Taming the Carefree Billionaire - Marie Higgins Page 0,29
and her brothers and sister are trying to help buy the family home. Her parents are both on disability Social Security, and they can’t afford to pay their mortgage. Of course, they can’t afford to move, either.”
Thomas’ heart clenched. He couldn’t even imagine how hard that would be, not only for the older couple but for the children who tried to support them. “Oh, well... I hope she and her siblings will be able to figure things out.”
“I’m sure she will.” Joslyn batted her eyelashes again. “And you’re such a sweetie for being concerned.”
“Yes, well...” He motioned toward the back of the room. “There are some hors d’oeuvres and drinks on the back table. I hope you’ll find other people here that you know.”
“Of course, I will.” She flipped her hand. “I’ve probably interviewed a lot of these people, anyway.”
“Good. I’ll catch up with you later.” Thomas moved away from her, pulling out his cell phone from the pocket of his slacks and pushed the speed-dial number of the investigator he hired the other day.
“Carpenter, here,” the man answered.
“Hey, this is Thomas Powers. I’ve learned something new about Miss Morgan Foster that I need you to check on for me.” Thomas proceeded to tell the investigator about Morgan’s parents.
“I’ll get right on it,” Carpenter said.
“What have you learned so far about Morgan?” Thomas walked into the hallway in order to hear the investigator better.
“She’s a private person and she doesn’t have a lot of friends.”
Thomas’ chest tightened. “Really?”
“And she doesn’t date much.”
Thomas had to admit he was excited about that news. “Okay, let me know when you’ve found something about her family.”
“I will.”
Thomas ended the call and slid the phone back into his pocket. He wandered through the crowd, nodding at people as he continued his search. Morgan had to come. He wouldn’t have any fun without her. Several women tried to cuddle up next to him, but he pushed them aside, excusing himself to move away.
As he wandered out on the covered patio just outside the main room, his hopes dropped lower. Morgan wasn’t coming. He wouldn’t blame her if she had to do something for her parents, but he sincerely hoped she wasn’t ditching the party because of him. They had grown close during that visit outside her apartment building. He knew when a woman was attracted to him, and the stars in Morgan’s beautiful hazel eyes told him that she had that feeling. Then again, she was a stubborn woman, which meant she was fighting those feelings.
He moved to the wooden railing and stopped, peering out into the night toward the tennis courts. He had to admit that thinking this way about a woman was new for him. There was something deep down inside of him that told him not to give up on her. But what if she gave up on him?
Then again, there was that moment when she was pressed up against him and her hands rested on his chest. She didn’t move away, even though she could have. He’d never forget the color of her eyes – more green than brown – and the way her ragged, minty breaths blew across his face, and the way she kept looking at his mouth as if she wanted him to kiss her.
Good grief! Why was he thinking like this about a woman he barely knew? The last time he’d had these desperate kinds of thoughts was when he thought he was in love with Elizabeth. Yet, he couldn’t remember feeling this hopeless longing to see her again. When he’d been with Elizabeth, he could still carry on with his life without her thoughts interrupting everything he did. With Morgan, though, he couldn’t concentrate on anything.
From behind, a woman’s deep sigh whispered through the night breeze, along with her rosy scent.
“I have to admit, I never thought I’d see you at a party by yourself.”
Thomas swung around so fast, he knocked into Morgan. She stumbled, but he quickly grabbed her before she could fall. She grasped his shoulders, holding onto him as if he was her hero.
His heart sang with gladness as he breathed a relieved sigh. She is really here! Or... could he just be dreaming? “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to almost knock you over.”
She laughed lightly and stepped back, releasing her hold. Excitement strummed through him, and he wanted to take her back in his arms again. Now wasn’t the time... .but definitely later.