Page 14 of A Little Cinny Latte
I might know that John is a Daddy, but I never actually asked him what type of submissive he preferred. “Is that a good thing?”
“It is to me.”
I smile into my mug. It’s been a really long time since anyone has flirted with me and made me feel special. It’s not only his words or his praise, but the way he leans forward and listens. It’s as if he’s trying to memorize everything that leaves my lips. It’s the way he smiles at me, and the way his gaze lingers.
“So, you mentioned painting most of the furniture here. Really, I love the whole aesthetic with bright colors, but I have to know, was the color choice a nod to your little side?”
My eyes widen in shock. “No one knows that but Beth!” A sense of excitement overwhelms me. “Can I show you around?”
“Of course. I’d love to see what you’ve done.”
Over the next thirty minutes, I show him around Cinny Latte, pointing out all the furniture Beth and I refinished and painted together. John and I discover just how much our hobbies seem to align—his love of building furniture and my love for painting.
He seems shocked that we found every piece at secondhand stores and repainted them. I explain how much I love DIY projects, and he tells me he remembers from the charity auction brochure.
The auction feels like a lifetime ago, and even though I feel like I might have missed out on extra time with John, I’m happy with the way things turned out.
Chapter six
John
Watching Riley work fills my heart with joy. After he finished showing me around, I decided to hang out for a bit and catch up on a few emails. We shared secret smiles and a few glances. Meeting Riley turned out even better than I ever could have imagined. I was still shocked he knew what I looked like this whole time.
I feel silly for worrying over nothing.
Based on the admiring looks and the playful touches from Riley, it’s clear that he’s just as interested in me as I am in him.
I send one last email and decide it’s time I stop acting so creepy and head home. I’m eager to start working on that custom spanking bench order from one of Dark Satin’s members. Feeling playful, I jot down a quick note to my boy, letting him know I had a wonderful time and can’t wait to see him again.
Then I carefully fold the note into a paper airplane. Riley is back at the Christmas tree with Meg as they take down the ornaments. I didn’t miss the longing in Riley’s voice as he continued talking about how sad he was about removing the Christmas decorations.
It got my mind whirling with fun ways I could surprise him. With a few emails sent to Hunter and Cal, an idea has formed.
When Riley isn’t looking my way, I throw the paper airplane toward him. It lands in the Christmas tree just to the right of his shoulder. With a huge smile on his face, he whirls around as soon as he figures out that I was the one who threw it.
He unfolds the note and reads it. I watch as his whole face lights up. Riley practically skips my way. I hold my arms out to him, and he crashes into me with such giddy excitement it makes me wonder if he’s hovering somewhere between adult and little.
“Thank you for coming here tonight, Daddy,” he whispers in my ear.
I shudder against him and smile. “We still need to talk about the whole Daddy thing and what type of relationship this is, but we can do that some other time when you aren’t working.”
Riley shakes his head. “If it’s okay, I’d like to call you Daddy. We can iron out the specifics later, but I don’t want to miss out on any more time with you.”
I’m about to say something, but Riley continues, determined to win. And damn, if a boy fighting for what he wants isn’t hot, I don’t know what is.
“No, Daddy, just listen. Did you know I was supposed to go on that cruise back in June?”
My eyes widen.
He nods. “I got so nervous thinking about all the people who would be on the ship and wondering what they would think about me, I chickened out and decided not to go. I could have met you back in June. Or the day of the auction, when you bought that scone? I was nervous then, too, and left work early to settle my nerves before going on stage. And, well, you know the rest.”
“I had no idea.”
Riley smiles. “I don’t want to second guess anything or make myself nervous. I hate being nervous.”
I hug him to me. “It’s okay, baby boy. We all get nervous sometimes.”
“I know, but I don’t want to second guessus. These past few weeks have meant everything to me. Your texts are the highlight of my day. I love the way you looked after me and cared for me. I want you to be my Daddy.” He lets out a deep breath. “I also want to tell everyone that you’re my boyfriend.”
