Page 10

Jasha

N ow that Jasha had moved to the couch next to Mr. Bronson, a sudden wave of awkwardness fell upon him. The mouthwatering aroma of a roast and spices wafted towards him. His stomach let out a loud, rumbling growl.

“Jasha, you can go into the kitchen day or night, whenever you’re hungry. You don’t have to wait for dinner time,” Mr. Bronson said.

“My stomach gave me away.” Jasha began giggling, and it was so contagious all four of them were laughing.

“No one starves in this house,” Arlo said.

Miss Nadia, with two teenage girls, returned to the living room. All three were dressed in red holiday uniforms like Miss Nadia’s from earlier. The two girls looked like sisters. They both had flowing golden hair that cascaded down their backs, perfectly complementing their piercing blue eyes. They were around five foot three, just a tad taller than Miss Nadia.

“Merry Christmas.” Miss Nadia said, then she introduced the girls to Arlo, Frankie, and Jasha. “I want to introduce my two nieces from Russia, Helina and Kira. They are here thanks to Mr. Bronson; he made it possible to have them go to school and work. It truly is the best Christmas present ever. They will be helping me during the holidays and on the weekends when we return to New York.”

“It took me a while, but this time, all the paperwork went through. I’m happy to have the girls join our family,” Mr. Bronson said.

“We all appreciate what you’ve done for us. By the way, dinner is ready in the main dining room.”

Mr. Bronson stood and hugged Miss Nadia, then he welcomed Helina and Kira. Everyone got up and welcomed the girls, including Jasha. Mr. Bronson’s decision to bring Miss Nadia’s nieces to the United States left Jasha utterly shocked and unsure how to interpret this generous gift to Miss Nadia.

They went to the dining room and found there were place cards on the table. Jasha found his name beside Mr. Bronson and across from Kira.

Jasha sat at the long wooden dining table and looked around. The dining room was a festive wonderland, adorned with twinkling fairy lights and garlands of pine and holly. Another large Christmas tree stood in the corner, its branches heavy with ornaments and lights casting a warm, golden glow across the room. The scent of pine mingled with the mouthwatering aroma of the feast laid out before them.

Miss Nadia, with her continuous warm smile, moved gracefully around the table, assisted by her nieces, who giggled and chatted as they helped serve the food. Each person was served a dish of perfectly roasted prime rib, creamy mashed potatoes, and an array of colorful vegetables. The rich smell of the prime rib made Jasha’s stomach rumble again in anticipation. Once they’d served the dinner, they took their places at the table, along with Adam and Mr. Wells.

Mr. Bronson leaned over to Jasha. “I’m thrilled to have you at the table with us. Your presence here has really helped my sour disposition.”

“I’ve never been a part of a family dinner quite like this.” Jasha was still processing Mr. Bronson sending for Miss Nadia’s nieces. Not only did he take care of the time-consuming paperwork, but he also had a thoughtful plan in place for their education, financial support, and weekend work with their aunt. The man’s generosity knew no bounds as he helped those around him. Yet, this was the same man who was an unforgiving loan shark to the Russian immigrants in Brighton Beach. Somehow, it made little sense why there was such a sharp divide in his treatment of others in his business life and his personal life. Was he turning over a new leaf? If he was, why?

“I’m hoping you take the time to get to know the real me.” Then Mr. Bronson whispered right into his ear, “Maybe you’ll even find out about the Daddy Mr. Bronson side of me.”

Jasha felt a flush of warmth spread from his neck to his face. He knew this was not a thought he should even entertain, but he had always been drawn to Mr. Bronson…until that one night.

Arlo and Frankie were sneaking kisses in between eating. Despite the festive surroundings and the delicious food, Jasha couldn’t shake the feeling of homesickness tugging at his heart. He missed his father back in New York, and the familiar comfort of home. He wondered what his father was doing right now. Was he okay without him? Did he feel guilty? And was he looking for a way to pay Mr. Bronson back?

As the meal progressed, Jasha turned to Mr. Bronson, his voice soft but sincere.

