Page 52 of My Treasured Obsession

I’d seen him a handful of hours ago, but I still missed him. Oscar drove me back home today and I listened to songs from Hunter’s playlist to keep me company in his stead.

Icing my shoulder again. Practice was rough. —Hunter

He attached a picture of an ice pack sitting over his broad shoulder.

You? —Hunter

I hope your shoulder feels better soon! —Gabby

And I just finished doing my nails. —Gabby

I sent him a picture of my sparkly crimson toes.

Free feet pics in this economy? I’m a lucky man. —Hunter

I chuffed out a laugh, loving his humour. Luna sidled up next to me on the floor, peering at my phone screen as I typed a text. Like she just knew it washerHunter on the other end.

You’re right. How foolish of me. That’ll be $100. —Gabby

Less than a minute later, my phone pinged with an email notification, an automatic deposit into my bank account of exactly one hundred dollars by Hunter.

I sputtered, eyes widening in disbelief.

OMG, I was kidding!!! —Gabby

I’m not. —Hunter

Next time, I want to see your toes painted black. —Hunter

Just like your soul. —Hunter

God, help me. I adored our banter and flirty text messages.

Your wish is my command—Gabby

Also, Luna says hi! —Gabby

I sent him a selfie of Luna and me.

Look at that. It’s my favourite girls. —Hunter

My favourite girls.There weren’t enough words to encompass what I was feeling in this moment. I responded with another selfie, this time a closeup of Luna’s adorable face, and replied:

She says you’re our favourite too. —Gabby

And on the weekends, if I wasn’t hanging out with the girls, Hunter and I went on walks along the canal with Luna. That was when I learned he’d started listening to true crime podcasts and reading paranormal romances.

“Are you serious?” I’d asked him, surprised, while he fed Luna a cat treat.

He’d sent me an assessing look. “Why would I lie to you?”

It was true. He had no reason to. “Which podcast are you listening to?”

He’d told me and I’d brightened. It was the same one I’d been listening to as well.

“And what romance book are you currently reading?”

His mouth had formed into a teasing smile. “That’s a secret for now.”