Chapter 24

Tension in the Air

Caleb stepped into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him with more force than intended. He leaned against it for a moment, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. His heart was still racing, his body on edge from the way Preston had clung to him earlier, how his lithe body fit so perfectly against his own.

"You're driving me insane, little boy," Caleb muttered to himself, running a hand through his damp hair. He glanced at his reflection in the mirror, his jaw tight, his chest rising and falling with barely restrained tension.

"What I feel for him…" He trailed off, shaking his head. "It's more than I can put into words. And now, I know he feels the same." His lips curved into a soft smile despite himself, but the tension didn't dissipate.

The movie had confirmed it. The glances, the touches, the way Preston had clung to him during the emotional scenes—it wasn't just platonic affection. It was longing, raw and unspoken, simmering just beneath the surface.

Caleb sighed and stripped off his clothes, stepping into the shower. The cold water shocked his system, but it wasn't enough to calm the fire burning in his veins. His body was still hard, aching from the unintentional torture of Preston's touches and innocent movements.

He closed his eyes, his hand gripping the cool tile as his mind betrayed him. He imagined Preston's delicate hands sliding over his chest, his fingers exploring with curiosity and desire. He could almost feel the boy's breath against his neck, soft lips trailing kisses along his skin.

The thought alone sent a shudder through Caleb, and his hand moved instinctively. He imagined Preston's shy yet eager gaze, the way his cheeks flushed when their bodies pressed together. Caleb's breath hitched, his movements becoming more desperate as he pictured Preston's voice whispering his name in that soft, melodic tone.

It didn't take long. With a muffled groan, Caleb spilled over his hand, his chest heaving as he leaned against the shower wall. The cold water continued to cascade over him, but the fire inside him barely dimmed.

He let out a shaky breath. "This boy is going to be the death of me," he murmured.

When Caleb returned to the bedroom, his towel slung low around his hips, Preston was still awake. The boy sat cross-legged on the bed, fiddling with his hands. His eyes flicked up when Caleb entered, and they widened slightly as they roamed over his bare chest and abdomen.

"Are you okay?" Preston asked softly, his voice laced with concern.

Caleb smirked, trying to mask the storm of emotions brewing inside him. "For now," he teased. "But only if someone behaves tonight."

Preston's lips curved into a mischievous smile, but his gaze betrayed him. His eyes lingered on Caleb's chest, trailing down to where the towel rested dangerously low.

"You like what you see?" Caleb asked, his tone teasing, though his heart pounded in anticipation.

Preston blushed but didn't look away. "Yes," he said shamelessly, his voice barely above a whisper.

The air between them crackled with tension, a silent understanding passing between them. Caleb shook his head, laughing softly to diffuse the moment, but his own resolve was fraying. He climbed into bed and pulled Preston close, unable to resist the comfort of having him near.

"You're impossible," Caleb muttered, his hand coming down lightly on Preston's backside. "Behave, or I might not be able to control myself anymore."

Preston froze for a moment before burying his face in Caleb's chest, his breath warm against his skin. But the movement brought their bodies closer, and Caleb felt the unmistakable evidence of Preston's arousal pressing against him.

The realization sent a jolt through him, a mixture of desire and restraint battling within him. He tightened his hold on Preston, trying to keep his own body in check. "You're trouble," he whispered, his voice strained.

Preston squirmed slightly, his movements unintentional yet torturous. Caleb groaned softly, his hand sliding to Preston's lower back to keep him still. "Stop moving, or I swear—"

Preston tilted his head up to look at him, his cheeks flushed and his eyes wide with innocence. "I didn't mean to," he said softly, but there was a hint of something playful in his gaze.

Caleb cupped Preston's face gently, his thumb brushing over his cheek. "You're going to drive me insane," he murmured, his voice barely audible.

Preston smiled shyly. "I'm sorry."

"No, you're not," Caleb replied, his lips quirking into a half-smile. He sighed, pulling Preston closer so the boy's head rested on his chest. "Go to sleep, naughty boy. We've got a long day tomorrow."

"What are we doing?" Preston asked, his voice muffled against Caleb's skin.

"I'm taking you to the amusement park," Caleb said, smiling at the way Preston's face lit up against his chest.

"Really?" Preston whispered, his excitement palpable.

"Really," Caleb confirmed.

They lay in silence for a while, their breathing slowly evening out. But even as Caleb closed his eyes, his heart continued to race. He could feel Preston's warmth against him, the steady rhythm of his breathing, and the faint scent of his shampoo lingering in the air.

He pressed a soft kiss to Preston's hair, his lips lingering for a moment. "Goodnight, Preston," he whispered, his voice filled with a tenderness he couldn't suppress.

"Goodnight, Cay," Preston murmured sleepily.

And as they drifted off to sleep, the unspoken tension between them remained.