Broke Up... Now I Am His Stepfather

The night was loud with laughter, the bass of the background music blending. Lit by warm amber lights that gave Solex Bar its usual Friday night glow.

Caleb leaned back in his seat, his fingers loosely wrapped around a half-full glass of wine, phone resting idle in his palm. His friends, Jaden, Derek, and Will, were clustered around him in their usual booth, the air thick with jokes.

Caleb held his phone lazily in his palm, pointing it toward Jaden with a teasing grin. "You must be joking."

They all burst out laughing.

"I still can't believe Will's getting married," Jaden said, lifting his glass in mock salute. "Guess that makes me a godfather soon."

"You're crazy," Caleb chuckled, shaking his head.

Derek leaned forward, elbows on the table. "So which hotel are we staying at tomorrow?"

"Calm down, man," Caleb said, flashing a knowing smile.

"I am calm."

Jaden let out a dreamy sigh. "And Mia's so beautiful."

"For that," Caleb said, nodding slowly, "I give Will his flowers. She's stunning."

The table went quiet for a second, all eyes on Caleb.

"What?" he asked, brows raised.

Derek smirked. "Coming from a queer?"

Caleb rolled his eyes and took another sip of his wine.

Will just smiled, watching them all with quiet amusement.

"This bachelor's night is going to be lit," Jaden declared, exhaling like he was preparing for a wild ride.

Derek turned toward Will. "Still wondering why you haven't told us who the best man is yet."

Caleb scoffed. "Who else would it be if not a hot, handsome guy like me?"

"Shut your trap and get yourself a man," Jaden cut in, laughing.

"You know the list's long, I select them," Caleb said, brushing imaginary dust off his shirt.

Derek teased, "The ones who break your heart?"

Caleb's smile faded just a bit. "Forget about Smith. That guy's a cheater. Don't even get me started on the others, you know I hate cheaters."

Derek raised a brow. "Nah, you don't look at the heart. Just the looks, and the bank account."

"I see where you're going," Caleb chuckled. They all laughed again.

Will leaned closer. "They don't deserve you," he said sincerely.

Just then, Caleb's eyes wandered past the crowd. A young man sat alone at the bar, head bowed, nursing a drink. His shirt, Gucci, unmistakably, contrasted the slouched shoulders and heavy mood.

Will followed Caleb's gaze. "You're handsome, Caleb. And kind."

"He's not even listening, bro," Jaden cut in, scoffing.

"Caleb?" Derek prompted.

Caleb blinked, dragging his attention back. "Sorry."

"Who are you looking at?" Jaden asked.

"I think the one sitting alone in the Gucci shirt," Derek guessed.

"Mmm," Jaden said, "he is cute."

"Not even that," Caleb murmured. "Can't you see? He looks... sad."

Jaden shifted in his seat, fingers drumming lightly against the rim of his glass. He leaned toward Caleb, his voice a low murmur just beneath the hum of the bar.

"Be right back," he said, a faint edge of distraction in his tone. "Need to ease myself."

With that, he stood, straightening his shirt, and walked out without waiting for a reply.

"Then go find out," Derek said, nudging Caleb's leg.

Caleb glanced at his friends, raising an eyebrow in silent question.

"Come on," Derek tapped his thigh. "You've done bolder."

With a sharp exhale, Caleb stood. "Okay."

"Good luck, man," Will said, raising his glass.

"Sexy boy," Derek added, winking.

Caleb made his way across the room. The stranger barely looked up as he approached.

"Hi," Caleb said.

The guy turned, his voice flat. "Hi."

"I'm Caleb. And you are...?"

"Henry," he replied without meeting Caleb's gaze.

"Mind if I sit?"

Henry nodded, reluctant. But when he finally looked at Caleb, his gaze locked on him. Caleb's piercing blue eyes held him captive. He blinked profusely, as if struggling to tear himself away.

"I noticed you're sitting alone," Caleb said gently. "Thought you might need someone to talk to."

"I'm fine," Henry said quickly, eyes darting away.

"You sure? You don't look okay."

Henry abruptly stood.

