Page 28 of Billionaire's Second Chance

"I thought I was ready for it and—" she hesitated. "And when you picked Lily Rae, you gave me time to think and reconsider."

"Greg," I turned to her chubby-faced agent. "Does that make any sense to you?"

He swallowed a piece of steak and looked at Ava for permission to speak. But she spoke before him.

"You made your selection with Lily Rae," Ava looked at me sternly. "But now that the media has you by the balls, you run to me?"

My pulse quickened, and blood rose to my temples. She was finally speaking up. And I liked it.

"Ava, one thing you don't know about is that youweremy choice at auditions." I cleared my throat. "But the rest of the jury was opposed, so I played it safe."

She remained silent and gazed at me blankly.

"Now I'm paying for not trusting my gut," I continued and winked at Greg. "In fact, I'm willing to pay double for it, if you know what I mean."

“We’ll have to think about your offer, Damon," Greg hurried to respond before Ava could.

“I’m not ready for this, Greg," she scoffed.

Greg was red in the face. His fingers couldn’t stay steady. They drummed on the table, then balled into fists. I saw my opening when he picked up his fork again.

“How long have you known her, Greg?” I inquired, putting him in the spotlight.

He shrugged. “I wouldn’t be too far off if I said for ages. We’ve been friends since childhood.”

“That’s quite a long time. You must want what’s best for her at every turn.”

“I’m sitting right here," Ava exclaimed.

“I—I want what’s best for her,” Greg stuttered.

“Tell me then, Greg. Do you think she could pull this off?”

“What’s to think? She has been prepared for this all her life. If anyone can pull this off, it’s Ava," he confirmed proudly, avoiding her piercing gaze.

I leaned back in my seat, a cocky smile lighting up my face. "I knew it!"

“Um, I need to use the restroom.” Greg stood up, hoping to escape Ava's furious eyes.

One of the servers walked over to the table and pointed him in the right direction, leaving Ava alone with me.

Now, Damon!

“Let’s cut to the chase, Ava," I leaned in to look at her dancing eyes.

“What are you talking about," she asked, confused.

I leaned closer to her. She placed her hands on the table and held my gaze.

“I know, Ava,” I whispered.

“Know what?” She pretended not to understand me.

“Columbia. I remember everything,” I smiled and watched her reaction.

That was all it took. She swallowed, then leaned back against her chair.

“Is that why you’re hell-bent on rejecting the role?” I asked.

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