Free Building Heat by K. Sterling Page A

wrapped his arm around him and pulled him close as he reclined. “I didn’t realize dogs could get depressed.” Mason said as he twined his fingers with Avery’s and rubbed his cheek against his hair. “Mmmhmm… I did watch the video. Who wouldn't love a cat on a Roomba? The shark costume was genius.” Avery bit his tongue to keep from laughing when he heard Mason sigh. “A book about a cat on a Roomba?” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Of course, with a shark costume.” Avery decided to squeeze Mason’s hand in support and Mason squeezed back. “I’ll mention it to someone, I promise.” Mason made a series of noncommittal sounds and patiently listened as his mother told him about her new hairstyle and some place Mason’s father had taken her for dinner the night before. Friday night was date night for Mr. and Mrs. Whitfield, apparently. Avery felt Mason become alert and pull him closer. “Actually, I am seeing someone.” Avery could hear Mason’s mother squeal in excitement and he smiled. “He’s a lawyer… I know, that is impressive… Yes, he’s very good looking…Yes, he’s here now.” Avery shifted so he could watch Mason’s face blush slightly. “I don’t have a picture yet… I will… Avery.” He groaned as he nodded. “I’ll ask him… Later… No, I’m not asking him that right now, it’s a bit soon.” Avery sat back and crossed his arms over his chest as he looked at Mason expectantly. It had to be good. Mason bit his lip as he looked at Avery. “Fine.” He mouthed a silent apology and Avery nodded. “My mother would like to know how you feel about adopting children.” Mason squeezed his eyes shut. Avery’s head pulled back in surprise. Mostly because he hadn’t been foreseen that a woman her age would be obsessed with grandchildren.
    “I would like children, one day.” He admitted. It was a bit stunning. He hadn’t ever really considered it but as he imagined Mason playing with a child, it made his chest ache. In a good way. Mason’s eyes were locked on his and for a moment they shimmered as the phone started to drop from his ear. He blinked, cleared his throat and pulled the phone back to his ear.
    “What?” Mason sounded a little disoriented before he shook his head. “No… I’m not asking him that… Enough, mom… I will… Fine… All right… I love you too… Tell dad I said hello… Ok, bye.” He set the phone on the coffee table and looked at Avery with a cringe. “Sorry. She’s been on my case to start dating again for a long time and she’s pretty desperate for grandkids. Obviously.” Mason explained. Avery laughed softly as he picked up Mason’s phone. Mason raised a brow in question as Avery swiped his finger across the screen, opening the camera. He held his arm out as he leaned close to Mason.
    “Smile.” Avery said before he took the picture. He checked the photo. “Pretty good. What do you think?” He asked as he passed the phone back to Mason and watched as his face lit up.
    “Really good. I’ll send it to her, she’ll love it.” He said as he swiped and tapped a few times. He passed the phone back to Avery, it was on the New Contact screen. “Your number, please.” Mason said. Avery nodded and entered all of his contact information. He thought his office fax was excessive but better safe than sorry. Mason laughed when he took the phone back.
    “I’m using this picture for you unless you’d like to pose for another.” He winked suggestively and Avery laughed as he took the phone back. He called his number and hung up so Mason’s number would be on his phone. A moment later, Mason’s phone vibrated and Avery passed it back to him. Mason read the text message and laughed as he held it up for Avery to read.
     
    Mom
    He’s sexy, sweetheart! You two look perfect together.
    I expect him to join us for brunch.
     
    “When is this brunch happening?” Avery asked. Mason smirked as he set his phone back on the