Page 61 of Santa Daddies

“Did you happen to see a file for Seashore Cove in there? It’s a case I worked on a few months ago. I need to make some last-minute notes on it before it gets shelved.”

I don’t have to stop to think about it at all. With a few shifts of pages, I pull out the file and hand it over. “Here it is.”

Grant’s eyes are wide as he takes the bundle from me. “Thanks,” he mutters, then turns and goes back to his desk.

I watch him for a moment as he sits at his desk. His lips move as if he’s speaking softly to himself. I hope it’s more surprise and happiness at my work than anything else.

“Mail delivery,” a voice calls. I turn away from Grant to look at the young man standing across from my desk. His lean frame is dressed in plain navy-blue scrubs, and his lanyard has a tag that saysmail manageron it.

He’s holding a plastic tray loaded with paperwork. I take it from him quickly, then stick out a hand to introduce myself. Meeting people and getting their names under my belt is a goal of mine. Can’t be the best assistant if I don’t know who I’m supposed to find.

“I’m Jerome. Thanks for bringing this by. Do you do it daily?”

“Percy. And yeah, I deliver daily. If you ever need anything to be sent out, have it ready for when I come by, and I’ll take it back to the mail room. If it’s urgent, you can bring it down before my time if you like too. We’re a few floors down. Has anyone shown you around the building yet?”

“Not yet. I figured I’d wander during my lunch break. Or maybe there’s a map somewhere?”

He laughs, shaking his head. “Not possible. Tank makes sure those types of things aren’t easily accessible. The man has enemies out there. Can’t give them a path to follow, you know.”

“Makes sense.”

“Nice to meet you, Jerome. I’m sure we’ll see a lot of each other. Have a good first day!” He leaves me with a wave as he makes his way down the hall and around the corner.

This part of the office is a bit isolated. Not that I mind. Getting into a workflow is better when there aren’t distracting people around me.

Speaking of distractions, this mail needs to be handled before I get back to the filing. Easing the bin on top of one of the piles, I do a quick glance of every envelope. Nothing is labeled as important or urgent, so I set it to the side in an empty corner as I go back to my filing.

While the idea of exploring during lunch is great, I don’t manage to go. Grant opts to take me out with him to talk a bit more about the job and my life as a cop. His boy Donny shows up, confirming my inner thoughts about him being a Daddy.

“Normally, I wouldn’t tell someone this upon first meeting them, but we’re going to be working together closely. There’s no hiding my lifestyle to anyone in my close orbit,” Grant says while holding a not-so-shy Donny in his arms.

The pair stares at me, watching and waiting like they expect the worst out of me. I’m mad on their behalf that it’s even aquestion of whether I accept them or not. Why does it matter to me what they do in their private life? It’s not like they invited me into their relationship. That would have me raising my brows. This doesn’t.

Shaking my head, I take a sip of water before answering. “It’s not an issue for me, so long as my own status as a Daddy isn’t a problem. I’m boyless at the moment, though I do hope to remedy that now with a more reliable work schedule.”

Donny perks up instantly. “OMG! You need a boy? Tell me your type. I might know a boy or two who would fit.”

“Easy, sweet boy. Don’t scare the man off with your matchmaking goals. Not everyone needs you to try to Princess Aster them.”

“Princess Aster?” I ask.

“He’s a friend of ours. We’ll have to introduce you. He collects friends like he’s building a Warhammer army.”

“Daddy, no one knows what Warhammer is. You should say something like a regular army or a football team or something. Make it make sense for everyone.”

Grant shakes his head. “You’re making assumptions again.”

“Your Daddy is right, Donny. I do know what Warhammer is, though I’ve never built any myself. I would love to meet more people in the lifestyle. I’d been going to Club Deny for a bit, but work got too hectic, and I stopped attending. Even back then I couldn’t seem to find my perfect boy.” My tone goes soft as old wounds arise.

Every one of the boys I met online or in the club would flirt and dance with me. Some even wanted to go home with me until they realized I had a job that would have to come before them. Being out of that role opens me up more, though I’ve been reluctant to even try.

“We know the CD guys. They’re fun,” Donny says with a big smile. “You still didn’t say your type though. How do you feel about adorable twinks who love to bake and snuggle?”

“Donny,” Grant grumbles.

I wave my hand. “It’s not a big deal. This person sounds right up my alley. I’d have to meet them to be sure though. Can we wait a couple of weeks while I settle into work? They deserve my full attention if I’m going to be their Daddy.”

The boy across the booth from me nods quickly. “Yep. Yes. Uh-huh. You’re going to be great for him. I can already tell.”