Page 91 of Enticing My Off Limits Billionaire

Quinn

It'sopeningnightatthe Threshold Theatre, and things are going perfectly so far.

The show is expertly cast, and the space is elaborate and magical. Delia came in from Salem to stay at our place—yes, our place, because Madison has officially moved in—and she's been inviting actors over practically every night. Stanley has gotten more than enough attention, which I'm sure he's very happy about...but I'm ready to have our space back.

Especially since I'm about to ask a very sensitive question, we'll need our privacy in the aftermath.

We walk into the afterparty together, Madison dressed in an abstract print dress that makes her look like a goddamn work of art, her hair plaited over her shoulder. The Threshold is still decked out for the performance, and it feels like walking into a medieval wonderland as we stroll towards our friends who have just left the show.

Gavin and Kylie are sitting at the bar—Kylie's first outing since having their baby—and Adam and Delia are sitting with them. Delia comes over first and gives me a big hug; Kylie goes to Madison and tells her how incredible the space is.

"Look at what we did, Quinn," Delia says as she pulls back, gazing around the performance space. "The Threshold—it's fucking incredible, isn't it?"

"All thanks to your vision," I grin.

"And your business smarts," she adds. "And, of course—Madison's designs. Shit, Miss Sterling, we couldn't have found a better architect."

Madison beams at everyone, a blush painting her cheeks. "I can't handle the praise—"

"You earned it, Maddie," Gavin says, coming over and giving his daughter a one-armed hug. "This place is remarkable."

"He's right," Kylie says. "Own it, Mads. You're a big-time architect now."

She is—and she knows it, even if it embarrasses her sometimes. Ever since the Threshold started getting buzz, Madison has had dozens of interviews at upscale architecture firms.

"Soon, she's going to be the breadwinner, and I'll be the starving artist," I tease, kissing her on the temple.

She looks up at me with a gorgeous smile. "You love it...and I know you need more time to paint, you jerk. So let it happen. Don't worry; I'll keep you and Stanley well-fed."

I open my mouth to keep the barbs going, but I feel a tap on my shoulder and turn to see Ryan grinning at me. He looks out of place here—buttoned-up and rough around the edges in a sea of artists—but he seems happy, too.

"Yeah, so...this place is weird, but it's very cool," Ryan says. "Thanks for bringing me in on the project."

"This feels like a goodbye," Delia says, frowning. "You taking off on us already?"

"Sure am," Ryan says, rubbing his jaw. "I've uh...got plans."

I glance over his shoulder, and I see a certain redhead waiting by the door that has to be Sophia from the White Oak. Madison confirms it with a knowing smile, her hand on my arm.

"Have a great night, Ryan," Madison says. "Thanks for coming out—even if it was weird."

Ryan nods and says goodbye, and then we go back to chatting with our friends and family. Adam is quiet but finally comes over and pulls me aside, his voice low.

"Did you ask yet?"

"Keep it down," I mutter.

He grins. "So you haven't...which I guess I should have assumed since she doesn't have a ring on her finger."

"I'm waiting for the right moment—and I thought the right moment would be somewhere that isn't in the middle of a crowd." I glance over and see Madison completely distracted, chatting with Delia and Kylie, and I scoff. "I swear to god, if you ruin the surprise—"

"I would never," Adam says. "I just want to know what happens. You've got me on the edge of my seat."

I roll my eyes but can't help the smile that tugs at my lips. "I'm doing it tonight. Right after we close up shop."

Adam pumps his fist in the air, and I elbow him playfully. "Shut up, man. You're going to blow it."

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," he says, straightening up. "I'm just excited for you guys."

---