Page 57 of The Billionaire's Heart

“If you have strawberry, you’ve won my heart.” I say as I sit down on the blanket.

“Is that your favorite?”

“It is. What’s yours?”

“Strawberry.” He says with a small smile. “You’ll see that the strawberry container has been opened already. I couldn’t help myself when I brought this all out here.”

“You did all this yourself?”

He nods as he opens the carton and starts scooping ice cream into a bowl. “One or two scoops?”

“Depends. What else do you have here?” I wave at the other containers.

“Brownies, cookies, and two pies. Apple and peach.”

“Oh boy. Okay, one scoop of strawberry ice cream and one brownie, please.”

Ian gives me my treats and then makes a bowl of ice cream, two scoops, and a piece of apple pie for himself.

We eat in silence for a few minutes, enjoying our desserts and watching the moonlight dance off the gentle waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

“This is really nice, Ian. Thank you.” I say as I lick the rest of the melting ice cream off of my spoon. It’s late June in Florida, so even though it’s dark out here, it’s still warm, hence the melting ice cream.

“You’re welcome. So, tell me, what do you think about my crazy family?”

“I think you’re very lucky to have them. They obviously really love you. It’s special.”

He nods, “You’re right. I’m lucky to have both my parents around. Sawyer not so much, but what can you do?” He teases.

My engagement ring catches my eye as it shines in the moonlight. “This ring is really beautiful, Ian. You did a good job.”

He takes my hand with the ring on it and kisses it. “A beautiful ring for a beautiful woman.”

I look up at him and that damn electricity is zooming through my hand and up my arm. And now I think I’m ready to admit to myself that I’m really wishing this was all for real. To have someone that chooses me over all others. Family that would love me no matter what. A partner in life. I could do without the paparazzi and the money, but to have something that is all mine. That would be perfect.

Ian reaches up with his other hand and tangles his fingers through my hair. “Can I kiss you, Mia?” he asks.

I’m pulled to him by some invisible force, and I want him to kiss me. More than I want my next breath. “Yes.”

He leans in and gently kisses my lips. Not like last night, where there were hormones and alcohol involved, but like a real kiss. Soft. Gentle. Loving.

I pull back from the kiss, and we stare into each other’s eyes. “Mia, I’m feeling things for you I’ve never felt before with anyone and I know I shouldn’t say that on a first date,” he smirks, “but I also know that I want to be completely open and honest with you. If you don’t feel the same, please tell me now so I can protect my heart because you could break it into a million pieces right now.”

It's now or never, girl. What are you going to tell him? Are you going to break his heart and yours? I take a few moments to collect my thoughts, but not breaking eye contact with him. I want to make sure he’s in it for the long haul. If he thinks I could break his heart, he has no idea how easily he could just end me with one word.

My eyes bounce back and forth with his as he waits for my answer, and I can’t hold it back anymore. “Ian, this isn’t our first date.”

He looks confused. “What?”

“We had that parking lot dinner last week. It was sweet what you did for me, getting dinner and then having your friend fix my car. I’d like to think of that as our first date if it’s okay with you.” I say, questioningly.

“Works for me. Then what would this date number be?”

I look up at the sky as if I’m looking for an answer. “I think we’ll be safe calling this date number two.”

He nods. “Number two it is. Why does that matter?”

I pull his hand from my cheek and hold it in my lap, “Because I’ve never been on a second date.” I take a deep breath and jump in headfirst. “I’m falling for you, too, Ian. I’m falling for you.”

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