Page 14 of Warming Up Coco (Santa Daddy)

“Usually,” she started, and I could tell whatever was about to come out of her mouth was going to be sassy as hell by her tone alone, not to mention the way she looked like she was fighting from falling into a fit of giggles, “when an employer gives their staff time off, said employer doesn’t say where they can go and accompany the employees on their vacation.”

“Smartass.”

“Better than a dumbass.” She didn’t hold back her giggles, and the sound of it so close to me while she touched my chest fed something in my soul.

“I wanted to get you out of the office to spend some time alone… together.”

“We’re usually alone at work,” she reminded me.

“Without worrying about work.” I rubbed the back of my neck. “I’m not good at this, Coco.”

“Good at what?”

“Flirting. Letting someone know I’m… interested.” Interested was putting it mildly, but I didn’t want her to run out of the cabin and into the woods.

“Interested?” Her hand dropped from my face but rested on my chest, right over my heart. I wondered if she could feel how that damn organ was close to popping out of my chest and right into her hands.

“More than interested,” I rasped, dipping my head down. “Coco, you need to step away,” I suggested yet pressed my forehead against hers.

“Why?” Her breath was sweet. Like the chocolate chip cookies we’d shared at the diner.

“Three hundred and sixty-six days, baby girl,” I drawled slowly. “That’s a long time trying to keep my distance and not steal a kiss.”

“What?”

“That’s how long I’ve been trying to keep my space from you but…” She swallowed.

“I don’t understand.”

“You will,” I promised.

I forced my feet to move. I stepped back and took hold of her hand, not missing her gaze drop to how I held her. “Let me show you the place.”

“Not to be a party pooper but, Lucas, I didn’t pack and most certainly didn’t dress for a snowy getaway.” Just like that, she let the subject go. I wasn’t sure if that was good or bad, but I’d figure out a way to bring her around.

“Do you trust me?” I asked. The millisecond it took her to answer felt like forever.

“Of course, I do.”

“Good.”

“Wait, what does that mean?” She laughed, but I ignored it. I had planned everything and made sure the cabin was not only fully stocked but ready for her. I told her she didn’t need to bring anything for a reason.

“This is the living room. Kitchen.” I pointed, then kept walking. “Stairs.” I continued unnecessarily while she followed behind me, her hand still in mine.

“That’s a bedroom.” I pointed to a shut door. “Another room there"—the master I hoped we would eventually share— “and this is a den slash library of sorts.” I showed her, and just like I expected, my girl froze.

Her eyes turned to saucers as she looked out at the space. I let her hand drop from mine, and when it did, she took one big step in then froze again. Her hands moved up to her lips as she studied the space.

Floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the forested backyard, bringing the outdoors into the house. Big flat screen TV mounted over a fireplace and a huge, oversized sectional that looked like it would be a great place to relax. The space was decorated for Christmas, lit up with strings of twinkling lights.

When I had asked my brother for a recommendation of where to stay, he didn’t disappoint. This room alone was worth the drive.

Her reaction was priceless.

“Lucas,” she whispered my name so damn sweetly, a droplet of fluid pearled up at the tip of my cock. I couldn’t wait to show her the deck on the third floor that gave you a perfect view of the lake.

“Do you like it?”

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