Page 96 of My Treasured Obsession

We spent enough time together for me to quickly come to that conclusion.

The most powerful thing about Hunter was his heart and how he wouldn’t hesitate to take the shirt off his back for someone in need. People like him were rare and I was finding myself growing more and more possessive of him, a sick and twisted part of me wanting to hide him from this traitorous world and keep him safe in my lair, where no one could ever hurt him. Not even myself.

Hunter smiled. “Thank you for saying that.”

My answer was to kiss him for what felt like the hundredth time in the last hour.

“Last chance to get away from me before I sink my claws in too deep,” I jokingly warned. “Do you really want to do this? You might realize I’m awfully needy once we start dating.”

“Good.” He picked up my hand to kiss the back of it. “I want you to need me.”

I turned to putty but tried my best to put on a serious expression. It was more playful than anything, really. “I mean it, Hunter. I need attention like oxygen. I may wither away without it.”

It was a bit dramatized and Hunter chuckled. “I’ll shower you with all the attention you need. There will be no withering away on my watch.”

“I also like to cook and bake in my free time, so your fridge might be overstocked with pasta dishes and blueberry muffins.”

“Only an idiot would complain.” He arched an eyebrow. “I, however, won’t. You have free rein to do as you please in my kitchen.”

Smart man. “And I don’t drive, so you’ll have to chauffeur me everywhere.”

“Baby, I’ll chauffeur you to the ends of the earth. Wherever you go, I’ll follow.” Amusement twinkled in his blue eyes. “What else?”

“My cat and I are joined at the hip. I like to bring her with me wherever I can. Will that be a problem?”

He scoffed. “Please, I adore Luna. I’m well-aware that you’re a package deal.”

“Good.” I tapped my chin mock thoughtfully. “Well, I think that’s it for now.”

“If you’re done trying to scare me away from dating you”—Hunter slung his duffel bag onto his shoulder and offered me his hand—“I’d like to take you home, Gabby.”

I smiled, twining our fingers together. “All right. Take me home, Hunter.”

CHAPTER 24

Falling For You

Gabriela

Hunter invited me and Luna over for dinner and to watch this week’s horror movie so we could complete our weekly assignment. I’d barely eaten today, heartsick with yesterday’s events, that I finally felt my appetite returning with renewed vigour after our shower and talk.

I needed to get ready and rush over to his place, but the first thing on my mind was texting the girls in the group chat the second I crossed my apartment’s threshold.

Guess who officially has a date this Saturday? —Gabby

They read my message immediately. I could see Anna and Layla typing while I put my damp hair in a quick braid, the smile on my face barely wavering. It seemed to be plastered there from the minute Hunter and I left the locker room hand in hand.

Oh my God!! —Layla

This is so exciting!! —Anna

I cornered him in the locker room and we had a really good conversationI don’t know where we’ll be going for our date, but I’m looking forward to it! —Gabby

I purposely omitted the part about what occurred in the shower. I figured I’d give them the whole rundown when I saw them in person.

I’m glad tonight paid off and you guys were able to patch things up—Layla

So happy for you, Gabby. You deserve this—Anna