Page 97 of Imperfect Arrangement

He places a condom between us. “I got the pack today.”

I swoon over the simple fact that Raymond is not going around with a spare condom in his wallet.

He sheathes himself and then whispers against my lips, “Hold my cock and slowly take me inside, Wills.”

I do that and gently lower myself on his thick shaft. I gasp as my lips spread over his length. The position is intense, and I feel every bit of him as I start to slide down. I’m not even halfway when he places his arms around my waist and lifts me up, though not enough for him to slip out. He repeats that teasing motion, in and out.

The muscles of my sex clench around him, hoping to get more, but once again, Raymond Teager is an example of restraint, and he’s here to test every ounce of my self-control.

“Ray, I want all of you,” I whisper against his mouth.

I don’t know how, but this man has the power to bring out a side of me I didn’t know existed. I never thought I’d be someone making demands during sex, but that’s what I do right now. My body and my heart want him in a way I’ve never wanted anyone ever before.

I push myself farther down on him until he’s fully inside me.

“Fuck, I’m so full,” I gasp. “You’re so big.”

He chuckles softly. “I always love compliments when they come from you.” And then his mouth comes down on mine. “Take a moment, baby. You’ll get used to me,” he says between kisses.

After a while, he starts to move slowly. “You feel so damn good, Wills,” he whispers, rolling his hips gently, giving me time until my muscles start to relax.

That’s when he turns and places me on my back. He spreads my legs, kneeling between them, and murmurs, “You’re the most beautiful woman.”

He once again enters me soft and slow, continuing a perfect rhythm of push and pull and occasionally brushing my clit with his thumb.

I caress his strong arms as they cage me in on either side before I lock my hands behind his neck. Raymond’s eyes burn as he lifts my legs until the backs of my thighs are pressing against his chest.

“Ray…” He feels wonderful buried inside me as he drives harder into me. That feeling of release builds up in my stomach once again, traveling down, and I arch my back, pushing my hips down, matching his thrusts.

“You drive me fucking wild, Firefly.” His voice is strained, his eyes intense as he watches me before thrusting in again.

My orgasm rips through me as I hold his gaze, shuddering, panting, and at the same time, Raymond jerks inside me. I watch and hear his groan as we reach our climaxes together.

He finds my lips and kisses me softly. “That was the most awesome thing, Firefly.”

WISHING TO THE FAIRIES

WILLOW

Watching Hope Teager glide around Raymond’s kitchen feels surreal, like stepping into a beloved memory or your favorite fairy tale. Except this fairy tale includes the fairy godmother herself, in the form of the legendary baker whose tutorials I devoured in my teens.

“My friends and I used to binge-watch your videos and attempt your recipes at my grandparents’ house. You made everything look so effortless, but we were absolutely terrible at it.” I try to keep my tone casual, but the fangirl energy is bubbling dangerously close to the surface.

Hope’s smile brightens, softening her features. “It was so much fun making those tutorials. Honestly, it was all Vienna’s idea—the cookbooks, the channel. She’s Rowan and Archer’s mom and the glue that held everything together. Having a partner like that, someone who believes in you, makes work feel like an adventure.” Her eyes crinkle as she glances at me. “I hope you and Ray create your own kind of magic with your new wedding estate.”

My eyebrows shoot up. “You know about that?”

Hope flashes me a sheepish grin, nodding. “I’ve known for a while. I may have bribed Rowan and Archer to spill the details.”

I can’t help but smile at her admission. “Well, I’ve never felt more important.”

“Good,” she says with a wink. “That’s much better than you thinking of me as some overbearing, stalkerish mother-in-law, because I promise you I’m cool.” She gives me a double thumbs-up.

It’s impossible not to let go of a little laugh. But her words also twist something inside me, reminding me how easy it is to blur the lines between what’s real and what’s not. I’m just playing a role, a temporary one, no matter how much it feels like I’ve stepped into a life that fits me so well.

“I used to think I knew my son, but these past few months, he’s done nothing but surprise me,” Hope continues, oblivious to my spiraling thoughts, and I welcome the change.

I blink, my heart catching. “W-what do you mean?”