Page 21 of Fixer for the Billionaire

"Clearly." Quentin looks at me, then back to Jenny and Freddie. "But I think I can be your solution." He smiles. "I've read everything she's written, including the upcoming release. As CMO of our company, I'm well-prepared."

We exchange looks, but my mind is already made up. What is Quentin planning?

"Well then," Jenny says, passing her wine to Freddie. "Looks like we've found our evening's reader and host!”

Freddie nods, sipping the wine, eyes on Quentin.

Quentin's gaze meets mine, his eyes shining in the dim light. "Sanchez?"

Part of me wants to refuse, but then I remember the effort we've all put into this launch. At a time like this, every bit of PR is crucial, especially with Gabi and Val depending on me.

Taking a deep breath, I meet Quentin's gaze. "I guess you're in."

Chapter Nine

QUENTIN

As I snap the back cover of Danity Dandridge's latest hit shut, the room bursts into applause and buzzes with excitement. It's a triumph, and deep down, I know it.

Reading Danity’s steamy prose aloud is easier than expected, especially with Carmina in the audience, front and center. Her presence makes me nearly forget Danity's words. I am utterly captivated by Carmina.

Watching her react to the sexual tension between the characters is intoxicating, addictive even. And as the evening progresses, her expressions intensify with each chapter and sip of wine. It feels like directing a live movie, but better, because I am crafting the narrative. I know the risk of staring at her, but her reactions are too compelling. Her earthy-brown eyes widen, cheeks flush, hanging on every word.

As the crowd thins, I wait, watching Carmina pack up. Approaching her, I lean casually against a bookshelf.

"So?" I prod.

She looks up, eyes piercing. "So...?"

"What did you think of the reading?"

"Honestly?"

"Yes, honestly."

She sighs. "It was incredible. Your voice... it just brings Danity's words to life. I feel like I am in the scene."

I rock on my heels, impressed. "That sounded sincere."

"Because it was."

Raising an eyebrow, I catch Carmina's steady gaze, her face unreadable. Seizing the moment, I suggest, "Since we're actually talking without resorting to violence, maybe it's time we talk things out. Ry and Jen's engagement party is coming up, and I thought, before we go back to our usual antics, we could clear the air. Derek's place, Sopra, is just down the street. They serve a carbonara that could, frankly, bring about world peace."

Carmina's lips twitch into a smile. "You're a carbonara man?"

"I'm an 'eat anything' man." I blink. "Thought you knew that by now."

I immediately regret my words, but Carmina just laughs, her laughter filling the bookstore. "Alright," she concedes with a smirk. "A talk. And some carbonara."

"And no weapons."

I step aside, letting her lead the way. Carmina heads towards the door, her confidence returning as she nods. "Deal."

* * *

CARMINA

I'm not one to hand out compliments to Quentin like candy. But tonight? He's earned it. That carbonara tip was a game-changer. My first time trying it at Sopra, and it's heavenly. Then again, so is the wine.

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