Building Heat (20 page)

Chapter 25

“What do you want to do this weekend?” Mason asked and licked his spoon. He’d made tiramisu for dessert. Not just because it was his favorite, the mascarpone and whipped cream were a great flirting medium. Avery’s eyes were fixed on Mason’s mouth and a demitasse cup hung in the air between the table and Avery’s lips, espresso completely forgotten. Avery blinked several times before shaking his head. He brought the cup to his lips and sipped.

“Mmmm!” He moaned as he swallowed and jumped from his seat. “I got an email from Jeff this afternoon. He sent some listings he thought we might be interested in.” Avery said as he grabbed his laptop off the coffee table. Mason narrowed his eyes as he watched Avery start up his laptop. He didn’t like Jeff. He was a young, hot shot real estate agent but Mason got the distinct impression that Jeff wanted to show Avery a lot more than houses. Irritation and possessiveness started to claw at Mason and he snorted as he crossed his arms over his chest. Avery looked up at him and frowned. “What?” He asked as he turned the laptop toward Mason. Mason narrowed his eyes and stared at Avery.

“
We?”
Mason said as he raised a brow. “Why didn’t he email me?” He asked as he cocked his head to the side and waited for Avery to reply. Avery shrugged as he pushed the laptop closer.

“I don’t know. Does it matter?” He asked. Mason sat back, refusing to look at the screen until Avery acknowledged that the little creep was after more. Avery’s head pulled back in confusion. “What’s wrong?” He asked. Mason sighed.

“I promise you, it’s just a matter of time before he tries to get you all the way out there without me or set up a meeting while I’m not available so he can make his move.” Mason declared as he stood and gathered their plates and cups. He set them in the sink and jumped when Avery’s hand slammed on the table. He turned and stared in shock at Avery. He was pacing as he squeezed his temples.

“Don’t start with this, Mason!” Avery warned. Mason held his hands up placatingly as he walked around the counter.

“I know you’re not encouraging him. It’s not you I’m worried about.” Mason insisted as he reached for Avery. Avery let Mason pull him close but didn't return his embrace.

“First of all, Jeff hasn’t done anything. He’s been nothing but professional. Second, it wouldn’t matter if he was interested. I’m trying to buy a house with
you
. Clearly, I’m not on the market. Besides, it’s not in his best interest to break us up. He’d lose a hell of a lot of money if the deal fell through.” Avery reasoned. Mason rolled his eyes.

“What’s worth more? The commission on one house or getting in your pants?” Mason said as he traced the waist of Avery’s pajama bottom. Avery frowned.

“Don’t be vulgar, Mason. No decent agent wants that sort of reputation.” He said and Mason shrugged.

“Whatever. I think we should find someone else.” Mason leaned close but Avery shook his head and pulled away.

“No. There’s nothing wrong with Jeff aside from the fact that you’re being paranoid. I’m not using another agent unless he actually does something unprofessional.” He turned and started for the bedroom. “I’m going to bed. You don’t have to look at the listings but I’m setting up a meeting for this weekend whether you come with me or not.” Avery said as he went into the hallway.

Mason scrubbed his hands over his face.
What the hell is wrong with me?
He thought as he turned back to the table and sat down. Avery was right. It didn’t matter if Mason thought Jeff was sleazy. If he behaved professionally and didn’t cross any lines, there was no reason they couldn’t work with him. Mason looked through the properties and saw two he thought were worth seeing. His eyes had watered a bit at the prices. Clearly, Avery had told Jeff that their budget was higher than he and Mason had originally agreed to. No wonder Jeff was emailing Avery, he was the one with the deeper pockets. Mason sighed as he shut the laptop. He was going to have to make a few things clear to Avery. Mainly that he wasn’t going to be a kept woman. Mason didn’t make Avery McKannery money but he still did pretty well. First, Mason would apologize for being a massive twat. Then, he’d warn Avery about getting carried away with their weekend home. Then, he’d do his best to make Avery forget he’d been such a massive twat.