Caleb's eyes followed him, startled. "Did I say something wrong?"

"No," Henry said, softer now. "It's fine."

Caleb hesitated. "Okay."

Henry turned to leave.

"Henry!"

He paused, glancing over his shoulder.

"Can I get your number?"

Henry stared for a moment, pulled a sleek card from his pocket, handed it over silently, and walked away.

Caleb stared at the card in disbelief, then walked back to his friends.

"How'd it go?" Derek asked.

Caleb tossed the card onto the table. "That guy is a jerk."

Derek and Jaden burst out laughing.

"What's funny?" Caleb asked, sliding back into his seat.

Derek picked up the card, his eyes going wide. "Oh my God..."

"What?" Will asked.

Derek handed the card to Jaden, who gasped. "No freaking way."

"Guys?" Will said, confused.

Jaden gave Will the card. "The guy Caleb just talked to is Henry Thompson. Owner of The Beacon Hotel."

"You're joking," Will said, stunned.

Derek shook his head. "Nope. That's the hotel you were gonna book for the bachelor's night, right?"

Will nodded slowly. "Yeah. One of the best, and most expensive."

He lifted the card. "Boy, you have to call this guy."

"I won't," Caleb replied flatly.

Derek snatched his phone. "Watch me."

"Derek!" Caleb warned.

"He's not picking up," Derek said after a moment. "But hey, now he has your number."

"That's true," Jaden added.

Will's phone rang. He answered it with a grin. "Hi baby... yeah, I'm with the boys... really? Okay, we'll head out soon. Love you."

Derek raised an eyebrow. "Spill."

"Mia's inviting us to dinner tonight," Will said.

Caleb forced a smile. "That's what I wanted to hear."

Derek leaned in. "I thought you wouldn't get over that guy."

Caleb gave him a warning look. "Derek."

"Just saying. You've been acting different since you came back from that little chat."

Will stood. "Let's hurry, guys. We've got less than an hour."

"Sure!" Jaden said, already grabbing his coat.

---

Later that night, Caleb returned home. He glanced at his watch, 7:03 p.m. With a sigh, he collapsed onto his bed, arms spread wide.

His phone rang.

He checked the screen. Henry Thompson, indicated by Truecaller.

He let it ring.

The phone buzzed again. A message this time.

> "I'm sorry for my behavior earlier today and for missing your calls."

A minute later, the phone rang again. Caleb hesitated, then answered.

"Hello Caleb," came Henry's voice.

"You remember my name?"

"Yeah... I'm really sorry about earlier. I was heartbroken."

"Damn. I'm sorry, man. You'll get over it."

"I think I already am."

Silence lingered before Henry spoke again. "I know we didn't start well. Can we start over?"

Caleb laughed softly. "You're such a jerk."

Henry chuckled. "Do you have any social media handles?"

"Sure."

"Message them to me after this call."

"Alright."

"And uh... can I ask something?"

"So soon?"

"Okay, sorry if that's-"

Caleb cut in, smiling. "It's fine. What is it?"

"Would you go out with me tonight? Just for a drink."

Caleb paused.

"Please don't say no."

"Okay."

Henry exhaled in relief. "Thank you."

"Send me the address, I'll be there in a gif."

"No way. Send yours. I'm picking you up."

Caleb laughed. "Alright. I'll be waiting."

---

Moments later, his phone pinged again.

> "I'm outside, dude."

Caleb walked to the window and parted the curtain. A sleek black Benz idled outside. Beside it stood Henry, hands in his pockets, looking up and smiling.

Caleb smiled back and pulled the curtain closed.

A few minutes later, he walked out, dressed gorgeously in black jeans and a maroon shirt that hugged his frame.

Henry's eyes widened.

"What?" Caleb said, smiling as he approached.

"You are graced in handsomeness and those eyes... blue."

Caleb's smile deepened.

Henry grinned. "Ed Sheeran wasn't wrong when he said the club isn't the best place..."

Caleb's fingers brushed Henry's stomach, a playful touch that he quickly pulled back.

Henry blinked, caught off guard, then opened the passenger door.

