Page 16 of A Little Cinny Latte

As if hearing my thoughts, Riley giggles into the phone again. “Come over, Daddy.”

“I want to, baby, but it’s late and—”

“Please?” he begs.

It’s that one tiny word that has me reaching for my keys and plugging his address into myGoogle Maps. To my surprise, Riley only lives five minutes away. And by the time I knock on his door, I’m eager and happier than I have ever been before.

Riley throws the door open with a beaming smile. He’s in a cute little onesie and he’s bouncing on the balls of his feet. Something purple catches my eye. He has one arm clutched around Eefoowie.

“Daddy!” he cheers as I walk inside. I lock the door behind me and peer around at his house, smiling when I see the lit-up Christmas tree in the corner. My boy might have been forced to take down his decorations at work, but it looks like he has no problem keeping them up here in his own home. Riley’s toys are scattered all around the living room, but everywhere else looks spotless. When he’s big again, I’m going to have to praise my boy for keeping his play area in one spot.

I kiss the top of his head.

“I little, Daddy!” he repeats.

“You are, baby boy.”

He wraps his arms around me and gives me a tight hug. “Will you play blocks with me?” Riley yawns.

“I don’t know, sweetheart. You look tired. Should we go cuddle in bed together instead?”

Riley yawns again but shakes his head. “Is okay. Blocks first.”

“You’re going to be good for Daddy, aren’t you?” I ask gently.

Riley’s eyes pop wide, and he nods.

“Good. Why don’t we get you ready for bed? We’ll play tomorrow,” I say, just as he pouts, looking so damn adorable. “Instead, I can tuck you in and read you a story. How does that sound?”

“Will you stay the night and cuddle with me?”

“Do you think big Riley will be okay with that?”

Riley beams. “He’ll be doubly okay!”

Chapter seven

Riley

Warm sunlight filters in through the window and strong arms are wrapped around me from behind. I smile when John’s arms squeeze me tight, and I hug them to my chest. It’s then I feel Eefoowie in my arms as well. I slept with her all night, and Daddy isn’t judging me. I swear, my heart swells with happiness.

“Are you awake, sweetheart?”

“Mmhmm. Thank you for coming over last night, Daddy.”

A happy sigh leaves his lips. “This is crazy.”

“What is?”

“Tell me you feel it, too. It’s not just me?”

I turn in his arms until I’m facing him. John’s blue eyes are sparkling, and I smile.

“It’s not just you, Daddy. I feel it too.”

He presses a tender kiss to my temple. It isn’t the first time he’s kissed me like this in the last twenty-four hours, but I swear, I’m already addicted to it.

“Would you mind staying big for me while we eat breakfast? I’d love to talk to you. Then I have a surprise for you.”

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