Page 88 of Bonfire and Bliss Bookstore

She gives a small nod and holds up the box. With her chin tilted up, it feels like the most natural thing in the world to bend down and press my lips to hers. It’s quick, just a peck, and then I pull away to focus on the necklace.

“What was that for?”

I watch as she moves to touch her lips, her cheeks my favorite color of flushed.

“Couldn’t help myself.” I shift her hair over to one shoulder and circle her throat with the necklace. “Oh, by the way, I heard from Julie Rose. She’s going to be in Boston in two weeks for a signing and I asked if she would be open to coming to Hope Harbor to sign the next day.”

Penny squeaks. “Julie Rose!”

“Yeah,” I confirm as I secure the clasp. “What do you think? I figured maybe we could combine it with the pumpkin picking event since she has that fall book. Could get some more eyes on the store as well as the town fundraiser?”

“What do I think?” Penny asks, incredulous, before moving to face me. “What do I think?! Monty!”

“Yes, Xuxuzinho?”

“Are you serious right now?”

I nod in confirmation as I center the pendant, my eyes tracking the way the flames land perfectly between her cleavage. While that wasn’t my plan, it looks even better than I imagined.

Penny practically jumps out of her chair as she throws her arms around my neck. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

Laughing, I wrap my arms around her. “Anything for you.”

She rests her chin on my chest and looks up at me. “Why are you doing all this?” Her hand goes to the necklace. “Buying me gifts, organizing for my dream author to visit…”

She attempts to pull back, but I tighten my grip on her. “Like I said. I’d do anything for you, Pen.”

Penny stares back into my eyes, confusion lining her face. “Thank you.”

I don’t say anything when she pulls back again. I don’t want to let her go, though I know I can’t keep her wrapped up and by my side forever, either.

“I’ll have to order more stock of her books. And maybe talk to Rosie about designing a signature cocktail to match her new title.”

Penny spins on her heel and runs to grab a pen from the front desk, spitballing ideas at me as she scribbles them all down. After a half hour and a whole list of plans, she nibbles on her nail. “I feel like I’m the only one benefiting from this arrangement.”

I frown. “What do you mean?”

“Well, I was supposed to be helping you with your book. But I still haven’t read a single word. Plus, I don’t feel as if I’ve given you much inspiration.”

“Penny.” I let out a laugh.

“What?”

“I’ve already got half the book done. For a man who had no words for months, you’ve given me everything.”

“Really?”

I nod as she nibbles on her bottom lip. “Well, maybe I can give you a little something to kick you into gear.” She waggles her brows.

“What?” I ask with a smile.

“Ya know, like with a horse. How a person kicks the horse in the sides to make it go?”

“Do you mean you want to spur me on?”

“Yeah, that!” Penny beams. “I can incentivize you to write more. How many words is a good day?”

I shrug. “Probably five thousand.”