Page 43 of Imperfect Arrangement
“When she first came into my life, I had no idea how much it would change everything. How much I’d love being her dad. Quill’s been through more than any kid her age should have to deal with. I want to protect her from anything—everything—that could hurt her. I don’t just want to make up for the years she didn’t have a real parent. I want to overcompensate.” He finally turns back to face me, rubbing the back of his neck like it’s his personal reset button. “Sorry, I’m rambling. This probably doesn’t make any sense.”
I shake my head, my throat tight, words momentarily lost. My heart feels like it’s about to burst, full of emotions I’m not even sure I can name. For the first time since I met Raymond Teager, I’m genuinely happy for Quill. I was about her age when my mom packed us up and moved us to my grandparents’, leaving her husband behind. Childhood scars don’t fade easily, but with the right kind of love, the pain can soften.
“What you’re doing for her…it’s incredible. Quill’s really lucky to have you as her dad.” I hug my knees to my chest, trying to keep my emotions in check because there’s too much swirling inside me right now.
Raymond lets out a long breath, the relief clear on his face. “I think I’m the lucky one and I’m glad you’re not mad at me anymore. You’re not, right?”
And just like that, the pendulum swings again.
I shake my head, still grappling with the fact that Raymond—the man I thought I had all figured out—just hit me with a tidal wave of unexpected vulnerability. It’s messing with my head, stirring up emotions I try to bury deep. But while I’m no longer fuming, I can’t let what happened earlier slide.
“I’m not upset, Raymond.” I keep my tone firm but not harsh. “But you can’t ever speak to me like that again. It’s unacceptable. And I hate that your words drag out a version of me I don’t like. If you have an issue with how I’m handling things, I need you to address it professionally and respectfully. I want to help you with Quill, but I won’t lose my self-respect in the process. You hired me, not purchased me.”
He holds up his hand. “You’re right. I really let my mouth run off today—big-time.”
“It’s fine.” I sigh. “And I’m sorry too. I didn’t mean everything I said either.”
A small smile tugs at his lips, and I can feel a truce settling between us. “Good to hear. But since we’re talking about work…” He pauses, clearly gearing up for something. “I’ve got some news. My company, Elixir Estates, is going to invest in your new wedding estate.”
“W-what?” I blink, my cocoa cup wobbling in my hand before I quickly set it back on the table. “But you literally told me you don’t do ‘cozy and rustic.’” His words from that day at La Bella Vita still echo in my mind.
Raymond’s lips press into a thin line. “Apparently, everyone in my life has an incredible memory.” He must notice the confusion on my face, because he adds, “You’re not the only one who reminded me of my previous thoughts on the subject.”
“Then why are you doing this?”
He shrugs like he hasn’t just turned my entire world upside down. “It’s smart business, a strategic move to diversify our portfolio.”
I wait for the giddy excitement to hit me. This is the break I’ve been waiting for. But instead of joy, something else settles over me, an unsettling feeling that somehow, I’m getting more out of this arrangement than we bargained for. That maybe I’m using him.
I meet his gaze, feeling a strange little flip in my stomach. “I don’t want you to do something you’ll regret later.”
Raymond’s eyes narrow slightly, his expression slipping back into that cool, collected businessman I’ve come to know these past few months—the one who keeps his life in a neat little box, with no room for surprises. It’s a stark contrast to the man who’s been catching me off guard tonight, showing cracks in his perfect armor. Cracks I might’ve peeked into. Cracks I might’ve liked.
“I know exactly what I’m doing, Willow.” His voice has that firm, no-nonsense edge, and it almost settles me. Almost. “You weren’t wrong when you called me selfish. In business, I am. I don’t invest in sinking ships. If I wanted to give you a handout, I’d have written you a check and been done with it.”
I bite my lip, trying to digest that. “You’re sure about this?” I ask, slower this time, needing more than his business pitch.
He arches a brow, that familiar challenge flickering in his eyes. “You’ve known me for a while now. My personal life might be off-limits, but your judgment’s been spot on about me as a businessman. I’m not the good guy here. I’m as much of an evil shark as you thought I was—if not more.” His grin turns wicked, like he’s daring me to match his energy.
A little laugh slips out, which honestly comes out as more of a cough. “I never said you were evil.”
“Don’t start softening up on me now, Miss Pershing,” he fires back, leaning in a bit. “I need that fire, the same one that’s given me more headaches than my entire board of directors combined. Elixir Estates has a reputation to uphold, and your first task is convincing my shareholders that I’m not a complete idiot for shifting gears from luxury hotels to a cozy wedding estate. My team will help you prep for the pitch. So what do you say? Is my new business partner ready to roll?” He extends his hand, eyes locking on to mine.
My brain tells me he’s saying all this to make me feel more secure, but right now, I’ll take it. “She sure is,” I say, gripping his hand.
“Good. Now, take those before you go to sleep.” He nods toward the pills. Just as he’s about to step away from the pergola and walk back into the house, I call after him.
“Raymond?”
“Yes, Willow?” He glances back over his shoulder.
“What about him?” I nod toward Captain Lick, who’s sitting like a furry little statue, waiting for his next command.
Raymond doesn’t miss a beat. “Release, Cap. Go to Willow.”
My dog perks up and trots over to me, tail wagging like he’s been on Raymond’s side all along.
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