Page 68 of Santa Daddies

And I guess it kind of did. Jerome did find my letter and approach me.

Though he explained later at the party that he’d found me attractive before realizing I was the man he’d been looking for. He would have come up to me either way.

Today’s date holds a lot of weight to it.

After taking a few deep breaths, I move into the living room to wait. I’d planned to be ready in enough time to not be rushing. Silly me managed to have too much now, hence the panicked talking to myself.

Sitting on the couch turns into a game of ants-in-my-pants. I cross my legs. I uncross my legs. I pick up a magazine from the coffee table. I put down the magazine. I straighten the throw blanket. I ball it up and throw it to the chair across from me.

Nothing I do lessens the anxiety coursing through my body. It’s only when I hear the knock at my door that I pull it together. He’s five minutes early, so really, the man is saving me from myself at this point.

“Hi,” I say as I open the door.

Jerome frowns for a minute. “Did you look through the peephole to be sure it was me?”

“Um, no. I knew it was you. You’re here for our date.”

“But I could have been anyone. Safety is one of the most important things. I want you to start checking every time, even if you think you know who it is.”

“Yes, Sir.” My reply comes out weak. I hate that I’m already messing up.

He picks up on my mood change right away. Stepping forward, he pulls me into a hug.

“Hope this is okay. I don’t want you to think I’m mad, cookie. Daddy worries about you when he’s not around. You need to be protected all the time.”

I shiver at his words. Both the use of Daddy and his need to keep me safe is enough to have my head spinning. Could he be any more ideal?

“Promise me you’ll remember,” he demands.

“Yes, Daddy. I will remember.”

He groans softly, then pulls away as quickly as he approached. His gaze meets mine with enough desire in those hazel depths to make me want to drop to my knees. Instead, I reach for my coat and scarf.

“How’s the weather looking? Do you think it will be okay for today?” I ask while attempting to wrap myself up.

Jerome chuckles, then pulls the jacket from my grip. He motions for me to turn as he answers me. “It’s not too bad. A bit chilly, but no rain or snow. We should be able to enjoy a nice walk, some pretty lights, and then a sweet treat at the end. Sound good to you?”

“Yes, please.”

Once my coat is on, he takes my scarf out of my hands, twining it around my neck until I’m all bundled up.

“Where are your gloves?”

I point to the bowl beside the door. We still haven’t moved from the entry. Had my nosy neighbors come out, they’d have gotten to see the entire interaction.

After collecting the gloves, he works them over my fingers and palms until I’m so toasty I’m worried I’ll sweat on our date. Before I can tell him to get my hat, he slips one from his pocket. It’s the same style of beanie as the one he’s wearing. There’s one big difference though.

When he turns it to me, I see the name COOKIE printed on the front. I squeal, instantly delighted by the surprise gift.

“I love it, Daddy. Put it on. Put it on.”

“Say please,” he teases.

“PLEASE! I wants it.” My hands make a grabbing motion his way. At least it’s meant to be that. The gloves are so thick it’s hard to give the effect I want.

The hat slips over my head. I immediately do a happy little wiggle at the completion of my ensemble. Jerome—or Daddy as I get to think of him now—smiles at me like I’m the cutest thing he’s ever seen.

My heart is so full. I’m not sure how I’ll survive the rest of the night if he keeps being so kind.