Page 53 of Bonfire and Bliss Bookstore

“So xuxuzinho is okay?” I ask, still a little unsure.

She flushes brighter and my chest warms. Fuck. I need to move this conversation on. “So tell me about today’s lesson?”

Penny’s eyes dance as she reaches under the table and pulls out a deep purple notebook.

“Well, I’ve put together a list of everything you need to know about romance. I’ve broken it down by subject and think we should be able to cover all of it over the next eight weeks.”

“That’s impressive.”

“And borderline obsessive,” she admits. “But I don’t have much going on other than this store and dating you, sooo…” She smacks her lips together as she pushes the book in my direction.

“I guess I have my reading cut out for me this week.”

“That…” She smiles. “And planning a date.”

“Oh?”

“Well, the most important thing for romance readers is that they can watch our characters get to know, and eventually fall for, each other. And where does that normally happen? Dates.”

My lips quirk up. This means more time spent with Penny and more time living. Which is where I’m getting the real inspiration for my book, anyway.

“Okay, so you want me to plan a date for us. I can do that.”

She nods her head. “I can help. I mean, I can give you some ideas of things I like and—”

I hold up a hand. I don’t need any help in this department. When it comes to knowing what Penny Darling likes, I intend to become an expert.

“How about you leave the date planning up to me. Consider it a test?”

Penny’s eyes dance. “Okay, Montgomery. I look forward to seeing what you come up with.”

Chapter 19

Penny

Monty: Can you skip the football game on Saturday?

Me: For what?

Monty: Our date.

Me: Oh, a day date? Intriguing.

Monty: And night.

Me: Wow, you’re really going for the jugular.

Monty: LOL what?

Me: you know the saying…like you’re going for the gold.

Monty: Haha sure Xuxuzinho, whatever you say. But yes I’d like your full Saturday day and night. Can I have them?

I stare at Monty’s text, considering what he’s asking me. I’ll have to have my mom cover the store for me, which I always hate doing. Not because my mom isn’t happy to do it, but I’m just not great at asking for help. Then again, I’m far too intrigued to see what Monty has planned to say no. Besides, most of the town will be at the football game anyway so business will probably be slow. Also, what’s the point of having your own business if you can’t take off a random Saturday for a date?

Me: I suppose I can take you down with my pencil.

Monty: Lol Xuxuzinho, we gotta work on your sayings.