I return it, glancing at my glass.

“And secondly… I want the freedom to love whoever I want.”

I look up, startled. His ocean-blue eyes are locked on mine.

“You what?” I ask.

“… I came out to him,” Caleb says quietly.

I pause, needing a second. I get up and walk into the living room, taking a big sip of my drink.

“What did you come out as exactly?” I ask, throat dry.

“Bisexual. I’m attracted to both men and women,” he says, standing taller.

“How did he take it? Are you okay?” I step toward him, worry rising in my chest. His dad… I’ve heard those tense phone calls. I’ve never known the full story.

“He actually took it better than I expected,” Caleb says gently, walking over to me. “He was cool with it.”

I nod, relief washing over me. “Good. That’s really good, Caleb. I’d hate for him to be upset.” I pause. “Wait—is that why you didn’t reach out this past week? You’ve been dealing with all this?”

He shifts. “Yes and no. I was also scared you were mad at me for leaving you in Toronto. I can’t believe I let you down again…I think I’ve been scared about how much I was feeling,” he says, eyes dropping to the floor.

“I get it. I was pissed at first, but…” I set my drink down and step closer, gripping his arms. “I’m happy you’re here now.”

His expression softens. His shoulders drop.

“You really care about hurting me, huh?” I smile.

Caleb nods slowly. “More than you know. I don’t ever want to hurt you again.”

My heart thuds. “I mean… you’re only human. We all fuck up sometimes,” I whisper. “But if you try really, really hard… I bet you won’t again.”

Caleb bends, places his glass beside mine, and brings both hands to my cheeks.

“I’ll take that bet,” he says, and I bury my hands in his hair, pulling him into a kiss.

We devour each other, our hands roaming, our dicks already hard and brushing through our jeans.

“I’ve wanted this for so long,” I pant between kisses. His tongue slips into my mouth, hungry and possessive. He tastes like vodka and spearmint. Addicting.

“Me too. I can’t get enough of you,” he groans, pushing me onto the couch. I drop back, and he immediately starts unbuckling my belt.

Panting, I stare down at him. Caleb Brown, on his knees, scrambling to get me out of my pants.

I must be dreaming.

He presses his mouth against my boxers, sucking me through the fabric.

“Jesus,” I moan, bucking my hips up. “You’re such a tease.”

He grins around me, licking up and down before yanking down my boxers, freeing me completely.

The moment his lips touch the head of my dick, I throw my head back with a guttural moan. I’m so pent up—I haven’t even touched myself since last weekend.

“Nathaniel,” he breathes. My eyes flutter open to meet his. “I want you tonight.”