I drag Julia behind a potted plant, heart racing as I spot him across the backyard. There he is - Eliot. The man with the cock so perfect I've spent the last three months texting him at 3 AM just to see it again.

"The one with the legendary dick?" Julia whispers, eyes scanning the crowd with delight.

"I didn't say legendary," I hiss, but my voice betrays my panic. "I just... can't believe he's here. At Genji's barbecue."

Julia smirks. "You've been obsessing over him for months. Maybe this is fate."

"Or a disaster," I mutter, thinking about how Genji's been going on and on about her 'perfect match' for me - some hospitality prodigy she practically raised. Now I won't be able to focus on anything with Eliot here, his stupidly handsome face and that body that haunted my dreams.

Before I can process further, Genji appears like a matchmaking tornado, looping her arm through mine and pulling me toward the very person I'm trying to avoid.

"Quentin, I want you to meet Eliot Waugh - my protégé, practically a son to me. Eliot, this is Quentin Coldwater, the most brilliant assistant I've ever had."

Eliot turns, his eyes locking with mine. Recognition flickers across his face before melting into a devastating smile. "Quentin," he says, extending his hand. "I've heard so much about you."

I take his hand, feeling the electricity between us. "Likewise," I manage, my throat suddenly dry. The same hand that's been in my phone photos is now in mine, warm and solid.

Genji flutters away, leaving us alone. Eliot steps closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. "Shall we find somewhere more private to talk?"

My heart pounds as he leads me toward the house. This is either the best or worst thing that's ever happened to me.