Chapter 26

Mason was first to arrive at Gramercy Tavern. He confirmed his reservation and waited for Nancy and her agent to arrive. He shoved his hands in his pocket and hummed to himself as he let his eyes move lazily over the dining room. His eyes drifted over Avery and Mason’s mouth automatically curved into a gentle smile before he did a double take. Avery’s elbows rested on the table and he appeared to be deep in discussion with the man seated across from him. Mason could make out little about the man aside from an expensive haircut and well tailored suit. Avery raised a wine glass and laughed. Mason felt acid burning his throat and all sounds were drowned out as his heart started beating in his ears. Without thinking, Mason’s feet carried him through the dining room. Avery looked up and his eyes flared for a moment when they met with Mason’s. Surprise then wariness flashed before Avery offered a tight smile. Mason clenched his jaw as he came to a stop, standing over Avery and his lunch date.

“I wasn’t expecting to find you here, Avery.” Mason kept his tone even but it came out a little hard. Avery narrowed his eyes as he watched Mason.

“Yet, here I am. What are you doing here?” He asked. Mason wondered if he sensed a little accusation.

“I’m meeting Nancy and her agent. I told you we were having lunch.” Mason saw Avery relax. Slightly. Mason looked at Avery pointedly before he turned to the man across from Avery. He was older, maybe early fifties and Mason started to get that sinking feeling. While he wasn’t bad looking, he wasn’t what Mason would consider handsome. And he reeked of the board room.
Shit. Definitely not a date.
Mason’s clothes started to stick to his body.

“Mason, allow me to introduce Grady Bright, of Bright Media.” Avery said and the man smiled warmly as he stood and offered his hand. Mason took it and tried to smile easily.
Oh, fuck. Get out of here, fast!
Mason forced himself to shake the man’s hand calmly. “Grady, this is Mason Whitfield, president of U.S. Operations at Winston Sheffield.” Avery said and Grady Bright’s smile widened as he released Mason’s hand.

“It’s nice to meet you, Mason.” He said as he took his seat. Avery’s eyes remained fixed on Mason.

“Mason is my partner.” Avery said as he reached for his glass. Grady nodded absently before the words registered and his eyes widened.

“Oh! I didn’t know…” He said as he stared at Avery in mild shock. Avery nodded. Grady gestured toward the seat to his left. “Would you like to join us, Mason?” He offered. Mason shook his head as he stepped back.

“No. I just came over to say hello. I didn’t realize this was business, I shouldn’t have interrupted.” Mason started to edge away and Avery’s eyes hardened.

“Of course, this is business.” Avery said. “What else would it be?” Mason could tell Avery was trying to make it sound like a joke but Mason knew that Avery didn’t find any humor in the situation. Mason cringed as he looked toward the door. He almost wept with relief when he saw Nancy walk in.

“I don’t know, social?” Mason looked at Avery, his eyes pleading for forgiveness. Avery shook his head faintly. Mason swallowed hard before he turned back to Grady. “I better be going, my party has arrived. It was nice to meet you, Grady.” Mason said and shook the man’s hand before moving as quickly and calmly as he could through the dining room. He almost threw himself into Nancy’s arms. “Hide me!” Mason begged and he squeezed Nancy’s hand.

“Is that Avery?” She asked as she craned her neck. Mason turned her.

“Yes, and I’ve just made a total ass of myself. He’s so pissed at me right now.” Mason looked toward the bathroom and considered hiding in there until Avery left.

“What did you do?” Nancy whispered urgently.

Mason quickly filled her in before they were mercifully seated at a table on the opposite side of the room. Mason sat with his back to Avery and could barely focus on the meal. He did his best to stay with the conversation but his head wasn’t in it. He knew Avery was leaving when Nancy smiled weakly and waved. Mason’s chest became tight when he realized Avery wasn’t going to say goodbye. After that, Mason didn’t even pretend to pay attention. As soon as he paid the check they departed.

“You need to apologize, fast.” Nancy demanded as they waited for a cab. “You need to get over this insecurity thing before you scare him off.” She warned as she kissed Mason on the cheek. “I’m taking this cab. Call me later.” She said as she stepped off the curb. Mason waved as he pulled out his phone.

Mason

I’m an idiot. Please, please forgive me.

Mason sent the text before he ducked into a cab. He directed the driver to take him to his office then stared at his phone as he waited for Avery to reply.

The first hour, Mason kept telling himself that Avery was probably busy and hadn’t had time to check his messages. It had never taken him more than ten minutes in the past but Mason tried not to panic. After two hours, he was definitely panicking.

Mason

I’ll make it up to you, I promise.

