Page 29 of The Billionaire's Heart

“When’s the baby due?”

“How much do you get if you divorce him?”

“Where’s the wedding going to be?”

“Who’s the maid of honor?”

“What dress will you be wearing?”

“Are you doing this just to land the Sutherland deal?”

“Mia, did you know how many women he’s slept with?”

“Ian, did you know she grew up in foster care?”

John is creating a path in the crowd as Ian has one arm around my shoulders and another trying to keep the people from crowding us.

“You’re doing great. Just keep moving, sweetheart.” Ian whispers in my ear.

I don’t know what’s wrong with me because my insides melt when he calls me sweetheart. With all that’s going on, this is not how my body should be reacting right now.

We go through a bunch of doors and end up in the back of the hotel and there are more questions, yelling, and camera flashes. I’ve had my picture taken more in the last twenty-four hours than I have in my entire life.

“Duck your head and climb in.” John says as he moves out from in front of me and the sight of the interior of the limo is right there. I climb in and move as quickly as I can to the other side so Ian can get in behind me. The door closes behind him and the driver immediately starts driving us away from all that chaos.

“Mia, are you okay?” Ian says, inspecting me for marks. “Did anyone hurt you?”

I shake my head, “No. I’m fine.”

“We’ll be at the airport in a few minutes, Mr. Gallo. Security is tighter there, but we’ll be pulling into a private hanger so that you’ll be able to board the plane quickly.” The driver calls out from the front of the limo.

“Thank you, Steven.” Ian answers and then turns back to me. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

I only nod and give him a small smile. It’s all very overwhelming and suddenly, I’m very thankful that I’m not Julia Roberts. This kind of pressure is too much for me.

There are a bunch of people at the small airport, but thankfully, the limo pulled into a hanger, and we were able to board Ian’s plane unscathed. We’ve taken off and I’m staring out the window, but all I can see are clouds now. It’s only my second time on an airplane, but it’s being overshadowed by all that’s going on.

“Miss McIntosh, can I get you anything?” the stewardess asks.

“No, thank you.”

“Just let me know if you need anything.”

I smile and watch her walk towards the front of the plane and then behind a curtain. I turn around and see Ian on his phone, his hands gesturing wildly, but I can’t hear what he’s saying.

Instead of staring out into the abyss, I pull out my crochet and get to work on more granny squares. The rhythm of my movements lets me process all that’s happened since leaving work on Friday night.

First, the tour of Hibiscus Harbor and having dinner and drinks with Rick and Dean. Then thealmosthome run at mykickball game and making plans with new friends, Riley and Grace. Mrs. Wilcox calling me and asking me to help Mr. Gallo. My first plane ride, the fancy hotel, the beautiful dress, a ride in a limo, and the monuments of Washington, D.C.

Then the kissing, the dancing, and then the looks on the women’s faces when they left the bathroom. Ian showing up at my door this morning, seeing the news articles online, and then all the questions on our way to the car.

How does he live like this? Everyone in his private life, asking him private questions, and constantly taking his picture. I couldn’t live like this and I’m really looking forward to going back to my simple little world of working and building my new life in Hibiscus Harbor. Although the last two days have been full of firsts and amazing experiences, I can’t wait to get back to anonymity.

My eyes get heavy, as they always do when I’m crocheting. Being out later than I usually am last night and the night before, I put my head back for a few minutes, but I quickly fall asleep.

Chapter 14

Ian

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