Sebastian grinned. “You bet. Owen’s been working way too hard lately and he deserves a break. You know we try to head down the coast when we can, but I want to take him away from everything.”
“Overseas?”
“I think so. Far enough away that he’s not distracted by work or the temptation to ‘duck into the office for a sec.’” He made air quotes as he said the words that fell from Owen’s lips way too frequently. Owen was so laser focused on ensuring the business was a success, that Sebastian worried about him. He wanted Owen to take more time off, to enjoy the life they’d built with each other. Sure, there were busy times when they were both overloaded, and they adored the business they’d built together, but theycouldafford more time away than they took.
Trudy snorted. “You’re both as bad as each other. I can’t keep the two of you away from here despite the fact you also have an office at home.”
They rented the small commercial space in the central city location, mainly as a place to meet with clients face-to-face, but in truth, a lot of their business was conducted online, and they could telecommute easily. Sebastian waved a hand. “You know it’s good to separate business and pleasure as much as we can.”
“Ooo.” Trudy waggled her brows. “Too much personal distraction at home is there?”
“Oh, don’t you know it!” His thoughts were taken immediately to the image of Owen lying in their bed this morning, all warm and sleep mussed in the white sheets, dark eyes meeting his as Sebastian had bent to kiss him, lingering for a long moment before heading out the door. God, he’d been tempted to climb back under the covers and show Owen just how much he loved him.If only I hadn’t had the damn client meeting. But half an hour wouldn’t have been nearly enough time.Thankfullytomorrow was the weekend and maybe he could convince Owen to make the most of a lazy lie-in.
Or a not so lazy one.
Chapter Two
The scent of fryingbacon filled the room and Owen’s stomach rumbled. Bacon was a rare treat, and he was going to enjoy every bite. He and Sebastian might try to stick to a high protein, low fat diet most of the time, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t room for indulgence every now and then. Well, if he was honest, it was probably more than once in a while. And that indulgence was usually a big cook-up at breakfast, or one of the sweet treats Sebastian tempted him with on a regular basis.
Owen removed the last of the rashers from the pan and laid them on sheets of absorbent paper. “Seb, how do want your eggs?” he called.
Sebastian rounded the doorway, looking sleep tousled and gorgeous. Dressed only in a pair of striped sleep pants and a navy T-shirt that had seen better days, his dark brown hair stood up at all angles. He muffled a yawn then grinned. “Any way they come is fine with me.”
“You always say that,” Owen chuckled. “You’re easy.”
“And that’s why you love me.”
Owen tried to hold back a smile, but that was impossible when Sebastian was around. “If you say so.”
“Oh, Iknowso.“ Sebastian padded across the tiles and leaned in for a quick kiss. Laughing, he snagged a piece of bacon from the plate.
“Hey!” Owen snapped at his retreating hand with the tongs.
Sebastian darted out of the way. “Too slow, old man.” He popped the bacon into his mouth as he slid onto one of the bar stools that lined the kitchen island.
Owen’s answering smile was forced. Despite Sebastian’s teasing tone and quick wink, his words stung.Iamgetting old.He shook his head to clear the all too familiar thought and turned his attention back to the breakfast he was preparing. The hot bacon fat immediately sizzled as he cracked four eggs into the frying pan.
Sebastian leaned on his forearms and watched as Owen set out plates and placed a couple of slices of wholemeal bread in the toaster. “Can I do anything to help?’
Owen gestured to the empty tumblers on the bench. “OJ?”
Sebastian slid from his stool to get the orange juice from the fridge. Owen’s gaze automatically followed him across the room, admiring his pert arse as he bent to retrieve the bottle. Sebastian turned and winked, as if he’d known where Owen’s eyes were focused. He chuckled as he filled the glasses and returned the juice bottle into the fridge. Sebastian’s happiness was hard to resist, and Owen ended up with a genuine smile as he waited for the bread to finish, eyes glued to the man who made each day such a pleasure. The toaster finally popped.
“What do you have planned today?” Sebastian asked, placing a glass at each place setting.
Owen looked up from spreading butter. “I thought we were heading down to the markets.”
“We are, but that won’t take all day.” Sebastian looked away from Owen, pulling open a drawer and rummaging for cutlery. When Sebastian looked back up his dark eyes were questioning and unsure. “I thought I might try to get in a paddle this afternoon. Matt said he’d come with me.”
Disappointment flooded Owen and he pressed his lips together. He’d hoped the two of them would wander around the Salamanca Markets for a few hours, something they hadn’t done for several months, and then maybe walk along the foreshore. There was a seafood restaurant that was a favourite of theirs that made the ideal spot for a long, leisurely lunch. He’d wanted to spoil Sebastian with an afternoon out and then maybe a quiet night in with a movie. He swallowed heavily and forced a smile to his face, knowing his disappointment was unreasonable. “Sure, babe. That’s fine. I’ve got a stack of work to catch up on here anyway.” He turned, grateful to hide his expression, and picked up the frying pan and tongs. The familiar twinge in his shoulder as he hefted the weight of the cast iron pan, only served as a reminder of his physical limitations. Although his hunger had faded, he added the eggs and bacon to the plates, along with the toast.
“It’s Saturday, Owen,” Sebastian said as he slid onto a stool. “You need a day off too.”
Owen put a full plate in front of Sebastian, still not meeting his gaze. “I don’t mind, honestly. I know you’re dying to get out on the water, and I’ve got heaps to keep me busy.”
“I don’t have to go—“
“I said it’s fine,” Owen snapped.
