thing.”

  “What’s that?” Mrs. Benson placed her right hand on her hip.

  “Morgan doesn’t know anything about my family’s wealth and I’d like to keep it that way.”

  “He won’t hear about it from me,” she promised.

  Kathleen sighed. “Thank you. I’ll get to work.”

  * * *

  Morgan stood in the doorway of the room he’d been directed to. He saw an older brown-skinned man with a shaved head wearing a blue shirt and a pair of overalls and work boots painting a wall. “Excuse me, sir, are you Danny?”

  “Yes, how can I help you?”

  “Hi, I’m Morgan Kingsley.” He offered his hand, walking into the room. “I’m here to volunteer, and Mrs. Benson sent me to you.”

  “Did she now? I can’t shake your hand but welcome. Do you know anything about painting?”

  “Yes, sir, I sure do.”

  “Good. As you can see all four walls have been primed and are ready to be painted.”

  “Yes, sir, I can see that. Where would you like for me to start?”

  “You can start by losing that fancy jacket of yours and rolling up your sleeves.”

  Morgan smirked. “Yes, sir.” He removed his jacket and laid it acr
oss the chair near the door. He held out his arms. “Short sleeves, which wall do you want me to do first?”

  “You’re a young and virile-looking man, so you get the back wall,” Danny said, laughing. “Everything you need is in the corner.”

  Morgan poured paint in a tray, selected a roller and got to work. After toiling in silence for nearly an hour, Danny asked, “So what brings you here? I didn’t see Kingsley Oil and Gas on the list of donors.”

  “You know who I am?” Morgan studied the older man.

  “Of course, I spent twenty years as a longshoreman. I know all the companies in the gulf,” he declared proudly.

  “I didn’t know anything about this project,” he stated as he continued to work.

  “I see. I thought maybe you were here anonymously.”

  “No, I came with a friend,” Morgan said, silencing his ringing phone.

  “Who, if I may ask?” Danny stilled his brush and looked over at Morgan.

  “Kathleen Winston,” he said proudly as his heart skipped a beat when he just mentioned her name.

  “Kathleen’s a good girl from a great family.” Danny returned to his work.

  “Yes, she is. Kathleen’s something special.”

  “Did I hear my name?” Kathleen asked, walking into the room.

  Danny put his brush down and hugged Kathleen. “Yes, you did, beautiful one. How are you?”

  “I’m good. How have you been?” She gave Danny a quick kiss on the cheek.

  “Fit as a fiddle.”

  Kathleen laughed. “I see you put this one to work.” She gestured with her head toward Morgan.

  “I sure did. Excuse me a minute.” Danny left the room to answer his buzzing phone.

  “Speaking of work, shouldn’t you be doing some?” Morgan teased.

  “As a matter of fact, I should. I just wanted to make sure you were handling your assignment okay.”

  Morgan laid down his roller, closed the distance between them in less than three strides and wrapped his arms around Kathleen’s waist. “You sure that’s all you wanted?” He gave her a wicked grin before leaning forward, kissing Kathleen passionately on the lips.

  Sooner than either one of them wanted, Morgan ended their kiss, a move Kathleen clearly rejected by tightening her grip on his waist and back. Morgan took her hands and gently removed them from around him. His body was coming alive in a way he knew was inappropriate.