Page 68 of Bonfire and Bliss Bookstore

“You’re such a good girl, Xuxuzinho. So pretty when you come for me.”

The all-consuming heat that just ripped through me melts into a warm haze as I come down from my high. I take several deep breaths, and when I realize I’m a sticky mess, I pull back, suddenly embarrassed.

“Shit, your jeans.” The dark wet spot is impossible to miss.

I try to cover my face, but Monty grabs my hands, holding my wrists between us as he shakes his head. “Don’t hide from me,” he says so softly my heart cracks just a bit.

“But I made a mess,” I mumble, fluttering my eyes closed.

“First of all, I love your mess.” My eyes fly open at the teasing tone in his voice and he flashes me a wolfish grin. “I love how soaked you are.” I squeak and the smile he’s wearing only grows. “How expressive you are. And, just so you know, that’s not just your mess.”

“What?”

“I came in my fucking pants, Xuxuzinho,” he says so proudly I almost laugh.

“Oh.”

I’ve never made a man come in his pants before and holy shit, this isn’t just any man. It’s Monty. My Monty.

I shouldn’t be looking at my best friend like this. Shouldn’t be wishing he’d kiss me again, touch me again, make me come again.

I try to remind myself that this is fake. That we can’t do this again. But nothing about the way my stomach tightens as he leans in to kiss me feels fake. No, nothing about today felt fake at all.

Hope Harbor Happy Chat

Rayna: Thank you to everyone who came out today to Oakley’s. Reminder to submit your pictures by tonight. I’ll be picking a winner in the morning.

Rosie: Hey Tal, want to partner up?

Tally: What’s in it for me?

Rosie: You can have the haircut and I’ll take you as my date to dinner.

Fletcher: This sounds like cheating to me, Rosie.

Rosie: Butt out Mr. Mayor, this doesn’t involve you.

Tally: Babs, can the haircut be used for coarse hair?

Babs: I don’t see why not? Is this for Walker?

Tally: Nope. I’m thinking Daisy could use a fancy cut. What about Farrah Fawcett double layers? My sweet girl would look so good with those.

Babs: You want me to cut your COW’S hair?

Stew: Can you do ferrets too?

Rosie: HAHAHA.

Tally: Anyone who wants to use the kitchen at the bakery is welcome to join us. Including you, Mr. Mayor.

Rosie: TALLULAH DARLING! I thought we were friends…

Chapter 22

Penny

Monty drops me off at the store with a promise to meet me at Tally’s in an hour.