Her grin spread from ear to ear. When he’d planned this impromptu celebration, he’d called her. Her presence definitely broke the rules, but no Walker-Silva gathering would be complete without her.
“I come bearing company,” Julian announced with sass.
Thane grabbed Jason’s seat for Linda. “I’m glad you came.”
“It’s so much fun here,” she said, both he and Julian started snapping fingers, drawing waiters from every direction to give Linda the VIP treatment.
Julian suddenly grew quiet, which wasn’t often. Thane watched with amusement as his manager stood dumfounded by the Marlboro Man. The ruggedly handsome guy had finally gotten bolder and moved just feet away, to the outside edge of their tables, locking eyes with Julian. Thane felt the chemistry of their non-verbal communication. He could easily read his manager’s body language, and no question, Julian was definitely interested. Something Thane hadn’t seen since Julian’s attack. Thane nudged Levi in the arm so he didn’t miss the interesting exchange between the two men.
“You sure stare a lot. Is there a problem or something?” Julian asked huskily.
“Or somethin’,” the good-looking guy drawled, the corners of his mouth slowly tipping upward as his gaze dropped to Julian’s lips and lingered briefly before lifting back to his eyes. “Surely, you have to be used to men starin’. You’re gorgeous.”
“Oh, direct and smart. I like that in a man,” Julian purred, wrapping an arm around the guy and tugging him to the dance floor. That was the first time in almost a year Thane had witnessed Julian react to a man in that way.
Tristan bumped his shoulder. Thane grinned brightly at his friend. He’d called and invited Tristan and Dylan down for the celebration. Thane reached out, shaking Tristan’s hand. “I’m so glad you could make it. This is Levi.”
Tristan moved closer to Levi. “It’s nice to meet you. I heard you two were getting married,” Tristan said, loud enough for everyone in their circle to hear.
Thane whipped his head toward Levi, and there was what could only be described as a look of horror on his man’s face, but with the way Tristan started laughing, luckily Levi caught on to the joke and also gave a smile. Linda gave a boisterous laugh. She knew how Levi was.
“Julian made me say it. Said we’d get free drinks,” Tristan declared.
Thane feigned a scowl as his gaze moved to the dance floor. He pointed a finger at the laughing Julian. No way the guy could have heard Tristan; he’d just seen Levi’s reaction.
“What? You don’t want to marry me?” Levi called out to Thane, making sure he was heard over the crowd.
Thane could only laugh at such boldness. Levi was clearly growing more comfortable with them as a couple. Thane moved closer, bending to place a kiss on those upturned lips.
“In due time, handsome.” That earned him a sexy blush and Thane bent in again, this time to kiss Levi’s already puckered lips.
Quinn was there, taking drink orders, pulling stools from the back to accommodate their growing party. Thane made introductions with Tristan, Dylan, and Linda. It was Levi who surprised him again by taking Linda’s hand and gently pulling her off the seat.
“Let’s dance. I can twerk pretty good apparently.”
“Well, we need to see that.” Linda was moving out on the dance floor. Thane stared after them, watching as Levi threw his head back in laughter when Linda tried to mimic his moves. He loved the way Levi’s eyes sparkled when he laughed. Damn, he was so in love with that man he didn’t ever want to imagine a life without him.
“You know, the next step is marriage. You’ll be marrying him before long,” Tristan yelled, getting his attention. He smiled in Tristan’s direction, but his eyes remained on Levi dancing and laughing with Linda.
“I can only hope,” he said, probably sounding more enamored than he’d intended.
“That was pretty much how I felt. Weird, huh?” Tristan asked.
“It is, but it’s so right,” Thane replied, taking another drink of the water even when Grey Goose had been placed in front of him. After a second, Thane scooted off the seat, going for Levi and Linda. He could dance alongside Levi. It was the only place he wanted to be.
Epilogue
Thanksgiving HSN Special
“How much longer?” Thane called out, his attention split between the television and the appetizers he and Luke were preparing. He was a little anxious to say the least; today was the television debut of his and Arik Layne’s joint venture. He cautiously hoped their exclusive line of premium organic oils, balsamic vinegars, and seasonings would be well received. Refusing to let his nerves get the best of him, Thane forced himself to concentrate on his task at hand, feverishly preparing the last dish for the party. He’d chosen his spot at the enormous center island that separated the kitchen from the living room so he could see everything in case the food took longer to prepare than he’d anticipated.