would be an eager participant.
The limo driver opened Thomas’ door, and he climbed out first before reaching a hand out to assist Morgan out of the vehicle. Once she stood beside him and gazed at the large building in front of her, it only took seconds before her eyes widened in surprise.
She gasped. “This is... an art gallery?”
He nodded. “The best in California.”
She moved closer to him, sliding her arms around his waist as she peered up at his face. “You are the best in California.”
He dropped a quick kiss on her lips before pulling away and leading her into the art gallery. Although he’d never been here, he watched her reactions more than the pictures themselves. He’d chosen this particular gallery because it held more photographs than actual art work. Morgan’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she studied each photo, and remarked on what made it different from the others.
Thomas had no doubt that Morgan knew her art. She pointed out the way each piece had the right shadows and the camera angle was perfect to enhance the photograph. She looked like a child on Christmas day. At times, he felt like he had to keep up with her as she was moving from one photo to another.
She paused in front of one picture and her mouth gaped open. Finally, Morgan had discovered his surprise for her. Mounted on the wall in a silver leafed large frame, was the San Francisco Bridge at nighttime with the city’s night lights sparkling off in the distance. Under the photograph was a gold plaque with Morgan Foster displayed for all to see.
Thomas held his breath, wondering what she’d say. He was a sneak, but he wanted to really surprise her. He’d done his homework. The private investigator he’d hired had found her college photos and sent them to him. Her work was breathtaking, and her work deserved to be seen by more than college professors. With his connections, and a little bit of money, he arranged to have this photo displayed.
“Thomas,” she gasped. “This is mine... how did it get here?”
“Someone must have thought your work was amazing and wanted everyone to see it.” Thomas slid his arm around her waist. “You deserve it.”
Her hand trembled as it reached out and touched the plaque. A tear slid down her cheek.
“You did this, didn’t you?” She quickly wiped her face and her body stiffened.
His heart sank. She wasn’t happy at all, and he needed to change her thoughts around. “Before you get upset,” he quickly said, “hear me out.”
Morgan folded her arms, which he knew was a sign of annoyance. Worry tightened in his throat. This wasn’t the reaction he thought she’d have. In his mind, he’d had her crying, but throwing her arms around him and kissing him for doing this for her. In his thoughts, he saw her squealing in delight and very impressed with what connections it took to have her photo here in this art gallery.
Thomas swallowed hard. He should have known that she was an independent woman and hated handouts. Could he smooth this out or had he just ruined the best date he’d ever had?
EIGHTEEN
Thomas shifted his stance until he fully faced her. She still appeared stubborn. He’d seen her this way several times before, and he prayed he could change her mind... as long as he was careful with his words.
“Remember when we talked at the party about how I would hire you to take photos of me so you could sell them?”
She nodded, still scowling.
“Well, you’d brought up a valid point that you could possibly lose your job if you were found out.”
Morgan tilted her head, still staring him down. “But that doesn’t explain why my photo is hanging in an art gallery.”
“Yes, I know, and I’m getting to that point.” He winked. “I know someone who found your picture and I suggested they mount it and put it in this gallery since they have some buyers who love to spend a pretty penny. Your photo is up for sale, and when it is sold, you will get money for it.”
She looked back at her photo hanging on the wall. Her arms loosened and the anger lines in her face softened.
“It does look good hanging there, doesn’t it?” she asked.
“It’s an amazing piece of art.” He cautiously took hold of her arm. “I was hoping you’d like this.” He shrugged. “This was my big surprise for you.”
Her eyes watered up and she blinked a few