Page 47 of Bonfire and Bliss Bookstore

If only I could find that same type of success on social media for my own bookstore.

What used to just be simple white folding tables is now dozens of little tents, adorably decorated by each business. Our farm’s table boasts a field’s worth of gorgeous bouquets and gourds available to purchase. It’s being managed by Walker, Quinn, and Daisy.

Tally’s table, which is currently unmanned, is home to an array of delicious baked goods. There’s also a table lined with homemade jams, and another with handmade jewelry.

There’s even a man who makes and sells fancy knives. He’s positioned in an area we like to call thirst-trap row. This summer the whole lot of them only ever wore shirts without sleeves. I swear they checked out one another’s muscles more than they worried about what they sold. But today, at the turn of the weather, they’re all dressed in different versions of plaid.

“Well, happy fall, y’all,” I croon, as Tally and Rosie join me at the railing to survey the goods.

Rosie snorts. “That’s probably what your sex dreams are made of, huh? A man in flannel.”

“Not just any man,” Tally sings.

I roll my eyes.

“Right, because Penny has a boyfriend now,” Rosie teases. It almost feels as if she’s testing me.

If we were in a real relationship, would I deny the fact that he was my boyfriend? Play down the relationship because it’s new? Probably.

“Shhh, it’s early days.” I shrug, acting sheepish. “We haven’t defined anything.”

“Maybe not to each other, but he claimed you in front of the entire town!” Rosie says proudly.

“He didn’t claim me,” I grumble.

“Right, and Walker and I didn’t sneak around for months in secret last spring,” Tally says with a laugh.

I roll my eyes again. “You’re right, you didn’t. Every single person in this town knew what you were up to. There was no secrecy involved.”

Tally grins so wide at me she looks deranged. “I know what you’re doing. You’re trying to be bitchy so we change the subject, but that’s not going to happen. This is amazing, Pen. You always had such a crush on him in high school. It’s like it was meant to be.”

“It certainly is.” The deep gravelly voice behind me makes me jump, causing my drink to slosh all over my chest.

“Shit,” I mutter as I turn to glare at Monty.

One would expect if a man causes you to spill your beverage all over yourself, said man would look regretful. But Monty wears an amused smirk.

“Good morning, Xuxuzinho,” he murmurs, his voice too husky for public. My cheeks must be as red as a fire truck at this point.

“Anyone ever tell you not to sneak up on people?” I grouse, taking the towel Rosie grabbed off one of the nearby tables and handing her the now-empty mug.

Monty doesn’t even try to hide his grin. “I was just walking by when I heard my name mentioned.” His eyes dance. “I’d love to hear more about this crush.”

With a huff, I shove him backward. Monty laughs, barely moving, though he does grab my hands and hold them pressed against his chest. Asshole. He must know he’s as solid as a rock beneath the black Dropkick Murphys shirt he’s wearing. He always liked alternative rock, and the Irish band that’s famous in New England was a favorite of his back in high school. My gaze dances over the design on his shirt and across to his broad ink-covered arms. I spot a calligraphy quote and narrow my eyes as I try to read it, but Monty’s voice interrupts my perusal. “And, for the record, we have definitely defined what we are.” I snap my gaze up to meet his.

He’s speaking louder now, which means, while his green eyes stay on mine, he’s clearly talking to the crowd. He squeezes my fingers, which haven’t left his pecs, and the fireworks inside my chest start shooting off like it’s the Fourth of July. Apparently, my body is not so good at the pretending part.

Monty closes the minuscule space between us with a dip of his head and I suck in a surprised breath when his lips brush against mine. “You’re mine, Xuxuzinho.”

I’m stunned as he pulls back, and silently thank the Lord he’s created some distance. Because if Monty kissed me right now, I might forget that anyone else is around and straight up hump his leg. Yup, definitely should have taken the edge off with my vibrator this morning.

“Well, I have to get back to my table,” Tally cuts in before bouncing down the steps. “Though this has all been very enlightening.”

Rosie points to the door. “And I’m going to go…in there.”

She hurries away awkwardly as I’m left wet—because of my spilled drink—and staring at my fake boyfriend.

“I think that went well,” he mumbles, folding his arms over his chest and leaning against the railing with an easy air.