Chapter 25

A Morning of Closeness

Caleb woke early, as he often did, but something was different this time. The warmth beside him, the soft rhythm of Preston's breath, brought a rare peace. He turned his head to see Preston, his face buried into the pillow, looking as serene as an angel. Without thinking, Caleb placed a featherlight kiss on his forehead, then another on his cheek. Preston stirred slightly, blinking up at him with sleepy eyes and a soft smile.

"Morning, Cay," Preston murmured.

"Morning, my pretty boy. Did you sleep well?" Caleb's voice was soft, filled with warmth.

Preston nodded, his smile growing. "Best sleep I've ever had." He shifted closer, resting his head against Caleb's chest. "What about you?"

Caleb ran his hand through Preston's hair, savoring the closeness. "Best nights of my life since you came back. I've never slept so peacefully."

They stayed like that, holding onto each other, their breaths mingling in the quiet morning. Neither wanted to let go. The warmth, the comfort—it was everything.

"If we keep this up, we'll never get anything done," Caleb teased, though his arms stayed wrapped around Preston.

Preston's laugh was soft. "Maybe that's okay. I want to stay like this today."

Caleb smirked and flipped him onto his back gently, pinning him playfully. "No way. We have plans, and you're not going to back out on me. Go get ready."

With a dramatic groan, Preston got up and went to the bathroom. When he emerged, a fresh glow on his face, Caleb went to take his turn. While Caleb was in the shower, Preston had an idea. He wanted them to match—to look like a couple. Excited, he picked out their outfits: white t-shirts, blue jeans, white sneakers, and black jackets.

When Caleb returned, towel draped over his shoulders, he raised an eyebrow at Preston's choices. "You planned this, didn't you?"

Preston grinned mischievously. "Of course.

Caleb chuckled. "I'm not arguing. Seeing you happy makes my day."

Once dressed, they shared a quick coffee. Caleb suggested grabbing breakfast at a fast-food spot on their way to the park. Preston eagerly agreed, practically bouncing with excitement.

At the ParkThe amusement park was the largest in the city, and Preston's eyes lit up as they approached. "I've always wanted to come here," he said, his voice filled with wonder. "And now I'm here… with you."

Caleb smiled. "Wait here while I get our tickets."

As Preston stood by, two women approached Caleb at the counter, their flirtatious smiles unmistakable. Preston's heart sank, and jealousy bubbled up before he could stop it. Without thinking, he marched over and slipped his hand into Caleb's. Caleb looked down in surprise but didn't pull away.

One of the women glanced at Preston and asked, "Oh, is this your partner?"

Caleb's lips curled into a smirk as he nodded. "Yes, he is."

The women apologized and quickly left. Preston turned away, crossing his arms, his cheeks burning.

"Preston," Caleb said softly, trying not to laugh. "I told you to wait for me. Why did you come over?"

Preston pouted, refusing to meet his eyes. "I don't know. I just… I didn't like it."

Caleb ruffled his hair, his smile tender. "You're jealous. I like this side of you, my pretty boy."

Preston's pout turned into a reluctant smile. The tension dissolved, and the two spent the rest of the day enjoying everything the park had to offer. Preston insisted on riding every attraction, his laughter ringing out like music. Caleb couldn't take his eyes off him, his heart swelling with each smile.

When Preston grew tired, Caleb bought him his favorite ice cream. As Preston licked it, a smudge of it ended up on the corner of his lips. Caleb leaned in and wiped it away with his finger before licking it himself. "Messy as always," he teased.

Preston's cheeks flushed, but he laughed. "Thanks, Cay."

Heading Home after a late lunch at a nearby restaurant, they headed home. Preston was exhausted but happy, leaning against Caleb's shoulder in the car. "Thank you for today," he said softly. "It was perfect."

Caleb kissed the top of his head. "Anything for you, Preston. Seeing you happy makes me happy."

As they pulled into the driveway, Caleb looked over at Preston, who was already dozing off. He smiled to himself, carrying Preston inside and laying him gently on the bed. As he watched him he had this contented feeling that he had been longing for.