Chapter 26
Monty
When I wake up on Sunday, I try not to be disappointed when my father asks me to help him do some work on his boat.
After yesterday, all I want to do is find an excuse to see Penny again—surprise her at the farmers market with a cup of coffee, maybe stroll hand in hand as we peruse the local stalls.
I’d probably also have to kiss her again—a few times—considering the townspeople would be watching. I know it’s an excuse; no one was watching last night in the library when I did very boyfriend-like things to her. Still, it’s kind of fun being in on this secret with her. Fooling everyone else.
Though, it’s becoming crystal clear that the only fool is me.
I’m falling for Penny Darling and it’s not a question of whether I can stop it anymore.
Hell, it might have happened months ago when I saw her for the first time in years at the brewery.
I certainly took a tumble when I found her in my bedroom, topless and wide-eyed, after arriving back in town.
And there’s no doubt I was on my ass by the time I kissed her under the fall moon.
Fuck, how did I think we could possibly keep this platonic after I’d tasted her?
After having craved those copper eyes for so long—searching for their color in every cup of coffee, every sunrise, in the dancing flames of a fire, and the evening sunset.
How did I think I could do anything but claim her as mine after that first kiss?
Penny was right to question me last night about my belief in love. I just wish I had a better answer for her. I wish I could tell her that I do believe in love, I just know it doesn’t last.
But I don’t want to take the stars out of Penny’s eyes, to make her as cynical as me.
Besides, every time I send my mother another chapter she tells me this is the book.
The one that is going to catapult my career.
I could be back in New York by spring if that’s true.
Hope Harbor wasn’t supposed to be permanent and neither was my relationship with Penny.
I’m a stand-in. I’ll help her figure out what she wants out of a relationship so that she never settles for anything less than she deserves.
That will have to be enough.
It’s late afternoon by the time we’re done waxing and polishing my father’s pride and joy. He cracks open a cider and hands it to me. “So how’s the book coming?”
I take a sip of the crisp apple drink and I’m transported back to the night at Rosie’s. To the night I almost kissed Penny that first time. I smile. “It’s good. Penny’s been helping me a bit and Mom seems to think I’m onto something.”
My father gives me one of his soft smiles and he takes a sip of his own drink. “Your mother could always spot true talent, so if she says you are, then I’m sure she’s right. Want to tell me about it?”
I clear my throat and force myself not to focus on his commentary on my mom.
“Well, it’s about this woman who travels back in time to the 1920s.
Her name is Willa and, when the book opens, she’s about to marry a man she’s not sure she trusts.
But then she hits her head—and though she can’t remember how—when she wakes up, she’s not in present time.
Instead, she’s naked and no longer in her bedroom, but with a bootlegger who looks suspiciously like her fiancé’s dad. ”
My father’s brows rise. “Then what happens?”
“Well, once she figures out that she’s in the past—one hundred years back—she realizes that the man whose house she’s now staying in—the one who looks like her fiancé’s father—died in a fire in 1922. It was a suspected arson attack.
“But then Willa starts falling for this man. And so she tries to stop the fire from happening by figuring out who was responsible for it to begin with—though whatever she does in the past affects the future.”
“Ah, like Back to the Future.”
“But with romance and bootleggers and whiskey.”
My father laughs. “Penny must love it.”
“She hasn’t read it yet.” I shrug. “I’m hoping she will.”
My father squeezes my shoulder. “I can’t wait to read it.”
My chest warms and, for the first time in a long time, I feel close to my father. “Thanks, Dad. So what do you think? If you could go back in time, would you change anything about the past? Knowing how it could affect your present?”
My father’s smile falls and he shakes his head.
“I think the best you can do is live for the present. Because you don’t know what’s going to happen and you can’t turn back time.
And the one thing I know for sure is that I wouldn’t change a thing because everything in my life was worth it. Everything I did gave me you.”
Even though it’s not the answer I’d wanted from him, I offer a smile.
What was I hoping he’d say? That he wishes he could go back in time and not divorce my mom?
That’s not a reasonable expectation. He made that decision himself.
Plus, I’m not sure I disagree with him, either.
He’s right; all we have is today. And today, I want to spend some time with Penny.
Luckily, a few minutes later I receive a text message from Penny’s favorite author, which gives me the perfect excuse to do just that.
An hour later I’m strolling down Maple Lane on the way to her when I spot the prettiest trinket in the window at Pretty Things and Paper Rings. I’ve never bought a gift for a girlfriend before and, as I pay the shopkeeper, I find myself both excited and anxious for her reaction.
Outside Bonfire and Bliss, I see Penny has put out another set of planters full of red and burgundy flowers. I smile as I head inside, the bell above the door jangling to announce my arrival.
“Welcome to Bonfire and Bliss Books!” Penny calls from somewhere deep within the shop. It takes a few seconds before she rounds the corner, a stack of books in her hand. Her bangs fall across her eyes and she’s wearing one of her signature cozy cardigans that falls lazily off her shoulder.
