He disappeared then returned with a big box. “More presents?” I asked.
“For Riley,” he said, peering down at her.
He joined us on the floor, unloading a box of brand-new dog toys, a dog bed, leashes, and more. I shook my head with a laugh, realizing Hunter was just as excited about Riley as I was.
And as I watched him play tug-of-war with her, grinning from ear to ear, I felt a pang in my chest. I rubbed a hand over my heart. Without knowing it, he’d given me the Christmas I’d always dreamed of as a little girl—a beautifully decorated tree, a dog. A home filled with laughter and love.
It was easy to make snap judgments about Hunter—successful businessman, handsome playboy, trust-fund baby. And he was all of those things, but I’d come to realize that he was so much more. He was protective, loyal, and caring. He would go above and beyond for the people he cared about, and he was beyond generous.
And I wanted him to know just how much I appreciated him. So, while Riley was busy chewing on a rawhide bone, I crawled over to Hunter, my robe loosening from the effort. I kneeled before him and placed my hands on the sides of his cheeks, peering into his gray-blue eyes.
“Thank you.” I brushed my lips over his, shivering when he slid his hands beneath my robe. “You totally went overboard. But I love all of it, especially Riley.”
He gripped my hips, his eyes hooded when he said, “I spoil what’s mine.”
He held my gaze a moment before turning his attention to Riley and scratching behind her ears. “Isn’t that right, girl?” he asked in a cutesy voice.
And I believed him. Because I certainly felt spoiled. But it was more than that. For the first time—maybe ever—I felt like I belonged. And I wanted to belong to him.
