Page 89 of Bonfire and Bliss Bookstore

“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.