Caleb slid in with a smile. "Shall we?"

Henry walked around and got in, starting the car.

"Think About Us" by Little Mix filled the car.

Caleb smiled at the song. "She's probably thinking about you now. For sure."

Henry exhaled softly, a quiet, emotional sound. "A he," he corrected gently.

Caleb looked at him, said nothing, and fastened his seatbelt.

Henry started the engine, and they drove off into the night.

The warm lighting of Café Delight cast a gentle glow over the tables, making the space feel intimate despite the soft hum of chatter. Caleb sat across from Henry, their knees nearly touching under the table.

A waiter approached them, smiling as he greeted, "Welcome to Café Delight."

Caleb offered a courteous smile.

The waiter handed the menu to Henry, who took one glance and handed it back. "I'll have the fruit salad, please."

The waiter nodded and turned toward Caleb. "And your order, sir?"

Caleb didn't wait. "Make his order for two," he said smoothly, eyes never leaving Henry.

Another nod, and the waiter walked off.

Henry's gaze locking with Caleb's. "Thanks for coming with me."

Caleb smiled softly. "Anything for you."

Henry leaned forward slightly. "The courage you had, walking up to me in the bar... I admire that."

Caleb chuckled quietly.

Henry's eyes sparkled. "What if I was straight?"

"I wasn't thinking about that. I just saw a man sitting alone, looking like the world was ending. I couldn't ignore that."

Henry smiled again, this time more deeply. "So, what is it you do for a living, Caleb?."

"Alright," Caleb said. "I'm into interior design."

Henry's brow lifted with interest. "Nice. I run the Beacon Hotel."

Caleb grinned. "That's great. Actually, one of my friends is throwing a bachelor's party there tomorrow night. Looks like I'll be around."

"Really?" Henry sat up straighter. "For you, I'll comp the whole night. VIP, no questions asked."

Caleb blinked. "Wow, thank you. He'll be thrilled."

Henry smiled warmly. "And you too, I hope."

Caleb nodded, smiling wider.

"Send me the details," Henry said. "I'll talk to the manager. If a payment was made, we'll arrange a refund."

"You're so kind."

"As I should be," Henry replied, his voice softening. "Honestly... after my breakup two days ago, I thought I'd be single forever."

Caleb met his gaze, sensing the vulnerability in those words.

Henry continued, "Until I met you."

Caleb smiled, and the expression lit up his face with a stunning glow. His teeth, his dimples, everything about him looked picture-perfect in that moment.

Henry stared, completely caught in it.

Caleb teased, "Lust, Is that you," making a funny face.

Henry burst out laughing. "So... the man sitting in front of me is single?"

Caleb raised a brow. "Single... and open."

"Well, I'm single too," Henry said, "but not searching."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Because I found you."

"Ouch," Caleb said with a laugh. "That hit. You got me there."

Just then, the waiter returned and served their food. "Here you go," he said, before walking away.

"Thank you," Caleb said, adjusting his seat.

Henry leaned in again. "So, tell me about yourself."

Caleb grinned. "What would you like to know?"

"Everything."

---

Time passed unnoticed as they talked and laughed, voices low and intimate until the waiter returned one last time.

"I'm sorry," he said politely. "We've reached closing time. Thank you for dining with us."

Henry blinked, looking at his watch. "Already eleven?"

Caleb let out a soft laugh. "That flew by."

They stepped out into the quiet night. The air was cool, and Caleb stood at the curb, checking his phone.

Henry looked at him warmly. "Thanks for today. Hard to believe a few hours ago you were a complete disturbance, and now... you're my favorite entertainer."

"Really" Caleb said warmly. "So you know. My Uber's a few minutes away," he said. "You can go ahead, I'll wait here."

"What? No way." Henry looked mildly offended. "It's too late for that. Cancel it."

Caleb stared at him, surprised. "You want to drive me home? No way."

"No," Henry said slowly, "I want you to spend the night at my place."

Caleb's eyes widened. "Wait, what? I-I can't"

Henry's smile faltered at the hesitation.

Seeing his expression change, Caleb laughed. "Is that why your face just dropped?"

