“Justseafood he says.“ Sebastian rolled his eyes and laughed. Owen had been up early so as to be first in line at the fish market ensuring he got the best seafood on offer. Then he’d spent hours prepping fish, peeling prawns, and making sauces and side dishes. Sebastian’s own contribution had been simply purchasing a large lemon tart from their favourite bakery and swinging by the bottle shop for some wine.
“We can always go out afterwards,” Owen suggested.
Sebastian shook his head as he walked around the dining table and took Owen’s hands in his own. “Listen, I’m happy with our plans. What could be better? A delicious dinner with our closestfriends, some wine, good conversation, and seeing the new year in with the man I love.”
Owen smiled and it lit up his face, his hazel eyes sparkling. “We’d better get cracking then.”
Sebastian was glad he dropped the subject because he knew Owen had no desire to go out and was only offering for his sake. Not that he wanted to go out at all. He absolutely meant every word he said—their plans were perfect. He squeezed Owen’s hands then went back to setting the table while Owen returned to the kitchen. They made a great team preparing for the celebration, with Owen’s talent in the kitchen and his own flare for decoration.
Before too long, they were showered, dressed, and receiving their guests. There were only eight of them, so it was an intimate dinner party, accompanied by lively conversation and laughter.
“How are things going with you and Owen?” Matt asked after the meal, topping up Sebastian’s flute from the bottle of sparkling wine as they stood at the sideboard.
“Great.” Sebastian glanced across the room at Owen who was seated at the head of the table deep in conversation with Trudy and her husband, Jared.God he’s gorgeous.
“You scored yourself one good looking man,” Matt said echoing his thoughts.
Sebastian grinned. “I did, didn’t I?”
Owen was dressed in a pair of beige pants paired with a dark shirt left open at the neck. The navy complemented his colouring beautifully—a light tan, dark hair with the sexy strands of grey threaded through at the temples, and those bewitching eyes that flashed green and gold.
“He gets better and better, like a fine wine.” Matt gave an exaggerated sigh.
Sebastian chuckled and elbowed him. “You know next to nothing about wine.”
“Still, that doesn’t stop me appreciating it.”
“Well, hands off. That one’s mine.”
“Goes without saying, but that doesn’t stop me from appreciating him either.”
Sebastian laughed. Matt always joked that he had a thing for silver foxes. Unfortunately he hadn’t had much luck on the love front, unlike Sebastian who was thankful every day that he’d met Owen all those years ago.
Owen’s bracelet flashed in the candlelight, light bouncing from the silver and pearl. “We had an amazing Christmas. Quiet, but special, you know?” Sebastian said.
“I’m glad. I wish mine had been like that.” Matt filled his own glass then crossed to the window to gaze out across the city.
“Your brother still causing trouble?” Sebastian asked.
“God, he’s a walking disaster.” Matt took sip of his wine. “You know I like a drink with the best of them, but he takes it to the extreme. I asked him to lay off the booze for Christmas for Mum and Dad’s sake, but do you think he’d listen to me? He’s a total arsehole. He got wasted and ended up causing a fight before storming out. Mum was in tears.”
“I’m sorry, that sounds horrible. I take it he still won’t consider getting some help.”
“Some people just can’t be helped, I guess,” Matt said. “At least not until they’re willing to admit they have a problem.”
Sebastian wrapped an arm around his friend. “Let me know what I can do.”
“Thanks.” Matt briefly returned his hug.
“Hey!” They turned at Trudy’s call. “I thought you were getting more champagne. A girl could die of thirst over here.”
They grabbed the open bottle from the sideboard and a fresh one from the ice bucket and returned to the table. “Who’s for more champagne?” At the resounding cheer, he filled the glasses before slipping into his seat next to Owen.
“Are you having a nice time?” Owen leaned over and whispered.
“I can only think of one thing that could make it better.”
Owen slipped an arm around his shoulders. “Yeah? And what’s that?”
