The NSC Boxset: Heart of Stone (66 page)

I stroked his cheek and his hand settled over mine, holding it against himself. His eyes slid away from mine. “Nothing’s wrong Ava, I was just watching you to make sure you were okay.” He shrugged and took another swig of the liquid, its aroma was coiling my stomach and I sat back up but Mason grabbed my arm.

“Don’t go,” he whispered as his voice broke.

“Oh, baby,” I breathed and reached up to place gentle kisses on his forehead. “Is it Kerrie?” I asked as I knew her cancer treatment started tomorrow but he just shook his head. “Mason, talk to me.”

He shook his head again. “I’m fine Ava” he said blandly and poured more whisky into his glass. The fresh scent really didn’t agree with my tender belly and I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath but Mason took it as an irritated sigh.

“God damn it Ava, I said I’m fine!” he snapped. I reared back at the sharpness in his tone and he sighed wearily. “I’m sorry.” He ran his hand over his face and through his hair.

“Did you mean it, Ava?” he asked quietly. I shook my head in confusion.

“Mean what?”

He pierced my eyes. “About wanting another baby.”

His words shocked me. “What?” I asked him with a frown, my head was pounding and my stomach was still revolting at the smell of the alcohol. “Mason, I’m gonna have to get up, the whisky’s making me . . .” I didn’t get to finish as I slapped my hand over my mouth and charged to the bathroom, praising Mason for having the wisdom to install an en-suite.

Mason crouched beside me as was the norm when I was being re-introduced to my stomach contents. His hand swept my hair back into a bunch. “Bloody hell Ava, I’m gonna have your face etched into this toilet,” he groaned.

I chuckled between heaves. “That would be great until you pissed in my eye,” I snorted.

He full belly laughed and I grinned at the wonderful sound. “God I love you, Ava,” he chuckled and I tried to grin at him between retches. “There’s only you that could grin and joke while vomiting,” he laughed. I leant back on my heels, smiling at his complete character change.

I stood and brushed my teeth; wanting to destroy the sick taste in my mouth. “Let’s go back to bed,” he said as he whisked me up and carried me back into the bedroom, gently placing me on the bed.

I curled into the bed as he slipped off his jeans and curled up behind me, pulling me close. “Go to sleep, baby” he whispered in my ear. His thumb whispered across my knuckles making my eyelids heavy, the effort to keep them open was too much.

“I do want another baby,” I whispered. I felt his embrace tighten as sleep won me over and I drifted.

* * *

It was daylight the next time I opened my eyes. The bed was empty and cold by the side of me. I pulled myself up and glanced at the clock.

“
SHIT!”
I screeched and flung out of bed, already 20 minutes late for work.

I showered quickly, cursing when I pulled my lip stitches with the towel and threw on some clothes. I raced down the stairs as Mason walked through the front door in his running gear. The sight of him hard and sweaty, his damp hooded vest clung to the hard chest muscles made me pause on the bottom stair to catch a breath.

“Wow baby, now I wanna race back
UP
the stairs.” I winked. He gave me his ‘Sex God smile’ as I huffed and pouted. “So not fair,” I grumbled as I planted a quick kiss on his lips and rushed into the kitchen to grab a quick coffee.

“Do you have to go into work? I didn’t think you would be in any fit state,” he murmured as I swallowed my coffee.

“I’ve got to go Mason. Could you ring me a taxi, I’m probably still over the limit.” I asked him as I rinsed out my cup.

“I’ll take you.” He came up behind me and circled my waist with his arms, pulling the wisps of hair aside that had already fallen from my up-do as he planted a soft kiss under my earlobe. “Can we try ‘La Roche’ again tonight?”

I scoffed and turned to him. “Mason you can’t just not turn up to a reservation at La Roche and then expect them to fit you in the next night,” I informed him with a raised eyebrow.

He gave me a slow grin. “Ava,” he said smugly as he cocked his head arrogantly.

I held up my hands. “Okay, anybody couldn’t but you,” I snorted and he smirked.

“Well, you fancy it?” he asked again and I smiled.

“Yes that would be lovely, Mr Fox.” He grinned at me as I gathered my work things. “Come on, I’m late.” I dragged him out of the door and climbed into his car.

When he pulled away, I turned my body to him. “What time’s Kerrie’s appointment?”

He glanced at me, “Eleven O’clock.”

I grasped his hand. “She’ll be fine, give her my love. Shall I order her some flowers from us?”