"Please," Henry said. "You can have any guest room you want."

Caleb sighed, but smiled. "Fine, let me cancel my ride." He tapped his phone. "You're smooth, you know that?"

Henry exhaled, relieved. "You're an angel."

"Men and their sweet words," Caleb muttered playfully.

Henry opened the car door, letting Caleb slide in before circling around to the driver's side. "Shall we?"

Caleb buckled in. "Let's go."

The drive was quiet, but not awkward. Full of unspoken tension.

---

Henry's home was modern and masculine, spacious and quiet. As he ushered Caleb inside, he watched Caleb's reaction with a smile.

"Wow," Caleb murmured, taking in the decor. "Your house is awesome."

"Thank you. I'll be back in a jiff."

Caleb walked into the guest room, set his phone on the drawer, and yawned. "So sleepy," he mumbled, stripping off his shirt and singlet. As he unbuckled his belt and began to unzip, he turned-and froze.

Henry was standing at the door, watching him.

His eyes roamed over Caleb's toned frame, the defined six-pack, the narrow waistline, and the round curve of Caleb's butt. His gaze was hungry.

"Henry?" Caleb asked softly.

Henry stepped into the room, voice low. "At the bar, when I looked into your eyes... everything stopped."

Caleb stood there, silent, his breath shallow.

"I was up here," Henry said, "thinking about you... wishing you'd say yes. I don't know what it is, but... one touch from you feels like everything."

He stepped closer, and Caleb stayed right where he was.

"When we talked at dinner and the night grew deeper, did you think about this?" Henry asked, his hand brushing Caleb's waist as he gently pulled him into a kiss.

Caleb moaned softly, his hands finding Henry's face and waist, their bodies pressed together. Henry's fingers moved to Caleb's trousers, and with a simple touch, they slipped down.

Henry's touch was slow and reverent. Every movement asked for permission, and Caleb gave it with every kiss, every nod, every inch of closeness.

Caleb stepped out of them with a flick of his legs as Henry undressed himself, his shirt and trousers falling to the floor.

Their bodies met in another kiss.

Caleb's hand slid down, into Henry's boxers. Henry groaned softly, then pulled Caleb toward the bed, lifting him gently before laying him down.

Caleb looked up, breathing hard. Their eyes met.

With silent permission granted, Henry slid Caleb's boxers off and removed his own. Naked, he moved up Caleb's body, placing soft kisses from his thighs up to his lips.

He paused. "Shall I?"

Caleb wrapped his legs around Henry's waist in answer.

With one hand guiding his d**k, Henry slowly slid inside. Caleb flinched at first, but the moan that followed was soft and breathy.

Henry moved carefully, each thrust deeper, slower.

He took Caleb's d**k in his hand, stroking him in rhythm as their mouths met in a tangle of moans and kisses. Caleb clung to Henry's strong back, his fingers digging into the soft flesh as the rhythm quickened.

Henry's lips pressed to Caleb's neck as Caleb moaned with every thrust, unable to hold back.

Sunlight broke gently into the room, warming the crisp white sheets tangled around Caleb's waist. He stirred slowly, the scent of fresh eggs and something sweet pulling him from sleep.

Caleb opened his eyes slowly, and there he was, Henry, shirtless, unkempt hair falling perfectly over his brow, holding a breakfast tray like he was presenting a treasure.

"Good morning, prince charming," Henry said with a soft smile, setting the tray down on the bedside table. "I figured you deserved a little something special."

"You made me breakfast?" Caleb murmured, voice thick with sleep.

Henry leaned in, brushed a kiss over Caleb's forehead. "Only the best for the man who haunts my dreams."

A lazy smile spread across Caleb's face as he sat up, the sheet slipping to his waist, revealing his toned chest. "You really trying to make me fall hard, huh?"

Henry chuckled, climbing onto the bed beside him. "Too late. You already did."

The tray held warm croissants, scrambled eggs, strawberries, and a glass of orange juice. Caleb took a bite, humming with satisfaction.

"You know," Henry murmured, sliding closer, "you look really good like this... all soft, all mine."

