Page 65 of Santa Daddies

“Tank can be a lot for most people,” I say.

Jerome chuckles. “Yeah, I've learned that. When Chance first spoke about him, I knew I had to meet the guy. He’s fun, but I definitely see how he built his empire here. I'm just thankful he's going to let me be a part of it.”

My brow dipped. “He's not letting you do anything. Tank doesn't bring anyone on that he doesn't believe in. As much ashe has managers and teams to do the hiring, he still has the final say. I know because I'm his assistant.”

Jerome's smile shifts. It's almost as if he's studying me. I can see now in his expression that I probably should have clocked that he was law enforcement before. He's got that intense gaze that tells me that he's used to digging for answers. I hope he doesn't dig too far here. I would hate to blurt out the word Daddy and really freak the guy out.

Then again, I can't make assumptions because I know some people who are Daddies who really don't look the part. You wouldn't suspect it at all. I think that's the greatness of diversity.

“You could be whatever you want to be as long as you're respectful and kind. Those things are important.” Jerome's hand presses more firmly against my back.

I don't know if it means he wants me to move or if he's just an affectionate kind of guy. If it were anyone else I might step away. This man is too tempting to do that just yet.

“You're an assistant too. That's good to know. I imagine working for Tank involves a lot. What do you do in your free time?”

Bake cookies, color, take naps with my stuffed animals, wrap myself in a blanket like it's a burrito, hang out with my best friend while he regresses.

Of course, I can't say any of those things.

Again, I can't just blurt out the Daddy stuff to people. It's not how this goes.

Instead, I tell him the basic answers. “I like to watch TV. Sometimes I read a book. I like drawing.”

“That's interesting,” he says. “Maybe one day we could catch a movie. The two of us.”

My eyes go wide at his suggestion. “Do you want to be my friend?”

His hand presses against my lower back, and I can tell he definitely wants me closer this time. He even takes a half step.

Our feet are touching as I face him. His hand, the hand not on my back, raises as his pointer finger traces along my jaw. His eyes watch the movement. “I really want to be more than that, but I think friendship is where we start though.”

I have to swallow because my throat instantly goes dry. “You want to be more?”

He sighs, that finger of his moving now down my neck and over my collarbone. His eyes rise to meet mine. The heat in them makes me want to melt.

“I would love to be your Daddy, but I'm not sure if you're ready for that.”

Holy Christmas miracle. Is Santa psychic?

Chapter Six

Jerome

The sweet boy in front of me sways at my words. I didn’t expect this type of reaction from him. It’s almost like he’s swooning over the idea of me being his Daddy. I hope that’s the case.

From the minute I saw him getting his hot chocolate, I’d become enamored. Ironically, he was exactly the person I’d been searching for all night. I didn’t want to ask Grant to introduce us or have to pester other guests to look for the man named Jared. I had no doubt they’d help. It’s more that I enjoyed the chase aspect of it all.

The boy behind the letter doesn’t disappoint. He’s precious in his dark-green sweater and light-wash jeans. I’m getting cozy Christmas energy from him, which is to be expected after reading his letter.

Aside from his cute clothes, he’s also adorable. Sweet cupid bow lips, a button nose, and welcoming brown eyes give him a soft look. Add in his slight build, and I’m hooked. He’s exactly my type.

“Did I shock you, Jared?” I ask when he continues to gape at me.

His nod comes slowly.

“Are you opposed to the idea?”

He shakes his head that time.