Page 12 of A Little Cinny Latte

MyJohnis here and making his way toward me.

Even though he never sent me any photos of himself, I was too curious a few weeks ago. I looked up my Santa Daddy on social media. He was definitely younger in his profile photo, but I immediately recognized him as Daddy John, the handsome man my friends Ash and Noah met on a cruise this summer.

I might have spilled the beans to Ash, who immediately squealed before sending me tons of group photos that all included John.

John steps closer and I can’t help but appreciate how devastatingly handsome he is. Sharp cheekbones, a chiseled jaw, and striking blue-gray eyes. His salt-and-pepper hair is perfectly styled and the whole look could totally give a younger George Clooney a run for his money.

He’s clutching a bouquet of flowers with the cutest little teddy bear tied to it. I take in his outfit and notice he’s in a well-tailored suit. Did he dress up for me? My heart is racing.

He looks nervous as he opens his mouth to say something, but I can’t help myself. Before he can even get a word out, I throw myself into his arms.

“Santa Daddy!”

John gasps, wrapping his arms tighter around me. He’s so warm and soft, and his belly is so cuddly. I nestle against him. How is this happening? Am I dreaming, or is he really here?

“Did you mean what you said?” he asks.

I try to sort through the last several minutes but come up blank. “I said something?”

He chuckles, a low rumbling sound that causes my toes to curl. “Did you mean it when you said you wanted to spend Christmas with me next year?” He pulls back and looks me in the eye.

I beam up at him and try to pour all my warmth and sincerity into my words. “I do. I want to spend next Christmas with you. I’m just bummed I missed out on this year.”

A determined look crosses his handsome face. He places his fingers on my chin and tips my face up. “Enough of that, baby boy,” he whispers. “No more putting yourself down. I’m here now and we can celebrate Christmas anytime you want. Plus, I still have lots of gifts to give you.”

He hands me the flowers with the little teddy bear, and I swear, I must be giving him the biggest heart eyes he’s ever seen because he chuckles lightly.

Beth clears her throat.

“Oh, let me introduce you to my sister,” I say, spinning around.

“Actually,” Beth replies. “We met!”

My gaze bounces between the two of them. A warm smile covers John’s face as recognition dawns, but Beth is the one who continues talking.

“John was here a few weeks ago.” She snaps her fingers. “It was the day of the auction.”

“I did. I had a coffee and one of those orange-and-vanilla scones before heading to the club,” he says, laughter in his tone. “I asked to meet the owner so I could thank them for having one of the best scones I’ve ever tasted.”

John smiles at me before turning and shaking Beth’s hand. “It’s nice to see you again, Beth.”

“I had a wonderful conversation with John. Anyway, I’ll let you two catch up.”

“I’m about to take my lunch break. Wanna join me?” I ask, bouncing on my toes. “I still can’t believe you’re here.”

John nods. “I’d love to. Did you bring a lunch, or can I take you out?”

“Do you mind if we eat here? There’s something I want you to try. It’s something I was hoping to perfect for you.”

His lips part with shock. “For me?”

I grin up at him. “Yes. You mentioned the other day that you loved croissants with ham and cheese. I think I finally nailed it. Would you wanna grab us a seat while I get them for us? I’ll even get us a large strawberry and blue cheese salad for us to share.”

“That sounds wonderful, baby boy. I’ll get us a seat.”

John’s timing couldn’t have been more perfect. I finally got the croissants just right, with that perfect mix of crispy and flaky on the outside and soft on the inside. I pop them back into the mini toaster oven to warm them up.

John is smiling at me from the other side of the café. I make it to our table in record time and place the large salad bowl between us before handing him a croissant. Beth brings us two plates and two glasses of water. I’ll have to remember to thank my sister for being so thoughtful.

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