Chapter 20
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.”
I chuckle, relieved to have shared this with someone. ”Yeah, it”s all still kind of new and unexpected, but... I”m excited to see where things go.”
””Excited” is not even the right word,” Freddie gushes. “You”ve managed to get the most ”un-gettable” Anderson. A man who has been photographed with duchesses and supermodels and, hell, flame-throwers is crazy about you.”
I start to smile, then I realize...Freddie is right. I can see the headlines now if it ever came out.
”International Billionaire and Playboy Falls for Local Spaghetti-Stained Workaholic.”
The man has had his pick of beautiful women. He could have anyone he wanted. Yet here he is, pursuing me.
And, for now, that pursuit is mainly physical. We haven”t even ”properly consummated” our whatever-ship, and yet, I”m already obsessing over seeing him, like a schoolgirl.
The thought makes my throat go dry.
I tighten my grip on the purse slung over my shoulder, keeping my eyes on the horizon. ”Saying Quentin is ”crazy about me” seems a little extreme. Let”s just say we”re both enjoying each other”s company for now.”
Freddie rolls her eyes. ”Yeah, because when a man books a private jet and sends a driver for you, your employee, and two little sisters with a bouquet of flowers on the seat, it means he”s just ”enjoying your company.” You wanna know what I think?”
I raise a brow. ”Freddie, I think you”re going to tell me no matter what I say.”
She grins at me, staring boldly. ”I think that means he”s?—”
”Good morning, ladies.” A deep voice interrupts us.
We both snap our heads around to see Quentin standing behind us, a small smirk on his face as he looks between the two of us. Dressed in a crisp white shirt and tailored suit sans tie, he looks every bit the powerful businessman that he is. His sandy-golden hair is perfectly styled, his jawline sharp and defined. And those piercing green eyes are locked on me.
”Good morning,” I murmur, feeling my cheeks grow warm under his gaze.
Freddie smirks at me before turning to Quentin with a sly smile. ”Oh, good morning to you, Mr. Anderson.”
”Sorry to interrupt,” Quentin says smoothly, his gaze lingering on me for a moment longer before turning to Freddie. ”I just wanted to check in, make sure you all have everything you need for the day.”
”Everything is perfect, thank you,” Freddie replies.
Quentin nods, then turns to me. ”And how are you, Miss Sanchez?”
I can feel my heart racing as I meet his gaze. ”I”m good, thank you. Just enjoying the view.”
He chuckles, a deep and melodic sound that sends shivers down my spine. ”I”m glad. The captain says we”ll be boarding in about twenty minutes.”
I nod as he turns away and gazes towards the private jet sitting sleek and shiny on the tarmac. As for me, my eyes are locked on him as he turns and greets Gabi and Val, who are thrilled to see him. My chest tightens as they hug and chat with Quentin, laughing at something he says.
I know what they see when they look at him. What everyone sees when they look at him.
He”s handsome, that”s undeniable. And there”s an air of confidence and power around him that only adds to his attractiveness. But it”s more than just his physical appearance or status.
The way he cradled that hurt cat in the alley. The way he notices the small details and makes sure I have everything I need. The way he asks my opinion and actually values it.
There”s a depth to Quentin Anderson that he hides beneath that ”I-don”t-give-a-damn” veneer. It”s as if he purposely pretends not to care when really, he cares deeply.
It”s something I”ve yet to understand—something that”s been tapping on my subconscious more and more lately.
But before I can continue my train of thought, Freddie”s hand is on my shoulder and her voice pulls me back to reality. ”Enjoying the view, huh? I bet you are.”
I roll my eyes at her teasing. ”Shut up, Freddie.”
She chuckles and releases me, heading towards Val and Gabi. But before she”s even a few paces away, Quentin is standing in front of me again.
”Are you ready to board?” he asks, his tone low and serious.
I nod, trying to ignore the butterflies fluttering in my stomach. ”Uh, yeah, I hope so.”
”You hope so?”
”I do. I”m a little nervous. About the flight. Never been on a private plane before. But I promise not to freak out.” I glance at the shiny jet not too far away. ”Or scream.”
He leans in. ”Relax, Sanchez. It”s a short flight. If it was any longer, I might be tempted to give you something to really scream about.”
My stomach clenches as he winks. He then motions for Freddie and the girls before turning and leading the way towards the jet, and I pretend I know what I”m getting myself into as I follow behind.