Page 124 of My Treasured Obsession

Hunter plucked a basket at the store’s entrance and tipped my chin up with his leather-gloved hand. “The plan is for us to grab the booksyouwant to read and to replace all the ones your asshat of an ex damaged.”

I almost stuttered back a step. “What?”

A furrow pinched his brows. “I’m sorry Franco ruined your books and shamed you for your reading taste, Gabby. Being a voracious romance reader doesn’t make you a loser. Fuck him for making you feel that way.”

My exhale stalled as I oscillated between shock and contentment. How did one even reply to such a thing—to such a thoughtful gesture?

In two months, Hunter had shown me how a woman truly deserved to be treated. He was attentive to every aspect of my life, catering to all my wants and needs without me ever having to ask him.

Hunter didn’t make my life harder. He made it easier by simply being in it and living alongside me.

I didn’t care that we were in a bookstore surrounded by a milling crowd. Didn’t care about any unwritten PDA rules. Nothing could have prevented me from rising on my toes to plant a gratitude-laden kiss on his lips.

Hunter was a once-in-a-lifetime individual. I meant it when I said I wouldn’t allow anyone to steal him from me. He was mine, mine,mine. I’d do anything to protect this man who I was beginning to fall for hastily, knowing that I was safe with him. He would cushion my fall with his strong arms and that expansive heart of his, filled with so much tenderness.

He kissed me back softly, like I was as delicate as the red roses he gifted me.

I realized quickly that this was what I had been missing my whole life.

This was what none of the past men ever gave me.

Romance. Kindness. Thoughtfulness.

“How many books can I get?” I murmured when we broke apart.

He appeared ruffled, my kiss tilting him off his axis. So adorable. I wanted to keep smooching him and never stop. “As many as I can carry, Gabby.”

I fought the Cheshire Cat grin twitching my lips. “And we both know you can lift a hefty amount.”

“That’s right.” Turning me around, he tapped my ass in a quick swat. “Now go do some damage.”

He didn’t need to tell me twice.

I dragged him into the romance section. Hunter waited patiently as I piled one book after another into the basket. He evaluated each title with interest. “This looks good.” He picked up a fantasy novel, weighing the thick paperback in his hand. “Have you read it already?”

“No,” I replied. “Do you want to read it with me?”

“Like a book club?” He smiled and I nodded. “Sounds good to me.”

I was happy that he wanted to read this. No one else in my immediate circle read fantasy romances, and I liked that Hunter and I would have something that was just ours.

We moved over to a shelf housing a particular paranormal romance series that I was fond of. “Technically, I already have these books…but these rebranded covers are super cute.”

He shrugged. “So? Get the new editions. Grow your collection.”

“Really?”

He raised his eyebrows. “Do I look like I’m bluffing, Gabriela?”

I wrapped my arms around his waist and gazed up at him, blinking innocently. “Okay, I’ll get them all since you insist.”

Hunter puffed out a laugh and kissed my forehead. He saw through my façade. I wanted these books and he was here to indulge me as always.

“Let’s play a game,” I told him as I stacked the entire series in the basket. We were already at forty books.

A sly look crossed his face. “What kind of game?”

I nudged him with my elbow. “Not that kind of game, you pervert. We’re in public, for heaven’s sake.”