Ten to seven there came the knock on Gideon’s front door. With a growl he stalked through the apartment and yanked the door open. “You’re early.”

Brett smiled and handed Gideon a very large bouquet of red roses.

“What is this?” Gideon asked taking the bouquet, as the fragrance mingled with the musk odour lingering around Brett.

“Flowers for my princess.”

“Do you want tonight to be over before it has started?” Gideon told Brett over his shoulder as he walked to the kitchen. From a cupboard he barely used, Gideon retrieved the only vase he owned. Filled half way with water, Gideon placed it on the table and arranged the roses. Brett stood in the doorway of the kitchen, sexy smile on his face as he checked Gideon over.

“Pervert,” Gideon murmured before brushing passed Brett and telling him, “I need to finished getting ready.”

“You look fine to me,” Brett called out as Gideon made his way back to his bedroom.

Gideon didn’t reply, he didn’t need to do anything more, but that man was ten minutes early and he wasn't going to give Brett the satisfaction of leaving early. On the end of the bed, Gideon sat and listened for any movement from beyond his room. When Brett appeared at the doorway a minute later his expression questioning, Gideon told him, “I still have six minutes before seven.”

Brett raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth tugged upwards.

“I’m going to enjoy breaking this one.” Brett murmured.

Gideon remained seated as Brett continued to watch from the doorway. Neither said anything while waiting for the six minutes to pass. When the alarm Gideon had set on his phone sounded, he pulled it out of his pocket and turning if off, got up and said, “Alright, I’m ready, let’s go.”

Brett said nothing as he followed Gideon to the front door, waited as Gideon locked up and then escorted him to his car. Neither said anything until they were on the road.

“Where are we going?” Gideon asked.

“My place,” Brett replied.

Gideon stared out the window contemplating Brett's reply before asking, “Are you serious?”

“Yes, I’m cooking you dinner and dessert. Then I’m going to get you slightly drunk and have my way with you.”

Gideon glared at Brett, the lights from the dash illuminating his smirk and the streetlights as they passed reflected the mischievous glint in his eyes.

“I’m not sure what I think about that.” Gideon replied, glancing away as butterflies erupted inside his stomach.

“Well, it won’t be a full bottle, I know you can’t hold your liquor and I do want you to remember how good I am in bed.”

Gideon closed his eyes momentarily, took a deep breath to clear his thoughts before replying, “You arse; I was talking about you cooking me dinner and dessert.”

Brett’s smile got bigger, and he said, “I know.”

As much as Gideon attempted to hide his smile he couldn’t and when Brett noticed he beamed even more, making Gideon turn away in mocked disgust. Gideon did not want to admit he was enjoying himself but he found the company refreshing. Hints of aftershave in the confines of the vehicle tantalised him and Gideon found himself in a situation he’d never experienced before. He felt young and foolish and cursed himself for being as excited as he was. He would resist for as long a he could, or at least until after dessert.

They did not speak again until Brett pulled up into the drive of a stylish, modern art deco home. Large double glazed windows looking out over the city accentuated the grey concrete walls of the two-story building.

“I’m impressed,” Gideon said stepping out of the car and coming around to Brett, who led him up to the front door.

“Thank you,” Brett replied, “A man of my age and stature needs to be able to impress when required.”

Brett pushed opened the dark wood panel door and waved an arm for Gideon to enter. The grey slate floor in the entrance ran the length of the corridor towards the back of the house. Pale pine stairs in the centre of the entrance led both upstairs and downstairs. If Brett had meant to impress Gideon he had done so.

“Why is a man of your age and stature not in a relationship already? Although I imagine it’s got a lot to do with your age.” Gideon couldn’t help but insert some dry humour to keep in line with their banter.

Brett took Gideon’s arm and led him down the corridor to a large dining room where a long glass table was elegantly set up for two. Like a true gentleman, Brett pulled out a plush high back chair and offered it to Gideon. With a glare, Gideon sat. At the end of the dining room, a wood panel bar accompanied with stools stood in front of a wall of wines. Some in a large glass door fridge, others in wooden racks beside the fridge, Brett made his way behind the bar and removed a bottle of red wine. Gideon watched as Brett poured two glasses and returned to the table placing Gideon’s glass beside him. Once seated opposite, Brett raised his glass.

“Here’s to new friendships and possible romantic relationships.”

Gideon raised his glass and the clink echoed around the room. After taking a sip, Brett lowered his glass, his eyes boring into Gideon’s. Tempted to suggest they skip dinner, Gideon did not waver his gaze. Brett relaxed back into his chair, took his glass once more and gently twirled the wine within the glass.

“I’ve had my share of relationships,” Brett began, referring to Gideon’s question, “But my life is rather demanding with the restaurant and over time they get tired and move on.”

