Read Online Places in My Heart by Sheryl Lister - Free Book Online

Maybe I’ll do it at dinner tomorrow.” The entire family got together at least monthly for Sunday dinner. “Daddy’s probably going to have a fit. And Brandon just told me this week that I should focus on being a lawyer right now.”
    He squeezed her shoulder. “Well, you know I got your back.”
    â€œThanks, Mal.”
    Omar returned, and he and Malcolm shared a one-arm hug. “What’s up, man?”
    â€œI see you have a new agent,” Malcolm said. “I hope it works out.”
    Staring down at Morgan, he said, “I’m counting on it.”
    Malcolm chuckled, and Morgan cut him a quick look.
    â€œLooks like they’re about to serve dinner. I’ll see you guys later.”
    Over dinner, conversation flowed around the table. Morgan learned that the center’s focus would be to provide services for veterans. She thought that was a great idea and made a mental note to mention it to her father. As veterans, he and Uncle Thad would more than likely want to pledge their support. After dinner, Bryson stepped up to the microphone and thanked everyone for attending. He provided detailed information on the center’s goals and what they needed in the way of funding.
    â€œI’d like to take credit for this dynamic project, but I can’t,” Bryson continued. “That honor belongs to our keynote speaker and the center’s founder, Omar Drummond.” Applause sounded throughout the ballroom.
    Morgan gasped and swung her surprised gaze to Omar. “You’re the... Why didn’t you tell me?” she whispered.
    Omar shrugged, stood and made his way to the podium. “Thanks, Bryce. And thank you all for coming.”
    He turned his serious gaze toward the audience, and Morgan was held spellbound as he spoke about the limited and often difficult-to-access services for the country’s veterans. Omar then shared how his best friend, suffering from PTSD, committed suicide six months after being discharged from the Army. Tears filled her eyes while she listened to him talk about his older brother suffering from the same disease and its effects on his wife and children.
    Omar finished by saying, “Our servicemen and servicewomen have given everything, including their lives, to protect our freedom. It’s about time we returned the favor.”
    The room erupted in applause, and Morgan was on her feet with everyone else. When he came back to the table, it was all she could do not to throw her arms around his neck and kiss him. She settled for a gentle pat on his arm. She leaned toward him. “You were absolutely amazing.”
    â€œThat means a lot coming from you, Morgan. Thanks.”
    They were only a breath apart. If either of them moved... Luckily someone came over and claimed Omar’s attention. Morgan reached for her glass of water and took a big gulp. Many more people came over to congratulate him, and he introduced Morgan as he had all evening.
    A few minutes later, the music started and people took to the dance floor. She nodded in time to the beat and smiled at a few people who were really letting loose. She turned back and found Omar staring at her with an intensity that made her heart rate speed up.
    â€œStop looking at me like that. You’re going to make it hard for people to believe I’m just your agent.”
    â€œLooking at you like what?”
    â€œLike I’m your favorite dessert and you can’t wait to gobble me up.”
    â€œYou just might be,” he murmured.
    Morgan blinked.
    He picked up his water goblet and took a sip. “And for the record, I never gobble up my dessert. I take my time, one spoonful at a time, and savor every delectable morsel. A great dessert should never be rushed.”
    To the casual observer, they might have been discussing the weather. His features remained neutral, but his words were hot enough to melt a heavy-gauge steel goalpost. Morgan usually had a comeback