Page 11 of Warming Up Coco (Santa Daddy)

Lucas was all about work.

He had no hobbies or interests. I might not be his favorite person, but when you work closely together, usually six days a week for the last twelve months, you got to know one another pretty well. I gave up trying not to stare. I openly watched him.

His profile was so handsome, so masculine. All I wanted to do was curl up next to him, cuddle into his arms, and feel his lips at the top of my head while he mumbled sweet nothings against my hair.What would that feel like?

His hand squeezed mine as if he could somehow feel my gaze on him. But he didn’t say anything. He just kept driving while Christmas music played on the radio.

I was attracted to a man who despite having just assured me didn’t hate me, the way he’d behaved the last year would say otherwise. I was inexplicably drawn to him.

His confidence. Natural swagger.

The way he controlled every and any space he stepped foot into.

It was more than alluring. It was addicting to me.

Imagining he could care about me even half as much as he cared about his work had me feeling all warm and fuzzy. Maybe I was not only sex deprived but touch deprived, too? Maybe that’s what messed with my head and had me wishing for impossible things any time I looked at him.

I might have what some would call a submissive side to myself, but that was behind closed doors. I was an independent woman. I had gone to law school and graduated with honors. I just hadn’t taken the bar.Not yet.

I would one day, but for the moment, I was working to pay off my student loans.

But one day, I’d find a man who would love, cherish, and protect me. Love me for who I was and not want to change me.

Someone who was a little obsessed with me and wanted the best for me.

What would Lucas think about his assistant fantasizing about him? Wishing she could call him daddy? What would he think about the fact I got myself off almost nightly to the idea of being his, and how he would devour not only body but my heart and soul?

My lips twitched at his possible reactions.

In my dream world, he would be more than okay with it. But realistically? Lucas would probably frown so hard, a light breeze would be all it took to make his face stay that way.

But I had no doubt Lucas Star would make a great daddy. That stern way of his, he would probably more than happily spank my bratty side into submission. My face heated up at the thought as my eyes dipped to the hand holding on to the steering wheel.

Big and strong, with light callouses at his palm.

I was afraid that was the only side to him. Would he have a soft side for the good girl in me?

“That’s us.” His chin jutted forward, and I turned to see what he was talking about, then my eyes widened.

“Holy smokes,” I whispered. The beautiful modern wood cabin was beautiful. It looked like it was two, possibly three stories. “Is this just for us?” I asked, my stare fixated on the gorgeous house.

“Of course. Who else did you think would be here?”

“I don’t know. It’s just so… big.” I turned to look at him.

“That’s what she said.” I blinked at his words.

Was that a joke? “Did you honestly just make a joke?” I grinned, and he simply shrugged.

“It’s just the two of us.” The two of us. God, why did that sound so good?

“The two of us,” my voice cracked. “Wait, how long are we going to be here? And who are we meeting?” I peppered him with questions.

“Breathe, Coco.” He sighed. “Stay in the car,” he ordered again like he had at the diner. Once again, he jumped out. Again, I watched him round the SUV and make his way to open my door.

Lucas Star held my hand and opened doors for me?

Was this all a dream?

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