Page 7 of Warming Up Coco (Santa Daddy)

“Whatever is making you think hard.”

“Me? What makes you think I’m—” The words died on my tongue because he moved fast, once again leaning over the table to touch my face.

“You get these little lines over the bridge of your nose.”

“How would you know?”

“I think you would be surprised about what I know about you,” he shared, and for a moment, we stared at one another.

“What’s that supposed to—"

“Hey! I’m Diane. I’ll be your server today! Would you like to hear the specials, or do you know what you guys would like to order?” Our waitress broke the moment, making me forget what I’d been about to ask him.

“I know exactly what I want,” he drawled slowly, and when I glanced up, his hands were still touching the edge of my face and his eyes were pinned on me.

Like he was suggesting I was what he wanted.

And as stupid and hopeless as it was, I wanted that to be truer than anything in the world.

Chapter3

Lucas

My knee bounced with nervous energy I didn’t attempt to hide when she was gone.

We had just finished eating a late breakfast when she got up to use the bathroom.

“Here you go, honey. Warm chocolate chip cookies and two glasses of ice-cold milk. Will there be anything more?” Diane offered.

“Yes.” Our eyes connected. “Could I order one of your deluxe Christmas cookie boxes? The ones in the wood tray?”

“Of course. Do you want to choose or—“

“Just assorted, but make sure you add a couple extra chocolate chip walnut cookies, if possible.” Those were Coco’s favorites.

“Sounds good, hun.” The older lady winked. “You two are a great-lookin’ couple. How long have you been together?” she asked with genuine interest.

“A year,” I muttered. Not that Coco knew she became mine the moment she stepped foot into my office and started tormenting me.

“That’s great. You guys are adorable!” She smiled. “Are you headed to Serendipity Bluffs?”

“Yeah. I rented a cabin that overlooks the lake.” I glanced toward the bathrooms to make sure Coco didn’t overhear.

“Romantic, especially during Christmas time and with this snow.” She grinned. “I’ll bring your box once you guys are done.”

“Thank you.” She nodded and walked away. The moment I spotted Coco, I stood, and she stared at me.

“Are we leaving?” Her eyes bounced between the cookie plate between us and me. My girl had a sweet tooth that couldn’t be denied.

“No.” I shook my head. “I was just, umm… stretching,” I lied. I’d bounced up like a happy Golden Retriever at the very first sight of her. Her lips twitched like she didn’t believe me. And why would she? Coco was fucking smart. She might not have gone to the severe lengths I did to get to know everything about her, but I had a feeling she hardly missed anything and knew me well, too.

She slipped into the booth, and I wanted nothing more than follow in, sit right next to her on the bench seat. So damn close our thighs touched.One day.My heart hoped.

“So, where are we going?” she finally asked again. Now that we weren’t in the city anymore and away from being able to escape, I was ready to slowly start letting her in on my plans.

“Serendipity Bluffs.”

“Serendipity— is that a real place?” I grunted with a nod. A beautiful, blinding smile started to form on her face.

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