The Last Love Story (Baker Girls #3)

by Bethany Monaco Smith

Okay. Time to be cool. Calm. Collected. Except I’m not cool. I’m sweating everywhere. Pits, boobs, ass. I’m like a fountain. In the worst way. Breathe.

I’ve never been good at fitting in the boxes people say I should fit into.” I set my glass down and walk over to her, cupping her cheeks. “And you never should. Take up space and don’t take anyone’s shit.”

By the way, wifey, if you ever need any help getting off, feel free to ask your husband.

“Once I take this pussy, it belongs to me. No one else will ever touch you again. Understand?” She stares at me, wide-eyed, then nods fervently. “Take me. I’m yours. As long as you know it goes both ways. Your cock is now my personal toy. You belong to me.” Those words alone send me flying toward the edge. They’re all I’ve wanted for weeks now. For her to see herself as mine and claim me as hers.

“Good boy.” Jesus.

“People are living, breathing tropes, and romance is just a piece of that. Frannie and Mark are instant connection. Devon and Kennedy, the classic best friends to lovers⁠—” “One of my favorites,” Jade says. Then she gestures between the two of us. “Marriage of convenience.” Hallie crosses her arms over her chest, looking smug. “What’s mine then?” Jade and I look at each other, and I gesture for her to say it. “Afraid to love.” Hallie squints at her, then downs the rest of her beer and climbs out of the booth, shaking her head. “Romance people,” she mutters as she walks away. Jade and I clink our glasses together and laugh.

Lots of meta discussion on romance and tropes

“You are the person I love. You are my home. Not an apartment or a town. You. Always you. Only you. My home is where your heart is.”