Jason's eyes crinkle at the corners, "Thanks, Ben. I love them. And I'm really looking forward to tonight. Just us, no pressure, right?" He glances back at the classroom, then back to me, a hint of playful mischief in his eyes. "Maybe we can even have some of those cupcakes. Assuming they haven't been completely devoured by tiny, frosting-covered hands."
I chuckle; any anxiety I was holding onto dropped off, dissolving completely, replaced by a warm anticipation for the evening ahead.
Chapter Thirteen
__________
Jason
I make the final adjustments to the heart-shaped balloons, their glossy surfaces reflecting the warm glow of the fairy lights I’d strung across the living room. Ben and I may have agreed to a low-key Valentine’s Day date, but I can still make it special.
I add a new pink fuzzy blanket, still warm from the dryer, to the end of the couch and plump up the cushions, shaping a cozy nest for our movie later. My cheeks flush as I imagine Ben’s reaction—will he understand the care I’ve poured into all this?
At least, I hope.
The timer on the oven buzzes through the living room from the attached kitchen, signaling that the batch of heart-shaped cookies I threw together is finished. The frosting and sprinkles are already sitting on the counter for Ben to help decorate as part of tonight's activities.
I pause before opening the oven, the vanilla and sugar scent curling up around me. A sigh escapes—I want tonight to mean something, not just for me, but for us.
It’s more than a playdate. It’s my chance to show Ben, quietly but clearly, what he means to me already—and what kind of daddy I want to be for him. Maybe this night will spark a new understanding beyond the surface of our easy dates this week.
A week. It’s only been a week, and I feel like I’ve known this boy forever.
“Snap out of it, Jason. I can’t get carried away,” I reprimand myself. If I come on too strong, I’ll push him away—and that’s the last thing I want.
A quick glance at the microwave clock confirms that Ben will be arriving any minute. I smooth down my shirt, a deep red Henley, and step back to admire my handiwork. The snacks look yummy, and the decorations are on point.
The living room feels warm, inviting, and just a little bit magical, a testament to my careful preparations. I even lit the electric fireplace for physical warmth, not just ambiance, since it was snowing when I got home. Not much, just flurries.
I just hope Ben likes it and that this evening is the prelude to something truly special, something that makes both our hearts feel a little warmer.
As if summoned, the doorbell rings, a sweet chime that sends a flutter through my stomach. I take a deep breath, smoothing down my shirt again, and head towards the door. My heart is beating a hopeful rhythm against my ribs, ready to welcome Ben into my home for the first time and shower him with all the care and affection he deserves.
“Hi there.” I step aside and gesture for him to come in out of the cold. Before shutting the door, I noticed the snow coming down a little more steadily.
“Th-thanks.” He tells me, shivering.
I take Ben’s coat and hang it on one of the coat rack hooks. When I turn around, I see him taking in, well, everything.
“Jason.” My name is a simple whisper filled with so much emotion.
When Ben turns to face me, his eyes are wide, and he has a look of awe. A genuine, unrestrained smile spread across his face. Ben’s gaze sweeps back over the heart-shaped balloons, the twinkling fairy lights, and the inviting nest on the sofa, a soft chuckle escaping me.
“Wow, Jason,” he breathes, stepping further inside the living room. “You really went all out. This is…magical. Like a fairytale.”
My blush deepens, a pleased warmth spreading through me. “I just wanted it to be nice,” I mumble, gesturing vaguely towards the room. “And we agreed on a low-key night, so I thought, why not play into the Valentine's Day theme? And hey,” I add, a shy grin playing on my lips, “I even made cookies. Heart-shaped, of course.” Ben’s eyes sparkle as he follows my pointing finger towards the kitchen. "We still need to decorate them," I wink.
As Ben walks into the kitchen, I hear his stomach rumble.
“But, dinner first. I don’t want to ruin your dinner with sweets.”
His little pout will be my undoing.
“Bu Jace, I jus have one,” he says, reaching for the platter. His fingers brushed the edge of the plate.
Is he testing me? Maybe he wants to see where my boundaries are or how I’ll react. I steady myself. This is the part I can’t mess up.
“Ben,” I tell him in a soft, firm voice, and his hand pauses midair at my warning. “Let’s go wash your hands, and we’ll eat first. I have pizza from Maggie’s Pizzeria warming in the oven. Extra cheese. Then, while our dinner is settling in, we can decorate the cookies and have them for dessert while we watch a movie.” I tell him.
