Taming the Carefree Billionaire - Marie Higgins Page 0,4
feel-goods for Thomas’ ego, ZoAnn soon found herself in jail for theft.
His heartbreak trail hadn’t stopped there, because Elizabeth Martin came next. Beautiful, naïve, Elizabeth. She would have been the perfect woman to settle down with. She wasn’t looking for a man with the most money. Instead, she was looking for the right man. Her smile had warmed his heart. Her eyes twinkled whenever he looked at her. However, her eyes were only for Thomas’ cousin.
Once again, another woman had picked Aaron over Thomas. Not too long ago, Aaron married Elizabeth. That was when Thomas decided that he wouldn’t fall in love again. His heart couldn’t take it. He would just do what he did best, flirt and pamper his women regardless of the cost.
Thomas phoned his driver, Antonio, to have him waiting in front at 11:00 am to take Thomas to the Country Club. Even though he had a Tesla, a Porsche, and a Ferrari – and a couple other sports cars he couldn’t remember right now – he just didn’t feel like driving today.
While en route to the Country Club, his phone buzzed again. Caller ID let him know it was Tasha, his father’s secretary. He sighed and clicked on the Bluetooth speakers to answer it. “Tasha, if my father needs me, I am unavailable until at least 3:00.”
“Mr. Powers,” Tasha spoke softly, “your father has asked me to pass this message onto you. The Tribute is looking to interview your father or you for a section in their paper.”
“What for?”
“The interview will be about how local wineries are run. Your father suggested that they speak with you.”
Thomas laughed. “You’re kidding, right? Not too long ago, he just chewed on me for not being more responsible.”
“I don’t know, Mr. Powers. I’m just giving you his message.”
Thomas rolled his eyes. “What’s wrong with Darion? Is he getting too old for this stuff?”
“He just felt this interview would be best in your hands. After all, you are better at talking to journalists than he is.”
Thomas scowled. So, he had been in magazines and newspapers too many times to count... mostly due to his partying and messing up. “Fine,” he growled.
“I will text you the number. Please call them today.”
“Fine.”
“Thank you. I’ll let your father know.”
Thomas sighed and pushed his fingers through his hair. “Antonio,” Thomas called to the driver.
Antonio’s gaze moved to the rearview mirror, meeting with Thomas’. The driver grinned. “Yes?”
“My old man wants me to talk to a newspaper about an article they are doing. How about you talk to them for me?”
Antonio chuckled and looked back at the road. “I’ll pass. Besides, you have more experience in that area than I do.”
“Oh, come on,” Thomas jokingly complained. “You’ve been around the winery enough to know what to say. I trust you.”
“I’m sorry, sir. The senior Powers would fire me for sure.”
Thomas’ phone beeped with the tabloid’s phone number. Tasha also texted the name, Joslyn Hardy.
Frowning, he slumped in his seat. He’d call another time. Now was not good for him. He was hungry.
As they pulled up to the Country Club, Thomas immediately noticed his friend’s shiny blue Silverado parked in the stall. A slender man wearing a cowboy hat leaned up against the truck with his arms folded. Cole was here.
Antonio pulled the limo in front and stopped the vehicle. He reached to remove his seatbelt, but Thomas held up his hand.
“Don’t worry. I got this,” Thomas said, climbing out.
With a wide grin, Cole pulled away from his truck and pushed his cowboy hat back on his head. “Your hangover must not be too terrible. You’re not wearing sunglasses this time.”
Thomas shrugged. “I think sleeping through Sunday helped. Besides, I was awakened really quickly this morning, so I’ve been up since nine.” He stopped in front of his friend. “Tell me your brother knows that woman with the camera.”
Cole laughed. “Yes, my brother knows her. I’ll tell you inside.”
Thomas sighed. “Good or I would have pounded the information out of you.”
“The woman was my brother’s date for the night.”
Thomas blinked as his mind slowly processed the information. “Your brother’s date?” He slowly shook his head. “Isn’t he married?”
Cole rolled his eyes. “They are separated, and my brother doesn’t understand the difference between separated and divorced.”
They strolled up to the dining area where a sophisticated looking redhead stood, smiling at them.
“Mr. Powers, Mr. Langston, so good to see you again.” She batted her eyes in a flirtatious manner. “Will others be joining you?”