Chapter Twenty-One

Kaleb

K aleb and Jasha both woke up with killer headaches. He sent a message to Mr. Wells to bring them headache medication and water. They stayed in bed until Mr. Wells knocked on the door.

“Come in,” Kaleb called out from the comfort of the bed they shared.

“Are you going to let him in with us in bed?” Jasha asked concern written all over his face.

As Kaleb opened his mouth to answer, the door creaked open, interrupting their conversation. Jasha covered himself up to his chin, not wanting Mr. Wells to see any part of him naked. As Jasha looked up, his face instantly turned a vibrant shade of red.

Mr. Wells entered carrying a silver tray with glasses of water and two headache pills for each of them. He carried the tray over, and Kaleb handed Jasha a glass and two pills on a napkin. He swallowed them in two gulps, then set the glass back on the tray. Kaleb did the same.

“Thank you, Mr. Wells,” Kaleb said.

“Thanks, Mr. Wells.”

As soon as Mr. Wells left the room, Kaleb turned to Jasha. “You’re just too cute.”

“I was so embarrassed that he saw us in bed together.”

“Mr. Wells is more than just my personal assistant; he is family, someone I can always count on. He’s seen me in all stages of dress since I was a kid.”

“I’ve just never had another person see me in bed with a man. This was not okay, Daddy Kaleb.”

“I’m sorry, Jasha. I didn’t know you’d be so shy, but that’s okay. It won’t happen again.”

“If he has to come in, I’ll run to the bathroom, if you don’t mind.”

Kaleb’s smile widened as he took him in his arms, savoring the warmth of their embrace before leaning in for a tender kiss. As Jasha touched him, he felt a tingling sensation stirring his entire being. Their sexual connection was undeniable, a powerful force which throbbed between them.

“We’re going to go shopping today for the new clothes I promised you.”

“That sounds fun if my headache goes away.” Jasha pouted the way he did when he wanted attention or sympathy.

“All that hard partying last night. We both had too much. You know it’s pretty bad when I have to call Adam, but he said he expected it.”

“I like Adam. He’s really nice.”

“Yes, he is.”

“Frankie and I want to go shopping alone tomorrow, if you don’t mind.”

“Sure. I need to give you money before you go.” Kaleb wasn’t worried Jasha would run away. He truly believed he was happy to stay with him. Where would he go? Maybe he had friends who would take him. He wouldn’t let himself go crazy about it though.

“I have money.”

“I’ll still give you some.”

“You don’t need to buy me. I’m here because I want to be. If you were poor in a run-down apartment, I’d still want to be with you. It’s not about money. It’s all about how you treat me and how I feel about you.”

“Please don’t do anything stupid tomorrow.”

“Like what?”

Avoiding the question, he said, “I’m going to miss you while you’re gone. I have some business to take care of with Arlo. But when you come home, I want to cuddle in bed and watch Christmas movies.”

“You really don’t seem like the kind of guy who would like Christmas movies.”

“Every day you’ll discover good things about me. I’m not just a rotten loan shark. Arlo and I are shifting our focus to real estate without loaning money.”

“Why the sudden change?” Jasha’s facial expression displayed a mix of bewilderment and disbelief.

“I didn’t like what happened with your father, nor did I like all the money we lost. Arlo and I have made significant adjustments in our business, completely reshaping how we engage with others.”

“Do many people not pay up?”

“No, they pay up. Your father is the only one who ignored all my warnings.”

“He paid you some money. I saw him set it aside in an envelope each month with your name on it.”

“He didn’t pay what he had agreed upon during the loan process. He lied about his assets.”

“I suspected he might be gambling his paychecks. He never had enough money.”

“It’s an illness. How’s your headache?”

“Getting better, but I need to rest a little more.”

“I have to meet Arlo for a quick meeting. Then, if you’re feeling better, we’ll go shopping for your new clothes.”

“I hate you spending money on me.”

“Don’t worry. Look at it this way. You didn’t have enough time to pack and now you don’t have what you need. I want to do this.”

Kaleb’s phone rang.

“What’s going on?”

“I came in contact with some people who know where Valentin is going. I’m waiting for a call back. No need to meet. The real estate deal in New York is on hold until after New Year’s. So, everything is wonderful.”

“Good.”

“I’m taking Frankie to the movies today.”

“I’m taking Jasha shopping.”

Kaleb enjoyed taking Jasha shopping for clothes, knowing how much he needed both casual and dress clothes for college. As they walked through the store, their playful banter filled the air.

“I really don’t need you to buy me anything,” Jasha insisted, holding up a pair of slacks.

Kaleb laughed, shaking his head. “Come on, Jasha. You need these, and I want to do this for you.”

Jasha sighed, a small smile playing on his lips. “You’re too generous, you know that?”

“Just trying to make sure you look your best,” Kaleb teased, grabbing a stylish blazer off the rack. “How about this for those fancy college events?”

Jasha rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide his amusement. “Fine, but only if you let me pay you back somehow.”

Kaleb grinned. “Not in your lifetime. Now, let’s find you some casual stuff too.”

Jasha rolled his eyes and whispered, “Daddy Kaleb, you’re too much.”

They continued their playful back-and-forth as they picked out T-shirts, pants, and a couple of dress shirts. Jasha tried on a few outfits, each time coming out of the dressing room to show Kaleb, who gave enthusiastic thumbs-ups or playful critiques.

The sound of rustling shopping bags filled the air after a successful shopping trip. They put all the bags in the limo, and then stopped for hot chocolate at a cafe nearby. It was a charming little spot nestled on a quiet street corner. It had a cozy, homey feel to it. The walls were covered with vintage posters and fairy lights, casting a warm, inviting glow throughout the space. Wooden tables and mismatched chairs added to the eclectic charm. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods filled the air. The counter was lined with an array of pastries and desserts, each looking more delicious than the last. Behind the counter, a friendly barista asked what they wanted.

They ordered large hot chocolate with whipped cream and each picked out a tasty pastry, then carried their drinks and dessert to a table. Sitting by the window, they watched the snow gently falling outside. From the moment they set foot in Lake Tahoe, the air was filled with the soft sound of snowflakes hitting the ground.

Their hot chocolates steamed in front of them. The warmth of the cafe, combined with the comforting presence of each other, made it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the moment.

“This is nice,” Jasha said, wrapping his hands around the warm mug. “Thanks for today.”

Kaleb reached across the table to squeeze Jasha’s hand. “Anytime, Jasha. I’m just glad I can help you rebuild your wardrobe.”

Jasha’s eyes softened, and he leaned back in his chair. “Thank you, and not just for the clothes, but for spending time on me like this. I’ve always had to shop by myself. It feels good having you here with me.”

Kaleb nodded, taking a sip of his hot chocolate. “Didn’t your father take you shopping?”

“Never. He’d give me money in an envelope, and I had to do it alone.”

“We’ll have to do it more often. Especially with college coming up. I want you to make the most of it.”

A warm smile lit up Jasha’s face. “Thanks.”

Kaleb’s heart ached for Jasha, who had had to endure such loneliness during his childhood. He wondered why Jasha’s mother was gunned down.

“Tonight, we’re going to a place with Arlo and Frankie.”

“Where?”

“It’s a surprise.”