Page 116 of Bonfire and Bliss Bookstore

apennyforyourbooks: All dressed up and ready to meet book boyfriend for a date at the Haunted Hayride. Tell me, what’s your favorite spooky story? Here are a few of mine!

I upload the picture of me with three of my favorite horror romances blocking my face, making sure to link the titles in the caption, along with information on their tropes and how to purchase them. Then I hit post and close out of the app. I don’t have time to interact with people today; the store was super busy this afternoon and I’m running late as it is.

I’m trying to be excited about tonight. Truth is, I am dreading the haunted hayride. I don’t know how we’ll do this without my father, or what it will feel like having someone else tell his stories.

God, I miss my dad. It’s normally a dull ache, but today it’s throbbing. I wish he were here. I wish Monty had come back before he died. I wish he could have seen us together.

Although we’re not together. We’re…

“Call me your fake boyfriend again, I dare you.”

Monty’s words from last week come back to me and I remember how it felt when he called me his. How yesterday he showed up when I needed him most. He spent the entire day with me packing books.

Then he gave me his book. A book that I’m still reeling over.

And he fed me. And then fucked me again. Softer than ever before, though. He stared into my eyes as he sank inside me and I swear he felt what I felt in that moment. That connection. That love.

Because shit, I’m in love with Jake Montgomery.

I refuse to ruin this for myself. Refuse to ignore everything he’s been telling me for weeks. I’m not too much for him. Not my curves, not my obsession with books, not my personality. He’s obsessed. He likes me.

This doesn’t have to be fake anymore.

He hasn’t said that much but he’s said everything else. So maybe…

Maybe I stop overthinking it. Maybe I live in the moment. Enjoy the night. Enjoy this season. Enjoy him.

By the time I arrive at the farm, there’s already quite a few cars parked and people milling about.

I head toward the field where we host the hayride and spot my sister and mother checking people in as Billie hands out hot chocolate and apple cider to guests, who head over to warm themselves by the big bonfire.

With the sun officially set, and a slight breeze coming off the water, it’s going to be a cold night. I’m glad I thought to wear gloves and a hat.

I go to text Monty to let him know I’m here when I spot him talking to Walker. They’re standing beside the tractor, decorated with glittering red and orange Halloween lights that hang from poles around the back. Bales of hay for everyone to sit on during the ride line the wagon.

Monty clocks me as I make my way over to them. My stomach flips as his face lights up and he moves quickly to meet me.

“Hi,” I say when we’re in front of each other.

Monty grabs my hand and tugs me into his chest, wrapping his other arm around me and hugging me tight.

“Missed you, Xuxuzinho,” he murmurs into my hair.

I shift so I can see him. “It’s only been a few hours!”

“A few hours too long.” He leans down and brushes his lips against mine softly. “You ready for tonight?”

That ache rears itself again and I shrug. “Little nervous.”

“First one without him, huh?”

My throat grows tight and I struggle to form words. I blow out a breath and release him. “I don’t even know who’s doing the stories tonight.” I glance around the farm. “I should probably ask my sister what she needs me to do.”

“I’m doing it,” Monty says, drawing my eyes back to him.

“You’re doing what?”

“I’m going to do the haunted story.” He hesitates before taking a step closer. “If that’s okay with you?”