Caleb set the fork down, leaning in. "And you, naked chef with a six-pack and a tray of food? Dangerous."

Their lips met again, slowly, then hungrily, until Caleb's phone buzzed on the drawer. He groaned, reaching for it.

> Reminder: 10am pitch meeting. Boss moved it earlier.

"Sh*t!" He pushed the tray aside carefully. "I need to shower now."

"You have time," Henry said, relaxing against the pillows.

"No, I don't. I-wait, where are my clothes?" Caleb stood, spinning around the room.

Henry stood, proud. "Washed, dried, ironed. In the closet."

Caleb's jaw dropped. "You did my laundry? And ironed it?"

"I own a smart laundry unit. It practically folds for me." He smirked.

Caleb stared at him, then walked straight into his arms. "You're perfect."

Henry pulled him in for a short, intense kiss. "Just grateful you stayed the night."

Caleb kissed back quickly. "I'd stay every night if I could. But I gotta run. Derek's waiting outside."

"Derek?" Henry raised a brow.

"My nosy best friend. He insisted on driving me so I wouldn't be late. He's already outside."

"I could drop you," Henry offered.

Caleb pulled on his dress shirt. "Tempting, but Derek's already out there."

"Tonight," he whispered, "at the bachelor party. You'll be there?"

"I'll be the most overdressed man in the room. Just for you," Henry replied.

---

Outside, Derek sat in his car, window rolled down, smirking like a devil. Sunglasses on, grinning the moment Caleb opened the door.

"You look well-f**ked," Derek said with a snort.

"Oh my god," Caleb muttered, slipping in.

Derek grinned. "You told me you were at his place and then dropped the address like some mafia handoff. I need details."

Caleb shook his head, lips twitching. "One, it was incredible. Two, he made me breakfast in bed. And three, was... insanely sweet."

"You like him," Derek said, laughing.

Caleb didn't deny it. "I might."

Derek let out a dramatic gasp. "Plot twist! And here I thought you were gonna play hard to get."

Caleb gave him a playful shove. "Shut up and drive. We have a meeting to attend."

---

The ballroom at The Beacon was transformed into a haven of low lights, soft jazz, and champagne bubbles. Twinkling fairy lights strung across the ceiling cast a glow over the elegant space. Caleb arrived with Derek and Jaden, all three dressed sharply.

"You're glowing," Derek teased. "Tell me that's not love."

"I'm not sure what it is," Caleb replied, grinning. "But it's... real."

"Lover boy," Derek winked. "He's coming, right?"

"He promised he wouldn't miss it," Caleb replied.

Will, the groom-to-be, stood at the heart of the room, radiating joy as he spread his arms wide.

"Look who's here! The holy trinity." He laughed, pulling them into a group hug before shaking each hand with warmth.

Just then, Henry walked in, wearing a dark blazer over a turtleneck, looking painfully handsome, confident, composed, but visibly tense when his eyes fell on Jaden.

Jaden didn't move. His smile stayed put, but his grip on his glass subtly shifted.

"Sorry I'm late," Henry said, eyes darting quickly to Caleb, then flicking back to Jaden in a way he prayed no one noticed.

Caleb brightened. "You made it."

Will called out, "Just in time. We were about to vote on who passes out first."

Henry forced a chuckle. The only seat left was beside Caleb, directly across from Jaden.

He sat down with measured care. His throat felt dry. The laughter around him sounded distant.

Caleb nudged him playfully. "You okay?"

Henry nodded, eyes never leaving his glass. "Yeah. Long day. This helps."

Then Jaden spoke, calm, cutting. "So... Henry, right?"

Henry looked up slowly. "Yeah."

"I feel like we've met before," Jaden said, tone light, but his eyes razor sharp. "You look familiar."

Henry didn't flinch. "Maybe in passing."

Jaden tilted his head, studying him. "Hm. Maybe."

Caleb frowned a little, glancing between them. "You two don't actually know each other?"

Jaden smiled. "Not really. Do we?"

Henry's jaw tightened. "No. Not really."

Caleb let out a confused laugh. "You guys are weird."

