Page 83 of The Temptation
“I get what you’re saying.” I cut in before Sebastian could commit murder. “The thought crossed my mind when Rome hooked up with Liam and I was the last man standing. I don’twant our friendship to fade. Yet, I suspect it won’t happen, regardless. Not only do we talk every fucking day, but haven’t you noticed that our partners have become good friends? Liam and Simon chat constantly.”
“Parker talks to Byron every day,” Declan announced.
Sebastian’s smile returned, and the lines of worry that had crept across his face receded. His stiff shoulders slumped, and he released a heavy breath of relief. “I was sure you’d think I was being an idiot.”
“I don’t fault your worry,” Rome admitted. “I don’t want to lose our friendship either, but Pierce is right. We’re in contact constantly. It might get harder for us to meet up like we used to, but we’ll always find a way. Plus, if we do start popping out babies, I’m sure our kids are going to hang out too.”
“We’re not going anywhere, Cor,” Declan murmured.
“However, if you’re thinking we need to do another big group vacation, I’m sure we can arrange something.” I set my glass on the edge of the coffee table and rested my forearms on my knees. “Simon’s year-long contract with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra will be up this summer, and I’d like to take him for a nice, long break. I think he’d love a big group trip somewhere.”
Rome nodded. “Yeah, I’m sure Liam would love the idea of a big trip this summer.”
“Would you be okay if Parker and I brought Joy?” Declan inquired.
“Of course! There’s no way you can travel without her,” Sebastian cried out.
“We’d be happy to have Joy with us. We can even take turns babysitting so you and Parker can have some adult time.” I offered.
“Speaking of adult time…” Rome held up his phone, displaying the hour. We needed to get moving to the restaurant if we didn’t want to be late meeting our partners.
Rome, Declan, and I pushed to our feet at the same time and moved to grab our coats. Plans were coming together as we batted around suggestions while strolling toward the bank of elevators.
“You know, I did have another idea,” Sebastian stated. “Since we were all so successful with our dating efforts, maybe we should start a matchmaking service.”
“What?” Rome screeched.
“You’ve lost your mind,” I muttered, punching the call button a little harder than necessary.
“I’m serious!” Sebastian’s voice grew more animated, and when I looked over my shoulder at him, I found that same manic light in his eyes that happened when he had one of his “brilliant” ideas. “We’re great at this dating thing, plus we offered each other some great advice. We could help single people looking for a forever love not only land that perfect partner, but understand how to turn it into a lasting relationship.”
“What the hell do you know about matchmaking?”
“I got Kaylan and Arden set up. They’ve been together for more than a year. I have no doubt one of them is going to propose any day now.”
“Didn’t you get help from an app with that?” Declan asked.
Sebastian waved a dismissive hand. “Yes, but that’s just a minor detail. We’d have an app, but there would be an extra screening process to keep out the people who are just looking for a hookup. This would be incredible.”
The door opened, and we stepped inside the elevator, but Declan caught Sebastian as he was about to step into the car, his hand pressed to his best friend’s chest. “No,” he said firmly.
“What?” Sebastian laughed. “It would be amazing! We’d be great at it.”
Declan held him outside the car until the doors were shutting. He pulled his hand back at the last second, leaving Sebastian outside the elevator.
“Assholes!” Sebastian howled on the other side of the doors.
I snickered and punched the button to open the doors again. Rome was laughing so hard in the far corner, he had to lean against the walls to remain standing.
When the doors opened, Sebastian’s grin hadn’t faded even one little bit. “You know I’m right,” he continued, not missing a beat. “We could make so many people happy.” Sebastian jumped onto the elevator before we could kick him out a second time, and I pushed the button for the lobby.
“Have you told Byron about this idea?” Declan inquired as soon as we started to descend.
Sebastian’s smile disappeared, and his eyes widened. “No, not yet.”
“Uh-huh. Talk to Byron first. See what he says,” I remarked. Maybe Byron could talk him out of this insanity.
“In the meantime, we’ll figure out a vacation,” Rome chimed in.
Yes, a vacation with the man I loved and the friends I adored sounded perfect to me. Our friendship wasn’t going to fade. It was only going to become stronger as the years passed. We were family, and it would always be that way.
