Around the World in 80 Men Series Boxed Set 1-10

by Brandi Ratliff

  Hearing the man with such a strong voice sound so vulnerable made her smile, then it all sunk in and Morgan broke out into uncontrollable laughter.

  “I know!” He started laughing too.

  “Yes, that sounds like a lot of fun! I can definitely do that!” Morgan calmed her laughter long enough to answer. She was worried he was going to call off the trip, but his explanation just made everything exciting.

  “Great! Let's just get through that, then when you get here, I'll explain everything! Thank you, Morgan! I look forward to meeting you!”

  “No problem, my love. I can't wait to kiss those sweet lips of yours and lay in your warm embrace again, my sexy groom,” Morgan spoke in a soft voice as if she were speaking to the love of her life and again, they both broke out into laughter.

  “You're going to be great! I've got to go, see you soon!” Tyler hung up before Morgan could say goodbye, but it was alright because she was still trying to control her laughter. Several moments later, she sent a photo of herself to Tyler, and asked for a recent one in return. She thought it might be more convincing if they actually recognized one another in the airport. Then next thing on her agenda was to secure a place to stay until Monday.

  She made reservations at a hotel on the outskirts of the city There was no way that she would stay close to Jake considering he was probably bursting at the seems to get everything done that he put off to 'relax' with her. Although, staying with him a little longer was a sweet thought, it was best to leave and let him believe that she was heading out for a new client.

  Her mood had greatly improved since that morning. She had to smile at her recent problems, in comparison to her old life, missing one man and looking forward to seeing another was a much better problem to have. Morgan also liked the fact that the men seemed to think the same thing, and that was worth everything to her, to make friends along the way with some of her favorite clients.

  Just as she was about to turn on the television, another call rang out that took her by surprise. “Is it my fiance again?” She smiled into her phone as she picked it up. “Fin?” Her finger quickly tapped the green button. “Hey! How are you, my gorgeous Scot?!” She was hyper, and loud, and to Finlay, quite amusing.

  He laughed before answering her. “Hi, Love. Is it muh call that has ye so happy?” His light hearted tone brought an even bigger smile to her face, and she told him that his calls always make her happy. “I'm in New York, say you'll take the week off, I need to see ye.” Morgan frowned into the phone, she had actually thought of going to New York, then again, that would have been with a client so that wouldn't have worked out anyway.

  “Why are you in the States?” That was the best she could do with a reply, because there was no way that she was going to cancel her engagement to Tyler, especially not for a man that would still drop her if work needed him. Even though her heart pulled as she held the phone close to her ear. She listened as he explained that he was thinking about buying property in New York, and that he would be there for at least ten days. Morgan held her breath as she held back the urge to jump at the chance to see him, but her common sense helped her get it under control.

  “Fin, I can't. I hate that you're here and I can't see you, but I just committed to another job. In fact, I just made reservations at the Four Winds to stay until I leave for Canada on Monday. He needs a pretend bride..and his family won't be there until...” Morgan suddenly realized that her nerves had released into rambling at the man.

  “So...your answer is no, aye?” The sadness in his voice was almost unbearable.

  “Aye, Fin. The answer is no.” She couldn't take the temptation any longer, and told the handsome man that she had to get going. Reluctantly, he let her go.

  “Oh Fin, I'll take time off soon, I promise.” She spoke to her phone after turning if off, willing her feelings to go to him without having to tell him herself. She was crazy about the man, but afraid of being hurt by him as well. “People change, right?” She questioned herself as she found a comfortable spot on the bed to enjoy TV, and wait for Jake.

  “Asleep on the job again, huh?” Jake's playful tone brought Morgan from her deep sleep, something that she had held off from doing until she could no longer keep her eyes open. It was nearly midnight before the man returned to their room.

  “Yeah, too bad someone wasn't here to keep me awake.” Her sleepy sexy voice lured him into the bed beside her, and his presence lured Morgan into his embrace.

  *****

  “That's it? He's gone?” Morgan had just left the bathroom the next morning, thinking that her client must be working out, running, or buying something that he couldn't live without, and was just about to make a pot of coffee. It was there, on the empty pot, that she found her note.