“So Saturday nights off are a one time thing?”

“When I realised I’d be turning forty, I guess I went through a mini crisis much like you did recently.”

Brett paused as Gideon scowled. When Gideon did not interrupt, Brett continued, “A few months back I employed a manager to take over much of the day-to-day running’s of the business. The only reason I was there the night of your birthday was because of a problem with the internet connection to banking. Must say it was well worth going in for.”

The glance Brett gave Gideon over the top of his glass as he took a sip of his wine sent a thrill of excitement down Gideon’s spine.

“Are you hungry?” Brett asked.

“Yes. I’m wondering what you have planned as there’s no smell of food cooking.”

Brett’s grin widened, and he stood.

“You wait right here. I have a surprise for you.”

Brett left the dining room through a door at the opposite end of the bar. Gideon took the opportunity to glance around before standing to admire the paintings around the room. When the door opened and Brett entered with two large white china plates piled high with food the aroma pulled Gideon back towards the table.

“It definitely smells delicious.” Gideon said as he sat down and waited as Brett served his plate. A mixture of pork, beef and chicken chunks marinated in a garlic and herb sauce with a green salad on the side was more than Gideon anticipated. Not only was the aroma divine, but the appearance was perfect.

“I hope it’s to your taste.” Brett said as he placed his plate on the table and sat.

Gideon looked up to find Brett watching him.

“Is this is your attempt to romance me?” Gideon asked.

“Is it working?”

Gideon stared at Brett before his eyes dropped to his meal. Was it working? Of course it was, Gideon thought, who wouldn’t be taken by a handsome man, living in a beautiful home, who can cook gorgeous meals. Without replying, Gideon picked up his utensils and began eating. The taste was as delightful as it looked and they ate in moderate silent, only broken when Brett asked what Gideon thought of the meal.

“What can I say? You keep feeding me like this and I’m yours.”

Brett laughed. “You’re cheap and easy to sway.”

“I’m over the hill now. I need to consider all my options.” Gideon couldn’t help but follow his comment with laughter as Brett sat back to admire the company.

If Gideon thought dinner was delicious, dessert was divine. The caramel sauce over glazed bananas with shards of toffee with french vanilla ice cream was to die for. Gideon was tempted to ask if there were seconds but thought better of it. If he were to be asked now if he had second thoughts about dinner with Brett he’d say no. The comfort he experienced with Brett made up for the horrid way in which they met. Gideon could almost forgive him for coming onto him in the bathroom.

With the table cleared, they both enjoyed the last of their wine; Brett ensuring Gideon only had the two glasses. With the meal, Gideon didn’t experience the light-headedness generally associated with him drinking or perhaps it was the quality of the wine that made the difference. Rather he was relaxed and content sitting opposite Brett partaking in general conversation. The mood light and the company good, Gideon could easily get comfortable.

“Thank you for a wonderful meal.” Gideon said.

“Was it enough to entice you to stay the night?”

Brett sat with his arms over his chest, the mischievous glint back in his eye.

“Almost, maybe if you offer me coffee and show me around it might persuade me.”

“Of course.”

Brett rose and Gideon stood before Brett could assist him. From the dining room, Brett first took Gideon downstairs where the reflection of water glistened across the ceiling and walls from lights within the large in-ground swimming pool. At the furthest end an indoor gym.

“Impressed now.” Brett whispered against Gideon’s ear. A shiver of excitement ran down Gideon’s neck and back as his body involuntarily shuddered.

“We can enjoy this later. Let me show you upstairs.”

Gideon let Brett take him by the hand and guide him up two flights of stairs to the top floor. There were three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with the master bedroom being the biggest room. It faced the front of the house, with the large windows looking out towards the city. The night view was breathtaking.

“You’re making too much money.” Gideon mentioned as they both stood gazing out the window.

“Not really. One big mortgage is more like it. I found this place when I was looking a few years back and had to buy it. I had hoped my partner at the time might enjoy it with me but… not to be.”

“Do you think we become more choosy as we get older?” Gideon asked.

“Perhaps more refined in our needs and wants.”

Gideon turned to glance a Brett when the large king size bed caught his eye and what looked like ties on the bed head.

“You have got to be kidding. Why are their ties on your bed?”

Brett turned to look in the direction of the bed.

“Oh, that. Doesn’t hurt to be prepared, and you enjoyed it the first time I wasn’t sure if you’d be requesting them again.”

Brett turned to look at Gideon’s shock face. “But you don’t seem to be as drunk as you insinuated you would be.”

“You are unbelievable.” Gideon said, shaking his head.

“Coffee then?” Brett asked as he walked from the bedroom. Gideon stared at the bed one more time and thought perhaps he’d be needing something stronger than coffee. Those two glasses of wine and food may have been enough to entice him to stay the night, but the ties were another thing.