Page 58 of Santa Daddies

“Seriously?” I question, not sure if this is some elaborate prank or not.

“I wouldn’t lie to you about something like that. The guy is new. He’s a friend of Chance’s that I’ve met a time or two. When Grant finally relented to getting more help, Chance immediately suggested the guy. Apparently, he loves doing all the stuff you hate.”

My jaw drops. “Did you run a background check on him? What kind of human being loves that stuff? Maybe he’s an alien.”

Tank shakes his head, his smile never dimming. “Not an alien. And no, I didn’t do a background check because he was a former New Roughoak police sergeant. He left the force and went back to school to study law.”

“How old is this guy?”

“I told you he’s friends with Chance. He’s closer to my age than yours. Not sure why it matters,” he pointedly states.

“Because I was curious. Duh!” I blow a raspberry. “So, the guy was a cop, then he left and now he’s pushing papers. That seems fishy to me.”

“When you meet him, it will make sense. Jerome is a good guy. I really think he’ll fit in here. Hell, he might be just what we’ve been needing.”

He’s not what I need.

My inner thoughts remind me of the letter currently burning a hole in my pocket. I need to make sure I head straight to the mail room to put it in the outgoing post. I don’t want to riskforgetting. The sooner Santa has my wish, the more time he’ll have to find the perfect Daddy for me and send him over.

“The other reason I stopped by,” Tank says, drawing my attention back to him, “is because I need you to get with security downstairs to set up his clearance. Be sure to email Jerome with the details he needs to get his badge and parking tag, should he need one.”

“If he enjoys paperwork and drives in this city, then he’s definitely a serial killer. I don’t care what you believe about him being trustworthy.”

Tank shakes his head, then leans closer. I already know what he’s going to ask before he opens his mouth.

“Got anything juicy to share today?”

“Depends on what you want to know. Relationship drama, in-law woes, or basic everyday screw ups?” I raise my brow as I drop the question for him.

He ponders it for a second before saying, “In-law woes. Those are always hilarious.”

Leaning forward to match his conspiratory pose, I dive into a story about one of the guys in the Talent Division who is once again having an issue with his father-in-law. No matter how much he tries to relate to the man, he hits a dead end. He’s been faking a love for nearly everything he can think of to bond, yet the father won’t cut him slack. Come to find out the other man has been turning off his hearing aids and forgetting to turn them on. Once that was settled, they were able to share a laugh.

Tank is a giggling mess by the time I finish. Looking at the big, scary-looking man, you wouldn’t expect him to love a good gossip sesh like the rest of us. But I think ever since he and his man got together, and they managed to wrap up their last big job, he’s found joy in more than work.

I love that for him.

And really, it benefits us all. Happy boss, happy work life.

“Anyway, I’m heading off now. There isn’t much happening today, but I don’t trust Memphis to not cause some chaos if he’s left alone too long.”

“Where’s Ronan?” I ask, not recalling anything about him being out today. As the person who helps manage the calendars for the teams, I’m well aware of everyone’s vacation and personal time requests.

Tank frowns. “He’s with Damari. Poor guy got sick last night eating some—oh, shit! They were eating Thai food at the new place up the street. Have you been yet?”

“Not yet. I was hoping to go with Donny, but he’s been busy with Grant.”

It takes everything I have not to pout about it. I must not do a good job since Tank hums softly, as if he’s empathizing with my issues.

“Definitely don’t try it now. Maybe stick to your tried-and-true spots.”

“Can do, boss-a-roo.” I wink for good measure to cover up my sadness over the disaster restaurant. As much as I love a good meal, I won’t risk getting an upset stomach over it.

If I had a Daddy though…

No. I still wouldn’t risk it. Eating bad food shouldn’t change just because I would have someone to take care of me. That’s the type of behavior that gets one a spanking.

I shiver at the thought. Why does that sound like a good time even though I know it shouldn’t be?