“A collar?” I asked, glancing down at the rhinestone-studded, well…collar that was nestled in the fourth, and final, box. I arched an eyebrow. “Is this a new kink?”
His shoulders shook with silent laughter. “No. It’s not a new kink. Though you know I’m always open to trying new things.”
He took a deep breath, and suddenly I realized how nervous he seemed. He was rubbing his hands together, and I narrowed my eyes at him. What was he up to?
“I’ll be right back.” He hopped up, the white robe fluttering across the tanned, toned skin of his chest. I watched in awe as the muscles of his torso flexed from the effort.
I glared at him from my position on the floor. “Hunter—you promised. Only one present.”
Though I didn’t count the four extravagant presents he’d already given me as one. Not by a long shot.
“Yes. One present for you, and one for me.” The expression on his face told me he thought he wassosmart.
The expression on mine said, “We’ll see about that.”
“Mm-hmm.” I set the latest box aside, the one containing the collar, and crossed my arms over my chest. “You’ve already gone way overboard.”
“The lingerie, those heels—were for me.” He pointed to himself, and I resisted the urge to laugh.
“Oh, really?” I quirked an eyebrow. “I can’t wait to see you model them.”
“Har-har.” He backed toward the garage, only increasing my confusion. “Just…don’t go anywhere. And close your eyes.”
“Hunter!”
“Close your eyes, or no orgasms for you.”
That did it—I clamped my eyes shut. I knew it wasn’t an idle threat. His dark chuckle threaded through my belly, followed by a pang of need.
I didn’t hear the alarm chime, but I did hear a door open and close. Followed by his footsteps approaching. Then… Was that…panting?
“Open,” Hunter said.
My eyes widened when I noticed the dog standing at his side. Her coat was short and curly, her fur the color of a golden retriever but not quite the same texture or length. She was so calm. She didn’t bark or growl, just peered around curiously and wagged her tail happily.
For a long moment, all I could do was stare and think that my childhood wish was finally coming true. For all the Christmases when I’d been disappointed as a kid, this more than made up for it.
I glanced up at Hunter, afraid to get my hopes up. Perhaps sensing my thoughts, he said, “She’s all yours.”
This gift… It was so much more than a new dog. It was a new beginning. And in that moment, I finally admitted it to myself—this man owned my heart. If there’d been any doubt before, there wasn’t anymore.
I crawled over to her, holding out my knuckles for her to sniff. “Hey, girl,” I cooed.
She licked my hand and then stepped closer, nudging me to pet her. I laughed and obliged, running my hand over her silky fur coat. Forget the lingerie and the designer handbags,thiswas all I really wanted.
Okay, so maybe I wanted the other stuff too. But the dog was the best part. No, spending the morning with Hunter was the best part.
Hunter joined us on the floor, crossing his legs. The dog’s tongue lolled as he scratched behind her ears. “She’s a rescue dog.”
“She is?”
Considering how expensive the other gifts were, and how sweet the dog was, I’d assumed he’d gone to a breeder. Not that I cared; I actually preferred that she was a rescue dog. I liked the idea of giving her a new home and a second chance.
“She’s a labradoodle, and she’s house trained. Her name is Riley, but you can change it if you want.”
I thought about it a moment, then shook my head. “No. I like the name. It suits her.”
“Good.” He smiled when I leaned over for a kiss. “I think so too.”
