Page 62 of The Billionaire's Heart

“Also…” she drags out the word, “I’m going to go to my kickball practice.” She looks at me as if I’m going to challenge her, but I’m not. Even though I’d prefer her to never leave this house without me, I know that’s not possible; I’m just being selfish.

I nod, “I know. And although I’d love to keep both of us locked up here at home and just spend it with each other, I know that’s not feasible. So, please take security with you. Don’t do what you see in the movies and ditch them. I’ve asked a friend to assign you the best close protection he has on staff. Her name is Laura and she’ll be here,” I look at my watch, “in about an hour.”

Mia laughs at me. “You watch too many movies. I’m not ditching anyone. And thank you for thinking of my safety.”

I stand up and pull her into my arms. “I told you last night, I’m having feelings for you I’ve never felt before with anyone. Now that I know you’re feeling the same way, I will not let anything happen to you or us. Not when we’re just starting.” I lean in and kiss Mia’s lips, and they taste like honey and maple syrup.

“You taste like pancakes.” She says into our kisses.

“And you taste like syrup. We’re a match made in heaven, Miss McIntosh.”

“That we are, Mr. Gallo.”

God, I don’t want to go to Seattle.

Chapter 29

Mia

Ian left an hour ago for Seattle and although I was sad to see him go, the time away from him will allow me to really dive into Magical Moments and get it up and running. Not to mention, we've basically been inseparable since Saturday night and some time apart will benefit us. I need to process all that’s happening between us right now.

My life a week ago was simple. It was my third day working at Hibiscus Island Country Club and I attended my first kickball practice. Today, I’m all over the internet, sequestered inside a billionaire’s home, and dating said billionaire. Not to mention my dream of owning my own bridal shop, something that I’ve dreamed of for almost as long as I can remember, is coming to fruition. It’s a lot to process. Not to mention last night and the sex was amazing.

I think I’ve managed to grow up and somehow keep my mental state relatively stable, but the last week could put anyone over the edge if they’re not careful.

“Miss McIntosh?” Paula says as she knocks on my open door.

“Please call me Mia.”

She smiles, “Mia, Kennedy Dixon is here.” She moves away from the door and my friend and teammate from kickball walks in.

“Thank you, Paula.” I call after her as she walks away. “Hi there.”

Kennedy walks in and then around my mini apartment. “Nice digs.”

“It’s temporary, I assure you.” I wave to the table I’ve been working on all morning. “Please, have a seat.”

She pulls up a chair and then unloads her satchel. “So, Mia, you need an attorney. For what, exactly? The online shit or something else?”

I watch her pull out a pink pad of paper and a pink pen and I smile. I love pink, too. “Well, the online and rumor shit, as you appropriately call it, is being handled by Ian’s publicist. No, what I need is an attorney to help me set up my business, Magical Moments, and my non-profit, Mia’s Corner.”

Her eyes light up. “Oh, I can tell I’m going to like this arrangement. Tell me more about both.”

For the next two hours, Kennedy and I worked through all the legal mumbo jumbo of setting up a business and a non-profit. Both of which require a ridiculous amount of paperwork. She brought up some great ideas and even some things I hadn’t even thought about. There were so many forms to complete and documents I needed to sign; it would have been completely overwhelming if I didn’t have her here to guide me through it all.

One of my phones beeps an alarm and I pick it up to read the message.

“You have two phones?” Kennedy asks as she packs up her belongings. “I have trouble keeping track of one.” She laughs.

I nod, “Yeah. One is for my business,” I hold it up in one hand, “and the other one is a personal phone, although I don’t know why I even have it. All I get are texts and voicemails aboutmy relationship with Ian. Most of it is vile.” I hold the phone up in my other hand while giving it a dirty look.

Kennedy stops packing her stuff up and looks directly at me. “Mia, as your attorney, I would tell you to dump the personal phone and ignore everything that is being said about you online. Those people have nothing better to do but bitch and complain. They’re all jealous and want to blame others for their lot in life.”

“I know. I probably will. It’s not like I ever get personal calls, so I’m not sure why I’m holding onto it.”

There’s a knock on the door. “Miss. McIntosh? It’s Laura Jones from Hughes International. I’m your security.”

Kennedy looks at me. “I don’t envy you right now, Mia. I’m so sorry you need to go through all of this just to marry the man that you love. It’s completely ridiculous.” The thought of Ian and I lying to the entire world crosses my mind, but I have to let it go.

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