Page 49 of Partridge in a Bear Tree

But Derek's metamorphosis awakens a savage strength within him, and an undeniable rage at the very corporation that has given what he has always desired. Will his new power destroy the hopes of a generation...or can scientific beauty soothe the sharkish beast?'"

Penny clapped her hands over her face. "Yes. Yes, you need to read me this entire book immediately. Right now, please."

"I can't," Ashley said cheerfully. "I have to go back to work in nine minutes. But as soon as we get home tonight…"

"I bet you anything Bill will cover the rest of your shift. I'm kidnapping you home right now."

"You can't?—"

Penny already had her own phone out, texting Bill, and a moment later held it up in triumph as he responded withtake her away, I've got the pub for tonight. "I'm driving. You're reading. It'll be a night to remember."

Ashley put her phone down, took Penny's away, and snuggled her up close. "I'm sure it will be," she murmured, "but it's the lifetime that I'm looking forward to. I love you, Pen."

Warmth and joy spilled through Penny, followed by a giggle. "I love you, too. My life would be unbearable without you."

"Oh my God. No, never mind, this isn't going to work." Ashley made a show of trying to crawl away, but Penny grabbed her and pulled her back for a kiss.

"Yeah, it is. We'retweethearts, nothing to be done about it now."

Ashley shouted a protesting laugh, but fell into the kiss, and Penny knew they were going to live happily ebearafter.