closer. “But I think I like you more now.”
“If I’d only known that the other day, I would have told you sooner.”
“Garth tried to make me think you were a mean person to everyone.”
“Did you believe him?”
She hesitated in answering, only because she liked looking into his brilliant blue eyes. The way he stared at her as if she was the prettiest woman he’d ever seen, made her heartbeat skip crazily. She was certain he looked this way at most women he dated. But it still made her feel special.
“No, I didn’t believe him. I knew the man was trying to build himself up in my eyes.”
“I’m glad it didn’t work.” He winked.
They didn’t say anything to each other as they swayed back and forth to the music. The way he caressed her back sent shivers of delight through her. Slowly, his hands moved down until he was caressing the exposed skin around her waist. Maybe she shouldn’t have worn this blouse after all.
“I’m actually really glad you came tonight,” Thomas said. “I’ve been thinking about our last conversation, and I believe I have an idea to help you earn money, at my expense, of course.”
She blinked, not realizing what she heard actually came from his mouth. “Excuse me?”
“Let me tell you my plan, but don’t say anything until I’m finished explaining.”
“All right.”
“Apparently, the paparazzi loves to follow famous people around, just as much as they enjoy harassing wealthy people. So, my idea was that I let you secretly follow me around on dates. I’ll try to act like I’m trying to hide from you, of course. I’ll even have my date throw her drink in my face or slap me, just to add some action to the pictures.”
Now she was sure her ears weren’t hearing this correctly. Was this carefree billionaire actually saying this, especially when it would make him look bad? “What about your date? I’m sure she won’t be very happy to have her face in the pictures.”
“Don’t worry about that. I know many women who’d love to get a little exposure in the media. Why else do you think Angie was hanging all over me that night at the casino? She saw you taking pictures, and she wanted to be in them.”
Morgan’s heart softened a little more toward this man. It had been doing that since they talked when he gave her and Joslyn a tour of the winery. She still didn’t understand why she had judged him so harshly in the first place. Then again, she believed everything she’d read about him in the tabloids. “I like your idea, Thomas, but it has one flaw.”
“Only one?”
She nodded. “These greedy women you go out with will be tempted to gain more public exposure by taking their stories to these papers. It won’t take long before the truth is out, and we are both ruined.”
His shoulders slumped and his swaying movements slowed. “I didn’t think of that.”
“But I can’t believe you’d want to help me earn money in that way, especially since I was the one who humiliated you earlier in the week.”
“I’m over it.” His voice deepened. “And I want to help you in some way.”
“I’ll think about your offer.”
“Promise?”
“Yes.”
His gaze dropped to her mouth, and her heart rate accelerated. He was weakening her defenses, which she was sure he knew he was accomplishing. After all, he did tell her that he was going to change her mind by the end of the night. Dare she let him try?
The buzzing noise of his vibrating phone pulled her out of her indecent thoughts. He grumbled and withdrew his cell phone.
“What do you want?” he snapped. A few seconds passed, and he groaned. “Fine. I’ll take care of it.” He ended the call and slid it back into his pocket.
“What’s wrong?”
“That call was the manager of the club. Apparently, some of my guests are causing problems out front.” He sighed heavily. “I need to go take care of it. I’ll be right back.”
Nodding, she released her arms from around his neck and stepped back. “I’ll be outside on the patio getting some fresh air.”
“Wait for me?” He arched an eyebrow.
“What for?”
“Because I want to spend a little more time with you.”
She hesitated, but only because she really hadn’t planned on staying this long at the party. “I’ll stay a little while longer.”
“Good.” He turned to leave, but then stopped suddenly and swung back toward her. “I forgot one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“Keep this warm for me.”
Before she could ask what