  Dear Morgan, I don't think I have the words to tell you how much I appreciate our time together. I'll probably never slow down to a point of being normal, but you taught me how to enjoy the unexpected, and I'll always be grateful.

  I've never been able to say goodbye, especially in person, so I waited until you were asleep before leaving. I will never, ever, forget you. Call me, keep in touch, and I'll see you later.

  Jake

  “Jake.” She held the note close to her chest as she fought back the pain of missing out on her proper goodbye.

  Morgan slowly walked back to the bed, and started to slide the note into her bag. Before letting go, she brought it back out and put it on her lap, then pulled out her scrapbook. His letter was all she needed for his picture, and she slid his note into the slot under his photo, and ran her fingers across the paper. “Goodbye, Jake.” She kissed her fingertips and tapped the paper before closing her book.

  It was only eight thirty, but check out was at ten, so she hurried through her shower and was ready to leave within the hour. She gave one last look through the room before she called the front desk to help her with the bags.

  “Thanks!” She tipped the men that helped, and got into the cab that the desk clerk had called for her. As she sat in the back, watching the buildings pass quickly, she felt as if she had been cheated in some way. Maybe it was just different from her norm, not going to an airport, not hugging her client or waving goodbye, that made her feel that way. Her mood was far from good, and the twenty minute drive through traffic had made it worse. Just wait until I talk to you, Jake! She actually had to laugh at the thought, considering he would probably just make her laugh at herself. I'll miss you.

  When her cab pulled up in front of the Four Winds, Morgan's mood was no longer an issue. It was a beautiful high rise, right on the ocean, and the thought of spending lazy days on the beach had helped her deal with the issues of the day. She paid the driver and followed the men with her bags inside. Check in was quick and painless, and she was in her room within minutes.

  “Wow!” She spun in a near circle, looking at everything in the spacious room. One large bed was in the center, with an eight person hot tub on the balcony, which she could plainly see with the double doors that were already open for her. The white curtains blew into the room, as the warm salty air filled her senses. “I love it!” Shiny white tile flooring, great for zipping around in cotton socks, was throughout both the main room and bathroom. White wood furniture, with cushions that nearly shouted 'tropical' with bright flowers and birds sewn in, were lining every wall of the large room. Oh yes, her mood had greatly improved, but she still planned to have a chat with Jake very soon.

  That evening, Morgan wanted nothing more than to order an enormous dinner, and enjoy it on her balcony as she watched the beach goers down below. A steak, a bottle of wine, and a beautiful Florida sunset were the makings for a perfect start to her long weekend alone. She changed into her light blue nightie, the little number that Alrik had bought for her in Sweden. She smiled at the memory of first seeing it, not understanding why the man would buy such a skimpy garment in such a cold place. But it made her feel pretty, and that's exactly what she was looking for on her
night in. Not for a man, not for any specific reason, just for herself. Of course, the matching robe would be worn when her food arrived.

  After placing her order with room service, and adding a piece of strawberry cheesecake to the mix, she went outside and took a seat on the soft lounge chair next to the hot tub. “I could totally get used to this.” She put her hands behind her head, and closed her eyes as she waited for her perfect meal. Her perfect moment was interrupted by the soft tune of her phone, and she went inside and grabbed it from the nightstand. It was a text...from Julianne. “Morgan! He found me!” She squealed and jumped in the air, there were no words that she could speak or text at the moment to tell Julianne how happy she was for her, for both of them.

  “Damn! That was quick!” Her jumping frenzy ended abruptly with a knock on the door. She opened it quickly, forgetting her need for a robe, “you guys are fas...” her mouth stopped as her eyes went into overdrive. She stared at a gorgeous man, propped against the door frame, holding a large pizza and a six pack of beer in his hands.

  “Hello, lass.”

  “Fin!”

  Want to know how the authors perceive Morgan and her clients? Check out the official facebook page for photos, excerpts, release dates and more! facebook.com/aroundtheworldin80men