Taming the Carefree Billionaire - Marie Higgins Page 0,46

been jittery?

Antonio climbed out and walked around to open Thomas’ door. As he left the limo, he noticed several children playing on the lawn. They all stopped and gaped at him. Their eyes were round with wonder.

Thomas held the rose and moved into the apartment building, searching for apartment 321. He took a deep breath before knocking. The door opened almost immediately, and standing in a shimmery royal blue short gown was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. Morgan’s hair was pulled back into an elegant braid with wisps of hair around her ears. He’d never seen her neck look so slender... or so bare. His throat turned dry and his mind refused to work. All he could do was stare and imagine himself kissing more of her neck.

“Hey,” she finally said with a grin.

It was difficult to swallow, but he managed it. Barely. “You look more beautiful than ever. I feel like the luckiest man alive right now.” He handed her the rose. “This is for you.”

Her cheeks grew pink as she took the rose. “Thank you.” She motioned her hand. “Come in while I put this in some water.”

Thomas stepped inside her small apartment. He did a quick sweep of her small living room, but he didn’t care what kind of condition her apartment was. All he wanted to do was look at her.

“Sorry, my place isn’t big and fancy.” She shrugged. “But I don’t need much.”

“It’s lovely.” He took a moment longer to look at everything. On her wall were pictures of mountains and streams and fields. He walked closer to study them more. “Are these pictures you took?”

“Yes.” She pulled a vase from the cupboard and filled it with water. “Those were some of my award-winning photos from college.”

“You are very talented.”

“I even won a cash award one time.” She chuckled. “It wasn’t much, but it helped at the time.”

There were a few pictures of people grouped together. She resembled the older couple, so he suspected they were her parents. Another picture was of two men standing by dirt bikes. “Are these your brothers you’d mentioned yesterday?”

“Yes. That was at a race they competed in last year. I’m proud of my brothers.”

“I don’t have any siblings,” Thomas said. “Not sure why my parents chose not to have more kids. Growing up, I was bored a lot being the only child. When I was five years old, my cousin lost his parents and he got to spend six months with me. It was nice having someone around that was close to my age. Even though he was my cousin, he felt like my brother at times. We looked a lot alike and people who didn’t know us figured us to be brothers.”

“Is that your cousin who owns the other winery in Arizona?” Morgan asked as she picked up her small purse that matched her dress.

“Yes, that’s Aaron. We were close for a while as teenagers, and as early adults, we grew apart. Then a year ago, we reconciled and we’re somewhat closer now.” He stared into her sparkling hazel eyes. “Are you ready to go?”

“I’m ready when you are.”

Thomas opened the door for her as she stepped out into the hallway.

“What do you mean you’re somewhat closer to your cousin?” She locked the door behind her.

“I still harbor a little resentment at times. He stole two of my girlfriends.”

She looked at him with wide eyes. “Are you kidding me? That’s really hard to believe.”

“Why?” He slipped his arm around her waist as they walked down the hallway.

“Because I’ve never seen any man who could get women as fast as you could.”

He laughed. “Well, I did have a few weak moments, and my so-called girlfriends thought Aaron could offer them more.”

“Is he richer than you?”

Thomas opened the door and led her outside. “Good question. I honestly think we make about the same money now.”

“Well, I hope he’s learned his lesson and won’t take any more women from you.”

“He’s married, so I’m safe.”

Antonio stood by the limo and had reached his arm toward the door, but Thomas waved him off. “I’ve got this.” Thomas opened the door and, taking her hand, assisted her inside. Thomas then climbed in after her. Antonio closed the door.

“No Ferrari tonight?” Morgan asked as her gaze moved around the limo as if she’d never been in one before.

“I didn’t feel like driving tonight. I’d rather sit and gaze at you instead of the road.” Thomas clasped her hand and placed a soft kiss