Taming the Carefree Billionaire - Marie Higgins Page 0,38
as she followed him into the study.
“It’s alright,” he said. “I’m not afraid to be alone. Besides, I’m usually going to bed anyway when I’m here at nights. Do you want a drink?”
“No,” Morgan said quickly. “I’m fine.”
He pulled out some bottled water from his cooler behind the mini-bar. “I’m thirsty, and since I’m trying to cut back on my favorite drink, I thought to try this new one. People tell me it’s good for my body.”
She loved how he could be humorous at a time like this. She wasn’t sure she’d be able to feel this calm if someone tried to break into her apartment.
“So, Morgan. Why does Garth want my planner?” He opened the bottle.
She let her gaze wander around the room, which distracted her from the question. His home office was decorated in wood – from the ceiling to the hardwood floors, and even the paneling and bricks on the walls matched perfectly. His desk was large and resembled the half-moon desk that the receptionist at the winery had – except all in glossy wood, and much larger. In the corner of the room was a fountain, and the water cascaded over the several different sized rocks before pooling around the bottom.
“Umm... They were looking for notes, or ingredients or something.” Morgan stepped toward the amazing fountain.
“Were they trying to steal my new wine recipe?”
“I think that was mentioned.” She turned and faced him. “I heard Garth tell the other men that you keep it in a blue planner.”
He shook his head and then took a big drink of the water. “Garth is an idiot. The planner is well hidden. He should know I wouldn’t keep something like that just lying around.”
“I also heard them say something about wanting to set fire to your vineyard. That was when I decided I’d better follow them. If I could tie them to the other fires, this would be a great story.”
Thomas’ gaze wandered down her body, and seconds later, he arched an eyebrow. “Where is your skirt?”
“What?” His question came out of the blue and took her mind a second longer than normal to process what he was asking. “I just told you they might torch your vineyard and you are wondering where my skirt is?”
“They can’t torch my vineyard. Don’t you remember when I gave you and your friend that tour? The vineyard is heavily guarded. I have no worries there. A person needs to be invited onto the land before that happens.” Thomas took another drink then put the water bottle on the bar. “So, where is your skirt?”
She shook her head and began heading toward the door. She didn’t know what upset her more – that he didn’t care very much about his vineyard, or that he noticed her tight jeans. But now that she was in front of him, she knew what part of her body he’d be checking out.
“Morgan, don’t leave.” Thomas stepped around her, stopping her. “I’m sorry I was so insensitive.”
She huffed and folded her arms. “Don’t you care about your vineyard?”
“Of course, I care.”
“Well, I’m just trying to help you. I honestly believe Garth is behind all these vineyard fires.”
Thomas rubbed his hands up and down her arms, staring deeply into her eyes. “Forgive me. I promise to take it more seriously. In fact, tomorrow I’ll meet with my father and tell him what you overheard. We’ll get the police investigating this quickly.”
She sighed and nodded. “Thank you.”
He smiled fully again. “So, what do you say? Do you want me to show you around the place?”
She didn’t know what it was about this man, but it was very difficult to stay upset with him. Although she wouldn’t mind having him show her his bachelor pad, she also worried that he might try something else since they were alone. She would accept a kiss, but that was where she drew the line.
“My skirt is in my backpack,” she said. “I cannot ride my motorcycle while wearing a skirt, so I wore my pants during the ride, and then changed into the skirt before going into the party.”
“Makes sense.” He reached over and took her hand. “Now, let me take you on a grand tour of my unimaginative manor which will definitely get an upgrade starting next week.” He took a step into the hallway and stopped again, looking down at her. “And, just for the record, you’re the first woman I’ve given this grand tour to.”