13. Mia
Chapter 13
Mia
T his is the last thing I expected, and it was definitely not covered in Pretty Woman .
Ian has been on the phone with Mrs. Wilcox, his security team, and many others trying to coordinate our departure from the hotel for the last hour. In the meantime, I’ve just been sitting here on the couch, strolling through my phone and reading the headlines.
I mistakenly opened up some social media apps and immediately had to close my accounts. The hatred and vile things people are saying about me are scary. I had over two thousand friend requests. How did they even find out my name?
Closing the accounts was the best option. Besides, I only use social media to watch videos of cats and dogs and to look at wedding dresses. I can always open new accounts when this is all over.
“Security is here. Are you ready to go?” Ian sits down on top of the coffee table across from me.
I nod, “Yes. My bag is packed. Just let me grab my notebook and crochet.” Attempting to stand up, Ian stops me by placing his hands on my knees. The electricity even flows through jeans and during stressful situations; good to know.
“Mia, I’m so sorry about this. Please forgive me. I’ve been dealing with the press for so long; it’s second nature to me, but it never occurred to me they’d go after you. And it should have.” There are worry lines on his forehead and he truly looks like this is tearing him apart.
To settle him, I cup both his cheeks. “Ian, it’s fine. Once everyone finds out we’re not engaged or even dating, this will all blow over. It’s no big deal and I’m sure by the time your driver drops me off at my apartment this evening, the news will be onto someone else. Right?”
Ian leans into my touch and suddenly I realize what I’m doing, and that it is highly inappropriate for me to be touching my boss’s boss like this. I start to remove my hands, but Ian stops me. “I like that you’re touching me.”
What? My heart flutters because there’s no way he said that just now. Right?
“In fact, I like that you kissed me last night. And I know that this is crazy with everything that is going on right now, but I want to kiss you now, too.” Ian’s dark blue eyes are staring directly into mine, and I don’t think I’m breathing.
Do I want him to kiss me? Yes, yes, I do. We’re staring into each other’s eyes, and I can feel the magnetic pull between us. We lean into each other, our lips centimeters apart, when there’s a loud pounding at the door. “Mr. Gallo. It’s John Trent from Hughes International. We need to get moving because the crowd is getting larger.”
Ian doesn’t break our eye contact. “Understood,” he calls to the guy at the door. “Let’s go.” He pulls me up off the couch and looks around the room. “Where’s your bag?” And the moment is over.
I only point to the table where my belongings are since I’ve lost the capability to speak after he dropped that bombshell. How can he like me touching him? Or that he wants to kiss me right now? What is happening? This is not my life. Things like this don’t happen to poor foster kids.
Ian opens the door to my room and in walks a giant. He’s got to be at least six foot five and as wide as a truck.
“Hi Mr. Gallo. Miss McIntosh. I’m John Trent with Hughes International. Gabriel Hughes sent me to get you both from the hotel to the car and then to the jet."
Ian and John shake hands. “Thank you, John. I believe we’re ready.” He grabs my bag as I shove my crochet and notebook in it.
“I’ve reviewed the hotel layout and the best way to get you both out of here is through the back entrance. The limo is waiting for you there right now.”
“Great. Let’s get going.” Ian says as he guides me out of the room and to the elevators.
We all climb into the elevator. I’m standing between both men and feeling tiny. There’s barely enough room to move.
“When the doors open, there will be some people in the hallway as we travel through the hotel. Hotel security has done a pretty good job of clearing out most of the reporters, but there are still the hotel guests to deal with.”
Ian nods as he’s staring at me in the elevator mirrored doors. He’s waiting for me to react, but honestly, I’ve had no time for any of this to sink in yet. That’s probably best because I’m pretty sure when it does sink in, I’m going to flip the fuck out.
“I’ll need you both to stay right behind me.” John says.
Ian nods again.
“Miss McIntosh?” John coaxes. “Right behind me.”
I look up at him and nod. “Got it. Right behind you.”
“Here we go. Heads down and stay close.” The elevator dings and the doors open.
“There they are!”
“Ian, Ian, Ian!”
“Mia, Mia, Mia!”
“When is the wedding?”
“Did he ask you to sign a prenup?”
“Is she pregnant, Ian?”
“Mia! How’d you land a billionaire?”
“When’s the baby due?”
“How much do you get if you divorce him?”
“Where’s the wedding going to be?”
“Who’s the maid of honor?”
“What dress will you be wearing?”
“Are you doing this just to land the Sutherland deal?”
“Mia, did you know how many women he’s slept with?”
“Ian, did you know she grew up in foster care?”
John is creating a path in the crowd as Ian has one arm around my shoulders and another trying to keep the people from crowding us.
“You’re doing great. Just keep moving, sweetheart.” Ian whispers in my ear.
I don’t know what’s wrong with me because my insides melt when he calls me sweetheart. With all that’s going on, this is not how my body should be reacting right now.
We go through a bunch of doors and end up in the back of the hotel and there are more questions, yelling, and camera flashes. I’ve had my picture taken more in the last twenty-four hours than I have in my entire life.
“Duck your head and climb in.” John says as he moves out from in front of me and the sight of the interior of the limo is right there. I climb in and move as quickly as I can to the other side so Ian can get in behind me. The door closes behind him and the driver immediately starts driving us away from all that chaos.
“Mia, are you okay?” Ian says, inspecting me for marks. “Did anyone hurt you?”
I shake my head, “No. I’m fine.”
“We’ll be at the airport in a few minutes, Mr. Gallo. Security is tighter there, but we’ll be pulling into a private hanger so that you’ll be able to board the plane quickly.” The driver calls out from the front of the limo.
“Thank you, Steven.” Ian answers and then turns back to me. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
I only nod and give him a small smile. It’s all very overwhelming and suddenly, I’m very thankful that I’m not Julia Roberts. This kind of pressure is too much for me.
There are a bunch of people at the small airport, but thankfully, the limo pulled into a hanger, and we were able to board Ian’s plane unscathed. We’ve taken off and I’m staring out the window, but all I can see are clouds now. It’s only my second time on an airplane, but it’s being overshadowed by all that’s going on.
“Miss McIntosh, can I get you anything?” the stewardess asks.
“No, thank you.”
“Just let me know if you need anything.”
I smile and watch her walk towards the front of the plane and then behind a curtain. I turn around and see Ian on his phone, his hands gesturing wildly, but I can’t hear what he’s saying.
Instead of staring out into the abyss, I pull out my crochet and get to work on more granny squares. The rhythm of my movements lets me process all that’s happened since leaving work on Friday night.
First, the tour of Hibiscus Harbor and having dinner and drinks with Rick and Dean. Then the almost home run at my kickball game and making plans with new friends, Riley and Grace. Mrs. Wilcox calling me and asking me to help Mr. Gallo. My first plane ride, the fancy hotel, the beautiful dress, a ride in a limo, and the monuments of Washington, D.C.
Then the kissing, the dancing, and then the looks on the women’s faces when they left the bathroom. Ian showing up at my door this morning, seeing the news articles online, and then all the questions on our way to the car.
How does he live like this? Everyone in his private life, asking him private questions, and constantly taking his picture. I couldn’t live like this and I’m really looking forward to going back to my simple little world of working and building my new life in Hibiscus Harbor. Although the last two days have been full of firsts and amazing experiences, I can’t wait to get back to anonymity.
My eyes get heavy, as they always do when I’m crocheting. Being out later than I usually am last night and the night before, I put my head back for a few minutes, but I quickly fall asleep.