Page 20 of The Billionaire's Heart

Idon’t know what Mrs. Wilcox’s motive was when she sent Mia as my date, but I’m thrilled that she did.

Mia’s wearing a royal blue dress that hugs her very desirable figure that she normally hides with her work clothes.

“Let’s chat before we go.” I hold out my elbow for Mia to take and I lead her to a corner tabletop in the back of the bar. With what I have to tell her, I don’t want it to be overheard by anyone, especially some reporter posing as a guest.

“Is everything okay? Do I look okay for your party?” Mia looks down at herself as if there was anything wrong with the way she looks. She’s perfect in every way.

I tilt up her chin, and that fire is back with a vengeance. “Mia, you look beautiful.” Staring into her eyes, I realize I want to kiss her, mess up her lipstick, and let down her hair so I can run my fingers through it, skip the gala and take her upstairs to my apartment.

Instead of that, I remove my hand. “I need to explain to you why you’re here.”

Mia shakes her head. “You don’t need to explain anything to me, Mr. Gallo. Ian… sorry. Why you needed a date for tonight when you’re handsome enough to get your own date is yourbusiness, not mine. I’m just here to help you with whatever you need.”

She thinks I’m handsome. I’ve been told my entire life I am, but when she says it, it means more to me. Mia feels genuine.

“You don’t understand. My mother, with only good intentions, told the tabloids that I’m single and available. Which has put me on some stupid list of the most eligible bachelors. It’s ridiculous, but the owner of the company that I’m trying to close this deal with…”

“Mr. Sutherland of Sutherland Park Manufacturing?” Mia interrupts.

I’m pleasantly surprised that she knows this. She was doing her homework. “Yes, Mr. Sutherland is a bit old school. Since that list came out, the paparazzi have hounded me, and most recently, my ex-girlfriends. If it looks like I’m dating someone, perhaps they’ll back off.”

“And you’re hoping Mr. Sutherland will have more faith in you and Gallo Enterprises.”

“Yes. Exactly. I need you to just accompany me to this event tonight and then you can go back to your normal life tomorrow.”

“No problem, Mr. Gallo. Sorry… Ian. We’ve got this, and it’s in the bag.” Her enthusiasm is contagious, but adorable.

“Thank you, Mia. You don’t know what this means to me.”

Did she look relieved when I told her she can go home and back to her normal life tomorrow? I know I don’t want her to, and I’m not sure what I’m going to do with that feeling except to put it away until after tonight.

“So, where is this function being held?” Mia asks as she takes my arm, and we head out of the hotel and into the waiting limousine.

The doorman tries to get the door to the limo for Mia, but I step in front of him and shake my head. I want to do it for her,so I hold the door open as she gets in and then I make my way around the vehicle and climb in myself.

“We’re going to the Kennedy Center.”

“Wow. Impressive.”

“Why do you look so surprised?”

She shrugs as she watches out the side windows. “I don’t know. You hear of these places on television, but you never think you’d ever actually go. Like they’re a fantasyland, ya know?”

“Have you ever been to D.C. before?”

She shakes her head, “No. This is my first time.” She points out the window. “Oh! There’s the Lincoln Memorial. I did a paper on that in the fourth grade.”

Watching her experience Washington for the first time is a true joy. I’ve been here so many times in my life, I’ve forgotten the magic this place has. Owning an apartment in the Waldorf, I should enjoy the touristy things once in a while. I make a mental note to have Mrs. Wilcox book me an afternoon free the next time I’m up here so I can take in the sights. Maybe even bring Mia with me.

Wait. Huh?

“Oh, and there’s the Jefferson Memorial.” She points out the window again.

“Mia, I need to warn you about what’s about to happen. There’s a red carpet we’ll have to walk down and there will be a lot of people taking your picture.”

She turns to me with the funniest look on her face.

“Like at movie premieres you see on television?”

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