Page 25 of Santa Daddies

She thanked me and then leaned toward me as everyone was still occupied by their conversation and said, “That’s a lot of women to go over Santa’s knee,” before returning to her proper position and nodding toward the entrance to the restaurant.

“Oh, look, the rest of the ladies are here.”

I narrowed my eyes on her. “I’m only concerned for one.” I did, however, rise and pull out a chair for the one other guest without a male partner at the table.

“We’re starving,” Charlotte said, picking up her mimosa and taking a sip.

“We ordered already,” David replied, kissing his bride on the cheek. “They’re serving various breakfast meats, three styles of eggs, toast, hash browns, waffles, pancakes, pastries, and fruit all family style on the table.”

I looked over and saw my serving crew carrying trays our way. “Oh look, it’s here.”

As everyone started serving themselves, I glanced at Little Red.

She was pouring milk into her tea, smirking. “I researched Sexy Santa Inc on YouTube the other night. You’ve got a very busy lap.” She reached for the honey from the basket in the middle of the table and her grin flattened.

“Is this Buzzing with Love village honey?” Her eyes shot to mine, excitement dancing in them.

“It is,” I replied, knowing it was one of the companies she designed promotional graphics for. It was a group of older women, retired professionals, that lived homestead-style in off-grid tiny homes on acreage they’d purchased. They rented other tiny homes on the property to single mothers trying to get back into the workforce after being stay-at-home moms. The rent was minimal, and they offered free childcare, as well as assistance with preparing themselves for the job market. It was a great charity and when David told me about it, I’d instantly reached out and started using their honey in my Western Canadian resorts.

“I designed this,” she said, pointing at the little logo on the mini yellow glass honeypot. “The little honeypot was my idea too, but I didn’t think they used it. It was an added expense they weren’t sure about.”

Emily had a graphic design degree and worked as a Brand Specialist in a marketing firm, but she also ran a small business designing promotional graphics and branding for other small businesses, independent authors, and various non-profits like Buzzing with Love. David told me that all her work with the nonprofits was volunteer though. Beside Buzzing with Love village honey, she also worked for several animal rescues.

“They showed me the design with the mini pots last minute and I loved it. It’s just the sort of exclusive cutesy thing my guests go apeshit over. The mini pots are exclusive to my resorts, because I paid extra for the privilege,” I replied.

“Huh. So David told you about my work and he browbeat you into supporting my causes.” She put some scrambled eggs, a slice of toast, and some melon and berries onto her plate.

“He didn’t have to browbeat me. But he’s very proud of you and mentioned it, so I looked at your work. I was impressed,” I replied, filling my own plate with food.

“Are you going to start having pygmy goat yoga here too? I support a goat rescue as well. Or maybe a cat cafe? I have three cat rescues on my books. Oh, how about dog sledding? Because I do support a husky rescue as well,” she mocked, taking a bite of her eggs.

I chuckled. “All of those things sound awesome. Maybe we could talk more about business after the wedding.”

Her eyes widened. “I was teasing, Kristoffer. I don’t expect special treatment because you and my brother work together.”

“I know, but it wouldn’t be special treatment.” I took a sip of my coffee, and she ate more of her eggs. “I love your energy and some of those ideas are great ones. People these days, especially in big cities, are always looking to get away to small places with unique offerings. I love that you help these places.”

“Your charity work is pretty great, too,” she offered, taking a bite of toast. “Even if it’s kinda pervy.”

I grinned crookedly at her. “Boys will be boys.”

Her right brow arched. “I suppose girls will be girls too then, since Sexy Santa Inc has donated a significant amount in the last few years. You must be in high demand.”

I noted that she finished her eggs before eating her toast and hadn’t yet touched her fruit. I wondered if she always ate one thing at a time.

“We are. And this year we’re planning on adding naughty leprechauns for St Patrick’s Day, and bad boy bunnies for Easter. Bachelorette parties happen all year long and they’re the largest customer base.”

She bit the inside of her lip, keeping her smile at bay. “Really?”

“No.” I chuckled, touching her arm. “I was kidding.” Her eyes instantly locked onto mine. Something I could only describe as a zing shot through me.

“In that case you should consider tattooed turkeys for Thanksgiving,” she blurted with laughing eyes, and then her attention went to her plate, and I felt myself floundering at the weird sense of loss.

“Now that’s a good one,” I said grinning to shake off the lingering weirdness. “And I could hire you for some promotional graphics.”

She shrugged one shoulder, looking back to me with a serious expression even though our conversation was light-hearted. “I’d gladly work with you.”

She finished everything on her plate and picked up her tea, wrapping one hand around it as if she was warming herself with it.