A Convenient Arrangement Read online

  A Convenient Arrangement

  Synopsis

  Cuffing season has come for lesbians.

  Jess Archer, digital journalist for the internet’s hottest lesbian media platform, has been assigned to research cuffing, from an up close and personal perspective. She’s not sure it’s really her thing, but the assignment gives her the chance to write something more substantial than her usual fluff pieces. All she needs now is a willing lesbian.

  For Cody Dawson, signing up for Jess’s project is a no-brainer. She gets to date an interesting woman, enjoy her company, and not disrupt the tidy life she’s built for her son. Everything’s perfect until she starts falling for Jess.

  When she realizes she’s heart-deep in the feelings she’s agreed not to have, their convenient arrangement becomes anything but.

  What Reviewers Say About Jaime Clevenger’s and Aurora Rey’s Work

  Aurora Rey Reviews

  You Again

  “You Again is a wonderful, feel good, low angst read with beautiful and intelligent characters that will melt your heart, and an enchanting second-chance love story.”— Rainbow Reflections

  Twice Shy

  “[A] tender, foodie romance about a pair of middle aged lesbians who find partners in each other and rediscover themselves along the way. …Rey’s cute, occasionally steamy, romance reminds readers of the giddy intensity falling in love brings at any age, even as the characters negotiate the particular complexities of dating in midlife—meeting the children, dealing with exes, and revealing emotional scars. This queer love story is as sweet and light as one of Bake My Day’s famous cream puffs.”— Publishers Weekly

  The Last Place You Look

  “The romance is satisfying and full-bodied, with each character learning how to achieve her own goals and still be part of a couple. A heartwarming story of two lovers learning to move past their fears and commit to a shared future.”— Kirkus Reviews

  The Inn at Netherfield Green

  “[Aurora Rey] constantly delivers a well-written romance that has just the right blend of humour, engaging characters, chemistry and romance.”— C-Spot Reviews

  Lead Counsel— Novella in The Boss of Her

  “Lead Counsel by Aurora Rey is a short and sweet second chance romance.

  Not only was this story paced well and a delight to sink into, but there’s A++ good swearing in it and has lines like this that made me all swoony because of how beautifully they’re crafted.”— Lesbian Review Recipe for Love

  “So here’s a few things that always get me excited when Aurora Rey publishes a new book. …Firstly, I am guaranteed a hot butch with a sensitive side, this alone is a massive tick. Secondly, I am guaranteed to throw any diet out the window because the books always have the most delectable descriptions of food that I immediately go on the hunt for—this time it was a BLT with a difference. And lastly, hot sex scenes that personally have added to my fantasy list throughout the years! This book did not disappoint in any of those areas.”— Les Rêveur Autumn’s Light

  “This is a beautiful romance. I loved the flow of the story, loved the characters including the secondary ones, and especially loved the setting of Provincetown, Massachusetts.”— Rainbow Reflections Spring’s Wake

  “[A] feel-good romance that would make a perfect beach read. The Provincetown B&B setting is richly painted, feeling both indulgent and cozy.”— RT Book Reviews

  Summer’s Cove

  “As expected in a small-town romance, Summer’s Cove evokes a sunny, light-hearted atmosphere that matches its beach setting. …Emerson’s shy pursuit of Darcy is sure to endear readers to her, though some may be put off during the moments Darcy winds tightly to the point of rigidity. Darcy desires romance yet is unwilling to disrupt her son’s life to have it, and you feel for Emerson when she endeavors to show how there’s room in her heart for a family.”— RT Book Reviews

  Crescent City Confidential— Lambda Literary Award Finalist

  “Crescent City Confidential is a sweet romance with a hint of thriller thrown in for good measure.”— Lesbian Review

  Built to Last

  “Rey’s frothy contemporary romance brings two women together to restore an ancient farmhouse in Ithaca, N.Y. …[T]he women totally click in bed, as well as when they’re poring over paint chips, and readers will enjoy finding out whether love conquers all.”— Publishers Weekly Winter’s Harbor

  “This is the story of Lia and Alex and the beautifully romantic and sexy tale of a winter in Provincetown, a seaside holiday haven. A collection of interesting characters, well-fleshed out, as well as a gorgeous setting make for a great read.”— Inked Rainbow Reads

  Jaime Clevenger Reviews

  Three Reasons to Say Yes

  “This was a really easy story to get into. I sank right in and wanted to stay there, because reading about other people on vacation is kind of like taking a mini vacation from the world! It’s sweet and lovely, and while it has some angst, it’s not going to hurt you. Instead, it’s going to take you away from it all so you can come back with a smile on your face.”— Lesbian Review All the Reasons I Need

  “What a fantastic follow up to what was one of my favourite books from last year. I hope this isn’t the end for this series. I’m so invested now and can’t wait to read more from these characters.”— Les Rêveur Just One Reason

  “Just One Reason by Jaime Clevenger is a great age gap, workplace romance that kept me entertained and invested in a happily ever after for both main characters. …The storyline glides along with ease and Clevenger’s great dialogue lets the reader see how Sam and Terri are hardwired. The story is told from both Sam and Terri’s points of view so getting to know them happens naturally. This is the third book in the Paradise series, but it works as a stand-alone. …This book checked all the boxes on my list of what I want in a good book. I got to bond with two intriguing main characters. The plot had enough angst to make me question if there’d be a happily ever after (Hint: it’s a romance), and the sex was hot.

