Page 3

Chapter three

Riley

(December 15 th )

The fresh aroma of coffee instantly calms me as I walk into Cinny Latte. Although this café is family-owned, I’m immensely proud of this little place. My twin sister, Beth, and I have worked hard to make this place a staple here in downtown Olivia Cove.

A mild heart attack a few years ago finally convinced our father he needed help. The coffee shop wasn’t doing so well financially, and he was ready to sell. Beth and I asked him to give us a year to turn the place around. We did a full rebrand, renamed Pop’s Café to Cinny Latte, and introduced fun, crazy coffee concoctions to the menu.

My sister walks out of the breakroom, grasping a huge mug. Honestly, the thing looks more like a soup bowl, especially by the way she’s cupping it with both hands. “You’re here early,” I say, noting the dark bags under her eyes.

“Yeah, couldn’t sleep, so I decided to switch with Meg. She wanted extra time this morning to study for her finals.”

Making my way through the ‘ Employee’s Only’ door, I flip on the lights and grin as soon as I see all the shiny new ovens and kitchen equipment. We recently upgraded this back room into my own little bakery. Ever since I started baking and adding my treats to the front display of the coffee shop, my sweets have been a hit. But last year, my baking career took off when my friend Jules invited me to participate in their Pride event.

Who knew my baked goods would be in high demand? I pick up my cute apron with tiny, illustrated apples on it and place it over my head. It might seem silly to some, but I love wearing things that call to my little side, and colorful aprons are one of those things. I go about my opening procedure and start the first few batches of my sweets.

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 from Target .”

“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.”

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 had little Riley in 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 tear the 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.

My gaze wanders back over to the three gifts under my Christmas tree. There’s one for Beth, and the other is for my father. I plop down on the rug next to the gift bag and peer inside. I can’t help it; I need to know what I got.

It’s been a really long time since someone other than my best friends or a family member bought me something.

“Guess what, Mom,” I say out loud. “Someone bought me something for Christmas.” I miss my mom every day, but especially during the holidays. Like me, Christmas was her favorite time of the year. She would have been so excited about the Secret Santa present—Mom was always a romantic.

I pull the envelope out and reread the letter inside.

My dearest little Riley,

I hope it’s okay that I’m writing this letter and giving you a gift. I know we don’t know each other yet, but I was immediately intrigued by the details you left for the charity auction brochure.

When you weren’t announced during the auction, I was worried something had happened. I eagerly waited for Hunter to announce Number Eight, but as the night progressed and you didn’t walk on stage, I couldn’t shake the horrible feeling.

Hunter told me you were in the playroom and when I got there, I saw the most beautiful boy surrounded by colorful blocks. Seeing you playing there made my Daddy-heart beat faster. I wanted to join you. Only by the time I was ready to try, your friends showed up.

I knew you needed that time with your friends. Or hell, maybe I chickened out. Either way, I regret not going over there and introducing myself.

Hours later, I still couldn’t get you out of my head. So, this is me trying to fix that. I get the feeling you need to know someone was thinking about you. I was thinking about you, and I hope this Christmas present is something you will treasure.

Merry Christmas, Riley.

Sincerely yours,

Santa Daddy

P.S. I’m leaving my number down below. Please don’t feel obligated to text me, but if you ever need anything, or just want to chat, please don’t hesitate.

Folding the letter back into the envelope, I turn back toward my gift bag and carefully start pulling out the tissue paper. My fingers brush against something hard. It’s the first thing I touch.

I feel like I’m supposed to collect each item as I come across them. Whether that was actually his intention, that’s my plan.

I pull out a set of coloring pencils and smile. How did he know? I remember he mentioned he enjoyed the specifics I shared about myself for the auction. A tag falls to the ground. I pick it up before pulling the item out of the bag.

Every little can always use more crayons or coloring pencils.

I giggle. Okay, true.

Pulling out the next item, I gasp, my smile growing wider. It’s a coloring book. But not just any generic coloring book, like I expected. No, this is the coolest freaking coloring book ever! It’s a Chibico coloring book, and it’s Christmas-themed!

I flip through the illustrations and spot all of my favorite creatures that I can color. The images are actually so cute, I don’t want to ruin them with my coloring. I make a mental note to photocopy each image so I can keep the original coloring book intact and color each image multiple times.

I pull out the handwritten tag from between the pages and read it.

For your new coloring pencils. I thought combining two of your favorite things would be a sure win.

A smart Daddy. I love it!

To my shock, the gift bag is still really heavy. I continue to pull out the remaining tissue paper until something soft grazes my fingers. I take the last item out of the bag and blink.

And blink again.

It’s a weighted blanket. But it’s not just the blanket that has me feeling choked up. It’s the design in the middle of the blanket that gets me feeling all kinds of emotional. There’s a cute drawing of my favorite Chibico in the center. I unfold the blanket to get an even better look at the image. Then I hug the material to my chest, rubbing the soft fleece against my cheek.

Noticing that something is missing, I rummage around the bottom of the bag and smile when I find one last handwritten tag.

A weighted blanket so we can both pretend it’s Daddy’s arms wrapped around you.

Happiness and warmth fill my chest. This is by far the sweetest, most thoughtful gift I’ve ever gotten. Without thinking, I jump up from my spot and rush back to the kitchen. I reach for my phone that’s sitting on the counter. Taking a deep breath, I plug in the phone number, type out a text, and hit send.

Riley: Thank you, Santa Daddy! This was the bestest gift ever.

Just then, the timer on my phone goes off. I squeal with delight and tug on my oven mitts. Making sure I don’t burn myself, I place the mac and cheese on top of the stove so it can cool off for a bit. In the meantime, I run into my bedroom, scoop up Eefoowie, and plug my phone onto the charger.

“Eefoowie! I have the coolest thing I need to show you.”

Bringing my stuffie into the living room, I prop her on the sofa, so she can get comfy and watch TV with me. Then I scoop out a large serving of my special mac and cheese and settle down next to Eefoowie. Before I dig into my food, I take my new blanket and wrap it around my shoulders like a cape.

Yes, this is definitely the bestest estest gift ever. I snuggle into my blanket and press play on my favorite holiday movie. It really does feel like Daddy is here with me.