Chapter Twelve

Jasha

J asha reconsidered what he had consented to with Kaleb while they sat side by side in the limo. Not that he didn’t want to, but he felt terribly disloyal to his father for his feelings. Before this mess with his father, Jasha had a massive crush on Kaleb. It’s not like he’d manufactured these feelings after what happened. They lingered after his monthly visits. He didn’t remember Kaleb giving him any special attention, but it sure gave him plenty of fuel for his fantasies when he wanted to get off alone.

“Jasha, you’re awfully quiet. Did you change your mind?” Kaleb whispered into his ear.

Jasha took his hand and whispered, “I want to call you Daddy Kaleb in bed if that’s okay?”

“Yes. Yes. That’s music to my ears. Nothing will happen that you don’t want.”

“Can we have a glass of wine before we go to bed?”

“Of course we can.”

Once they got home, Arlo and Frankie disappeared up the stairs so fast Jasha and Kaleb had barely removed their jackets.

“I guess they’re in a hurry,” Jasha said.

“Yes, they haven’t been together for the last week while Arlo was away on business here. Frankie flew in from New York this afternoon.”

Jasha placed his gloves inside his jacket and then wrapped the scarf around the jacket once it was hanging on the hook. Kaleb did the same.

“Do you want to have a glass of wine in the living room or in my room?”

“In your room.”

Kaleb took Jasha’s hand as they walked up the spiral staircase to his room.

“Red or white wine?”

“Red, Daddy Kaleb.”

Kaleb’s smile lit up the room as he poured them each a glass of wine.

“You have no idea how it makes me feel when you call me that.” He handed him his drink.

Jasha stood by the large window, glass of wine in hand, gazing out at serene Lake Tahoe. The surrounding room was bathed in the soft glow of Christmas lights, creating a warm, festive atmosphere. Kaleb’s bedroom was a haven of masculine elegance, adorned in rich forest greens. The deep green curtains framed the window, complementing the dark wooden furniture and the plush emerald-hued bedding. The scent of pine from the Christmas tree in the corner mingled with the crisp winter air seeping through the slightly open window. Jasha had never witnessed such an abundance of beautifully decorated Christmas trees in a single home as he had in this one.

As Jasha took a sip of his wine, he felt a warm presence beside him. Kaleb joined him, wrapping an arm around his waist. They stood in silence for a moment, taking in the twinkling lights reflecting off the lake.

“Tonight was perfect,” Jasha said softly, leaning into Kaleb’s embrace.

Kaleb smiled, his eyes twinkling with the same warmth as the lights. “It was. I loved dancing with you.”

Jasha turned to face him, their faces inches apart. “You know, I never thought I’d enjoy dancing so much with you. But tonight, it felt…magical.”

Kaleb chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from Jasha’s face. “You were amazing out there. I couldn’t take my eyes off you.”

Jasha experienced a warmth that had nothing to do with the wine. “I felt the same way. Every step, every turn…it was like we were in our own little world.”

Kaleb’s gaze softened, and he leaned in to kiss Jasha gently. “I’m glad you’re here with me. This Christmas is special because of you.”

Jasha smiled, his heart swollen with affection. “And it’s special for me too, Daddy Kaleb.”

They stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, the world outside forgotten as they cherished the quiet, intimate moment in the glow of the Christmas lights.

“Let’s sit down at the little table and talk.” Kaleb pointed to the table in front of another window. Once they were seated facing each other, each with their glass of wine, he spoke again. “There are some things I want to ask you before we go to bed.”

“Okay,” Jasha replied with a concerned expression.

“I don’t know how you dress in bed, whether you wear pajamas or nothing. Because we’re only going to cuddle, I suggest pajamas. Do you have an opinion one way or another about this?”

“Pajamas sound good.”

Kaleb took out his phone and sent a detailed text to someone. “I’m taking care of that.”

“Who did you text at this hour?”

“Adam. He’s going to get me something for you. It was under the tree, but I want you to have it now.”

“Another surprise?”

“A much needed one.”

The quiet was interrupted by a knock on the door. Kaleb opened it and took a wrapped present from Adam, who peeked inside to see Jasha.

“Thanks, Adam.”

After shutting the door, Kaleb went over to Jasha and presented him with the gift wrapped in shiny Christmas paper.

“This is for you for tonight.”

Jasha unwrapped the present and discovered a pair of red elf pajamas. “Oh, I love them. So cute.” Jasha squealed, then hugged Kaleb. “Thanks, Daddy Kaleb.”

“You can change in the bathroom, and I’ll change in here.”

Jasha refreshed himself in the bathroom then dressed in the adorable pajamas. He gazed at his reflection in the mirror and grinned.

“Jasha, in the top drawer there’s a new toothbrush. You can use it. Toothpaste is out.”

“Thanks!” Jasha brushed his teeth and then washed his face.

When he was done, he knocked on the bathroom door. “Can I come in now, Daddy Kaleb?”

“Yes.”

Jasha twisted the knob on the door and opened it. Daddy Kaleb stood in forest-green pajamas adorned with Christmas trees.

“These fit perfectly. Thank you, Daddy Kaleb.”

“Get in the bed.” He pointed to the side nearest the wall.

Jasha climbed the steps onto the bed. Daddy Kaleb had already pulled down the comforter, so he slid under the covers. The bed smelled like him, that pine cologne or shower gel. He brought the top sheet up to his nose and took multiple deep breaths. The scent wafted through the air, enveloping him in its mesmerizing embrace.

“I’m going to brush my teeth. I’ll be right back to cuddle you.”

When Kaleb returned, he lit a candle on the bedtable, then climbed up the stairs to the bed and slipped under the covers.

With a gentle motion, he scooped Jasha into his arms. He lay cradled in Kaleb’s arms, the warmth of his body a comforting anchor. The soft mattress yielded to their weight, creating a cocoon of intimacy. Kaleb’s arm was draped possessively over Jasha’s waist, his fingers tracing gentle patterns over his skin. Jasha smiled, his eyes closed, savoring the tranquility of the moment.

Their lips met in a soft, lingering kiss. Kaleb’s touch was gentle, as if afraid to break something delicate. Jasha returned the kiss, his heart fluttering with a warmth that spread through his body.

“You’re so beautiful,” Kaleb murmured.

Jasha opened his eyes to find Kaleb gazing at him with an intensity that made his breath catch.

“I love being safe in your arms,” Jasha replied, a playful glint in his eyes.

Kaleb laughed, his chest vibrating against Jasha’s head. “Seriously, though. I can’t believe how lucky I am to cuddle you in my bed.”

Jasha turned his head to look up at Kaleb. “Lucky? I’m the one who’s lucky to be in your arms.”

Kaleb leaned down and kissed Jasha’s forehead. “I want to protect you, Jasha. Keep you safe from everything.”

“I know you do. But I don’t need protection if I have you.”

Kaleb smiled. “I want to make you happy, more than anything in the world. I want to make up for the wrongs I’ve done to you.”

Jasha reached up and traced Kaleb’s jawline. “You already are, just by being you.”

As sleep claimed them, Jasha snuggled deeper into Kaleb’s embrace, feeling safe and loved.