Building Heat (12 page)

“I need to get up before I make a mess on your couch.” Avery said as he tried to lift off of Mason.

“Not yet.” Mason tilted his head back. “I don’t care about the couch.” He said as he licked at Avery’s lips. Avery caught the end of Mason's tongue between his teeth for a moment before releasing it.

“It’s a nice couch.” Avery said as he sat back. Mason shrugged.

“I can buy another one.” He said as ran his finger up Avery’s stomach, collecting a ribbon of Avery’s come. He brought it to his lips and licked it as he hummed. “So good.” Mason whispered as he stared up at Avery.

“Come on, let’s go back to bed.” Avery said as he carefully rose, using Mason’s shoulders for support. “After I clean up all of your mess.” He said as he walked stiffly toward the hallway.

Mason smiled drowsily as he watched Avery go. His body was feeling heavier and weaker by the minute and he knew it wasn’t just the intense orgasm he’d experienced. His skin was starting to feel clammy and a full body ache was coming on. Mason rubbed the back of his neck and groaned as his head started to throb.
You got that in at the wire,
Mason thought as he forced himself to get up. He had a feeling he wouldn’t be in the mood again for a few days.

“I hope you can at least manage a cup of tea and microwave a bowl of soup, Typhoid Mary.” Mason called as he stumbled into the bedroom and fell onto the bed. “I’m going down.” He mumbled as he crawled for the pillows. The bathroom door opened and Mason felt the mattress dip a moment later.

“I’ll call Marla. If she can’t talk me through it, she’ll come over.” Avery said as he pulled the blankets over Mason’s shoulders.

Mason tried to murmur something like “Thank you” as his eyelids sank and darkness swallowed him.

Chapter 15

“Is there something you’re not telling me?” Avery asked as he watched Mason chew on his thumb knuckle as he stared out the car window. He’d been tense all morning, he paced while Avery was getting ready and Avery kept having to place his hand on Mason’s knee to stop it’s nervous bouncing. Mason slid him a distressed glance before shaking his head. “No one should look like that on their birthday.” Avery said as he took Mason’s hand and kissed his abused thumb and Mason smiled weakly. “Thirty-five isn’t a bad age.” He teased and Mason snorted.

“I’m sure it isn’t, to a man of thirty-six.” Mason teased back and Avery laughed softly.
So it’s his mother,
Avery decided.

“Why are you so worried about going to brunch with your mother?” He asked gently and Mason’s lips became tight as he examined the buttons of his shirt. Avery’s eyes narrowed and his head tilted as he watched him. “Is she really the ‘No wire hangers’,
Mommy Dearest
type?” Avery asked as he brushed his lips against the back of Mason’s hand. Mason shook his head and frowned.

“Not at all. That’s been a joke between us since I was a kid. One night, when I was six, mom came into my room with cream slathered all over her face and it scared the piss out of me. Literally. It’s the only time I ever wet the bed. She thought it was hysterical and will tease me about it for the rest of my life. Whenever I’m home visiting, she jumps out of closets and runs into my room unannounced with cream or mask on her face and tries to scare me.” Mason explained. Avery laughed for a solid two minutes.

“That’s excellent.” He declared as he wiped his eyes. “Your mom sounds like a lot of fun.” Avery said and Mason shrugged.

“We’ll see. Remember Blanche, from
The Golden Girls
?” He asked. Avery nodded and Mason sighed as he rubbed the back of his neck. “That’s my mom. Right down to the Southern Belle accent.” He started to chew on his thumb again and Avery grabbed his hand.

“I always loved Blanche.” Avery said reassuringly and Mason gave him a pointed look.

“Of course you did. Everyone loves Blanche. But you’re sleeping with her son now.” Mason mumbled and Avery couldn’t stop the wide smile that filled his face. “I wish she was a little more like Rose.” Mason complained under his breath. Avery sucked his lips in to keep from laughing, Mason looked like he was truly worried.

“It will be fine. I can handle a forward southern lady with no filter.” Avery promised. “I’ve never had a problem winning over older women.” He said confidently as he squeezed Mason’s hand. Mason looked at him like he was speaking in tongues.

“I’m not worried about her liking you. She’s going to love you. I’m worried about her
loving
you. She can get a bit grabby, especially if she’s been drinking.” He explained and Avery nodded.

“Right… and she’ll probably be drinking because…” Avery couldn’t keep his lips straight. Damn it, he was liking this woman more and more. Mason’s frown got darker.

“Brunch. She’s not in it for the eggs Benedict.” Mason grumbled. Avery pulled him into his arms and rubbed his back soothingly.

“It’ll be fine. I’m not going to be offended if your mom flirts with me and asks some awkward questions.” He whispered into Mason’s hair. Mason sighed.

“If that’s all it is, I’ll consider it a blessing.” He said before he groaned. The car was pulling over. “And it’s the Waldorf. She acts like it’s the only decent hotel in the city.” Mason complained as the car stopped. Avery leaned and looked out the window.

