Page 33 of Fixer for the Billionaire

“Two weeks? Oh, that's plenty of time. You have to be around each other until then, so you might as well list him."

I frown as the movie's villain finally jumps out from behind a door, causing the main character to scream in terror.

"What do you mean by ‘list’ him?"

"Like, give him an evaluation. Good versus bad. See which one wins out.”

"Are we still talking about Quentin or the killer in this movie?"

Freddie laughs. "Both, I guess. But seriously, make a pros and cons list. It helps me when I'm trying to make big decisions." She leans forward, legs crossed on the couch. "Give him points for things like honesty, dependability, sense of humor. And take away points for things like being a jerk or not respecting your boundaries."

"Oh God, I don't know if I can do that. That's so judgmental."

"I hate to break it to you, boss, but you already are judgmental. It's one of your finer qualities." She winks and pats my knee.

I roll my eyes, but she has a point. I've been judging Quentin since the moment I met him. Might as well put it in a more structured form.

"Fine. I'll make a list."

"Good. And remember, if he doesn't meet your standards, you can always call it off. It's not like Quentin is exactly known for being Mr. Commitment."

The reminder puts a small knot in my stomach as I reach for the bowl of popcorn on the coffee table. "Yeah. I guess you're right."

Freddie smiles, turning back to the movie, and I try to focus on the horror unfolding on screen instead of the thoughts racing through my head. Thoughts of Quentin and our relationship, or lack thereof. Thoughts of what I want and what he can offer.

Thoughts of whether or not I'm willing to take a chance on him at all.

Chapter Fourteen

QUENTIN

I can't remember the last time I stayed this late at the office. Two days after Ry and Jenny's engagement party, I'm sitting here, staring at my computer screen, hoping it holds the secrets of the universe—or at least the secrets to throwing an unforgettable bachelor-bachelorette party that won't make my brother regret asking me to be Best Man.

Just as I'm about to deep-dive into the world of eco-friendly balloon alternatives—because who knew regular balloons are a no-go these days?—there's a knock at my door

I'm expecting a package with the two thousand party favor samples I've already ordered in the last few hours. Instead, it's my brother Alton, with our cousin Killian in tow.

They both have that mischievous look in their eyes—the kind that usually means I'm about to be roped into something I'll regret come morning.

"Hey, bro," Alton starts, leaning against the door frame like the eldest sibling who's used to being in control. "Heard you were staying late. Taking those Best Man duties seriously, huh? Thought you could use a break."

Killian chimes in, amber eyes alight. "How about a drink? Or maybe three?"

I sigh, glancing back at my screen, then at their expectant faces. "No can do, boys. I'm making arrangements for the joint bachelor-bachelorette weekend. It's a surprise. Or at least it's supposed to be."

Alton straightens, pushing off the doorway. "Interesting. What kind of arrangement?"

"Well," I push back in my chair, "that's what the 'surprise' part is for."

"And you and Carmina are planning it together?" Killian asks, eyebrows raised.

I shrug. "Apparently. But, um, I haven't exactly spoken to Carmina since the party, and I have no idea what I'm doing. So, I'm reaching out to everyone I know in the city for ideas and recommendations."

Silent, my brother and cousin exchange a look before bursting into laughter.

"Okay, you and Car working on a party together was one thing. But putting together an entire weekend full of rowdy groomsmen, tipsy bridesmaids, and a soon-to-be-married couple trying to let loose before their big day? This is going to be a bloodbath," Alton says, wiping a tear from his eye.

"I can just see it now," Killian adds, mimicking our voices. "'No, I want the chocolate fountain here.' 'But it makes more sense over there!' 'Fine, let's just do cupcakes then.'"

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