Page 56 of The Billionaire's Heart

“Night.” Sawyer says and then calls over his shoulder. “Nice to meet you, Mia.”

“You, too, Sawyer.”

“Good night, Mia.” Dad says as he follows my family out the door.

I turn to Mia and look at her, and she looks exhausted. “Are you okay? Were they too much?”

She shakes her head and smiles. “Not at all. Your family is great. I’m just…” she hesitates as I take her hand and lead her back into the kitchen.

“You’re just what?”

Mia hesitates and then looks at me. “I’m just sorry that they’ll get hurt in all of this. Maybe I should have been bitchy so they would hate me and be glad when we call this all off.”

My heart drops at the mention of this all being over. I’ve found I really enjoy having Mia around and in my home. It never felt like a home until she moved in a few days ago.

I shake my head. “Let’s not worry about that right now, okay?”

Mia nods, “Okay.”

“Are you still up for our date?” I ask, hoping she won’t cancel on me. I’ve been looking forward to this all day.

“Of course. Is it starting now?”

“Actually, I have a few things to get ready first. Can I come up and get you when I’m ready?”

She laughs and smiles. “Of course, Mr. Gallo. You may come and call for me in my quarters.” She says as if she’s royalty.

And in my mind, she’s my queen.

Chapter 27

Mia

Ian’s family was amazing and I’m still worried that when he finally kicks me to the curb, they’re going to be upset with me. But I can’t worry about that now. What’s done is done.

Meeting Sawyer, I realized he’s nothing like I read online about him, and I chastise myself for even giving the online articles about him a second of my time. I should know better by now. Everything they’re saying about me is bullshit; why would what they’re saying about him be any different?

I’ve changed into a pair of jeans and a T-shirt from my own personal ‘collection’. Right from one of my boxes Ian had delivered today from my apartment. If I was going on this date with him at any other given time, I would wear my own clothes, and so I’m going to show him who I am. Just Mia. Ripped jeans and everything.

As I’m finishing brushing my hair, there’s a knock on my door. I take a deep breath before opening it because I’m suddenly nervous. I have no clue why; it’s not like I haven’t spent most of the last week with him.

“Hi.” I say shyly as I open the door and see Ian standing there holding a handful of flowers.

“Hi.” He hands me the flowers. “These are for you. I picked them myself.” he says proudly.

“They’re beautiful. Come in while I put them in some water.” I open the door wider for him to come into the room.

He pulls his other hand from behind his back and hands me a vase. “I wasn’t sure if you had anything in here to put them in, so I brought this.” He hands me a small blue vase.

I laugh, “You’re right. I don’t. Not sure what I was going to do with them.” I take the vase and fill it with water from the bathroom sink, putting the flowers into the vase. “Thank you.” I stand back and admire the flowers.

“Shall we?” Ian holds out his elbow. “Reservations are in…” he looks at his watch, “two minutes. Don’t want to be late.” He laughs.

I slip my hand through his arm. “I’m ready.”

Ian leads me down the stairs, through the great room, past the outdoor patio and pool area to a blanket spread out on the beach. It’s a calm night and there’s barely any movement on the ocean. There are candles lit around the blanket, with an assortment of pastries and ice cream containers.

“I hope I have your favorite flavor.”

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