Page 109 of Imperfect Arrangement

“Willow…fuck.”

That’s all the warning Ray gives me before he thrusts his pelvis and his cum spurts in my mouth, hot, thick, and salty. I didn’t know what to expect, but I definitely wasn’t prepared for the amount of it.

“Don’t swallow,” he whispers again and I’m stunned in place. When he finally softens in my mouth, he murmurs, “Open.”

I show him my mouth filled with his release. I’m shivering with pleasure and anticipation, waiting for his next instruction.

“Swallow.”

I gulp as Raymond stares down at me, gaze hooded, his expression a mix of awe and possession. I know even though I’ll never forget a single moment spent with this man, this version of him will be plastered in a secret corner of my mind.

He’s the first one to break eye contact as he walks to the table and picks uphisglass of untouched cider. “Take a sip.” He lifts it to my lips.

I obey, swallowing the cool liquid as he watches me like I’m the most fascinating thing he’s ever seen. Then, in a carefree pace, he tucks himself back into his pants, buttons them up, and pulls me to my feet. His hands slide up my waist and settle on my hips.

“You were amazing,” he murmurs at the same time I say, “That was amazing.”

His grin is slow, cocky, and devastating. “I’m glad you liked it, because fuck, you ruined me, Wills.”

“Good.” My lips curl wide as something warm and light blooms in my chest.

He kneels, dragging my jeans and panties back up my legs, then pressing a soft kiss to my hip before buttoning them into place. I readjust my bra and slip my arms into my T-shirt as he holds it out for me.

I know it’s a risky move when I move his fingers away and start buttoning up his shirt. Doing something in the heat of the moment is one thing, but doing this, something as simple as helping him with his clothes, is more dangerous.

His eyes burn into mine. “I don’t want to leave,” he admits gruffly, hands sliding to cup my face. “But we need sleep so that we’re one hundred percent there for our bug’s big day.”

I nod, smiling. “I can’t wait for tomorrow.”

Raymond kisses me once, slow and deep. “Me neither.”

When we pull up to the house, my mind is still spinning, my body still humming from everything that happened under the stars. Every nerve ending feels hyperaware, stretched thin between exhaustion and delirium. I step out of the car, fully intending to head to my bedroom and put some distance between me and the man standing beside me. But before I can take another step, Raymond’s hand wraps around mine.

“Sleep with me tonight,” he whispers and every part of me locks up.

My chest tightens as my heartbeat thunders in my ears. “Ray, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

We’ve already crossed so many lines, blurred the edges of thisarrangementbeyond recognition.

His grip tightens slightly, his thumb brushing against the inside of my wrist. “It’s sleep, Wills. I promise I won’t take advantage of you.” His lips curve into a smile, but it doesn’t reach his eyes, and that’s when I see what he’s really asking.

It’s not sex. It’s not even an attempt to cross more lines. He just doesn’t want this night to end, exactly like me. I nod and relief flashes on his face. Without another word, he leads me straight to his bedroom.

I step inside, my eyes scanning the space, expecting…I don’t know what. Maybe something that screams bachelor, something sleek and impersonal. But that’s not what greets me. The walls of his room are painted in soft, muted blue. The furniture is dark but balanced by white bedding, plush upholstery, and warm light. It’s cozy and lived-in.

There’s a small sitting area by the window that catches my attention—a pastel green couch and a table stacked with books. I walk over and glance at the covers.

Being a Single Dad to a Princess.

Parenting an Anxious Child.

“You’re an amazing dad, Ray. Quill is so lucky to have you.”

He watches me for a moment before reaching for my hand and guiding me toward the bed. “I try my best,” he murmurs.

Raymond perches on the edge, and before I know it, I’m standing between his legs, his hands running up and down my arms in slow, steady strokes.

“Was tonight okay for you?” His gaze searches mine, warm but serious. “Just so you know, I didn’t havethatin mind when I took you out. I wanted to take you somewhere peaceful, closer to nature, the kind of place I thought you would like.”