Chapter 6
Chapter Six
Jerome
The sweet boy in front of me sways at my words. I didn’t expect this type of reaction from him. It’s almost like he’s swooning over the idea of me being his Daddy. I hope that’s the case.
From the minute I saw him getting his hot chocolate, I’d become enamored.
Ironically, he was exactly the person I’d been searching for all night.
I didn’t want to ask Grant to introduce us or have to pester other guests to look for the man named Jared.
I had no doubt they’d help. It’s more that I enjoyed the chase aspect of it all.
The boy behind the letter doesn’t disappoint. He’s precious in his dark-green sweater and light-wash jeans. I’m getting cozy Christmas energy from him, which is to be expected after reading his letter.
Aside from his cute clothes, he’s also adorable. Sweet cupid bow lips, a button nose, and welcoming brown eyes give him a soft look. Add in his slight build, and I’m hooked. He’s exactly my type.
“Did I shock you, Jared?” I ask when he continues to gape at me.
His nod comes slowly.
“Are you opposed to the idea?”
He shakes his head that time.
“I’d love for you to use your words, cookie?”
That seems to get him. “Cookie?”
Without releasing him, I dip my head at the half-eaten cookie in his hand. “Yes, cookie. I don’t want anything generic like sugar or baby. You’re my cute cookie-loving boy, if you’ll have me.”
“I’ll have you,” he blurts. “Wait! I mean… it’s just…”
“No reason to panic. I really like the sound of being yours. You told Santa you wanted a Daddy, and I’m here to deliver for the big guy. If for some reason we don’t work out, then you’ll have a chance with someone else after me.”
Yeah, fucking right.
I have no intention of letting him slip through my fingers. It’s not every day that the universe gifts you exactly what you want in a partner. While I’d hoped to be further settled into my job, I can’t risk losing my chance.
“How did you know about my letter?”
“It came in Grant’s mail. Percy delivered it a few days ago. I accidentally opened it while sorting through the others.”
He winces, dipping his head as if trying to hide. I put my finger under his chin. Lifting slowly, I raise until he’s looking me in the eye.
“Nothing to be embarrassed over, cookie. I’m thankful I found it.”
“Thankful?”
“Well, yes. Part of the benefit of getting this job as opposed to my other career is that I have more time to properly build a relationship. In the past, I couldn’t commit to being a good Daddy because of work.”
He sputters, choking out, “You’re sure? This is really fast.”
“It is. But since we both know what we want, it’s really just us dating. A lot of people ask someone out the first time they meet if the energy between them is right. Think of it like that. I’m asking you out on a date, just with a twist to our dynamic—if you want.”
“I do want.” He places his palm against my chest, right over my heart. “Would it be like a trial run? Like a temp Daddy position?”
It’s hard not to laugh at his gentle prodding. I suspect he’s unsure of all this and is looking to ensure we both have a way out if we’re not okay with what happens. While I would love this to be an instant connection on both our ends, I can accept my boy needs more time to get to know me.
“A trial period is fine with me. I’m going to treat you the same as I would if you were already my boy though. That ok?”
“I think so. Are you mean?”
“Mean, how? I won’t push you further than you’re comfortable with, but naughty boys definitely get spankings, unless it’s a hard limit for you.”
His breaths increase at the word spanking. He pants, “Not a hard limit.”
Well, well, well. My boy might benefit from a maintenance spanking. Can’t say I hate the idea. There’s nothing quite like the sting that comes from a good session. And with his creamy skin, he’s going to turn a lovely shade of pink with each blow.
Fuck.
My cock hardens at the visual. I’d seen the perfect round ass hiding in those jeans before I’d come over. I have no doubt he’ll be a vision when we play together.
“We’ll go over your hard limits on our first date. How does that sound?” I ask as I try to push away my thoughts. No need to scare him with how aroused I’ve become. He needs more time to adjust to this.
He nods, then sips at his hot chocolate.
The sigh he releases after does nothing to help my erection.
If anything, it makes the damn thing worse.
I want to hear that exact same noise when I’m buried deep in him.
Want to know what other sounds he might make when deep in the pleasure I know I’ll bring him.
“What kind of date are we going on? Christmas is only a few days away. Should we wait until after?”
“No,” I blurt out. “I don’t want to wait.”
Jared grins. “Me neither.”
“Good, cookie. What’s something you’ve been wanting to do and haven’t yet?
Anything festive on your mind?” I want to give this boy whatever his heart desires.
His letter made it obvious his obsession with this time of year is a real thing.
I intend to nurture it. I need him to see I support everything about him. His love and joy won’t scare me away.
“I really want to go on a tour of the lights. There’s this place outside of the city where there’s a giant walking area you can visit. It’s miles and miles of lights with themes to each section.”
“Really? That sounds cool. I think that’s a perfect first date. Let me look it up now.”
It sucks to let him go, but I can’t get to my cell and set this all up without releasing him. A quick search pulls up the place. I check the calendar to see what dates and times are like. Then I look up to ask my boy when works best for him.
His eyes are watery. All my thoughts about planning anything fall to the wayside as worry fills me.
“What’s wrong? Did I say something?” I lean forward, my face inching closer to his so I can reassure him.
“I’m ok. It’s just… you agreed so easily. Then you went to plan it all out. It’s such a Daddy thing. And I thought I’d never get this…”
My chest aches at the defeat in his tone. “Cookie, that’s nothing. If given the chance, I’m going to spoil you rotten.”
In the next second, his arms are wrapped around me and his face buried in my chest. I don’t hesitate to pull him closer. He sighs, then mumbles something.
“What was that?”
Leaning back, he tilts his head to look at me. “I said you smell good. I hope this is ok. Probably should have asked before attacking you.”
“You didn’t attack me. It’s a hug. I’m quite fond of hugs so I say take one when you need or want it. Anytime is good.”
“Anytime?” His voice has a hint of wonder to it.
“Absolutely. You don’t have to ask. I’m giving blanket permission from here on out.”
“That’s probably not a good idea. I’m a bit clingy.”
“Nothing wrong with physical touch, cookie. If it makes you feel good, and I say I don’t mind, then let yourself enjoy it. No guilt. Just happy hugs.”
I nearly added Daddy to my statement. It’s hard for me not to refer to myself that way. Since he hasn’t said it yet, I’m taking his lead on comfort. The moment he indicates he’s ready, that’s all I’ll ever be to him again—at least when it’s just us.
Which reminds me…
“Maybe we should go say hi to more people at this party. We’re being a bit antisocial, cookie.”
Jared squeaks as he jumps away. His gaze shoots toward others around the ballroom. From what I can tell, there isn’t anyone looking at us. He must notice it too because his shoulders drop, and his head lands back against my chest.
“Come on. I bet you know a lot of people here. Why don’t you introduce me to a few of them,” I suggest.
He leans back again, his face scrunching up. “How would I introduce you? I can’t say you’re my—”
“They don’t have to know all that. I’m Grant’s assistant. And I’m your friend. Let’s start with that.”
“Yeah, ok. That makes sense. We should probably start with the guys from my floor. They’re who I work with the most. I’d say they’re the people I’m closest to in all of NightShade.
” He reaches for my hand only to realize they’re still full.
Shoving the cookie in his mouth, he slips our fingers together and tugs me into the crowd.
I smile to myself, happy I took the initiative to speak to the cute young man at the drink station. This feels like the start of a new adventure. Like I’m right where I’m meant to be.