Page 79 of Catch Me If You Can

He pulls out vodka and Sprite, and I smile at his go-to combo.

“I’ve always done everything to make my dad happy,” he says while grabbing two rocks glasses and dropping in some ice. “But after Toronto, I realized I’ve spent so much of my life under his control, doing what he wants. I’ve barely figured out whatIwant.” He pours the drinks and hands me mine.

“So… what do you want?” I ask, lifting my glass to my lips. He watches me, deep in thought, before taking a sip of his own.

“I want the freedom to figure it out,” he says with a sigh. “Starting with my job. I was never going to learn how to stand on my own two feet if I kept going the way I was going. Everyone knows it.” He gives a soft smile.

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 outasexactly?” 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 tryreally,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.”

---