Page 5 of A Little Cinny Latte

Once they’re in the oven, I check my phone and realize it’s almost time to open. Smiling, I walk out to the front and slip on the switch that always makes me happy during this time of the year. Christmas and fairy lights illuminate the coffee shop, giving the place an almost magical glow. In the center of the café is a stunning Christmas tree filled with sparkling ornaments and even more lights.

The whole sight is cheerful and partially makes up for my melancholy mood from last night. By the time I left Dark Satin, I was exhausted. I couldn’t believe my friends came to play with me in the playroom, despite all of them winning dates. But by the time I had to leave, the night’s events crashed down on me, and I realized just how sad I was that I didn’t follow through with the auction.

As if reading my mind, something my sister does often, she appears by my side and gives me a worried look. “How was last night? Did you go on a date?”

Beth has always been supportive of me. She might not want details of my sex life, but she’s aware I’m a little looking for a Daddy.

“Horrible,” I groan.

A fierce, determined look crosses Beth’s face and I can tell she’s about to go all protective mama bear on me, but I cut her off with a wave of my hand.

“I chickened out. I didn’t go through with the auction.”

“Oh no, Riley. I’m so sorry. What happened?”

“There were just too many people. I peeked out into the crowd and saw all the hot Daddies, and I know you’re going to hate me for this, but I compared myself to all the other boys about to go up for auction.”

Beth frowns. “Why? Didn’t you say that everyone there was going to be in elf costumes? And you’re all looking for the same thing. Why would you compare yourself to anyone else?”

I shrug, hating that I even need to explain myself. Beth doesn’t get it. She’s my twin, so of course she’s going to stick up for me. “I was the only elf who looked like he was wearing pajamas. Everyone else had skimpy costumes or outfits that looked straight out of a movie.” I shake my head. “Mine looked like a child’s set fromTarget.”

“Didn’t you get it at Target?”

“Ugh. That’s not the point. I looked ridiculous, especially being the only one with a beard.”

“Riley, you aren’t the type of person to wear skimpy outfits or dress up in something so revealing. You love your beard, and you’re more confident with it in your daily public life. Please, stop being so hard on yourself.” She hugs me close, pulling me tight against her body. I inhale her comforting floral scent, mixing with the cookies baking in the oven.

“Okay, enough wallowing about my love life. Let’s open shop.”

“Let’s do this. Despite my lack of sleep, I have a good feeling about today.”

The rest of the day speeds by, thanks to the holiday rush. Even though the shop is still open, my shift has ended, and I’m ready to collapse on my feet.

The door chimes, and someone walks in.

“Hey, you!” I greet Hunter as soon as I see him.

His grin grows when he spots me waving. There’s a huge, colorful, Christmas-themed gift bag in his hand. Even though I know it isn’t for me, I can’t seem to take my eyes away from it until Hunter hides it behind his back.

Giving him a sheepish grin, I meet his eyes.

“Any delicious holiday specials I need to know about?”

“Actually—” I’m about to talk about my favorite baked goods when Meg walks out of the back room and waggles her finger at me.

“Riley, you said you were going home.” Meg laughs, bumping her hip against mine and playfully pushing me out of her way. She bats her lashes at Hunter and I bite back a giggle.

“Hey Hunter,” she says. “How can I help you today?”

Hunter places his index finger in the air. “Hold that thought, Meg. I actually need to talk to Riley in private for a moment.”

My forehead scrunches as I take off my apron and walk over to the other side of the counter. “Is everything okay?”

“Sure is.” He guides me to a private table in the corner. “I have something for you.” He places the gift bag on the table in front of us as soon as we have a seat.

“That’s for me?”

“It is for you,” Hunter replies. He grins when I start bouncing in my seat. “It’s from a Secret Santa.”

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