Page 24 of Billionaire's Second Chance

She’d run as far as the leash would let her, sniff the ground in search of some hidden treasure and come right back. All the energy of a young puppy, yet she was leashed to me.

“Can I tell you a secret, Gracie?”

The puppy nuzzled at my ankle. I reached lower to scratch her head again.

“I turned down the biggest gig of my career yesterday. And that's after I attempted, and possibly succeeded at, ruining someone else's career.” I confided in my cute companion, who seemed to love me regardless of what I was telling her.

An older couple walked by and waved at us. I forced a smile and waved back, envious of their solidified mutual affection and carefree strolls.

I looked at Gracie again. “How do I make this right?”

Before she could bark her response, my phone vibrated in the back pocket of my jeans.

“Hello?” I answered hastily.

“Hello, Ava," a husky voice spoke on the other end and made the skin on my arms rise.

That voice. I knew that voice.

Gracie looked at me like she could feel the sudden change in my demeanor. I wrapped her leash tighter around my wrist and pressed the phone to my ear.

“Yes,” I cleared my throat and listened intently.

"This is Damon Alexander. Do you have a minute?” He said nonchalantly.

I do.

"I'm in the middle of something," I responded instead, hoping to buy a few moments to slow down my racing heart.

“I won't take up much of your time,” he continued. "I'd like to know what you think of my offer?"

"As I told my agent," I began shakily, "I would have to decline the offer.”

Damon was unruffled. “I did hear from your agent. However, Ava, I want to make you another offer.”

I clenched my phone tight. “What's that?”

“Dinner and drinks tonight,” his voice shifted its tone as if he was smiling.

No way! Did he finally remember who I was?

He must have taken my silence as a 'no'.

“Dinner and drinks, with your agent, of course," he elaborated.

My grip around the leash loosened at the mention of Greg.

“I'll have to confirm with Greg first,” I informed him.

“Great! I’ll send a chauffeur to pick you up,” Damon exclaimed as if I had already accepted.

"I can't confirm anything just yet," I repeated. "Greg will be in touch if and when we agree to it."

"Ava, it's important. I insist. Just let me know when and where to pick you up from." Damon ordered confidently and hung up first.

I stood up from the bench, my knees shaking.

“It’s official, Gracie,” I petted my friend and walked back to the kennel. “I'm a mess.”