  From any way you look at it, this story’s a winner.”— Lesbian Review Party Favors

  “Like the old CYOA (choose your own adventure) books, Party Favors is written in the second person so that the reader is the main character. …I’m not sure what I expected when I started this book, but it ended up being way more fun and hot than I’d imagined. All paths head towards some kind of sexual encounter, and no two encounters are the same. …If you like erotica and books that are seriously fun, definitely check this one out, and even better—read it with a friend.”— Smart Bitches Trashy Books

  One Weekend in Aspen

  “Who’d have thought a book about a sex party would be full of suspense? I couldn’t put One Weekend in Aspen down. I had to know what would happen next. I would have read it in one sitting if life had let me, but as it is, I had to stop reading for a whole day. Yet, now that I have turned the last page, I’m sad it’s over. I really didn’t want it to end. …With this book, Jaime Clevenger did something that I didn’t think was possible, not to that level: she wrote an incredibly hot story that will, at the same time, give you all the feels.”— Les Rêveur

  “Jaime Clevenger is on my automatic list of authors to read so when I realized she had a new release, I already knew that I was going to read it.

  But when I read the blurb, it definitely caught my attention. I’m happy to say that I wasn’t disappointed. …I knew that Clevenger can write awesome sex scenes since I’ve read her erotica book Party Favors followed by her Paradise Romance series. So I wasn’t surprised to see that One Weekend in Aspen was seriously hot. No, scratch that, this book is smoking, sizzling hot. …So, if you are looking for some ser
ious steam in your romance you should add this book to your list.”— LezReviewBooks

  A Convenient Arrangement

  Brought to you by

  eBooks from Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  http://www.boldstrokesbooks.com

  eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work.

  Please respect the rights of the author and do not file share.

  By the Authors

  By Jaime Clevenger published by Bella Books:

  The Unknown Mile

  Call Shotgun

  Sign on the Line

  Whiskey and Oak Leaves

  Sweet, Sweet Wine

  Waiting for a Love Song

  A Fugitive’s Kiss

  Moonstone

  Party Favors

  Three Reasons to Say Yes

  All the Reasons I Need

  Just One Reason

  One Weekend in Aspen

  Published by Spinsters Ink:

  All Bets Off

  By Aurora Rey

  Cape End Romances:

  Winter’s Harbor

  Summer’s Cove

  Spring’s Wake

  Autumn’s Light

  Built to Last

  Crescent City Confidential

  Lead Counsel (Novella in The Boss of Her collection) Recipe for Love: A Farm-to-Table Romance

  The Inn at Netherfield Green

  Ice on Wheels (Novella in Hot Ice collection)

  The Last Place You Look

  Twice Shy

  You Again

  Follow Her Lead (Novella in Opposites Attract collection)

  A Convenient Arrangement

  © 2021 By Jaime Clevenger and Aurora Rey. All Rights Reserved.

  ISBN 13: 978-1-63555-819-7

  This Electronic Original Is Published By

  Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  P.o. Box 249

  Valley Falls, Ny 12185

  First Edition: November 2021

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission.

  Credits

  Editor: Cindy Cresap

  Production Design: Susan Ramundo

  Cover Design by Tammy Seidick

  eBook Design by Toni Whitaker

  Acknowledgments

  Jaime Clevenger would like to thank Corina McKendry for being both a rock star beta reader and amazing partner on so many life adventures.

  Thank you especially for being willing to listen to writer woes at any hour of the day and for always giving the best story advice! Jaime would also like to thank Aurora Rey for being a fabulous co-author. This project was even more fun than expected. Also many thanks to editor, Cindy Cresap, as well as everyone at Bold Strokes Books and Bella Books for bringing a two-book co-authored project to readers. And thank you, dear reader, for turning the page.

  Aurora Rey would like to thank Jaime for the adventure of turning these wacky ideas into two really fun stories, and for proving her wrong about group projects. Huge thanks to Leigh Hays for beta reading and Cindy Cresap for the stellar editing and hilarious sidebar commentary. Also, much gratitude to Bold Strokes Books and Bella Books for letting us team up on these projects. And, as always, deepest gratitude to the readers who make it all worthwhile.

  CHAPTER ONE

  Cuffing?” Jess Archer schooled her face into a neutral expression that hopefully gave away nothing of where her mind had gone. Which might have involved her headboard and having her wrists bound to it.

  “Yes. It’s where you jump into a relationship in the fall but break up before spring. It’s been a straight thing for a while and is catching on with lesbians.” Her boss, Donna—ten years older but at least twice as hip—gave her a pitying look. “Keep up, Jess.”

  She cleared her throat. “So, you want me to write an article about this…

  phenomenon?”

