Taming the Carefree Billionaire - Marie Higgins Page 0,16
doing. I’m fully in charge of my life.”
“Yes, you are, but you are still heading in the wrong direction. Instead of making your life about booze and loose women, your life should be about the winery... and finding the right woman to settle down with.”
Thomas shook his head. “I was wrong.”
Percy sucked in an audible breath and took a step closer. His wide-eyed expression was filled with hope. “You finally see it?”
Slowly, Thomas nodded. “I do.” He licked his dry lips. “Cole didn’t send you here. It was my parents.” He slapped his forehead. “Oh, why didn’t I see it before?”
Someone clearing their deep voice, made Thomas swing to the other person in the room, hoping he’d finally find the one responsible for this terrible joke. His driver, Antonio, stood in the hallway, his gaze narrowed as he frowned. Antonio was a tall, slender man. He was one of Thomas’ trusted friends. If not for Antonio, who knows what house Thomas would have ended up at after a wild weekend of partying?
“Excuse me, sir,” Antonio began, glancing around the room. “Is everything alright?”
Thomas also scanned the room, following the same path Antonio’s gaze had taken, before looking back at his driver. Thomas scowled. “Of course, everything is all right.”
“Um, Mr. Powers,” Percy said meekly. “Choose your words wisely. Your driver cannot see me.”
Thomas uncorked the bottle and took a drink. His mind spun with confusion. Percy was wrong. He wasn’t an angel. Other people could see him. Someone was just playing a cruel joke on Thomas. That was the only answer. “Who do you think I’m talking to?”
Antonio shrugged. “Well, honestly, I thought you were drunk again.”
Thomas’ heart wrenched. Again? Had he really turned into a common drunk? He glanced at the wine bottle in his hand. Apparently, he had.
“I’m fine, Antonio. I’m just going over some words I plan to speak to Cole about.”
“Of course, sir. If you don’t need me any more tonight, I will catch you in the morning. Don’t forget we need to be at the winery by 9:00.”
“Thanks. I don’t need anything more tonight. Good thing you are here to keep my mind straight.” Thomas nodded to Antonio. “Have a good evening.”
Antonio walked to the front door and left. Not once did the driver look at Percy. Thomas scratched his head. Could the little man be right? Was he all in Thomas’ head?
He glanced at the wine bottle in his hand. He had been drinking more than usual, especially once he heard that Aaron and Elizabeth were engaged. Perhaps Thomas had somehow conjured up a little man – who wore the most ridiculous clothes – in his alcohol-induced mind. Was Percy Thomas’ conscience now? Maybe it was time to lay off the booze.
Thomas set the wine bottle on the counter before walking into his study and plopping on the leather chair. He rested his elbows on the desk and dragged his fingers through his hair. How had he let things get this bad? Never in his life had he conjured up an invisible friend. He’d had many friends in his life, and none of them were as strange as Percy. The question now was why had Thomas felt the need to imagine such an odd little man. But regardless, he had no other choice but to believe that he was the only person who could see his guardian angel.
“You are making me look like a fool,” Thomas growled. “I can’t even say anything now without people thinking I’m crazy.”
“Are you going to let me help you?” Percy asked.
“Do I have a choice?”
“Oh, everyone has a choice in life. I just hope you pick the right one because it will lead you down the right road.”
“You mention the road a lot.” Thomas sighed. “So what road am I supposed to be on?”
“The one that will lead you to be a responsible man and husband.” Percy smiled.
“Husband?” Thomas laughed. “I really think you are the one who has lost his mind, not me.”
“Why?” Percy tilted his head to the side and narrowed his gaze.
“Because I’m not now – or will ever be – married.”
“Why don’t you think there is a future Mrs. Powers out there for you?”
“Let’s just not talk about that particular subject. Ever.” Thomas leaned back in his chair, linking his fingers across his chest. “So, what do I need to do in order to get on the right road again and have you leave me alone?”