She pauses, a mischievous glint appearing in her eye."Now, tell me about Cole.How did that happen?"I feel my cheeks flush as I think about Cole - his bright green eyes, his easy smile, the way he makes my heart race.
"It was...unexpected," I admit."He started his work around the church, and we just...connected.At first I thought it was just friendship, but then..."
"But then you realized it was more," Ally finishes for me, a knowing smile on her face.
I nod, unable to hide my own smile."He's so different from anyone I've ever known.He challenges me, makes me see things in new ways.”
"He sounds special," Ally says softly, a hint of wistfulness in her voice."I'm happy for you, Caleb.Truly."I feel a swell of gratitude for her understanding.
"Thank you.That means more than you know."
We played on until midnight mass that night.As I stood at the pulpit my mind was racing with all the thoughts of what had changed in just a year.How a year ago I felt so disconnected from my own life because I already knew what was coming.For once I have no idea what’s next and I can't wait.
Twenty-Two
Cole
Preacher - Olly Alexander
I
n the past month, Caleb and I have become much closer.But with his divorce looming and new self-discoveries, we've decided to keep things strictly platonic.Catching up over casual lunches and chill conversations like we did in the beginning.
There's something different about our friendship this time aside from the attraction.There's something that feels almost warmer between us like a damn has broken open.Everything flows easier and I don’t have to hide my boners anymore so that’s a relief.
I think my favorite part about how we are now is how he looks at me.Before he looked at me with kindness like he does everyone but now there is so much more desire, heat and maybe admiration, like he’s just happy to be near me.It makes my chest flutter each and every time.
Caleb asked me to join him for dinner at his house tonight and I am eager.No not because I hope something will happen, okay that's a lie, of course I’m hoping for that.But I respect where he's at and I won't push for anything he's not ready for.
But there is another reason I am eager, Caleb is an excellent cook!What can I say I’m a simple man, feed me and fuck me, I’ll be happy!No it doesn't have to be both but I would never argue with it if Caleb wanted to do both.
I walk up to his front door and tantalizing smells are already filling my nostrils - the rich scent of garlic, the subtle fragrance of herbs and something savory making my mouth water.
I raise my hands to knock and the door swings open, Caleb’s inviting smile greeting me from the other side.“Were you watching the door?”I ask as he steps aside, allowing me in.
“Something like that” he says, giving me a wink with a wide grin."Hope you're hungry, I may have gone a bit overboard," he chuckles.Entering the kitchen I understand, it’s a whirlwind of activity, pots bubbling on the stove, a pan sizzling in the oven.Caleb moves between them with practiced ease, stirring here, seasoning there.
I lean against the counter, chin in my palm watching him work."Can I just say you look totally hot like this," He glances over his shoulder a faint blush covering his face.He bends over to check the contents of the oven, his pants tightening around his thighs and ass and I bite my lip.It's criminal for a man to look this damn good just cooking.
He pulls the dish out of the oven, setting it on the counter to cool, while he finishes with the other dishes on the stove."What are you making?"I ask, finally tearing my eyes away from his body to focus on the deliciousness I am smelling.
"Braised short ribs with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and honey-glazed carrots," he answers, his voice carrying a hint of pride."And a chocolate soufflé for dessert."
“Damn, I know what you mean by overboard.”I say my eyes widening.
“Are you complaining?”He smirks.
“Hell no, kinda makes me feel special actually.”He doesn't respond but his shoulders visibly relax when I didn't even know he was tense.
After a few minutes he plates all the food and nods for me to head to the dining room table.What he told me he made does not begin to cover the absolute feast before me.
It's not just the braised short ribs, which look so tender they could fall apart with a whisper.It's the artistic swirl of mashed potatoes with fresh herbs sprinkled on top, the carrots glistening with honey glaze arranged in a perfect fan.There's even a basket of fresh-baked rolls that he didn't mention, and two bottles of beer on the table.
“Holy shit you way under sold yourself, this is amazing Caleb!”He chuckles
“Thanks Cole, I promise it tastes as good as it looks.”He winks.Is he…flirting with me?Heat crawls up my neck and I take a bite of my ribs to cover it.Caleb smirks at me and it has me wondering what has gotten into him tonight.
The meat practically melts in my mouth, rich and flavorful, and I can't help the moan that escapes me."Fuck, Caleb.This is incredible."He smiles but the heat in his eyes tells me there's more to his smile than gratitude.There is definitely a shift in him tonight and it's causing the air around us to crackle with electric waves.