His eyes twinkled, “Yeah that would be great.”

“And cakes? No, maybe not.” I shook my head at the thought of the sickness that would consume her after her treatment. “Does she have someone going with her?” I asked suddenly. The thought of her going on her own saddened me but he nodded his head.

“Yes, Kade’s going with her.”

I froze and Mason glanced at me. Kade was not a regular name and I’m sure it wasn’t a coincidence. “Kade?”

Mason gave me an inquisitive look as he caught the hesitancy in my tone. “Yeah, Kerrie’s husband.” He glanced at me as we stopped at some lights. “What’s wrong Ava?” he asked slowly, obviously aware of my reaction to Kade.

I shook my head rapidly and slapped a smile on my face. “Nothing.” I looked out of the window and Mason pulled off.

Jesus!
How could I tell Mason that his sister’s husband had come onto me in the club last night . . . the night before his wife was going to have chemotherapy for breast cancer?

“By the way, we’ve been invited to Nate and Olivia Carter’s barbeque this weekend, is that okay?” I asked to change the subject. His expression changed quickly as though he was aware I was trying to hide something but he didn’t push it.

“Sure. I’m sorry about yesterday, Ava. I know you’re not screwing Nate. I was just in a mood because of the damn letter but I am very proud of you and yes I do believe you got the job through your own capabilities and hard work.” He smiled proudly at me as he pulled into the NSC car park.

I grabbed his hand again. “I know, I’m sorry I got slaughtered.” I cringed and he smiled softly as he turned in his seat towards me.

“Ava, I know this last week has been horrendous and I don’t blame you for wanting to blot it out.” He grinned suddenly, “You know, you’re quite sweet and entertaining when your drunk,” he chuckled and I groaned.

“I don’t feel bloody sweet this morning, in fact I feel damn sour.” I laughed without humour and he smirked but then his face grew serious.

“Ava . . .” He sighed, not sure how to continue so I gave him an encouraging smile.

“Ava, you sure you want to try for another baby?” he asked timidly. I smiled at the sweetness of this big hard man’s embarrassment.

“Do you?” I asked seriously. He smiled sheepishly and shrugged.

“Truth, Mason?” I urged and he nodded slowly, reading my eyes intently. “Me too,” I whispered against his lips as I kissed him tenderly.

He pulled me close, kissing me with a new passion, his lips expertly controlling mine and when his tongue slipped in to join the fun I groaned softly. “God, I miss your body, Ava” he breathed against my mouth and I moaned again.

“Me too. Soon.” I smiled and exited the car.

“I’ll pick you up at 5:30, don’t come out until I text you that I’m here,” he shouted through the window. I gave him a thumbs up as I climbed the stairs to the building.

“Good Morning, Miss Stone,” Bert, the doorman greeted and I smiled happily.

“Good morning Bert,” I replied as he held the door open for me and I entered the building.

CHAPTER 35

AFTER APOLOGISING TO Grace for being late the day flew and 8 hours later I received Mason’s text and exited the building.

“Hi again” I smiled at Mason as though it was only five minutes ago he dropped me off. He leant in for a kiss, “We have to hurry Ava, I could only get a reservation for 7 O’clock, sorry.” He grimaced and I smiled.

“That’s fine; I could do with an early night anyway.”

An hour later we were climbing into a car that Mason had hired for the night. “Have you heard from Kerrie?” I asked and he smiled.

“Kade rang to say she did well and had climbed straight into bed when she got home. I told him I’d go and see her tomorrow. Kerrie loved the flowers and she said to tell you the weekend spa gift was like receiving a little piece of heaven.” Mason glanced at me and took my hand. “That was a really sweet gesture Ava, thank you.”

He pulled me over to him and kissed me. “It was just an idea for her,” I shrugged.

“He’s dying to meet you.”

“Who is?” I frowned and snuggled into the warmth of him.

“Kade” he divulged simply.

I stiffened.
I think he might be in for a shock!
But then something occurred to me. Kade had seen Mason put me into the car last night, which meant he had to know who I was and he had still given me the come on with that lewd grin that had been on his face in the shop doorway . . . Holy Hell!

Mason narrowed his eyes as he saw my reaction to Kade’s name again. I was really going to have to start hiding my emotions better.

“That’s good then. How long have Kerrie and Kade been together?” I quizzed carefully.

“They were childhood sweethearts from school and got married a few years ago, why?”

