Page 54 of Fixer for the Billionaire

When we reach our rooms, I stop our little crew in the hallway, turning to look at the ladies I've assembled on the trip. I take a deep breath.

"Alright, team, this is how it's going to go." I turn to Carmina. "Sanchez, you and I have dinner tonight with Danity and her publicist. Freddie, everything ready for Danity's reading at the bookstore?"

She nods. "All set, boss."

"Good." I turn to Gabi and Val. "Ladies, tonight you're free to do whatever you want. Hit up the hotel bar, explore Skid Row, whatever."

Gabi grins. "Thanks for letting us loose, ‘boss’."

I chuckle. "Or...you guys can hit up the indoor pool. It's open."

Val's eyes go big beneath her bifocals. "We can't swim."

"Won't need to. Pool's only three-and-a-half feet deep. Pro tip: Just avoid the hot tub. That's where people tend to go to..." I trail off, almost grinning at the warning Carmina's eyes are shooting me. "...relax."

The girls and Freddie laugh, while Carmina smirks.

I keep going. "The suites we booked have every streaming channel available. There's even a horror movie-only one. I've had the hotel add child blocks to it, so no R-rated stuff tonight. Trust me: 'The Shining' is way scarier when you can't see any blood or hear any cussing."

Gabi giggles. "I've seen previews of 'The Shining.' I don't think that Jack Nicholson actor guy in a sweater is enough to scare me."

"Speak for yourself," Val mutters.

I wink at her. "All good, guys?" They nod, and I turn. "Freddie?"

"I'll make sure they get the best drinks at the hotel bar, I promise."

Carmina leans in. "Freddie..."

"I'll check in on them before bed, I swear."

"And tomorrow," I continue, "we've got the morning and afternoon off. Maybe we'll go crazy. Stop by the Golden Gate Bridge. Escape to Alcatraz, I don’t know."

"Or go to the Exploratorium!” Val exclaims, bouncing on her heels. "I looked it up on the internet!"

"See, the internet's corrupting the youth." I tsk, crossing my arms. "That's why I gave you and Gab the list of gruesome horror movies to watch tonight." I clap my hands together. "There's a couple of hours until dinner time. Order anything you want from room service. It's on me. Including Jack Nicholson's sweater."

As we disperse into our respective rooms, I smile at the excitement on the girls' faces. This trip is already off to a great start. I'm hoping to make it even better with some unexpected fun.

I follow Carmina as she walks the short distance to our shared suite. I hold my breath as she unlocks the door. Stepping inside, she looks around, her eyes taking in the luxurious furnishings and panoramic city views.

There's a small kitchenette, a cozy living area with a large flat-screen TV, and two separate bedrooms with their own bathrooms. I specifically requested this suite for us, knowing it would be perfect to relax...and to give Carmina space if she needs it.

Her wavy dark hair falls over her shoulder as she turns to me, a soft smile on her lips. "You didn't have to do all this."

I shrug. "Just your average, everyday suite for the rich and famous."

She rolls her eyes at my joke, continuing to explore the suite. I watch her with a warm feeling in my chest.

It feels good. Being able to openly stare at Carmina—not with the look of annoyance I've been half-pretending to have for the past few years, but that other look. The look I've been getting used to lately. The look that says she's mine.

She sure as hell feels like it. In that tight denim stretching over the curve of her ass, that soft cotton v-neck t-shirt showing a bit of her cleavage, with the way she's walking around this suite as if she owns the place—my chest fills up and I feel myself grinning like an idiot.

I'm brought out of my thoughts when she finally turns to me. "You seem to have everything under control," she comments.

"Well, someone's got to keep this crew in line."

"You're good." Her deep brown eyes catch mine. "With the girls. With running things. With being in control."

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