Sunset sérénade: A Love story in Florida

Part VI : The Long Night 2

At this point, Emma was both surprised and amused at the same time, most girls would be afraid or concerned about staying all night but she's always been tougher and braver, open to new ideas. For a moment she holds eye contact.

Chris notices and tries to relieve her, "Don't worry, you'll have your own room and it's already done."

Emma lets out a small smile, her initial wariness dissolving a bit, "Well I'm glad to hear I"ll have my own room. I was starting to worry you had some ulterior motives, Mr. Billionaire."

He couldn't help but get along with her fantasy, "Don't worry if I wanted to kill I would have taken you to the wood cabin in the forest, you know the Friday 13th style."

She laughs, genuinely amused by his morbid jokes, "Oh, lovely. Thanks for not subjecting me to a horror movie scenario. I'll sleep less uneasy knowing I won't wake up to a masked killer wielding a chainsaw."

They continue walking, laughing, and chatting Emma watches curiously as the old servant leans in to whisper something to Chris before slipping away, leaving an air of mystery. She can't help but wonder what was said and turns to Chris with a soft yet probing question. "Something important?" she asks, trying to read his expression.

Chris, looking disappointed, shakes his head. "No, not at all."

Emma isn't convinced and notices the flicker of sadness in his eyes. She presses gently, her voice soft but curious. "You sure? You look a bit down. For someone who's supposed to be never disappointed, you're definitely showing a hint of it right now."

With a sigh, Chris admits, "I thought I would meet my father today... but he didn't care to come."

Emma's expression softens, her heart going out to him. She reaches out and places a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry. I know it must feel disappointing. But hey, his loss. You're an amazing person, and if he can't see that, it's his problem."

Chris looks up, a touch of vulnerability in his eyes. "I wanted him to meet you."

Her surprise is immediate. Emma's eyes widen slightly as she absorbs his words. She glances away, feeling a mix of emotions fluttering through her. "Me? You wanted your dad to meet me? Why?"

Chris's response is sincere. "You seem like the kind of person he would like."

Intrigued, Emma lets out a small scoff, half-flattered by the statement. "And what kind would that be? The kind of woman who can handle your billionaire antics without falling for your charm?"

Chris smirks. "A smart, independent woman who can control me."

Feigning indignation, Emma teases him. "Control you? Careful now, Mr. Billionaire, you're making it sound like I've got you wrapped around my finger."

Chris grins, appreciating her playful banter. "Maybe you do."

Emma raises an eyebrow, her voice teasing but warm. "Well, don't let that get to your head. You're still not getting away with everything."

The moment feels lighter now, the disappointment fading as their playful back-and-forth continues, yet beneath the surface, the weight of what wasn't said lingers, leaving the bond between them even stronger.

As the playful banter between them fades, Chris's expression shifts to something more serious, almost thoughtful. Emma notices the change and tilts her head slightly, waiting for whatever is on his mind.

"There's something else," Chris begins a hint of hesitation in his voice. "I'm hosting a charity ball tonight."

Emma raises an eyebrow, curiosity piqued again. "A charity ball? Is this the kind where all the rich and famous gather to show off their newest designer gowns while pretending they care about the cause?"