Page 51 of Fixer for the Billionaire

"It’ll be fun." He kisses my shoulder, now speaking against my skin. "Maybe we can even sneak in a mini-vacation while we're there," Quentin suggests, his breath tickling me. "Just the two of us."

I nod, letting myself fall into the fantasy of a romantic getaway with Quentin and a break for Gabi and Val. With Jenny and Ry's wedding coming up, us as Maid of Honor and Best Man, and Danity's new release looming, supporting Quentin—after everything he's done for me—seems like a no-brainer.

If only my brain worked that way.

I hug Quentin tighter, resting my head on his chest as he kisses my forehead.

"Now that that's settled, let's make our plans and eat." He wraps me in one arm, reaching for the abandoned tray with the other. "I'm starving."

Chapter Twenty

CARMINA

The next few days at Hare & Holeton are a masterclass in acting like nothing's changed, even though everything feels different.

After we ate his fluffy pancakes, made plans for our trip, and waited for the girls to get home, we went back to life and work as if nothing had happened. As if we hadn't just confessed our feelings and were now embarking on a trip—both work-related and personal—together.

It's bizarre, really, pretending that Saturday morning was just another blip in our timeline, not the seismic shift it was.

As if every time Quentin brushes against me or leans in close to discuss work, my heart doesn't skip a beat.

I keep checking my phone, hoping for a text or call from Quentin about something other than work or the bridal party duties we both signed up for.

Of course, Quentin is still the suave CMO and co-founder, keeping his cool under any circumstance. And here I am, the PR Director, trying not to blush every time our paths cross in the sleek halls of our publishing conglomerate.

It's really all a show for Jenny, my best friend, soon-to-be bride, and Hare & Holeton CIO. I'm terrified she'll pick up on something—anything—that might hint at what's brewing between Quentin and me.

It's like walking a tightrope, balancing my role as Maid of Honor with these new, uncharted feelings for a man I once openly despised.

As daunting as the prospect of seeing my parents might be, an escape is just what I need.

Right now, that escape is a private flight to San Francisco for Danity Dandridge's book tour. My sisters, Gabi and Val, are buzzing with excitement for the trip, their chatter offering a welcome distraction as we navigate the private airfield.

It helps that my phenomenal PR specialist, Freddie, is along for the ride. Even if she is pumping me for information about me and Quentin.

The spring Seattle air is crisp, the sky clear blue as I watch a crew member expertly handle our bags. Freddie seizes the moment when Gabi and Val wander out of earshot.

"So..." she prods, "Have you and the boss man been secretly hooking up in his corner office or what?"

I roll my eyes, trying not to laugh. "No, we have not," I reply firmly.

"Hmm, well, there's definitely something going on between you two."

"Freddie, really? Can we talk about something else?" I plead, feeling the familiar tension build at the mention of Quentin. Talking to Freddie about him feels like discussing a landmine—dangerous and unpredictable.

But of course, she doesn't let up. "Fine, fine," she concedes with a dramatic sigh. "But wasn't the deadline on Quentin's ultimatum for...more between you two days ago?"

I nod, trying to keep my fingers from fidgeting. "Yes, it was."

"And did you make a decision yet?"

"In a way."

"In a way? What's that supposed to mean?"

"Well..." I start, feeling my skin heat despite my best efforts. "I'm still figuring things out, but... let's just say Quentin and I are exploring our feelings for each other."

"Oh my god, yes!" Freddie exclaims, clapping her hands together. I try to hush her, and her voice lowers to a hiss. "I've been rooting for you two since day one. I knew it. I knew you would wind up saying yes to him. I just knew it."

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