“Mr. Bronson, this is incredible. Your home, the decorations, the food…it’s all so perfect,” Jasha said, his eyes reflecting a mix of admiration and melancholy.

Mr. Bronson smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it, Jasha. It’s always nice to add to my family and friends around me during the holidays.”

Jasha nodded, his gaze drifting to the twinkling lights on the Christmas tree. “Yeah, it really is. But I can’t help feeling homesick.”

Mr. Bronson placed a reassuring hand on Jasha’s shoulder. “I understand, Jasha. It’s tough being away from loved ones, especially during the holidays.”

Jasha half-smiled, feeling a bit of the weight lift from his heart. “I guess so. This is my first time away.”

As the evening continued, Jasha found comfort in the warmth and hospitality of Mr. Bronson’s home, cherishing the moments of laughter and togetherness, even as he held his father close in his thoughts. Though Mr. Bronson was responsible for their separation, it was obvious he was trying to make up for it. Inside, he knew his father had played some part in their separation, too, but he was far more forgiving of him than of Mr. Bronson.

After a delicious strawberry shortcake for dessert, they went back to the front room.

“Time for your daily gift until Christmas,” Mr. Bronson announced.

Jasha wondered who he was talking to, certainly not him. Why would he give him a Christmas gift? First, Arlo handed Frankie a wrapped present. Frankie squealed when he received it. Then Mr. Bronson picked up a gift from under the tree and handed it to Jasha.

“You bought me a present?” Jasha couldn’t shake the feeling that he didn’t deserve the gift.

“Of course I did. I told you I like you and it’s the Christmas season. So, why not? Open it.”

Jasha carefully unraveled the vibrant forest green wrapping paper. After removing the top, he was surprised to uncover a forest green sweatshirt, its front intricately woven with elves decorating a tree.

“I love this! Thank you so much, Mr. Bronson.”

“You can call me Kaleb now until you decide it’s time to call me Daddy Kaleb.” He winked at Jasha.

Jasha smiled, graciously accepting the gift and his playful teasing about calling him Daddy Kaleb at some point. Jasha’s vehement denial of his desire to become Kaleb’s boy was slowly eroding as he found himself overwhelmed by the constant attention and lavish gifts from Kaleb. It was far more than just the expensive presents, it was discovering a different man than the one he had seen him to be in Brighton. However, he was still the man who threatened his father at gunpoint. But now, in Lake Tahoe, a community of people surrounded him he had invested his time and love in, treating them like family. The warmth of Kaleb’s love for his employees and his cousin was clear in every interaction.

Kaleb grabbed another smaller gift-wrapped box and handed it to Jasha.

“You’ll need this.”

Jasha opened it and found a navy iPhone. It was out of the package.

“I opened it to program all the numbers of everyone in this home, including the girls. You have all our numbers as well as Arlo’s and Frankie’s. These are the approved phone numbers while we’re here.”

“Thank you. I like this color phone.” He had never had this many gifts before at one time.

“I’m going to wear my new sweater,” Frankie said, as he removed his shirt.

Kaleb’s attention shifted to Jasha; his eyes lingering. “You can wear yours if you want.”

Jasha pulled off his shirt and put on his sweater. “Thanks. I really love it.”

“I have one more gift for you two boys,” Arlo said.

He handed each of them one tiny gift.

Jasha opened his and gasped at the matching blue pacifier and butt plug. His face burned, and he could feel his cheeks turning a bright shade of red. “Umm. Thank you.” He quickly put the top on the box and re-wrapped the paper.

“Jasha, what did you get? Let me see,” Kaleb asked.

“I’m embarrassed to show you.”

“Please show me. I won’t laugh.” There was a glint of adoration in his sparkling eyes.

Jasha’s hand lingered on Kaleb’s for a brief but electrifying moment, sending an unexpected shot of excitement to his cock.

When Kaleb looked at the gift, he turned to Arlo. “Damn, Arlo. That gift is a bit much. You’ve embarrassed Jasha.”

“That’s okay,” Jasha added. “I didn’t have a chance to pack mine.”