by K. Sterling
“I don’t watch a lot of movies but what I do have is stored digitally.” He explained and Mason nodded as he jumped to his feet.
“Smart. Less clutter.” He said as he exited the theater and crossed the hall to the office. You’re starting to get it, Avery thought as he followed. He watched quietly as Mason pulled open a few of the credenza drawers and frowned when he found them empty. “There’s nothing else in here but a glass desk and a black leather chair.” His eyes flicked to Avery’s.
“I don’t like to bring my work home with me. Less clutter.” Avery said as he stepped into the hallway and waited for Mason.
“Right.” Mason said as he led the way back to the living room. He continued through to the other hallway and opened the first door on the left.
“Full bath that connects to the guest bedroom.” Avery offered as Mason flipped the light switch and stepped in. He opened the cabinets doors under the sink and inspected the various cleaners, the six rolls of toilet paper and six bars of soap. After, he looked in the linen closet and nodded at the pile of six white towels and six sets of sheets before crossing into the bedroom. Avery turned on the light and Mason bit his lip as he looked around the room. That lip biting thing is going to be the death of me, Avery decided as he felt his body tighten. Don’t get ahead of yourself, he still might run, he reminded himself as he watched Mason.
“Are you color blind?” Mason guessed as he took in the simple dark wood furniture, white bedding and bare walls. “That is pretty embarrassing for a gay man but I think I can overlook it.” He teased as he stepped through the door into the hallway.
“Not color blind.” Avery answered as he stepped into the hallway next to Mason. “Master bathroom.” Avery said as he pushed the door open. Mason’s head snapped back.
“And not a swimmer.” He whispered as he stepped into the bathroom. Avery hit the light switch and watched as Mason blinked rapidly, adjusting to the pure white brightness that surrounded him.
“I beg your pardon?” Avery asked as he craned his neck so he could see Mason’s face.
“The chlorine smell, I thought it was from a pool. But it’s bleach, it’s from here.” Mason explained as he took in the room around him. With the exception of the ceiling, every surface in the bathroom was white tile or glass. Half of the room was an open shower with an assortment of shower heads. Two glass basins sat on a glass counter with a glass shelf beneath. Mason squatted and picked up a bottle of cologne. “Six colognes, six shampoos, six conditioners, six lotions… Why six of everything?”
“I like the number six. What do you mean by ‘The chlorine smell’?” Avery asked as Mason opened the cap and sniffed. He smiled as he set it back on the shelf with the others and rose to his feet.
“Floris No. 127.” Mason murmured as he pushed open the door that led into Avery’s walk-in closet. “I wasn’t sure what it was but it drove me crazy. You smell incredible and there’s always a hint of chlorine. I thought it was because you were a swimmer but apparently, you’re really serious about keeping your bathroom…clean.” Mason’s voice died away as he took in the rows of clothes and shoes. Everything was hung, folded and lined up by color from dark to light, moving from left to right. “And the number six.” Mason whispered as he ran his hand over six identical grey v-neck sweaters. He turned and looked down into the laundry basket in front of the washer. “You fold your dirty clothes before you wash them?” He looked at Avery as if he were a new species. There it is, Avery thought sadly as he nodded. Mason shook his head as he looked around the closet one more time. “You know, you wouldn’t need this big ass closet if you didn't insist on having six of every damn thing.” Mason said as he went into the bedroom. Avery could only stare in shock as he followed. He’s taking this pretty well, he observed as Mason smiled over his shoulder. “So, this is where all the magic happens?” He asked as he went to the window and checked the view.
“Magic? Hardly.” Avery snorted as he leaned against the wall. Mason winked as he lifted the white duvet then rolled his eyes at the white sheets.
