Page 49 of The Billionaire's Heart

“I’d really rather not. Can we just pretend it didn’t happen?” I smile. I’m just glad our deal is still on. I would feel completely devastated if he had decided to kick me out and call it off, as it would completely dash my hopes for my shop. Not sure if they would ever really happen after that.

“No, but you can let me do all the talking.” He says and waits for my reply, but I just nod.

“Mia, last night, I bared my heart to you, and you called me out on it. And it hurt.”

“I didn’t mean…”

“Wait. Let me finish.” He interrupts me. “I’m glad you did, and I understand why you did, and you had every right to. I was too forward. I had a couple of drinks, and it’s all too much, too soon. I get it. Really, I do. But what you should understand about me is that throughout my entire life I’ve zoned in on what I wanted, and I go after it. And I usually get it. Last night… I tried to do the same with you. I wanted you. Want you still. I don’t understand…”

“Ian.”

“Please, Mia. Let me finish.”

I nod again, deciding to let this all play out and see what he has to say.

“I don’t understand these feelings I’m having over you. They’re all new to me and, quite frankly, freaking me out. I think about you constantly. What are you doing? Are you okay? What are you thinking? Who’s saying what shit about you and how do I destroy them? And all of this started the moment you walked into my office last week.”

“Really?”

“Really, really. And I know that this is supposed to be a fake relationship, and I’ll play the part if that is all you’re looking for. We have a deal; the money for playing the part. I’ll honor that. If that’s what you want.”

I think about what he’s saying for a moment and then turn to him. “And if it’s not?” I ask shyly.

He swallows hard. “And if it’s not, then I’d like to ask you out on a proper date. Last night, I rushed things because I couldn’t control how I was feeling around you. But normal people go on dates, get to know each other. I’d like to get to know you, Mia. The entire package.”

“And what if you don’t like the entire package?”

He smiles. “I highly doubt there’s any chance of that, Mia McIntosh. Your heart is pure, you have no problem putting me in my place, and you truly care about others. You have every right to not give a damn about the rest of the world with the way you grew up, yet you care. A lot. How could anyonenotwant to love you, Mia?”

I take a deep breath, finish the rest of my chocolate chip muffin, and then take a sip of my coffee. Mostly to take a few moments to process what he’s saying to me and how I want to respond back.

I like Ian a lot. A lot more than I ever thought I would. He’s funny when he doesn’t try to be, and his kind heart is bigger than he knows. He’s not too shabby on the eyes, either. Last night, when I was lying on his chest crying like a baby, I couldn't help but notice how hard his chest and abdomen were.

“I’d like to go on a date with you, Ian. Even though you’re my fiancé right now, I think a first date is appropriate.” I smile at him to help break the tension. How could I not want to go on a date with him?

He’s choosing me.

Chapter 24

Ian

Last night, while I laid in bed with Mia, just holding her while she cried and then slept, I realized a few things.

Number one is that I rushed her. I should never have kissed her last night. Even though I couldn’t help myself, I should have at least tried. Realizing Mia’s heart is bigger than anyone I’ve ever met, it felt like the tipping point for me, and so I kissed her.

Number two is, and this one scares me, is that she may not feel the same way as I do. Even though I’m not really sure how I’m feeling, I know I want to be with her night and day and cannot, for the life of me, stop thinking about her. Is this love? I don’t know and if it is, I’m not too sure I’m ready to admit it. Even to myself.

Number three, and the irony is not lost on me, is that we haven’t even had a date. We’re engaged to be married. Even though that’s fake, we still don’t really know each other. I mean, I know a lot of things about Mia, but I don’t knowher. Not like I want to. I want to know if she prefers the sunrise or the sunset, has she ever wanted to go some place she’s never thought she’d be able to go, what kinds of movies make her laugh, and so much more.

I want to be the person she tells all her secrets to and knows that they are safe with me.

I want to tell her all of my secrets, too.

Number four, and this one is a biggie, is that I’m scared shitless she’s going to just walk away. Other than the money, there’s absolutely no reason she would want to stay. She can just decide one morning that this isn’t for her, pack up her stuff, and just drive off and start her life over. She’s done it once already, just a few weeks ago. Hell, they delivered her stuff from her apartment this morning and all of it was still in boxes. She could have one foot out the door and I wouldn’t even know it.

So, as I held her close last night and watched her sleep, I created a plan. A plan to date my fiancé and see where this goes. To see if I can convince her not to go, not to leave me, when this is all over.

And I’ve never, in my entire life, felt so vulnerable as I do right now.

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