Page 48 of Billionaire's Second Chance

"Hello?"

"Sorry, just jotting down some notes," Ava finally said. "That was more than enough. I know what to do now. Thank you, Damon."

“How about dinner tonight?” I asked before she had the chance to rush me off.

There it was again. Silence.

“I don't know, Damon. It's risky to be seen in public,” she replied.

“Don't worry, it'll be private,” I smiled. "I'm not an idiot to jeopardize everything again. So, what do you say? We can discuss any other questions you have."

“See, that's what I meant. What am I supposed to do with Rocky?” She scolded me.

"I'm sure Greg won't mind babysitting," I suggested. "If not, I'll take care of it."

"Text me the details. I have to go clean pee now," she informed me and hung up.

***

“Welcome aboard my water home!” I beamed, leading her up the deck of my 200-foot yacht "Arya."

Ava wore a sleeveless coral-green dress with simple gold details around the neckline. It hugged her waist, then fell freely over her knees. Her golden locks fell below her shoulders in subtle beach waves.

I wrapped my arm around her waist and then pulled her in for a hug. The fresh scent of her hair soon replaced the smell of the ocean air and wood polish. I pressed my face against it, then let her go.

"Let's see what's upstairs,” I suggested, pulling her along.

The hum of the yacht engine became more distant as we walked to the upper deck. She held onto my arm as I caressed her fingers, then placed my hand on them.

We walked past the chefs to the other side of the deck, where a set table under romantic lights waited for us.

The cool night breeze billowed through her hair as she stared at the water. I stood beside her, admiring the moment of freedom, away from prying eyes, judgment, and the world's weight.

The subtle ring of a bell interrupted our moment.

“Dinner is served,” Lucas Pastore, the world-famous chef and TV celebrity, announced.

“Thanks, Lucas,” I nodded and held her hand as she navigated the boat's movements.

He slipped back inside. Ava's eyes followed him in disbelief as I helped her sit in her chair.

“Lucas Pastore?” She stared at me across the table.

“Of course! Only the best,” I handed her a glass of wine and held mine up.

“What are we celebrating?” She squinted her eyes, and her glass met mine.

“Lily Rae decided to accept an out-of-court settlement,” I declared victoriously and sat back to wait for her reaction.

A smile formed on her face, and her eyes lit up. "Really? That's great news!"

“You wouldn’t happen to know anything about her change of heart, would you?” I quizzed her.

She shrugged and placed a hand on her chest. “Me? I'm flattered, but I doubt Lily Rae would be influenced by me, of all people.”

I raised one brow and crossed my arms. I wasn't buying it. "Ava, you can tell me. It's just us now."

She swallowed a sip of wine, swiped her hair, and then looked away. "The way she left our conversation, I thought she'd try to take us both down. I had no idea she'd settle."

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