“Oh, it’s you!”
The way she says it—like she has no idea how to handle seeing me after last night—only makes my grin bigger. I like that I make Penny Darling flustered, maybe a bit too much.
“It is me,” I say, and then I lift the gift bag in my hand. “I brought you a little something.”
Penny’s eyes widen. “For me?”
I nod. “Can you take a break?”
She glances down at the pile of books on the floor.
“I’ll help you after,” I offer.
“No need. I can take a little break.” She glances toward the front of the store, to the table nestled in the window. “Want to sit there? I can grab us some coffee if you’d like?”
“Do you want a coffee?”
“I’ve had like six cups today,” she says with a small shake of her head. “So I definitely shouldn’t.”
“I’m good, then.”
I follow Penny to the front table and set the present down in front of her. She stares at it for a beat before glancing back up at me. “Do you want me to open it now?”
“Yes, Xuxuzinho.” I chuckle. “I’d like to see your face when you open it. Please.”
She finally settles and pulls at the tissue paper the saleslady stuffed in the bag, only to gasp when she pulls out the tiny jewelry box. “Monty.”
I smile. “Isn’t this what book boyfriends do?” As soon as I say the words, I immediately want to take them back. I didn’t do this for the plot. I did this for us.
Penny moves to flip open the box and sucks in another sharp breath. “Monty.” Her tone is softer now.
“So now you have one for your chest, too,” I explain of the copper flame that hangs from the necklace in her hand. As soon as I saw it, I knew it had to be hers—to remind her of all those nights we spent by the fire. To forever commemorate last night. I hope it meant as much to her as it did to me.
Her eyes seek out mine and she blinks a few times. “This is—” She shakes her head. “This is the nicest thing I’ve ever received.”
I’m already standing and circling behind her as she talks. It’s easier than looking at her when she’s being open with me like this, easier than swallowing down the emotion that’s caught in my throat and taken me by surprise, too.
“Can I help you put it on?”
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.”
“Okay, well, if you get five thousand words every day then maybe I can reward you at night.”
My brows shoot up my forehead. “Oh really?”
“Only if you still want to do those things,” she rushes out. “Obviously, we don’t have to just because—”
I press a finger to her lips. “Did you enjoy last night, Xuxuzinho?”
“Did you?” she asks, and I can almost see the insecurities swirling through her head.
I tilt her chin up gently. “Very much so. And I’d like to help you explore some of the other things you mentioned…if you want?”
I study her reaction, wanting to make sure we’re on the same page.
Penny’s head bobs quickly as she stutters. “I-I’d like that.”
Smiling, I lean down to press my lips to hers. But before I claim her mouth with mine, I murmur, “Good. But I’ll need a list.”
“A list?”
“Yes,” I say against her mouth. “Of everything you want to try. I’m guessing it’s not just missionary.”
Her eyes widen at my words. Sweet, innocent Penny who loves to read dirty books seems almost shy.
“Come on, Xuxuzinho, play with me.”
“Anything?” The way she says it sounds like I’m giving her the keys to a candy store. Or in her case, another bookstore.
I nod. “We can cross the first thing off your list tonight.”
“Nope.” She steps back, a smile on her face as she puts a small amount of distance between us. “You have words to write, Montgomery.”
The teasing tone in her voice makes my dick jump.
“Jesus, Penny, you’re too fucking sexy for someone so innocent.”
That only makes her grin grow wider. Which only increases the pressure in my chest.
“Five thousand words a day. That’s the deal.”
My eyes fall shut. There’s no way I’ll get that many words written before a reasonable hour tonight. It’s already late afternoon.
“Tomorrow, then?” I suggest.
“Sorry, book boyfriend.” She spins and walks toward the register. “I’ve got plans.”
“Cancel them,” I growl.
“Oh, book boyfriend is trying the whole possessive controlling thing, is he? I think I like it.”
“Good.” I stalk toward her. “Happy to show you just how controlling I can be right now. Or tomorrow night. Your choice.”
Penny steps behind the counter. “As delicious as that sounds, I really do have plans with the girls tomorrow night.”
“What kind of plans?”
“Babs’s candle lady is coming back and we’re making our sex candles.”
I scoff.
“Hey, you seemed to enjoy yourself that night.” Her lips lift even farther. “You could come, too? If you really want to see me, that is.”
Tongue to my cheek, I swallow back a smile. “Don’t tempt me, Penny Darling. I will gladly make sex candles with you.” She laughs as I sigh, settling my hands on the counter. “As much as I want to see you, I guess I can skip that. It means you’ll owe me for ten thousand words.”
She hums as her eyes dance. “Oh, Monty. Whatever can I come up with to make it worth your while?”
“Make the list.” I knock my fist on the counter. “Now.”