Taming the Carefree Billionaire - Marie Higgins Page 0,45

only woman who he could have easily given his heart to – Elizabeth Martin. Well, she was Elizabeth Powers, now. She had wanted to know him and like him for what was inside, not for what he could buy.

As difficult as it was to believe, he realized there were actually two women who thought that way. Now he wondered if that was why he liked Morgan so much. Not that she was like Elizabeth, but because she wanted to get to know the real him.

He prayed he wouldn’t mess it up with Morgan. Maybe she was just the woman he’d been searching for all these years.

SIXTEEN

Thomas stood in front of the full-length mirror as he adjusted his tie. For tonight’s date, he wore a more expensive Armani suit that was tailored differently, making him look fancier. He chose his charcoal and light gray mixed suit with a black shirt. He had always liked to wear darker colors.

He stared at his reflection and lifted his chin slightly. He looked rather striking if he had to say so himself. He’d know how Morgan felt about his attire when she looked at him for the first time tonight. She had an animated expression, and he couldn’t wait to see her eyes light up.

“Sir, I think you are going to need to change your strategy of wooing her.”

Percy’s meek voice rang through the quiet bedroom. Thomas jumped and swung toward the little man, wanting to throttle him. Percy sat on a large Victorian-style chair near the window.

Thomas swore under his breath and shook his head. “Man... don’t go sneaking up on me like that.”

“Forgive me, Mr. Powers, but I was not sneaking. I have been sitting right here.”

Thomas bunched his hands into fists. “Percy, this is my private room. It’s not right to have a man in my room while I’m getting ready for my date.”

Percy’s eyes grew round. “So, everything is working out with Miss Foster?”

“Yes, quite nicely, in fact.”

The little man smiled. “That is wonderful. I think for tonight’s date, you should bring her flowers. All women love flowers.”

Thomas rolled his eyes. “Percy, I didn’t ask you for your opinion or your help. I hope you learn your place soon. I don’t like other people sticking their nose into my private life.”

“I’m sorry to upset you, sir, but I really think Miss Foster is a special woman and deserves only the best.”

Thomas held up his hand, trying to stop the man. “I know how special she is. Don’t worry. I’ve got this covered.”

“Do you think she might be the one?”

“Percy,” Thomas grumbled through clenched teeth. “I know what I’m doing.”

Thomas’ text notification alerted him that Antonio was here with the limo. Thomas moved back into the bathroom and took down his cologne from the shelf. He poured a small amount in his palm before slapping it on his face and neck. As he turned and headed for the door, Percy shuffled behind him.

“Mr. Powers, first and foremost, you must remember to be a gentleman. Women really love it when men are respectful.”

“Oh, good grief.” Thomas laughed. “I’m always a gentleman.”

Once outside, Antonio opened the door for Thomas as he slid into the back of the limo. Lying on the seat was a single, long-stemmed red rose. He figured a rose was enough to start the evening with. Morgan definitely deserved a garden of flowers, but for their first date, one would work.

“Thank you for being available, Antonio,” Thomas said as they began their trip to Morgan’s home.

“It’s what I’m hired to do.” Antonio glanced in the rearview mirror at Thomas and smiled.

“How’s your dad doing? Is he getting any better?”

Antonio’s expression grew bleak as sadness filled his eyes. “The treatments are really running him down. He has good days, but he has more bad days.”

Thomas’ heart clenched. “I remember him shooing me out of the vineyard as I played chase with my first girlfriend.” Thomas chuckled. “I thought for sure he’d tell my dad.”

“My father really loved looking over the vineyard with your father. It’s too bad cancer has to consume so many people’s lives.” Antonio grew silent again and turned on some soft music.

When they pulled up in front of Morgan’s apartment complex, Thomas’ accelerating heartbeat made him feel he’d been running the whole way instead of riding in a limo. He took several deep breaths, trying to calm himself. It surprised him how nervous he felt. When was the last time he was jittery for a date? Had he ever