Chapter 34 Morning After

Preston stirred, the warmth of the bed and the lingering scent of Caleb surrounding him like a cocoon. The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow over the room. His body felt sore in the best way possible, a reminder of the night before.

He stretched lazily, his fingers grazing the empty side of the bed. Caleb was gone.

Just as he was about to sit up, the door creaked open, and Caleb walked in, carrying a tray with breakfast.

Shirtless, with his sweatpants hanging low on his hips, he looked breathtakingly good. His hair was a tousled mess, and his smile was soft as he approached the bed.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," Caleb murmured, placing the tray on the nightstand before sitting beside Preston. "You okay?"

Preston felt a rush of heat creep up his cheeks. His mind instantly replayed every bold, shameless thing he had done the night before, and now, in the bright morning light, shyness overtook him. He avoided Caleb's gaze and pulled the sheets higher, covering half his face.

Caleb chuckled. "Oh, now you're shy? Where was this innocent act last night when you were driving me insane?"

Preston groaned, covering his face completely. "Stop," he whined.

Caleb laughed, tugging the sheets down and leaning in to press a lingering kiss to Preston's forehead. "No way. I love seeing you all flustered."

Preston peeked up at him, biting his lip. "I don't know what came over me."

Caleb smirked. "I do. And I loved every second of it."

Preston hesitated before he finally whispered, "Did I… do okay?"

Caleb cupped his cheek, his thumb tracing slow circles. "Baby, you were incredible. Beyond anything I ever imagined." His expression turned serious. "And you? Was it everything you wanted?"

Preston nodded, warmth blooming in his chest. "It was perfect."

Caleb's smile widened, and he reached for the tray. "Good. Now, I made you breakfast. You need your energy after the way I kept you up all night."

Preston flushed deeper, but he couldn't hide the pleased smile tugging at his lips. He let Caleb place the tray on his lap, looking down at the neatly arranged meal—scrambled eggs, toast, bacon, and a cup of orange juice.

Preston giggled and took a bite. "It's good," he admitted between bites. "Really good."

Caleb watched him with an adoring gaze before something flickered in his eyes. "So…" he began, voice laced with curiosity. "Where did you get that… pant?"

Preston nearly choked on his juice, coughing as he avoided Caleb's knowing smirk. "What?"

"You heard me," Caleb pressed, taking the glass from his hands and setting it aside. "And while we're at it, how did you know so much? You seemed pretty confident for someone who's never done that before."

Preston fidgeted, biting his lip before finally muttering, "Annabel."

Caleb's brows lifted. "Annabel?"

Preston sighed, resigning himself to the conversation. "She got it for me. The pant. And… she sent me videos." His voice dropped to a whisper. "For research."

Caleb blinked, then burst into laughter. "Are you serious?"

Preston covered his face again. "I wanted to be prepared!"

Caleb pulled him into his arms, still laughing. "God, I love you." He kissed Preston's temple before pulling back, his expression softening. "And I really love the surprise. You make me so happy, you know that?"

Preston gazed at him, his heart swelling. "You make me happy too, Cay."

Caleb exhaled, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on Preston's arm. You know

Caleb hesitated before speaking. "When I first realized I liked you… more than just as a brother , I was terrified." His voice was quiet, vulnerable. "I kept thinking, 'What if he doesn't feel the same? What if I ruin everything?' I didn't know what to do with those feelings. I fought them for so long."

Preston's eyes softened as he listened intently.

Caleb continued, "I was scared, Pee. Scared of how much I wanted you. Scared of what it would mean if I admitted it out loud." He cupped Preston's face, searching his eyes. "But last night, holding you, loving you… I've never been more sure of anything."

Preston leaned into his touch. "I felt the same way. For so long. But I was scared too. I didn't know if you'd ever feel the same."

Caleb sighed, pressing his forehead to Preston's. "Well, now you know." He kissed him softly. "I love you, Preston."

Preston smiled against his lips. "I love you too, Caleb."

They stayed like that, wrapped in each other's warmth, letting their love settle into something unshakable. The morning sun bathed them in golden light. They both fed each other with love.