An hour later, Mason was pacing in his office as he tried to decide how to get Avery to respond. Honesty.

Mason

You’re scaring me. Please, say something.

Two minutes later, Mason nearly fainted when his phone vibrated.

Avery

We’ll talk when we get home. I’ll meet you at your place.

Mason collapsed in his chair and sighed in relief. As long as he could talk to Avery in person and touch him, he could get Avery to forgive him. Mason looked at the clock. He could wrap up whatever it was he had been working on and be out the door in less than an hour. He nodded and forced his mind to focus.

Chapter 27

It was strange, how calm Avery felt as he walked into Mason’s apartment with his empty laundry basket. After lunch, he’d locked himself in his office and refused to take any calls as he struggled with what to do about Mason. Avery knew he had to figure it out before he went home. As soon as Mason looked at Avery with those tractor beam eyes or touched him, he’d believe anything Mason wanted. Not that Mason had ever really lied. He meant every word he said, it was just obvious that the paranoia and jealousy were beyond his control.

Avery knew that Mason was getting worse. The longer they were together and the more committed they became, the worse Mason was getting. Avery didn’t enjoy Mason’s behavior or fighting about it but it was the merging of that irrational Mason with Avery’s professional life that had done it. Avery had been terrified as he watched Mason cross the dining room, his eyes full of pain and fury. Avery’s mind seized, caught between heading off an emotional confrontation with Mason that could do real damage to their relationship or stay in his professional, legal persona and fake aloof indifference. Luckily, Mason came to his senses quickly and Avery was able to find a comfortable medium.
What about next time?
His mind had screamed over and over through the rest of lunch. Forget focusing. Luckily, everything had been all but settled when Mason arrived. Avery was able to nod and smile absently through the rest of lunch. It was too much for Avery. In situations like that, he had a responsibility to the rest of the firm. Blowing it because Mason showed up and flipped out wasn’t an option. Avery couldn't allow Mason to rob him of his control when everyone was depending on him.

Then, there was their relationship. Everything was so perfect, except for when Mason freaked out. If there was no professional risk for Avery and it was just a matter of the occasional tantrum, Avery could probably deal with it. But he knew it was just a matter of time before Mason went too far and did something they couldn’t come back from. That scared Avery more than anything. He felt helpless, the fate of their relationship was beyond his control because of Mason’s insecurities.

And Avery had tried. He told Mason so many times that he loved him, wanted him, needed him. Only him. And Avery had shown him in every way he could that Mason was all he wanted, forever. Avery had been so careful too. When they were out together, he was mindful of anything that might set Mason off. He kept his eyes on Mason at all times and he avoided talking to other men as much as possible. Which was all stupid. Mason should trust him. Then, there was the fear of getting “caught” emailing with Jeff. About a house he was trying to buy
with
Mason! Avery didn’t know how to get through to Mason. It was like they were sitting on a bomb that was about to go off and Avery had no idea when it would happen.

Stop everything.
That was the only thing that made sense. Just stop. Take their relationship out of the equation and make Mason deal with whatever it was that made him incapable of trusting Avery completely. It had to be Ryan. Avery knew that Mason wanted nothing to do with him and didn’t have feelings for him but Mason was still hurt. Avery hated the idea of cutting himself off from Mason and not helping him but there was no way he could. And the only thing that would motivate Mason to face the damage Ryan had done was the risk of losing their relationship. Avery knew Mason loved him and he knew Mason was strong. He was putting his faith in his belief that Mason would fight for them.

By the time Avery stepped into Mason’s apartment, he knew he was doing the right thing and in a way, he was taking control. He’d left work early so he would have time to gather his things from Mason’s apartment before he got home. Avery had to say what needed to be said and leave. Avery couldn't give Mason a chance to change his mind. There was too much at stake.

Chapter 28

When Mason finally strode into the apartment building he had a list of things he could do to put Avery in a better mood. He wished he had more time before Avery got home, chocolate cupcakes with cherry frosting would probably work like a charm. Well, cupcakes and a really long blow job. Avery couldn’t stay mad with cupcakes and blow jobs. But, no time. Mason chewed on his lower lip as he unlocked his door and tried to come up with another winning blow job combination. He paused when he saw Avery sitting on the couch holding Darcy in his lap. Mason offered a sheepish smile and was about to say something flirty when the basket on the counter drew his attention. Mason frowned as he stepped closer and looked inside. It was mostly Avery’s clothes, neatly folded. Then, Mason saw Avery’s toothbrush and a few other little items. And Mason’s book. Mason’s keys slipped from his fingers and made a tremendous sound as they hit the floor in the silent room. He turned and saw Avery place Darcy in her bed before he straightened and walked toward him.

