chapter 23

Movie night

The evening deepened, wrapping the house in a comfortable stillness as Caleb prepared noodles in the kitchen. He couldn't help but glance over his shoulder at Preston, who lounged on the couch, scrolling on his phone with an adorable look of concentration. Caleb's heart swelled. This was the life he'd dreamed of—quiet, simple, but with Preston by his side.

When Preston joined him in the kitchen after a call with Annabel, they laughed and teased each other as they cooked, their hands brushing occasionally. Each touch sent a pleasant tension through Caleb, but he kept himself composed, not wanting to ruin the ease between them.

Earlier, Preston had been unsure what movie to choose for their night in. After scrolling aimlessly for several minutes, he decided to call Annabel for advice.

The moment Annabel picked up, her excited voice filled the line. "Preston! Tell me everything. What happened last night? Did Caleb say anything? Do anything? I could feel the chemistry between you two when we were at the restaurant! You guys are so obvious—it's like you're married already."

Preston's cheeks burned, though he smiled despite himself. "It's not like that, Anna. We've always been close. That's just how we are."

Annabel wasn't convinced. "Oh, please. Do you act like that with anyone else? With me?"

"Well… no."

"Exactly!" she exclaimed triumphantly. "Now spill. What happened after you guys left?"

Preston hesitated. He wasn't sure if he should share everything, but Annabel's relentless curiosity wore him down. Finally, he told her about the events of the night—the house Caleb had bought for them, the hugs, the kisses on the cheek, the bathroom incident, and the way they'd slept in each other's arms.

Annabel squealed so loudly that Preston had to hold the phone away from his ear. "I knew it! He feels the same way about you. He wouldn't do all that if he didn't."

"Anna," Preston protested, "what if he's just being kind? What if I'm reading too much into it? I can't take the risk. If he doesn't feel the same, it'll ruin everything between us."

Annabel sighed. "Or maybe he's scared, too. You said you didn't do anything beyond hugging when you slept together, right? Maybe he's waiting for a sign from you."

Preston shook his head. "I don't know, Anna. I think… I'll just wait and see."

Annabel decided to lighten the mood. "Fine, but in the meantime, I have the perfect movie for you two: Royal Blue and White. It's about two boys who fall in love. It might answer some questions for both of you."

Preston smiled. "Thanks, Anna. I'll suggest it to him."

After the call, he joined Caleb in the kitchen, grinning as he said, "Annabel sends her regards." Caleb raised an eyebrow, amused, but didn't press for details.

After dinner and a quick shower, they settled on the couch for their movie night. Preston hadn't told Caleb what movie they were watching, only that Annabel had recommended it. Caleb was curious but trusted Preston's choice.

As the film began, they snuggled into each other, Preston tucked securely into Caleb's side. The movie, Royal Blue and White, unfolded as a tender story of two boys in love, their relationship tested by societal expectations and family obligations. Caleb couldn't focus entirely on the plot; he was too aware of Preston's warmth against him, the way Preston's head rested on his chest, and the rhythmic rise and fall of his breath.

When the movie's protagonists were forced apart, Preston's sniffles broke Caleb's thoughts. He looked down to see tears streaming down Preston's face.

"Hey, it's just a movie," Caleb said gently, pulling him closer.

"But it's so sad," Preston murmured, wiping at his tears. "At least they got their happy ending."

Caleb chuckled softly, his lips brushing the top of Preston's head. "Exactly. No need to cry so much."

But Preston couldn't stop. The raw emotion of the movie had touched something deep within him. He shifted, burying his face into Caleb's neck for comfort. Caleb tightened his hold on him, rubbing soothing circles on his back, but every movement sent sparks through his body.

Preston's soft breath against his neck was too much, and when the boy began shifting restlessly in his lap, it stirred something primal in Caleb. He felt the tension rise within him, his body betraying him in ways he couldn't hide.

"You're doing this on purpose," Caleb muttered under his breath, his voice husky with restraint.

Preston stilled for a moment, then smiled mischievously. "Doing what?" he asked innocently, though the glint in his eyes said otherwise.

Caleb groaned inwardly, gripping Preston's waist to keep him from squirming further. "You know exactly what."

Preston giggled but feigned ignorance. "I don't know what you're talking about."Preston wriggled slightly, and Caleb's hands instinctively moved to steady him, one large palm pressing against Preston's lower back, the other gripping his thigh.

"Stop moving," Caleb warned, his voice low.

Preston tilted his head, feigning ignorance.

"Why? What's wrong?"

Caleb sighed in exasperation, his hand coming down lightly on Preston's backside.

"Naughty boy."

Preston gasped, more out of surprise than anything, and then dared to ask, "What's that? Down there... It's... hard."

Caleb froze, his face flushing as he struggled to find words. He tilted Preston's face up, his fingers brushing against his cheek. "You know what it is," Caleb said quietly, his voice laced with a mix of embarrassment and desire. "And this is all thanks to you."

Preston blinked up at him, his eyes wide with feigned innocence. "I don't know what you mean," he murmured, though the corner of his mouth twitched with a hidden smile.

Caleb huffed, his hand giving another light smack to Preston's backside. "Do you want to see it?"

Preston's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Can I?"

"No," Caleb said firmly, though his resolve was cracking under Preston's playful demeanor.

"But why not? Is it painful? Uncomfortable?

Can I... help you?" Preston asked, his voice soft and curious, yet tinged with something more.

Caleb couldn't take it anymore. He stood, lifting Preston effortlessly and carrying him to the bedroom. He set him gently on the bed before stepping back, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "You're impossible," he muttered, his voice strained.

Preston watched him, his face flushed and eyes sparkling. As Caleb turned to the bathroom, muttering about needing a cold shower, Preston buried his face in the pillow, muffling a delighted scream. His legs kicked the air as he grinned uncontrollably.

He'd confirmed something tonight-Caleb felt the same way he did. And now that he knew, Preston was determined to break down every last one of Caleb's defenses.

Slowly but surely, he would make Caleb his .