“What’s wrong with the Waldorf?” Avery asked as the driver got out and went around the car. Mason shook his head as he tugged at the collar of his shirt.

“Nothing, if you’re a woman in your sixties.” He mumbled as the door opened. Avery stepped out and held his hand out for Mason. Mason took it as he got out. “I’ve been trying to convince her to go somewhere else for brunch for years.” He sighed again as his eyes swept over the facade of the Waldorf Astoria. He looked like he was headed into a tax audit. Avery pulled him close and kissed his temple.

“Stop being a food snob and relax. Your mom is comfortable here and she came from Florida to see you. And it’s your birthday.” Avery reminded him. “You’re supposed to be happy and have fun on your birthday.” Avery pulled his head back and found Mason’s eyes as he rubbed his arms. Mason nodded and gave him a forced smile. Avery rolled his eyes as he pulled Mason close and kissed his forehead. “Let’s go. I think you’ll feel better after a few drinks.” He said as he led Mason toward the hotel.

As they entered, Avery looked over his shoulder at the driver and raised his brow, making sure he was prepared. The driver nodded and gave a discreet, stiff thumbs up. Avery nodded back before he followed Mason into the hotel. Anticipation flared and Avery forced a relaxed smile when Mason looked over his shoulder at him before he scanned the dining room.

“There she is.” He said as he waved off the hostess before he strode into the dining room. Avery followed, staying a few steps back. A petite woman dressed as a tornado of pastel silks squealed as she held her arms out to Mason. He hugged her and her hands splayed over his back as she squeezed him.

“My beautiful baby! Happy Birthday, honey!” She said as she kissed his cheek.

“Thanks, mom. I’m glad you’re here.” Mason said as he released her. “You look lovely. I see you’ve found a way to make your hair even bigger.” He teased and she laughed.

“You know what they say, ‘The higher the hair, the closer to Jesus.’” She announced as she patted her hair. Avery laughed and she pushed Mason aside as she gasped. “And look at you!” She exclaimed and held her arms out to Avery. He was pulled into a cloud of perfume and she purred as she pressed herself to him. “You must be Avery!” She drawled and Mason’s brows pulled together as he frowned at her.

“It would be pretty awkward if he wasn’t.” He said as he looked apologetically at Avery. Avery’s eyes went wide.

“Especially since she’s got her hands wrapped around my ass.” Avery said and Mason hissed as he grabbed his mother’s shoulders.

“Mom! You can’t grab Avery McKannery’s ass in the middle of the Waldorf Astoria. What’s wrong with you?” He whispered urgently. She released Avery, rolling her eyes and shrugging as she went to her seat. Mason and Avery settled into the two seats across from her. Avery waved at a server and gestured for two more mimosas.

“He’s my future son-in-law, I can do what I want. And it’s a very nice ass.” She said before she took a long sip of her mimosa. Mason slid down in his seat and pinched the bridge of his nose. She waved her hand dismissively as she smiled at Avery. “You can call me mom.” She said and Mason gave her a hostile glare. “Or Evelyne. Though I’d prefer Evy, if you won’t call me mom. I’ve decided that the best part about having a gay son is going to be feeling up his hot husband.” She announced as Mason and Avery’s drinks were set on the table. Avery looked up at the waiter and saw that he was fighting to keep his expression blank.

“You can just keep these coming.” He said softly and the waiter nodded. Mason grabbed his drink as if it was a life raft. Avery pretended to give it some thought. “I’ll go with Evy. I’ll have a hard time calling you mom if you’re going to keep grabbing my ass.” Avery said and she laughed.

“I can’t marry him if you scare him off.” Mason complained and drained half of his drink. “And we’ve been dating for about two months, it’s a little early to be talking about that.” He explained. Avery gave Mason a sideways glance.

“We’ve talked about it.” He said and looked around the dining room. Mason raised a shoulder.

“We mention it now and then but we haven’t had any serious conversations. We aren’t there yet.” Mason sucked down the rest of his drink. Avery traded their glasses, giving Mason his full glass and reached over and rubbed his back.

“Why not? I’m not in the habit of saying things I don’t mean.” He said and Evy beamed.

“I love him, sweetheart.” Evy said as she reached across the table and squeezed Mason’s hand. The corner of Mason’s mouth turned up.

“I’m sure you do. He has a nice ass and he’ll keep the drinks coming.” Mason teased. She waved her hand.

“Pffftt! That’s just icing, baby. I saw you two outside, you look like you’ve been together forever. He makes you happy, I have to love him.” She winked at Avery and he leaned close to Mason.

“I love her, sweetheart.” He whispered and Evy giggled in delight. Another round of drinks were set on the table and Avery looked up at the waiter. “I’d like the lobster and truffle eggs Benedict.” He said and the waiter looked surprised.