“Give it time. I’ve got a lot of tricks up my sleeve.” Mason said as he pulled the duvet back into place. “You know, everything shows on white.” He warned as he looked at the floating bedside table, missing Avery’s frown as he stared at the bed. Everything? He was about to ask about everything when Mason turned back to him and crossed his arms over his chest. “There’s nothing in here but a bed, two chairs, an alarm clock and an iPad. No shelves or drawers with nipple clamps or whips.” He sounded mildly disappointed but not at all alarmed. Relief and hope started to swell within Avery. He let his lips curve into a wicked smile.
“You didn’t look under the bed.” He said. Mason’s eyes went wide and he dropped to his knees. Avery managed to hold it in until Mason looked up and scowled.
“There’s nothing under here!” He exclaimed then jumped to his feet. Laughter exploded from Avery and he had to grab the door frame to keep from falling over. Mason waited patiently as Avery laughed until his stomach hurt. When he finally regained his composure he crossed the room and pulled Mason into his arms and hugged him.
“I needed that.” He sighed as he pulled back and found Mason’s eyes. “Of course there’s nothing, that’s the point.” Avery said as he led Mason back into the hallway toward the living room. Mason grinned over his shoulder.
“We were in the bedroom and you’ve brought us back to the living room. Now, I’m starting to worry.” Mason teased.
“I’m pretty sure you have more questions and I have a few of my own.” Avery said as he dropped back onto the sofa and picked up his wine glass. Mason was quiet for several moments as he studied Avery.
“You have severe OCD. Do you control it with medication?” He asked. Avery raised his hands and shrugged his shoulders.
“Did you see any medication?” He asked. Mason shook his head. “I do pretty well controlling it on my own until something triggers a manic…spell. If it gets really bad, I might take medication.” He said as he refilled their glasses and sat back.
“Is there anything specific that triggers these ‘spells’?” Mason asked before he took a sip of his wine. Avery nodded.
“Control. If I feel like I can’t control something important, I start to slip.” He saw Mason frown and he looked down into his wine glass. Avery leaned forward and touched his hand. “I don’t have to control everyone and everything. It’s usually when something big happens and I feel helpless. Like when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer or when my parents almost divorced. It’s been years since since my last spell.” Mason’s hand covered his and Avery felt heat burst within his chest again. “This apartment is how I cope with the everyday things I can’t control. I can control everything in here and that makes everything else bearable.” Avery explained and Mason smiled.
“Did it bother you when we lost control in the elevator?” His eyes becomes dark as he brushed his thumb against Avery’s palm. Avery shook his head as his heart started to pound again.
“No. I want to lose control with you.” He admitted as he stared into Mason’s eyes.
Chapter 5
The whole Avery McKannery business had thrown Mason at first. There had been a moment of staggering intimidation before Mason considered how at odds everything he’d seen was with the image he (and probably the rest of New York) had of Avery McKannery. As soon as Mason stepped through the door, into 12C, it became obvious that Avery wasn’t aloof or arrogant, he was shy. His nervousness was adorable and it drew out something a little naughty in Mason. He loved making Avery blush, stammer and hearing his voice break. The fact that it was New York’s most notoriously ruthless lawyer babbling and sweating was a bit surreal for Mason. The fact that Avery had lived a very solitary life and had almost no childhood was almost sad. That he was driven and uber serious was not a revelation. Even though Mason was aware of how attractive Avery was, he wasn’t prepared for what greeted him when Avery opened the door.
/> Finding Avery already half naked, in silk pajama pants had nearly dropped Mason. He’d leaned on the door frame to keep from collapsing in a heap of limbs at Avery’s feet. Holy abs and obliques. He had an eight-pack and the most tempting, faint trail of hair down the middle of his stomach and a light dusting between his pecs. Mason tried to take advantage of Avery’s surprise to pull his thoughts together and think of something suave to say but all his brain was capable of was “Lick” and “Touch!”. He couldn’t remember exactly what he’d said but it had worked and he found himself alone with a half naked dream. No, even in Mason’s dreams, Avery didn’t look this incredible. Avery looked like an Abercrombie and Fitch ad, but grown up and with overwhelming magnetism.
