Page 13 of Billionaire's Second Chance

Business meeting alright.

"Do you have a reservation, Ma'am?" An elegant man appeared before me.

"Oh, you know, I think I came to the wrong place. I won't be staying," I blushed and walked away.

I jumped in my car, catching my breath and shaking with adrenaline. I couldn't pull this off. I wanted to start the car and speed away, but my body didn't move. My eyes just gazed out toward the front door of the fancy restaurant. For hours.

Until I saw them walk out. With my body completely frozen, only my eyes followed them to his Range Rover. They lingered near it for a few moments. Damon looked over his shoulders a few times, and then he leaned closer to Lily. There it was—the confirmation I needed. He kissed her passionately while my heart pounded in my chest.

Get a grip, Ava.

I whipped out my phone and took as many pictures as I could.

4

Damon

Ninemissedcalls!

I poured a large cup of steaming hot coffee, my heart beating in tune with the AirPods in my ears. It was never too early for coffee, but it was definitely too early for this many missed calls. I watched the vapor rise from the cup, swirl higher and higher, then finally disappear into thin air.

I slid the phone into my robe pocket and touched my AirPods again out of reflex.

Beep beep. Just pick it up already.

Francis Alexander never called anyone twice unless it was life or death. He had called six times already. That and more calls from Harry. What a way to begin my day. I should panic. A prolific director and a manager wouldn’t call you a billion times in the morning if everything were OK.

I wrapped the soft, white robe around my body.

She finally picked up.

“You should call Dad,” her eager voice rang in my ears.

“Hello, Quinn. That’s not the warm greeting I’d have expected from my kid sister,” I joked.

She scoffed.

“What’s with you and Dad? He blew my phone up this morning trying to reach you," my sister complained.

“I was hopingyouknew,” I scratched my head.

“So, you haven’t called him yet?”

“I don't take calls from Francis before noon,” I laughed.

“He’s really pissed about something," Quinn informed me.

“Isn't he always?” I asked her. "So, you don't know what this might be about?"

"Damon, are you still afraid to call him," she mocked me.

"You're of no use, Quinn." I hung up and dialed my father's number. The coffee cup burned through my hands as I picked it up and walked to the patio. Whatever the issue was, the view would help me relax.

The bedroom door was still slightly ajar. I slowed down and peeked inside. Lily was still under the sheets, curled up with her long legs hanging out.

She and I were just a business transaction. She needed a big Hollywood break; I needed her body. Business. Soon, she’d get over the whole idea of a fairytale romance.

“Hello, Dad.” I blew into the coffee cup, stirring it as I spoke.

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