Page 67 of Santa Daddies

“I really want to go on a tour of the lights. There’s this place outside of the city where there’s a giant walking area you can visit. It’s miles and miles of lights with themes to each section.”

“Really? That sounds cool. I think that’s a perfect first date. Let me look it up now.”

It sucks to let him go, but I can’t get to my cell and set this all up without releasing him. A quick search pulls up the place. I check the calendar to see what dates and times are like. Then I look up to ask my boy when works best for him.

His eyes are watery. All my thoughts about planning anything fall to the wayside as worry fills me.

“What’s wrong? Did I say something?” I lean forward, my face inching closer to his so I can reassure him.

“I’m ok. It’s just… you agreed so easily. Then you went to plan it all out. It’s such a Daddy thing. And I thought I’d never get this…”

My chest aches at the defeat in his tone. “Cookie, that’s nothing. If given the chance, I’m going to spoil you rotten.”

In the next second, his arms are wrapped around me and his face buried in my chest. I don’t hesitate to pull him closer. He sighs, then mumbles something.

“What was that?”

Leaning back, he tilts his head to look at me. “I said you smell good. I hope this is ok. Probably should have asked before attacking you.”

“You didn’t attack me. It’s a hug. I’m quite fond of hugs so I say take one when you need or want it. Anytime is good.”

“Anytime?” His voice has a hint of wonder to it.

“Absolutely. You don’t have to ask. I’m giving blanket permission from here on out.”

“That’s probably not a good idea. I’m a bit clingy.”

“Nothing wrong with physical touch, cookie. If it makes you feel good, and I say I don’t mind, then let yourself enjoy it. No guilt. Just happy hugs.”

I nearly added Daddy to my statement. It’s hard for me not to refer to myself that way. Since he hasn’t said it yet, I’m taking his lead on comfort. The moment he indicates he’s ready, that’s all I’ll ever be to him again—at least when it’s just us.

Which reminds me…

“Maybe we should go say hi to more people at this party. We’re being a bit antisocial, cookie.”

Jared squeaks as he jumps away. His gaze shoots toward others around the ballroom. From what I can tell, there isn’t anyone looking at us. He must notice it too because his shoulders drop, and his head lands back against my chest.

“Come on. I bet you know a lot of people here. Why don’t you introduce me to a few of them,” I suggest.

He leans back again, his face scrunching up. “How would I introduce you? I can’t say you’re my?—”

“They don’t have to know all that. I’m Grant’s assistant. And I’m your friend. Let’s start with that.”

“Yeah, ok. That makes sense. We should probably start with the guys from my floor. They’re who I work with the most. I’d say they’re the people I’m closest to in all of NightShade.” He reaches for my hand only to realize they’re still full. Shoving the cookie in his mouth, he slips our fingers together and tugs me into the crowd.

I smile to myself, happy I took the initiative to speak to the cute young man at the drink station. This feels like the start of a new adventure. Like I’m right where I’m meant to be.

Chapter Seven

Jared

“Don’t throw up. You can do this. There’s no reason to panic. This is a date.”

The reflection in the mirror doesn’t talk back to me. It only stares in utter panic as if I’m going to suddenly find the answer to life between now and when Jerome knocks on my door in twenty minutes.

My nerves are fried thinking about what this date will mean. It could be the first of many. Or it could flop so hard I decide living alone as a cat dad is totally where it’s at. Never mind that I’m allergic or anything. I’d have to have someone to show me love if I can’t keep Jerome.

Putting yourself out there in the dating world is so dang hard. I hate it. That’s partly why I hoped my letter to Santa would work.