Free Building Heat by K. Sterling

equipped for it.” Avery nodded in understanding.
    “You didn’t stop writing because he said your books weren’t young or sexy enough, did you?” He was relieved when he saw Mason shake his head.
    “I only had the one book in me and I didn’t enjoy being on the other end of the publishing process. Maybe I’ll find another one in me and try again later. I’m pretty happy with where I’m at right now professionally.” Mason assured him. Avery reached over and brushed his fingers over Mason’s hand.
    “I’m pretty happy with where you’re at right now.” Avery said softly.

Chapter 8
     
    The rest of breakfast was quiet and comfortable. Avery finished his omelet and ate three scones before he threw his hands up in defeat. After, it was a little disturbing, how much he enjoyed helping Mason clean up the kitchen. He got a little aroused when Mason sprayed cleaner on the counter and started wiping it down with a paper towel. Every now and then, Mason would be concentrating on a task and his hips would start moving along with the music and Avery would do his best not to get caught looking. Which was really difficult. Mason was clearly a very good dancer and Avery didn’t have to work very hard to picture those hips naked. The idea of Mason dancing naked for Avery had his heart galloping again. He forced his attention on the less distracting task of loading the dishwasher, trying to give his body time to digest the large breakfast he’d inhaled before he lost control and mauled Mason. Once the kitchen was clean, Avery asked Mason to play something at the piano.
    “What would you like to hear?” Mason asked as he sat at the bench and started stretching and clenching his fingers. Avery shrugged.
    “Play your favorite piece.” Avery said as he turned an armchair so he could watch. Mason pursed his lips for a moment.
    “That’s a tough one…” He said as he stared unseeing across the room.
    Avery waited, interested to see what Mason would pick and what it would reveal about his personality. So far, the morning had been filled with a random blend of everything from classic rock, classical, alternative, blue grass, r&b… Mason listened to everything. He nodded and set his fingers to the keys and Avery found himself holding his breath. Mason hadn’t selected anything from the sheet music. Instead, he closed his eyes and began stroking on the keys. The song started out gentle, it was delicate and melancholic but became joyful and energetic before falling back to a slow, somber complexity that was mesmerizing. My God, I’m in love. Avery’s heart slowed to almost stopping and he gripped the arms of the chair to keep from falling out of it. How could this happen so quickly? He wondered as he watched Mason. No, not quickly. You’ve been slowly falling in love with him for the last two years. Avery shook his head inwardly and tried to remain calm as the song came to an end. Mason opened his eyes and found Avery’s. He smiled warmly at Mason as his anxiousness started to melt away.
    “What was that?” Avery’s voice was weaker than he would have liked.
    “ June by Tchaikovsky” Mason replied. Avery nodded slowly.
    “That was…” He was struggling to find any word that could describe what he had just experienced when Faye Dunaway screamed “No wiiiire hangers!”. Avery’s brows rose and he looked at Mason in confusion.
    “That would be my mother.” Mason said as he rose from the bench and went to get his phone from the kitchen. “She’s not that bad, it’s more of an inside joke.” He came into the living room and held his phone up. “Do you mind if I take this?” He asked sheepishly. Avery waved dismissively.
    “Take it!” He said as he turned his chair. Mason smiled as he dropped onto his oversized leather couch.
    “Hey, mom! How’s Lily?” He asked as he patted the seat next to him. Avery got up and crossed the room. He fell on the couch and scooted close to Mason. Avery sighed as Mason