Page 39 of Fixer for the Billionaire

The lights dim, and I try not to inhale the scent of Carmina's vanilla perfume as she leans forward. The next two hours are going to be absolute torture.

* * *

CARMINA

Danity's voice is like warm honey, filling the room with emotion and depth as she reads from her latest novel. The audience hangs on every word, her storytelling commanding the space with ease.

I should be lost in it. Really, I should.

But my mind keeps drifting over to Quentin, sitting beside me.

The scent of his woodsy cologne, his presence radiating heat and energy, is all I can feel.

It hasn't helped that this past week working closely with Quentin on Ry and Jen's event has shown me how easily one can get swept up in his charm, his intelligence, his easy laughter.

In my head, the list of reasons "For" getting involved with Quentin grows longer every day.

His unexpected kindness. His wit. The way he seems to see me, truly see me, beyond the façade I put on like lipstick every morning.

But then, there's that overwhelming, singular "Against" that topples the list every time...

Quentin doesn't do "involved."

Not in the way I need. Not in a way that would last.

And I can't—I won't—end up in another relationship that feels like trying to hold onto smoke. My mom's been an expert at that; showing up in bursts of love and attention one day and then vanishing the next.

I can’t risk my stability, not with the teenage lives I manage daily.

The question isn't really if Quentin could be there for me; it's about when he inevitably wouldn't, and how much that would hurt.

No, getting caught up in Quentin is a fantasy best left as just that—a fantasy.

A fantasy I plan to put an end to...

Tomorrow.

Right now, my nerves are too frayed to handle anything else. As the reading wraps up, I join Danity and Freddie at the podium for the Q&A. I thank Danity for her reading, and Freddie briefly introduces the Q&A session.

The audience is engaged, asking thoughtful questions about the writing process and the inspiration behind Danity's upcoming "Love in Seattle" series. I can't help but feel proud as she answers each question with grace and poise.

Just as we're about to wrap things up, Quentin surprises me by raising his hand to ask a question. As always, he's devastatingly handsome, tall, and poised in a button-down shirt, jacket, and slacks. My heart races as his deep voice echoes through the room.

"Danity, your writing is so raw and honest, especially when it comes to showing men putting themselves out there. What advice do you have for men who struggle with vulnerability?"

I hold my breath, curious to hear her answer. Danity smiles warmly at Quentin before responding. "Thank you for that question, Quentin. Vulnerability is tricky, especially in a society that often equates it with weakness. But I believe it's a sign of strength. It takes courage to open up, but it allows for deeper connections and understanding in relationships. My advice?" She pauses, looking directly at Quentin. "Embrace vulnerability and let yourself be seen. Take the leap. It's scary but necessary to truly connect with someone. And as writers, showing vulnerability in characters can create more compelling and relatable stories."

The room erupts in applause. I see Quentin nodding along, a thoughtful expression on his face. Heat sweeps through me at the thought that Quentin's question might be personal.

Turning away from him, I lean toward Freddie and whisper, "I'm not feeling so hot, Fred. I think I'm going to head out."

Her blue eyes soften as she looks at me. "Are you sure? You don't want to stick around for more of Danity's wisdom?"

I shake my head, knowing I have all the wisdom I need right now. The courage to be vulnerable and take a chance on someone who may not feel the same way.

I hug my employee goodbye and make my way to the exit. But just as it's within reach, I feel a hand on my wrist.

I look up to see Quentin standing there, a determined expression on his face. His green eyes bore into mine.

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