Chapter Eleven

Kaleb

S tanding in the living room, Kaleb stretched his arms. “We have a surprise for you guys tonight.”

“Do we wear these clothes?” Frankie asked Arlo.

“Yes, but we’re going to leave the house, so you will have to put on your jackets,” Arlo said.

“Are you okay with going out with me, Jasha?” Kaleb asked, not wanting to push him into spending more time with him if he didn’t want to. From here on in, he wanted Jasha to decide if he wished to spend time with him. The key to Jasha becoming his boy was getting his consent for shared activities. Never forcing him to engage in activities.

“I love surprises. I’m up for it.” Jasha’s excitement was written all over his face, a clear sign of how much he was looking forward to spending time with him, or at least Kaleb hoped that’s what it meant much.

They made their way to the foyer, where they quickly slipped on their jackets and shoes. Adam had the shiny limo parked right in the driveway. They all piled into the back, feeling the soft upholstery beneath them.

“This is so exciting!” Frankie squealed as he made himself comfortable on Arlo’s lap.

Jasha smiled at Frankie. “It’s super fun just being in the limo,” Jasha said.

“Adam loves to drive the limo,” Kaleb added.

“I’ve never learned to drive,” Jasha whispered.

“I can teach you when we get back,” Kaleb said.

“And where is back?”

“New Haven is where my home is, but during the week, I live in an apartment walking distance from NYU.”

Jasha’s lips curved into a smile with no words. Kaleb hoped his grin meant he approved of living near his university with him.

As the limo arrived in front of a gay nightclub, the pulsating music could be heard from the streets. Adam opened the door and they filed out and walked inside, immediately greeted by a vibrant mix of sights and sounds, from rustic charm to modern flair. The wooden beams and stone walls gave it a cozy, lodge-like feel, while the neon lights and pulsating music added electric energy. The dance floor was packed with men moving to the beat, their laughter and chatter blending with the music to create a lively, infectious atmosphere.

Kaleb glanced over at Jasha, who was talking animatedly with Frankie and Arlo. He couldn’t help but smile. Jasha’s enthusiasm was contagious, and Kaleb felt a flutter of excitement in his chest. This was their first date, and he wanted everything to be perfect. He knew Jasha loved to dance at nightclubs in the city.

After they found a booth, Kaleb asked Jasha, “Want to dance?”

Jasha nodded in agreement and stood up, taking a firm grip on his hand. As they made their way to the dance floor, Kaleb felt a mix of nerves and anticipation. He led him into the throng of dancers. The music was loud, the bass thumping in his chest, but all he could focus on was beautiful Jasha. They moved together, finding a rhythm that felt natural. Kaleb couldn’t remember the last time he’d had so much fun dancing.

After a few songs, they made their way to the bar. Kaleb ordered drinks him and Jasha, then turned to him. “Having a good time?” he asked, hoping his voice didn’t betray how much he cared about the answer.

Jasha’s eyes lit up. “Yeah, this place is amazing. Thanks for bringing us here.”

Kaleb smiled, feeling warmth spread through him. “I’m glad you like it. I wanted tonight to be special for us.”

Jasha looked at him, a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. “Kaleb, I… I’m starting to like you. But I’m not sure why you wanted tonight to be special.”

Kaleb’s heart sank a little, but he forced himself to stay positive. “I want to be with you when you have a choice. But I don’t want to rush you into anything you’re not ready for or don’t want.”

Jasha sighed, looking down at his drink. “It’s just…things are complicated right now. With my father, the holidays, and everything.”

Kaleb reached out, gently lifting Jasha’s chin so their eyes met. “Hey, I’m here with you at this club because I want to be. Whatever you’re dealing with, we can face it together. You don’t have to go through it alone.”

Jasha’s eyes softened, and he gave Kaleb a small smile. “Kaleb, you’re the reason I’m dealing with the problems, so I doubt you can help. I know you meant what you said, though.”

“In your eyes, I’m the cause, but you don’t know the power that I have to change things enough to make you happy.”

“I don’t know any of that, but time will tell what you can do.”

A new hope washed over Kaleb, filling him with renewed optimism. They weren’t a couple yet, but he would be patient and wait. For now, he was just happy to be with Jasha, dancing and laughing in this magical place by the lake.

“Let’s sit at our booth with our drinks,” Kaleb suggested.

“Good idea.”

The dance floor came alive as Arlo and Frankie twirled and spun; their energy was contagious to everyone around them. They were a good match, meeting each other’s needs. He wanted that strong bond with Jasha, where they could understand each other without even saying a word.

They took a seat at the booth, their bodies angled towards each other, ready for a deep conversation. When their eyes met, time seemed to stand still for a moment.

“You look exceptionally handsome tonight,” Kaleb complimented, his words filled with genuine admiration and desire.

“Thanks. You’ve always looked hot,” Jasha said.

“Always? Since when? Just today?”

“Ever since you first showed up at our apartment, I thought that. I even told my father, but he told me you weren’t for me.”

“Did you want me?”

“In bed, I did. That’s all I’m going to say about that.” Jasha’s face turned a vibrant shade of red, and he immediately shifted his attention to his lap, avoiding eye contact.

“Do you want me in bed now?”

“Maybe.” This time, Jasha mustered the courage to meet Kaleb’s eyes.

“Would you consider cuddling in my bed tonight?” Kaleb waited for his answer apprehensively. Was he pushing him too soon or too hard? He wanted him to be his boy so badly.

Jasha grinned and said, “I would if you would hug me as Daddy Kaleb would, not Mr. Bronson or Kaleb.”

“I could do that. I want this for us.”

“If only things were different.”

Kaleb put his fingers on Jasha’s lips. “Things will be different. Give me time.”

Arlo and Frankie joined them at the booth.

“Everything okay over here?” Arlo asked.

“Yes, it’s getting late. We should go if you guys are ready?” Kaleb asked.

“We’re beat and ready to go.”