Page 10 of The Billionaire's Heart

She smiles at him and all I want to do is punch my friend in the face. “I’m Mia, Mr. Gallo’s receptionist.”

That smile should have been for me and now I’m wondering what the fuck is wrong with me.

Chapter 5

Mia

The last thing I expected was for Mr. Gallo to show up with dinner and calling someone to fix my car. When I basically told him to get lost, he left, and although I was thankful he left, I had no idea what my next move was. Like, how was I getting home, or how was I getting back to work, or better yet, how was I going to get my car fixed. All brilliant questions for a girl all alone in a new city and broke off her ass.

And now I find myself eating dinner in a parking lot with a billionaire and a surgeon, both of whom are currently arguing over how to best fix my car.

“I want to get it towed to my mechanic. He’ll replace the alternator.” Mr. Gallo says in a huff.

“That’s stupid. I can fix it right now.” Trevor pulls out a toolbox from the trunk of his Mustang.

“I just needed you to tell me what’s wrong with the thing, not fix it. The last thing you need is for your hand to slip and cut your finger or something. How do you plan on doing surgery if that happens?” Mr. Gallo argues.

I just keep eating this amazing chicken alfredo and toasted bread. The flavors are outstanding, and I soak up the last of the sauce with the last piece of bread and now I’m stuffed. Thisbeats the PB&J I had for lunch or the tuna fish sandwich I was planning for dinner.

“There’s tiramisu or cannoli in there if you’d like.” Mr. Gallo says, pointing to the second bag.

“Really? I love cannoli.” My mouth is watering. I haven't had cannoli in years since I could use that money to save for my bridal shop. But, hell, if it’s free… take two, right?

“Help yourself, Mia.”

I dig into the bag, “Thank you, Mr. Gallo.”

Suddenly, his hand prevents me from opening the container. “If you don’t start calling me Ian, you can’t have the cannoli.” He has a smirk on his face, but he’s trying to hide it. “Please.”

I give a slight nod. “Ian. Thank you.” I call him by his name only because I really want the cannoli.

He releases his hand and gives me a megawatt smile and my heart pounds harder. “You’re welcome.”

“Dude, stop flirting with her and come over here and help me.” Trevor says from under the hood.

I watch the two guys work on the car after a quick run to the local auto parts store to get me a new alternator. They take less than an hour, and my old car is running like new again.

“You’ll need to get new spark plugs, an air filter, and possibly new belts, but it should run pretty smoothly now for you.” Trevor says as he wipes the grease off his hands with some of the left-over napkins from our dinner.

“Thank you so much, Trevor. I don’t know how to repay you.”

“No need. It’s fun to work with my hands when no one’s life is in danger.” He laughs. “Just glad I could help.” He gets into his Mustang. “I’ll talk at you later, Ian. It was nice to meet you, Mia.”

“You, too, Trevor.” I smile at him, but at the same time, I think I hear Ian growl. Maybe he’s still hungry. If he doesn’t want the tiramisu, I’ll take it. It’s still in the other box, uneaten.

We watch Trevor drive off, and suddenly it’s weirdly quiet between Ian and me. “So… thank you for coming to my rescue and for our parking lot picnic. If I can ever repay the favor, don’t hesitate.” I make a joke as I clean up our dinner mess.

“It was my pleasure, Mia.”

I didn’t know what else to say, so I put my hand out to shake his. “Thanks again. I’ll see you in the morning, right?” There’s that electricity again. What is that?

Ian’s eyes are staring into mine as he nods. “Yes. I’ll see you in the morning.”

I pull my hand away from this awkward handshake we’ve got going on here and climb into my car. “Thanks again, Mr. Gallo.”

He sighs because I don’t call him by his first name. “You’re welcome, Mia.”

I start my car, and it starts like it’s new, and I pull out of the parking lot and make my way home. Taking inventory, I realize I never did get that tiramisu, but I am all gooey inside and I don’t know why.

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