Page 125 of My Treasured Obsession

“As if that would stop you, you little exhibitionist,” he whispered in my ear.

I blushed and whispered back, “Hey, you don’t see me kink-shaming you!”

“I would never shame you.” He kissed the tip of my nose. “I like your kinks.”

I tightened the sash of my red coat around my waist, giving my hands something to do before I climbed him like a tree and pecked my red-stained kisses all over that handsome face. “Doyou have any I should know about? For research purposes, of course.”

He smirked. “Tying you up to my bed and fucking you like a dirty little doll.”

An old granny happened to walk by next to us and she squeaked upon hearing that tidbit. Oops. I supposed we weren’t as quiet as we thought. She scurried away, scandalized, leaving Hunter and me alone in the aisle.

When the coast was clear and our embarrassed chuckles subsided, I said, “Throw in a blindfold and I’m game, pretty boy.”

His blue eyes danced with amusement. “Cool. It’s a date.”

I bit back a squeal. I loved this banter between us. It was refreshing and a reminder that dating should be fun and easy-going, right?

“Now back to what I was saying.” I edged him into an Arts & Crafts aisle. “Let’s pick a hobby-related book for each other, something new for us to try, with only one minute to spare on the clock.”

Hunter perked up at the challenge. “Okay. I’ll set a timer.”

The second he pressed the start button on his phone screen, we darted down the aisle on separate ends with swift excitement. My eyes scanned through the titles. Woodworking, glassblowing, gardening, birdwatching. It was past the forty-second mark when I fell upon a mandala colouring book.

I knew Hunter’s shier disposition and the events from his past had given leeway to his mild anxiety. The front page of the book claimed that colouring mandalas was a stress-relieving activity that helped promote mindfulness and relaxation. With the end of football season looming close, a championship to win, and a fast-paced academic schedule, I figured this would be an optimal hobby.

The alarm on Hunter’s phone went off and we met each other halfway. I panted from having run in my heels and Hunter’s own chest bowed with quick breaths. “What did you get me?”

I held up the colouring book with a beaming grin. “Ta-da!”

He scooped it from my hands, impressed. “This looks fun, Gabby.”

I knew he’d like it. “What did you get me?”

Hunter passed me a guide on diamond painting, parroting my, “Ta-da!”

I flipped through the pages. “Right up my alley. Good choice.” I stared up at him, hopeful. “Maybe we can get some supplies next week?”

He’d need colouring pencils too if he didn’t already have them at home.

For our second date, I was thinking something laid-back at my place, watching a horror movie while we worked on our respective art.

“I’m down.” He wrapped an arm around my shoulders, drawing me deeper into his chest. “Is there anything else you want to get from here?”

“Nope. I have everything I need.”

“C’mon, let’s get these checked out.”

But on our way to the cash register, I spotted a comprehensive Greek mythology encyclopedia and placed it in the basket along with my other books.

Hunter gave me a surprised look. I winked at him.

He’d done such an amazing job immersing himself in my world of interests that it was only fair I do the same for him. I’d start with this and eventually work my way through the other classic tales he liked to read.

While we waited at the end of a long cue, I burrowed myself into Hunter’s side and rested my head on his chest. His arm was still draped around my shoulders.

“Do you mind?” I asked him after a few seconds.

He frowned, perplexed. “Mind what?”