Page 32 of Bonfire and Bliss Bookstore

He rolls his teeth over his bottom lip, and I feel the tug of it in my core. “Whatever you think I need to know. Whatever it is that makes a romance special. Whatever makes them your favorite books.”

What makes a romance special? God, it’s moments like this, where the tension is as high as the stakes. Where the chemistry is so palpable you can almost taste it. But I’m not sure I could handle all of that with Jake Montgomery.

I flutter my eyes closed and create some space between us. “We can’t do this.”

“See, that’s just the thing, I think we can.”

“Right, because this works for you.” I scoff. “You get to look like the hero who saved pathetic Penny. You’ll write your book, get your publishing deal, and leave. Meanwhile, I’m the one lying to everyone I know and, when this ends, I’ll return to being pathetic Penny. The Darling girl who can’t keep a man.”

“Or—” Monty closes the gap again with a short step. “You control the narrative. You show everyone how strong you are. You want to break my heart at the end of all this? Fine. You want to tell them we decided a romantic relationship wasn’t worth risking our friendship for? Also fine. Because, Penny, I am not willing to destroy that, either.”

I frown and he takes one more step toward me.

“I don’t have many friends like you. I wasn’t lying yesterday when I said your texts were the highlight of my days these past few months. We’ll do this however you want.” He sighs. “Or not at all, if it’s really too much.”

Take a chance. I swallow down the rising anxiety. Because I think I might want to do this, too. “It’s not too much.”

His expression is pure shock. And a touch of joy. “No?”

Tongue to my cheek, I shake my head, knowing I’m probably going to regret this.

But maybe Monty’s right. Maybe I can get something out of this. Maybe if we date—pretend date—I can practice not losing myself in a man. I can care about my books and my Instagram, I can revel in Hope Harbor’s magical fall activities, all while keeping the Liberty Ladies at bay.

It would be easy to pretend with Monty and maybe, if I get comfortable fake dating him, I’ll be ready to real date someone else.

“I guess it wouldn’t be awful for me to put myself out there again.” I purse my lips. “Show everyone I’m fine.”

“Plus, you’d be helping me write a good book, which means there would be one less bad book in the world.”

I shake my head, though I can’t help the smile spreading across my face.

Monty’s lips hook up to one side. “And I could probably get Julie Rose to sign some books for you.”

“Oh, that’s not playing fair! You know she’s my favorite author of all time.”

His smirk tips into an all-out grin. “I might even be able to get her to come do a signing at the store.”

My mouth falls open. “Seriously?”

“We have the same publisher.” He shrugs. “And we’ve attended a few events together.”

“Wait, do you have Julie Rose’s phone number?” He shrugs and I take one more step, eradicating the space between us entirely. “Did you date Julie Rose?”

“No! I don’t date. After all the relationships I’ve witnessed over the years, I don’t even know if I believe in love.”

I let out a low hum. “Well, maybe I should do this just to prove you wrong.”

“You should.” Monty flashes me a smile, then turns serious. “But remember this is for the book. And for your peace of mind. I don’t want you thinking you can fix me.”

I scoff out a laugh as I move backward. “Noted.”

“So you’ll do it?”

I look toward the stairs. “We’ll need rules.”

“Of course.”

And then toward the platter of sweets laid out on the counter. “And snacks.”