“Just wondered.” I shrugged and forced a smile as Kade’s hot body and his words came floating back. I squirmed at the image.

“Ava?” he probed and I gave him my happy face. “Why do you keep freezing every time I mention Kade?” He narrowed his eyes on me when I shook my head.

“I don’t, I’m just worried about Kerrie.” I lied.

He didn’t seem to accept my excuse but the driver tapped on the privacy screen as we pulled up outside the restaurant.

The meal was fantastic and I knew now why this place was so busy. Mason knew the owner and I realised why he had got a reservation so easily. They greeted each other like old friends, patting each other’s back and hugging.

After introductions we were seated at a quiet table at the best spot in the room. I noticed that my menu didn’t have prices displayed and I couldn’t understand half of the dishes described.

I glanced at Mason feeling stupid as the waiter waited for our order. “Do you want me to order for you, Ava?” He smiled softly and I grinned at him.

“Yes, please do,” I replied, relieved that he had sensed my awkwardness.

He ordered in French with a fluent French accent that made me hot and when the waiter left us to fetch the wine I grinned at him. “Wow, you’re so hot in your French version,” I breathed.

His eyes twinkled at me. “Je veux faire l’amour vous, Ava,” he whispered as he traced my jaw with his fingertip and I shivered and puffed out my lips.

“Stop!” I swallowed but he leaned forward further.

“Je veux baiser vous jusqu’à ce que vous criez mon nom de bébé.” He gave me a sexy grin and I narrowed my eyes at him.

“What did you say?” I asked.

His lips twitched as his mouth brushed my ear. “I said I want to fuck you until you scream my name, baby.”

I groaned loudly, much to the disgust of the snobs on the neighbouring table. “
Oh Jesus.
” I shook myself as the waiter reappeared and poured a little of the wine in Mason’s glass for a tasting, he nodded and the waiter filled each of our glasses.

I had worn my favourite formal dress but I still felt out of place and as though Mason could sense my nerves he reached across and held my hand. “Ava, you are by far the most beautiful woman in this place so relax.” He smiled softly.

I inhaled sharply. “I feel like people are staring at me, as though they know I come from the bottom of the pile,” I whispered.

Mason’s face darkened. “You do not come ‘from the bottom of the pile’ Ava,” he said firmly.

I shrugged. “Mason, all these people probably grew up with a silver spoon in their mouths; me? Well I grew up with a fucking chip fork in mine.” I sighed as Mason’s lips twitched at my choice of words.

“Ava, believe me, you are a much better person than most of the fucking hypocrites in this restaurant,” he declared sharply and then looked up at someone over my shoulder.

“Mason Fox.” I heard a gravelly voice as a forty something man approached us. He had the blondest hair I had ever seen and the warmest blue eyes that I had the pleasure to look at.

Mason stood up to greet the man but I saw his expression soften and his shoulders relax. “William,” he nodded politely in acknowledgement.

The man’s eyes swung to me. “Well hello there.” He smiled warmly.

“William, this is my girlfriend Ava Stone,” Mason introduced and I could hear the proudness in his voice. “Ava, this is William Jackson.”

He gripped my hand and brought it to his lips. “Pleasure to meet you, Miss Stone.” I gave him a smile as his eyes lit up.

“How is business?” Mason asked. “William . . . I asked how business is.” Mason spoke louder and I was sure I heard a low chuckle in his tone.

William eventually turned to Mason and smiled. “I’m very sorry, I can’t keep my eyes away from your beautiful date.” He smiled softly at me and I blushed furiously but giggled. “Good, thank you.” He finally answered Mason with a dip of his head. Mason smiled, a smile I noticed that reached his eyes. It was obvious he thought a lot about this man.

“We haven’t seen you there for a while Mason. You will have to visit again, bring Miss Stone with you, no charge of course,” William said happily.

I noticed Mason’s eyes glisten with humour. “I’m not sure it would be to Ava’s taste but thank you for the invitation.”

William’s face eyes swung to mine again. “Oh? I’m sure she would enjoy the experience. I’m sure we can find something to cater to Miss Stone’s . . . tastes.” He winked and I swallowed.

“Well if you will excuse us William, our food has arrived,” Mason said.

William nodded and turned, keeping his eyes on me. “Enjoy your meal, Miss Stone. I hope we will meet again soon. You take care of my man here,” he said seriously and I grinned at him, his evident care for Mason made me like him instantly.