Page 13 of A Little Cinny Latte

“Damn,” he hums. “This smells really good.”

We both take a bite and moan.

“Perfection.”

As if we’ve done this a thousand times, John confidently reaches for my plate and places a huge serving of salad on my dish. God, he’s such a Daddy. The whole display makes me giddy with anticipation.

“How did you know it was me?”

“Hmm?”

“When I walked up to you, you immediately called me Santa Daddy. You didn’t even pause. Somehow, you knew.”

I blush. “I only thought it was fair. You knew what I looked like. So, I might have looked you up online to put us on a more even playing field.”

“You stalked me?” He laughs, and I swear his eyes are twinkling.

“You stalked me first!”

“I guess I did. But that photo I have online is so outdated. Not to mention, I’m even older-looking. How the hell did you recognize me?”

I shake my head. “You don’t look that different. Maybe more handsome,” I flirt, rubbing my foot up his calf and causing him to smile. “But I spotted you instantly because I remembered you from all the photos you took with Ash and his friends when they went on that Pride Cruise over the summer.”

“Ah. So that’s why Ash messaged me asking if I had any photos of the trip.” John chuckles. “I sent him photos of the ocean and some of the spots we visited, but he didn’t seem impressed. He just asked if I had any hot photos of myself. Since the boy and I never really flirted, and I happen to know how much he loves his boyfriend, Drake, I was very confused.”

I burst into laughter.

John glances around Cinny Latte, and I try to take in the café with fresh eyes.

“I love the look of this place. When you mentioned renovating and rebranding the business, I kept picturing something more…modern. I like this better.”

He points at the large blue buffet next to the front counter that houses all the loose-leaf teas and coffee beans for sale.

“I wanted something homier and comforting. When my father had his heart attack, Beth and I were determined to turn this café around. We wanted to make him proud. I always imagined friends coming here to chat over coffee, or students casually studying while getting their caffeine fix.”

“I love it. You two clearly did a fantastic job.” He waves at the forming line of customers. Looks like the lunch rush is finally here. “Did you paint all the furniture yourself?”

“Yes! Beth and I both did. It was a fun project, and a lot more affordable than buying all new stuff that matched.”

John smiles and nods. “Smart. This is a lovely café. Your passion for this place really shows.”

I preen under his praise. I might have had a lot of help from my sister, but Cinny Latte is my baby. It was my vision brought to life, and I love that my sister let me run wild with my dreams.

“Although, I’ll be honest. I thought you worked at a bakery.”

I laugh. “Oh my gosh! I’m so sorry. But I’m glad you figured it out and found me.”

We continue chatting while we finish eating lunch, and neither of us can help but flirt with each other. Everything is so new, yet comfortable. I never had this before, and I think a good part of it is thanks to us texting so often and getting to know each other first.

Honestly, it feels like a date, and I’m not surprised by how easily our conversation flows. Just like in our text messages, talking to Daddy John is so easy.

Twenty minutes later, we’re both sipping a sugary coffee concoction Beth made for us. I’m enjoying my time with John,and kind of wish we weren’t so short-staffed today, or I’d leave with him.

“You know, if I didn’t already know you were a little before, I think this would confirm it.” He grins, waving a finger at the pin on my apron.

My cheeks heat when I glance down at my outfit.

I totally forgot I was wearing my apron with the little apples on it. I finger my pin nervously. The pin may seem like an ordinary bear enamel pin to an outsider, but those who know the brand will recognize it as coming from a company that specializes in products for littles.

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