Page 76 of The Billionaire's Heart

Making it home in record time, I rush into the house, hoping to find Mia by the pool or watching television, or working on her business stuff, but when I search the house, I can’t find her. Immediately, I text her security to make sure she made it home.

Me:Where’s Mia?

Laura:Safely in the house, sir. Is everything okay?

Me:Did she say anything on the way home from the fundraiser?

Laura:No. She was quiet. Said she was going to turn in early. Is everything okay?

Me:Everything is fine. Thank you.

Laura:You’re welcome, sir.

Everything is not fine, but no need to involve security.

I race up the stairs to Mia’s room, but the lights are out. She must have gone to bed early, like she told Laura.

Briefly, I think about knocking on the door and waking her up to make sure she’s okay. Especially after being with her last night and the shit the ‘Bitch-pack’ said in front of her today, but ultimately, instead, I let her get her rest.

Instead of being a demanding asshole and waking her up, I go to work in my office for a few more hours before turning in for the night. Today at the office, I decided to make some changes to Gallo Enterprises, and I need to get a few more emails out to my executive team before my flight tomorrow morning to New York.

Two hours later, I’m yawning. It’s time to go to bed before I collapse on my office desk. I make my way up the stairs and when I get to the landing; I turn towards Mia’s room, hoping her light is on, but it’s dark still. I really wish I could have talked to her more before she left today. I knew something wasn’t right, but she insisted she was fine. I suppose I’ll have to wait until morning.

I wander into my room, wondering how best to convince her to come with me to New York. Has she been to New York? Doubtful. I could play tour guide. Working out how to convince her, I open my door, to find her curled up in a ball in my bed—under the covers, her beautiful blonde hair splayed across the pillows, wearing one of my shirts. I love that.

Needing to wash the sweat off me, I jump into the shower. Pulling on black, silk pajama pants, I walk back into my room. She’s still there.

The emotion that washes over me is so strong, it makes me weak in the knees. I can barely breathe. Is this what it means to be in love? I examine the feeling. All I want is to make her feel loved and happy. I want to cherish, spoil and worship her and give her everything she deserves, and she deserves so much more than she’s had.

Yep. This is most definitely love. I am in love with Mia McIntosh. I love her more than anything else in this world. I will do everything in my power to keep her in my life and make her love me back.

I watch her sleep from my stance between the bedroom and bathroom while I get my emotions under control. This is a whole new world for me. I’ve never been the emotional type.

After taking a few deep breaths and slowing down my heart rate, I slip under the covers next to Mia. Instantly, her body recognizes me, and she curls up, resting her head on my chest. How am I going to convince this amazing, beautiful woman to stay with me for the rest of my life? She’s got a rock on her finger, but I’ve never really asked her to marry me.

It’s too soon. She’ll freak out on me if I ask her. We’ve only been on a couple of official dates.

My plan comes together as I lay there with the love of my life sleeping soundly on my chest. I can do this. It’s time to do this.

Now – will she go along with me?

Let’s hope so.

Chapter 35

Mia

Ididn’t hear Ian come in last night, nor did I feel him climb into bed with me, but I’m apparently drawn to him because I’m splayed across his chest listening to his heartbeat with one of my arms draped across his abdomen and one of my legs lying across his thigh. His arm is tightly wrapped around me, and I feel safe.

When I got home last night, my emotions were all over the place. At first, I was feeling defeated. Listening to those women talk about me made me realize I will never fit into Ian’s world. I'm just not like them, and they would never accept me as I am.

Then I thought about the lack of time Ian has in his life to be my partner. His company is as successful as it is because he’s dedicated his life to building it...allof his life. There’s only so many hours in a day and he already doesn’t sleep enough as it is. He doesn’t have the time for the type of relationship I’m looking for—hoping for. Want. Need.

The financial difference between us is monumental—obviously. He has billions. I have, well, before all this fake fiancé stuff, hundreds. That’s it. Hundreds. Would I ever feel like I could contribute, or would I feel like one of those women from yesterday that just wants to mooch off Ian?

Finally,finally—my rational voice spoke up and started screaming at me to shut the hell up and get my head out of my ass. That voice in my head became louder and louder until I looked at myself in the mirror and chanted like I did back in high school.

I am worthy.

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