“What is this?” Mason’s voice broke as he pointed at the basket. Avery’s jaw twitched and his throat muscles strained as he swallowed.

“I’m taking my stuff.” He explained. Mason searched Avery’s face as he stepped toward him.

“Are you breaking up with me?” The words were weak and thin. Avery stayed out of reach and shook his head.

“No. I… no.” He took a deep breath and pushed his hand through his hair and Mason’s gut clenched. “I’m putting us on pause for a while.” Avery said carefully as he watched Mason.

“What the fuck does that mean?” Mason’s voice was suddenly too loud as he turned and started pacing. Avery leaned against the counter and crossed his arms over his chest.

“I’m going to step back and give you time, Mason.” He said gently. Mason snorted.

“Time? I don’t need time.” He argued. Avery’s eyes became sad.

“Look at me, Mason.” He commanded softly. Mason stopped and turned to Avery. Avery nodded. “You’re not ready to be in a relationship. You’re still not over Ryan.” His voice was low but firm. Mason’s head pulled back in surprise.

“That’s ridiculous. I’m in love with you, Avery. I don’t care about Ryan!” He insisted as he stepped closer to Avery. This time, Avery let Mason move in. Avery took Mason’s hands in his and their eyes locked.

“I know. And I love you. Completely. But you’re not over what Ryan did to you. I’ve tried everything I can to make you understand that I will never want anyone else but it’s not working. I’ve done everything right.” His voice broke and Mason saw the strain in Avery’s eyes. Pain burst within Mason as he realized he couldn’t deny it. Avery was perfect. It was him.

“I’m so sorry, Avery.” Mason whispered as he leaned forward. “I promise, I believe you and I won’t freak out anymore.” He begged against Avery’s lips. Avery shook his head.

“You always say that, Mason. It’s the only promise you can’t keep and that’s how I know you can’t control it.” He pulled his head back and his eyes shimmered. “I’ve done everything I can. You’re going to have to take some time and figure out what you need to do to get over this.” He cupped Mason’s cheek. Mason shook his head furiously.

“Don’t do this, please. I’ll do anything.” He swore. Avery offered him a weak smile.

“I hope so. But right now, I have to step back. It’s getting too hard. Whenever we’re out, I’m afraid to look at anyone or anything too long because you might get the wrong idea. Whenever I reply to an email or text from Jeff, I feel guilty for no reason. I was coping with all of that, hoping that you’d get it as time went by. But today was too much. It’s just getting worse and I’m afraid of how this will escalate. I was focused on closing a multibillion dollar deal and suddenly you show up and I’m terrified that you’re going to lose your shit and blow something that my team has worked their asses off on for months.” He paused to give Mason time to absorb his words. Mason’s body started to go numb as his brain told him there was no way he could turn things around. Avery’s thumb brushed away a tear and Mason realized he was crying.
What have I done?
He considered dropping to his knees and begging but Avery continued. “What happened today was the sort of “out of control” that I can’t cope with, Mason. I’m terrified that you’re going to do something that will break us. So, I have to step back and put us on pause until you can figure out how to fix this or else there won’t be anything to fix.” Avery pulled Mason onto his arms and Mason clung to him.

“I’m so sorry. Please!” Mason whispered urgently as he buried his face in the corner of Avery’s neck. Avery rubbed his back soothingly.

“I don’t want anyone else. There won’t be anyone else. I’ll wait for as long as it takes.” He said the words firmly as he held Mason close. Mason tried to fill his lungs with as much of Avery as he could. He felt Avery start to separate from him and Mason forced his body to let go. Avery stepped away and grabbed the basket. “I’m still here.” His eyes were direct and clear when they met Mason’s before he turned and left.

Mason’s body shook and he stared at the door for several moments after Avery left. When he finally moved, it was to stumble to the couch. He collapsed onto it and called for Darcy. She jumped on the couch and curled herself against Mason’s stomach. He wrapped his arm around her as he began to sob.