Page 6 of A Little Cinny Latte

I cock an eyebrow and smile. “Are you the Secret Santa?”

“I mean, it’s a secret for a reason, but no, I’m not your Santa Daddy.”

My eyes widen as I straighten in my seat.Santa Daddy?For some reason my heart races as I stare at the gift. Did a Daddy from the club get me something? No. That can’t be what he’s saying. Is it?

“A very concerned Daddy was very eager to bid on you last night. He read your profile and loved all the details you included. Let’s just say he was very intrigued and eager to meet you.”

“Oh my god,” I groan. “I don’t know whether to be disappointed or happy. On one hand, it’s sweet to know someone would have actually bid on me, but I already have major regrets about not participating last night.”

“Hmm. Interesting.” Hunter smirks.

“What is?”

“Santa Daddy said he had a feeling you might feel this way. He also told me to give this gift to you today. He isn’t looking for anything in return. He just wants you to have something sweet for Christmas.”

I eye the huge gift bag eagerly. It’s sparkly red and green, but something else catches my eye. What seems like random swirls at first actually turns out to be small polar bear patterns. The tiny bears are adorable, and I already know, no matter what’s inside this bag, I already treasure it from the design alone.

Hunter slides a bright green envelope my way. “Read this first. And you might want to open the gift at home, just in case.”

I cock a curious brow.

“I’m pretty sure Daddy Joh—Santa hadlittle Rileyin mind when he bought it late last night.”

Swallowing hard, I flip over the envelope and smile when I see a cute polar bear sticker sealing the flap closed. I don’t want to tearthe sticker, it’s too darn cute, and I’d hate to hurt the adorable little bear. So, I carefully peel back the sticker, taking extra slow movements to ensure it stays intact.

When I finally have the letter out of the envelope, I unfold it, and my eyes immediately drop to the cellphone number at the bottom.

“Santa Daddy left his number,” I gasp.

Hunter chuckles. “Did he, now? Good for him. I didn’t realize he was so brave.”

I giggle, trying to picture a nervous Daddy jotting down his number. Of course, my mind conjures up an image of a sexy Santa and I can’t help but bite my lip at the ridiculousness of it all.

“How well do you know this Santa Daddy? Is it safe to text him back?”

Damn, did I sound too hopeful and whiny?

Hunter pats my hand as he stands. “I promise, this Daddy is safe. I’ve known him for years. But don’t feel obligated to text him if you don’t feel comfortable. He reassured me he didn’t need anything in return. I think this is just his way of trying to shoot his shot.”

I laugh. “Oh my gosh. I don’t know if anyone has ever tried to‘shoot their shot’with me.”

“Oh, silly, silly Riley. There were several Daddies who wanted your attention last night. Many who were eager to bid on you.”

My mouth drops open in shock.

“But trust me, little one, there was only one true Daddy worth his salt, and he went out of his way to brighten up your day.” With that, Hunter winks and walks out.

A soft smile covers my face as I unfold the letter and read its contents, and by the time I read the last word, I know Hunter is right. This Daddy is worth his salt. He has to be.

Once I close my door behind me, I immediately turn on the lights and switch the heating unit on. Christmas lights illuminate my living room, casting a soft glow around my place. I walk over to my Christmas tree and turn on those lights, too, before placing the big gift bag next to the only other two wrapped presents near my tree.

Someday I’ll be in the position to add more gifts to the tree and make it look even more festive.

I’m extremely eager to open my gift, but I pretend that Santa Daddy is here with me now, encouraging me to change into my PJs, put away my clothes, and start preparing dinner. It’s unusually cold today for Southern California weather, and I’m craving some comfort food.

Even though I spent all morning baking, I go about preparing my favorite mac and cheese recipe, still pretending Santa Daddy is right here by my side as we cook together. Sure, the boxed stuff would have been easier, but there’s something about a creamy, homemade baked mac and cheese with all its layered goodness.

By the time the oven is preheated to 350 degrees, I’m ready to place the glass dish in the oven and set the timer for thirty minutes. I turn on my TV and flip to a music station that plays remixed Christmas songs and bounce around the house as I sing along. I can feel my little side starting to surface, but I don’t let myself fully sink into the feeling. I always make sure my oven is off and I’m completely safe when I do. Sometimes I can get carried away, and the last thing I need to do is burn my kitchen down while playing.

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