Page 38 of Fixer for the Billionaire

Rolling my shoulders underneath my jacket and collared shirt, I fish my phone out, ready to abuse the Caps Lock button once again with another text to Carmina. But right as I hit send, I catch a glimpse of dark hair and long legs heading my way.

Carmina.

Stunning in her black pencil skirt and cream blouse, hair pulled back in a low ponytail. But the stress lines between her eyebrows give her away. Dark circles under her eyes, evidence of the long hours she's been putting in for this event and who knows what else.

With a frown, I quickly pocket my phone and stand up, facing her with raised eyebrows. My gaze scans her from head to toe.

"Sanchez, you made it. I wasn't sure you would. You look... alive."

She inhales and exhales slowly. "Gee, thanks Quentin. That really boosts my confidence."

"I've been texting you."

Her stare narrows. "I've been busy."

"Clearly." I reach over, my thumb brushing a smudge on the side of her neck. "What's this, huh?"

"Oh. Shit," she curses. "Sorry. Gabi had a late soccer practice last night. And this morning, Val had a last-minute science project to finish up. Something about a potato clock." She grimaces. "Except we kinda blew the potato up instead."

"Right." I smirk. "I bet that'll be a fun conversation with the teacher."

Carmina rolls her eyes. "Don't remind me. I need coffee in an IV if I'm going to make it through the day."

I turn to the table, pick up my cup of coffee, and extend it to her. "Here. Take mine. I can survive without caffeine for a bit."

"You sure?" She looks at me, her earthy brown eyes wide, nearly licking her lips at the sight of caffeine.

"Positive." I wink. "Besides, you need it more than I do."

She takes the cup with a small smile. "Thank you." She takes a long sip and lets out a satisfied sigh. I watch her, noting how her shoulders start to relax and the corners of her mouth turn up slightly.

Every inch of me wants to wrap her in a hug and never let go. But I know better.

Especially when she looks up at me, the way she's doing right now, with her lashes lowered and a frown forming. "By the way," she starts, "when you have some time after Danity's reading, can we talk? I have something to ask you."

My brows lower. "Sure, of course. Is everything okay?"

She nods, but I see a hint of hesitation in her eyes. "Yeah, it's just..."

Whatever she was going to say is cut off by applause and cheers from the front of the room.

A curly-haired woman with smooth mocha skin and a book in her hand makes her way to the podium, beaming.

It's Danity. She’s arrived, floating in through the doors with her publicist by her side.

Freddie is already in place, talking animatedly to a redheaded woman at the podium and microphone stationed there.

"Thank you all for joining us today for Danity's first book reading!" she exclaims. "We are so excited to have her share her beautiful words with us."

The room erupts into more cheers and applause, but I'm barely paying attention as Carmina sets my cup back on the table and starts clapping with everyone else, her expression now serious.

"Don't worry about it," I say. "We'll talk later."

She nods and gives me a small smile before turning her attention back to the front of the room. I check the time again, remembering the event is only an hour and a half.

Seems like I’ve been waiting for Sanchez to make a decision about us much longer than just this past week. I guess I can wait a little longer.

Steeling my shoulders, I practice keeping my expression neutral and my gaze off Carmina so I can focus on the reading.

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