Will, already a few drinks deep and with the swagger of a man who'd forgotten his own limits, hoisted his glass and cleared his throat.

"Alright, listen up guys," he slurred, voice loud enough to cut through the background music. "I appreciate you all for coming."

Caleb smirked, but Henry's gaze flickered toward Jaden.

"Heartily, I appreciate Mr. Henry for his generosity. I feel honored, thank you so much."

Henry's lips curled into a half-smile, the kind that didn't quite reach his eyes. "You're welcome, man."

"I promised I'd announce who my best man is tonight," Will said, his voice rising above the buzz of conversation. "And you all know I love every single one of you."

"Say it already," Derek groaned, rolling his eyes dramatically, making everyone laugh harder.

Will raised a hand, commanding playful silence. "At my wedding tomorrow..." He paused, letting the moment stretch just long enough for suspense. "My best man will be, Caleb."

Cheers erupted. Caleb blinked, stunned, then broke into a wide grin. He stepped forward, heart full, wrapping Will in a warm embrace. Without hesitation, he pressed a quick peck to Will's cheek. His friends whooped louder.

"Careful," Derek called out, chuckling. "He's taken, you know."

Caleb pulled back just enough to flash Derek a smug look. "Get lost. Told you I'd be the best man."

Will laughed, resting a hand on Caleb's shoulder. "To be honest... it wasn't even my call."

Caleb blinked. "Wait, what?"

Will's smile deepened. "Mia chose you."

Caleb froze mid-laugh, mouth falling open. "Wait, what?"

"We swapped," Will said with a smirk. "I chose her maid of honor, and she picked you."

Derek groaned dramatically. "Oh, I am absolutely crucifying Mia for that."

Caleb turned, grinning at him. "Jealousy... is that you?"

"I plan surprises for her. I shop with her. I listen to baby name ideas even though she's not even pregnant yet," Derek said, gesturing wildly. "And she still picked you."

Caleb raised his brows. "Well, clearly, she's got great taste. She made me best man... and she's making you a godfather soon. No cheating roles."

Derek scoffed, playfully scowling. "Ugly."

Caleb burst out laughing, nudging Derek with his elbow.

Derek narrowed his eyes. "Love you bro."

"Love you too," Caleb shot back, raising his drink.

Derek broke the tension with a laugh. "Come on, guys, cheers to the groom!" Raising his glass, Caleb clinked it with Henry's, and they all cheered.

As the party slowed, Caleb leaned close to Henry, voice low and steady. "Take me home?"

Jaden shifted, the ghost of a smirk tugging at his lips as he caught Henry's eye across the room, an exchange so fleeting, no one else noticed.

Henry didn't hesitate. His hand found the small of Caleb's back, firm and sure. "Let's go."

---

Henry drove with one hand, the other resting on Caleb's knee.

Caleb, barefoot in the passenger seat, watched him with fond mischief. "You keep doing all this, people are going to think I don't own a car."

Henry glanced over, smirking. "Let them. I want to be the reason you never wait alone again."

Caleb's heart stuttered.

"You're something else."

"I'm yours," Henry replied, turning down the volume of the soft jazz playing.

They fell into silence for a while, enjoying the warmth, the hum of the car, and the intimacy of just being.

Then Caleb turned, teasing. "So when do I meet the man who made you this intense?"

Henry lifted a brow. "My father?"

"Yup."

"You sure?"

"I've been kissed in a ballroom and fed strawberries in bed. I'm ready for anything."

Henry laughed. "Okay, but I should warn you. He's charming and terrifying. Think Gordon Ramsay with a throne."

"I'll charm him," Caleb said confidently.

"You sure?" Henry asked.

Caleb glanced out the window, smiling. "Positive."

Caleb smirked. "As long as he doesn't throw me out for stealing his son's heart, I'm game."

Henry grinned, eyes sparkling. "Trust me, after meeting you, he'll probably ask if he can date you too."

Caleb laughed, shaking his head. "You're such a jerk."

Henry's smile softened. "Well, then Monday it is."

Caleb nodded, a quiet smile playing on his lips as he looked at Henry.