Page 10 of A Little Cinny Latte

I’m staring at an adorable photo of Riley wearing the Chibico-themed apron I found him. When trying to find Riley the perfect Christmas gift to send him, I fell down a rabbit hole, trying to discover what exactly Chibicos are. From there, I found out they were adorable little creatures that reminded me of a cross betweenPokémonandNeopets, only cuter.

Apparently, there is a whole fandom based on the manga and anime, and I get the impression that the owner must be a littlebecause there are so many items available for adults that scream little and boy.

John: You look so gorgeous, Riley.

And I mean it. Somehow, he’s gorgeous and cute and handsome all at once.

These past two weeks have flown by, and we text each other constantly. Other than sleeping, I don’t think we’ve gone more than two hours without chatting.

Staring at the photo, I take in his appearance. He’s hugging his stuffie to his chest and beaming into the phone. The colorful apron is visible, and he isn’t wearing anything underneath. I’m pretty sure the flirty little thing did it on purpose.

I want to respond with a photo of myself, but I’m a little nervous it will pop this beautiful bubble between us. Riley has sent me several photos over the past two weeks, and I promised myself that when he asked for one of me, I would send it, only he hasn’t asked. A part of me is thankful. I don’t plan on breaking that promise, but I love the idea of a grand gesture with me dressed up and looking good for him.

Just a few more days, baby boy, and you’ll get to see me in person.

Riley: Thank you, Santa Daddy.

My lips twitch at the nickname. He hasn’t called me Daddy yet, but he also doesn’t call me John. Santa Daddy feels like a name that’s just for us. And even though I’ve slid into an online Daddy role easily, I feel like that’s something that needs to be decided in person.

The Daddy/little dynamic is very important to both of us, and the title is more important than others might understand.

John: What time will your sister and dad get to your place?

Riley: They will be here around noon.

I check the time.

John: That’s still several hours out. Make sure you eat a good breakfast.

Riley: I will. I’ll send you a photo of what I make.

I love how he does this now without asking. When I found out just how many carbs my little baker loved to eat, I insisted on healthier meals. And to my delight, he loves showing me how much he can follow directions.

John: You’re such a good boy, Riley.

Riley: I wish you were here.

John: Me too. You know I would have dropped everything to be there with you today, but you insisted you needed to spend it with your family.

Riley: I know! I’m kicking my past self. All I’ve ever wanted was to spend Christmas with my Daddy. But I also wanted you to spend today with your bestie. This will be one of the last times you two will get to spend the day together for a while.

My chest fills with warmth. This boy undoes me. He has the sweetest heart. He knows I used to harbor feelings for my straight best friend. But now that I’ve been talking with Riley, I truly wonder how deep my feelings really were. Sure, I love Teddy as a friend, but I think that’s about it. Teddy and I wouldn’t have worked. Not only is he straight, but we are too similar; both dominant and career-oriented.

But I’ve changed over the past year. I climbed to the top of the ladder in my career, and there’s nowhere to go in this company. The desperate need to be successful in my career has shifted. Now I want a boy to call my own and for my woodworking business to take off. I want to go on vacation and pick up the hobbies I used to love, like hiking and working out.

Most of all, I want to spend time with my boy.

After years of all work and no play, I took a vacation over the summer, hoping to meet more like-minded people, and maybe find a little of my own. And for the first time since taking thattrip, I’m happy I didn’t meet anyone, because it led me to here and now, with Riley in my life.

John: I know our relationship has been solely through texts, but what you’ve given me this Christmas has been more than any lonely Daddy could have ever asked for.

Riley: It’s the same for me, Daddy. I feel it. What we have here is special. I can’t wait to meet you.

My heart pounds as I read his text.Daddy.

Not Santa Daddy.

Just Daddy.

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