“But…Sir? The brunch?” He said softly and looked at Avery as if he had ordered a pickled baby. Avery shook his head.

“I don’t want it.” He dared the waiter to say anything more. He ducked his head and Mason smiled.

“In that case, I’ll have the frittata.” He said as he leaned back and rested his hand on the back of Avery’s chair. The waiter frowned and Evy gave him a pitying look.

“You’ll have to forgive them.” She said as she smiled mischievously. “It’s my son’s birthday, maybe you could make it a birthday frittata.” She grinned at the waiter and he nodded as he went off. She scowled across the table. “Who comes to brunch, here, and orders from the menu?” Avery held his hands up and shrugged.

“I’m not serving myself and I’ll only eat the desserts. Your son is already doing his best to make me fat. He served me pancakes with ice cream for dinner.” He pretended to complain as he looked at Mason.

“If I remember correctly, you ate most of mine too.” Mason grinned cheekily as he stroked between Avery’s shoulders. Avery reached down and rubbed Mason’s thigh under the table.

“They were really good.” He admitted and exchanged a heated glance with Mason as he recalled what happened before the pancakes. Mason’s eyes dropped to Avery’s lips and he knew that Mason remembered too. Evy sighed and they looked over to find her pressing her hand to her chest.

“You two are just adorable together! When can we have the wedding?” She asked as she leaned forward excitedly. Mason shook his head in exasperation.

“Mom. We’re happy. We don’t need to rush anything.” He explained. She shook her head as she retrieved a giant handbag from the floor. Avery sat back, amused, and took a sip from his glass as he waited to see what she’d pull out. A magazine.

“According to this, you’re at your sexual prime.” She declared a bit too loudly. Avery choked on his drink and sat forward as Mason patted his back.

“I did warn you.” Mason said under his breath. Evy ignored him.

“You should get married now while the sex is still hot.” She recommended as Mason snatched the magazine across the table.

“Why are you reading
Details
?” He asked incredulously. Avery took it from him and started flipping through it as he laughed.

“She’s right.” Avery said as he pointed at the article and Mason shot him a glare.

She leaned forward and gave Mason a sneaky grin.

“I read that and
GQ
for the hot guys and the sex tips. I got your dad to try…”

“Stop!” Mason held up his hand and shook his head. She tried to look innocent.

“I was going to say distressed jeans.” Evy offered. Mason gave her a dubious look.

“Really? I was expecting you to say something like swinging.” He said and she waved dismissively.

“Don’t be silly, dear. We did all of that before you were born.” Evy said casually and Mason’s head fell.

“Why, God?” He complained. He looked up as their plates were being set down. “Go get your food, mom.” Mason begged. She got up and went to make her plate. Mason looked over at Avery and sighed. “I’m really sorry. She can be a lot.” He explained. Avery waved him off.

“I wish you’d relax. She’s great.” He said as he brushed his knuckle over the back of Mason’s hand. He looked unconvinced.

“She’s not making you uncomfortable?” Mason turned his hand over and wrapped his fingers around Avery’s.

“Not at all. She’s not the first woman to grab my ass in public. She’s definitely not the oldest.” Avery said as he leaned closer. “I’m having a great time, I just wish you were too.” He put his arm around Mason. “I see where you get your sense of humor from.” He said softly and Mason smiled.

“As long as she isn’t embarrassing you.” His eyes searched Avery’s face. Avery shook his head softly.

“I’m not afraid of people seeing me have fun or that I have a life. If this were business, it would be very different. Today, I’m with my gorgeous boyfriend and his delightful mother. I’m not afraid of anyone knowing that.” He explained.

“Delightful mother?” Evy said as she sat down with a mountain of food. “You were definitely talking about me.” She said as she draped her napkin across her lap. Mason smiled as he picked up his fork.

“Avery was asking me what I’d like for my birthday.” He said as he poked at his frittata and Avery bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. Evy ignored him.

“Tell me, Avery, is my son this uptight in bed?” She asked as she waved her fork in front of her. Avery shook his head as he reached for his glass.

“No, he’s definitely more relaxed and a lot more fun.” He offered and Evy reached forward and patted Mason’s hand.

“That’s marvelous, darling.” Her eyes flicked back and forth between them for a moment. “So, which of you is the top?” She asked. Mason’s lips pulled tight and he pointed at Evy sternly.

“No, mom.” He gave her a hard look. “We’re not discussing that. Especially here, while we’re eating.” Mason warned. Her mouth twisted before she looked at Avery. He winked at her.

“Both.” He said before he took a bite of lobster. Mason’s head snapped in Avery’s direction and his eyes were wide. Avery shrugged as he chewed and Mason threw his hands up.

“Apparently, there are no boundaries. You two are ridiculous.” He complained and Evy nodded.

“We are. It’s why you love us.” She declared before she attacked a crepe. Avery saw a blush tint Mason’s cheeks and heat spread in his chest. He picked out another piece of lobster.