  The withering look turned into a sly smile. “Actually, I was thinking more of a series for your column. Told from the first person.”

  Meaning took hold and Jess shook her head. “No. Absolutely not.”

  “Look, I don’t want it to be some fluff piece about the top ten things to do during cuffing season or how to ‘draft your team.’ That’s been done.”

  She couldn’t decide which was worse—the idea of writing those stories or the fact that someone already had. “You want me to fake date someone for, what, three months and write about it in my column?”

  Donna frowned. “When you say it like that, it sounds sketchy.”

  “Ya think?” She didn’t even try to hide the sarcasm in her voice.

  “I’m not saying you have to get any more involved than feels natural.

  Or even have sex with the person.”

  She hadn’t even considered the sex part—having it or writing about it.

  “I appreciate the caveat, even if it’s mostly covering your ass for HR.”

  Donna pressed a hand to her chest. “I’m hurt.”

  Jess gave her a bland look because she very clearly wasn’t.

  “You’ve been saying you want to do something immersive.”

  She had. Maybe not some hard-hitting investigative story, but something meaty. Something that mattered. She loved that her job at Sapphisticate didn’t come with the pressures of the twenty-four-hour news cycle, but it sometimes came at the expense of serious journalism. “This

  isn’t exactly what I had in mind.”

  “This is relevant for our demographic, more so than U-Hauling these days. We need to explore it, get into the perks and pitfalls. And we need to do it smart, fresh, and with heart.”

  Jess blew out a breath. After more than five years of working together, Donna knew exactly what buttons to push to get her to say yes. “Why me?”

  Donna didn’t answer right away, leaving Jess to imagine her putting together the perfect compliment about her writing style and authentic voice.

  Eventually, she lifted a shoulder. “You’re single.”

  Her mouth fell open but she didn’t care, didn’t bother closing it.

  Because Donna wasn’t kidding. “I don’t even know how to respond to that.”

  “It’s not an insult, or a liability even. You can do this, literally, with no strings attached.” Donna offered her a wink. “Besides, you might even have a little fun for a change.”

  She scowled. “I have fun.”

  That earned her a raised brow. “Teaching aerobics doesn’t count as fun.”

  “Maybe we have different ideas of fun. Besides, barre isn’t aerobics.”

  She hated herself for sounding so petulant.

  Rather than reply, Donna folded her arms and said nothing. Seconds ticked by.

  “My dating life shouldn’t be any of your business, you know.” Not that Donna made a habit of sticking her nose in inappropriately. It was just that publishing and maintaining the hottest lesbian lifestyle site wasn’t a typical office environment. And Jess’s column, about the ups and downs of being an up-and-coming—and coincidentally single—professional in her early thirties kind of put her personal life on display. “How in the world am I supposed to do this?”

  Donna shrugged. “You don’t have to say yes. I’m sure Katie would happily take it on.”

  Speaking of buttons. Of course Donna would have to go and mention her nemesis. Okay, maybe nemesis was a bit too strong of a word, but it wasn’t completely off the mark. Katie was in her mid-twenties, pushy, perky, and pretty much everything Jess found irritating in a colleague. And they didn’t even work out of the same office. “I didn’t say no.”

  “I didn’t think you would.” Donna smiled that smile she saved for when she’d effectively gotten her way. Which, i
n Jess’s experience, was pretty

  much always.

  “You’re an evil genius. You know that, right?”

  Donna didn’t even bat an eye. “But I use my powers for good, so it’s okay.”

  Jess shook her head.

  “So, is that a yes?”

  She really shouldn’t. At least not without thinking it through. Especially whether or not sex would be part of the equation. Oh, and figuring out how the hell she’d go about setting something like this up. And with whom.

  “Yes.”

  “Excellent. Do you think you can have your first column ready for next week’s posting?”

  Fuck. “Um.”

  Donna lifted a hand. “Just an intro. What cuffing is, how it works, why you want to give it a try.”

  “I’m guessing ‘because my boss told me to’ isn’t going to fly?”

  Donna gave her a bland look.

  “Kidding.” She was, but also absolutely wasn’t.

  “You’re grumbling now, but you’re going to thank me. This is going to turn your column into the must-read for every lesbian on Sapphisticate.”

  The ego stroke wasn’t enough to overcome the uncomfortable pressure in her chest. Unable to sit still, she got up and started to pace Donna’s office. “It feels kind of unethical.”

  “Not at all. It would be if you went in under false pretenses. You’re not going to do that.”

  Well, that was true. She absolutely refused to be dishonest, especially in matters of the heart. “So, I get to do this my way? No well-intentioned meddling?”

  Donna made a face like Jess had just insulted her children. “When have I ever?”

  She pulled up her mental Told You So file. “What about the cruise?”

  Donna winced. “I knew you were going to bring that up. But you have to admit, it made for a great article.”

  It hadn’t been Donna’s fault that the five-day jaunt around the Caribbean had included a norovirus outbreak. But since she’d been the one who wound up puking for four of those days, she considered it her prerogative to bring it up anytime it bolstered the point she was trying to