Page 66 of The Billionaire's Heart

“I figured when I saw you two the other night at dinner. So, you fell for the girl, huh?”

“Hook, line, and sinker.” I tell him with the biggest grin on my face, even though he can’t see it.

“Don’t you mean ‘peanut butter, bread, and jelly’?” His laugh at his own joke is loud and obnoxious through the phone.

“Jealousy isn’t a good look on you.” I tease him back.

He finishes laughing, “In all seriousness, I haven’t seen you like this before and it’s a good look on you, Ian. I’m happy for you.”

“Thank you. I am happy. I just wish I didn’t have to be way over on the other side of the country from her. It sucks.”

“Do you need me to stop in on her? Check on her?” Sawyer offers.

“No. She’s fine. We’ve been talking, and she’s getting her shop set up. I’ve got Hughes on her protection detail.”

“Good. His team is the best. Speaking of protection, did you hear about Hudson’s girl, Kate, and her bagel shop?”

“Yeah. I saw it in the group text. Are you going to be at the fundraiser on Saturday?”

“Of course. My guys are working with the event planner to do the construction and then the teardown of the booths and stage. It’s going to be quite a thing for Hooplas.”

I nod. “Yeah, and bring in some good money for her.”

“Okay, well, if you need me to do anything, just give me a shout. I’m in town all this week and next, but then I’m off to the Bahamas to check out your new islands. My brother—island owner. Who would have thought?”

“Me. I thought it and made it a reality.” I tease back.

“Garrett made it a reality. You just paid the price.” He laughs, “Gotta go. I’ve got a meeting to get to. Let me know if you need me to swing by and check on your girl while you’re gone.”

“Thanks, man. Talk soon.”

We hang up just as Mia calls me. I need to get a better picture of her for my phone. Right now, it’s a snapshot of her when she didn’t know I was taking it. At the time, I wasn’t sure if she’d be okay with her picture being taken.

“Hi sweetheart.” I answer, hoping she’s still okay with the term of endearment. It’s not usually my style, but it just comes out.

“Hi. Did you watch the interview?” She sounds nervous.

“I did. I think they did a good job.”

“Me, too. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but I liked it.”

“What’s on your schedule today?”

“Well, today I’m going to meet the owner of Palm Beach Bridal. We’ve been talking online, and she invited me to her shop and to lunch. I’m on my way now. Her name is Dorothy, and she’s owned the shop for thirty-five years and promised to give me the lay of the land. She says that there is a genuine need up here in Hibiscus Harbor for a bridal shop. She’s been helpingbrides for years from this area and they all complain about the lack of resources in the area. This could be a real thing, Ian.”

Her excitement flows through the phone and it’s not the first time today that I wished I was home. “That’s great. Networking is the best way to get business. Tell me, you have Laura with you, right?”

“Laura, say hi to Ian.” Mia says.

“I’m here, sir, and she hasn’t tried to lose me once.” Laura’s voice sounds like she’s a distance away.

“See? I’m fine. Just riding in the back of this SUV like I’m some kind of big shot celebrity.”

“You are now. You were on theToday Showthis morning, Miss McIntosh.” I tease her.

“What’s on your schedule today, Mr. Gallo?”

“More of the same. Our team will meet with the different city leaders to reassure them we will complete the projects on time and on budget. Low-income housing in this area is desperately needed, and what Eric did significantly disrupted the timeline.

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