Page 11 of Their Little Sugar Plum
“You two seem to have a good thing going. I’m glad for you.” Translation: I’m really fucking jealous. Retta refused any and all advances to be kinky. I’ve missed this world—the exchanges, the scenes, all of it.
“We do.” Mikayla leans her head against Jonah’s knee.
He runs his fingers through her hair.
I’ve barged into their domestic euphoria. It’s time to leave. I drain my coffee mug and lean forward. “Thanks for the coffee. I should get going.”
“Already?” Mikayla frowns. “Do you have somewhere to be?”
“No, but…” Shit, I can’t come up with an excuse.
“Will you have Christmas dinner with us?” Mikayla asks.
If it had been Jonah asking, I would say no. But Mikayla…she’s my weak spot. Still, I hesitate. “I’m sure you two have your own plans.”
“We’d love for you to join us.” Jonah gives me a careful look. He’s asking me to join them for more than just dinner.
The opportunity to touch Mikayla again is too tempting. But she has a boyfriend. Can I be a part of this, knowing that my time with her is temporary?
How insane am I, that I want more than just one night?
I close my eyes. I’m being such a sucker. Retta wrecked me and now I don’t know who I am anymore.
“Please, Mr. Clark?” Mikayla’s voice pulls me from the beginning of my spiral. “Stay for Christmas dinner.”
I open my eyes to meet her blue gaze. “Sure, I’d love to. As long as I’m not intruding.”
Jonah stands and unhooks Mikayla’s leash. “Not at all. It’s a simple meal, but there’s more than enough food.”
Jonah
Dinner is delicious, with a ham I’d thrown in the oven and a few basic side dishes—green salad and roasted potatoes.
We talk. Mikayla recounts everything that happened this morning with Violet, who apparently has two new boyfriends. I tell Mason about my work as a software engineer. He talks about his job at Ironwood Security.
My phone buzzes with a text. I plan to ignore it until it buzzes two more times in quick succession. “Sorry, I should check this.”
Mikayla and Mason carry on with the conversation. She describes the bakery where she works part-time—Donut Daddies—and how the owners are talking about making her a full-time employee and expanding their offerings with her help.
My cousin Ariel has texted again. Merry Christmas to you and Mikayla. I might be out of touch for a bit. I’m okay, though.
Fuck. I frown at my phone. I type back, Are you sure you’re okay?
Her response comes within seconds. If you are fucking questioning my sanity, I swear I will come over there and smack you.
Jeez, someone’s defensive. Although I don’t blame her—she was nearly placed in psychiatric hold by her asshole ex-boyfriend. I’m not questioning your sanity. Just want to make sure you’re okay.
I’m fine. Sorry.
Shaking my head, I slide my phone into my pocket and return my attention to dinner with Mikayla and Mason.
“Everything okay?” Mikayla asks.
“Yeah.” I pick up my fork. “My cousin Ariel is wishing us a merry Christmas.”
Our conversation resumes. I can tell Mikayla likes Mason. A lot. I like him too, although not in the same way. Strong Daddy Dom vibes with this guy, and it affects Mikayla. She’s extra sweet to him, subtly seeking his approval. I don’t even think she’s aware of this, which makes her actions even cuter.
Soon, it’s time to start clearing the table. Mason helps me while Mikayla starts the coffee maker. Once dinner is cleaned up, we go to the living room. This is when Mikayla and I were going to exchange gifts, but by unspoken agreement, we don’t move toward the tree.
