Page 69 of Bonfire and Bliss Bookstore

Standing in the shop—unable to compute what just happened between us—I start to spiral. I just dry humped my best friend, and we both came. Clearly he enjoyed it, but for him, this is all practice and pretend. For me? This feels like getting everything I’ve ever wanted without really having it.

Though, I can at least admit I enjoyed our tryst in the orchard. For a few minutes I wasn’t thinking about what he liked but was chasing my own desire. I’d never done that with a man before and it was so empowering.

I didn’t seek to get him off—if I’m being honest, I didn’t think of it at all. And maybe that makes me selfish, but after everything that happened with Dick, I deserve to be selfish for once. Before I commit to another relationship, I want to know what I like, what I want. With Monty, and our setup, I’m getting to do just that. So maybe the confusion and inevitable hurt is worth it.

Before running upstairs to shower I go to check the store’s online sales and my affiliate link but groan when I realize my computer won’t turn on. God, I knew I needed a new one but I can’t afford for this to die on me now. I stab the power button ten times before accepting that it’s not going to turn on. Fuck.

Fortunately, I can still access everything on my phone. I check my Instagram, which is going wild, then my affiliate links and the online store, jotting down the stock I’ll need to order. It includes one of the books I made Monty read.

I can’t help thinking of him. Of the sounds he made as I rolled my hips against him, the words he rasped as we both came, the hungry look in his eyes and the taste of his lips on mine.

And then without second-guessing myself I text him.

Me: I think we should continue pretending tonight.

***

“Don’t forget the cinnamon!” I hear my sister call out as I enter her bakery an hour later. The sun is just settling above the harbor, causing her entire kitchen to glow. In another hour, outside will be nothing but starlight.

There are ingredients on each of the pink tables that dot the space, complete with little signs detailing what everything is. A crowd has gathered inside and people line up to grab what they need.

“Oh, it’s busy,” I say as I join her behind the counter. I’m guessing everyone wants to get what they need before heading home for dinner.

“Tell me about it,” she replies. “Don’t worry, I kept our ingredients separated in the back, so we’ll have more than enough.”

“Oh, good idea. Mom coming?”

She shakes her head, distracted, as she points to a bag next to her. “Mrs. Summers, the flour is over there!”

The woman she addresses nods her thanks as Tally turns back to face me.

“No. The Liberty Ladies are all cooking at Babs’s house tonight so she went with them.”

“I’m glad she’s out. Though I hate to imagine what those women talk about when they’re alone.”

“Right!” Tally laughs. “I wonder whether they have a Lady Peni for their meetings.”

“I definitely am not asking Mom about that.”

“I am,” Rosie says, materializing from the kitchen. “Bet you it’s even more obnoxious than the alien one.” She taps her red nails against her lip. “Do you think it’s an electric one? That would really do some damage if it hit you, Pen.”

I roll my eyes as Tally erupts in a fit of laughter.

“I hate you both,” I deadpan.

“You’re just jealous because I called dibs on Tally as my baking partner first,” Rosie says.

“Nah.” I shrug. “My boyfriend is going to be my partner.”

“Did she just say boyfriend?” Rosie squeals.

“She totally did,” Tally replies, a goofy smile on her face.

I try hard to not get swept up in their excitement, to contain the giddy smile that threatens to take over my face.

This isn’t real. But for just a second, I imagine what it would be like if Monty really was my boyfriend. A fizzy warmth sweeps through me, and when I spot Monty outside on the sidewalk, heading this way, it hits me just how much I’m enjoying this.

Without overthinking it, I rush through the door and throw my arms around him. As we stand face-to-face on the cobblestone sidewalk, beneath the indigo sky, I reach up onto my toes and press my lips to his. Monty sucks in a surprised breath and I’m just about to pull back when he groans against my mouth, wraps his arms around me, and deepens the kiss. He two-steps us until I’m pressed up against the brick and, only then, after peppering two more long kisses to my lips, his hands go to my cheeks, holding me in place.