Mason thought he’d disguised his shock at the evidence of Avery’s OCD pretty well. The first half of the tour through Avery’s apartment felt like he was being led through a model or staged home by a real estate agent. The kitchen drawers with their black silicone liners and all the utensils laid out neatly like a surgeon’s tools had seemed almost comical. Especially after the nearly empty refrigerator. No one was cooking in that kitchen, it felt like a showroom model. When Mason looked in the drawers in the office he was starting to think the theme was Empty or an homage to grey, black and white.
Avery’s bathroom had Mason legitimately freaked out until he found Avery’s cologne. Smelling it had grounded him and reminded him of the connection they’d experienced in the elevator. If he could lose himself like that in someone, want them that badly, he could overlook their shrine to bleach and extreme minimalism. The closet had been a little heartbreaking. A man like Avery would know that buying six of the same shirt or pair of shoes was excessive and slightly ridiculous but he was incapable of stopping. Exposing himself to Mason had to be terrifying and the blatant honesty and trust had taken his breath away. Avery said that it was all about control. For a moment, Mason was afraid that Avery was telling him that he would need to control all aspects of any relationship he was in. That wouldn’t have been acceptable for Mason. When Avery explained that controlling everything in his apartment helped him cope with the outside world, Mason wanted to pull him close and promise to protect him. Mason didn’t see it as control, he saw it as fear and he wanted it to be his job to sooth Avery’s fears. He knew it was arrogant and a little naive but he wanted to fix Avery and give him more.
“This is going to seem a little presumptuous, but I’m not into casual sex or one night stands.” Mason said as he turned Avery’s hand over in his and stroked his palm with his thumb. Avery raised a brow and grinned.
“I bet you say that to all the girls.” He said softly. Mason shook his head.
“It would be a lot easier to hook up with someone in a nightclub bathroom or pick up someone in a bar and go back to their place. Having to move because I blew it with the hot guy next door would be massively inconvenient.” Mason said as he set his glass down. Avery nodded. “I didn’t even bring any protection, if that shows you how much I was expecting.” He admitted. Not that Mason had any condoms in his apartment. The last ones he’d bought got tossed for being too old over a year ago. He could feel Avery getting tense on the sofa next to him.
“I don’t want a one night stand but I don’t know how to do the relationship thing. And I honestly don’t know how I’d handle it once it was over.” Avery’s voice had dropped to a deep rumble and it was doing things to Mason’s insides. Fear. Mason took his chin and made Avery look at him.
“Why would you automatically assume that whatever happens between us will end? There’s no pressure here, I promise. When I walk back through that door, we’ll at least be friends. Or, I may leave knowing I’ve found my future husband. Or, any of a hundred things in between.” Mason watched Avery’s eyes become large and then settle and he started to relax. He searched Mason’s face for a moment.
“What happened to you? When you first moved in, you were kind of a mess.” Avery asked gently. Mason couldn't help the bark of laughter that burst from him.
“That’s putting it mildly. I had been in a relationship with a man that I thought I was supposed to spend the rest of my life with. Instead, he dumped me after four years for a twenty-two year old street artist.” Mason almost laughed at the expression on Avery’s face. It was an almost violent blend of confusion and repulsion.
“No offense, but what would a man like you see in an asshole like that?” His voice was a harsh growl. Mason shrugged then smiled.
“A man like me?” He watched Avery’s lips curve.
“You have an impressive and successful career, you’re highly intelligent, have a fascinating personality, you’re incredibly kind and you’re seriously, overwhelmingly hot.” His voice had gone deep again and curled through Mason causing heat to flood his groin. Holy shit, need condoms. He blinked rapidly, trying to pull himself back together mentally while keeping his ass firmly planted on the sofa. No pressure? Why did you say “No pressure”? Want lots and lots of pressure. Mason exhaled loudly and tried to remember what they were talking about.
“Right. My ex…” He grinned sheepishly. More internal monolog. “There were a lot of problems in our relationship that I didn't see until I could look back at it from a distance. Ryan was older than I was and in the beginning it was something to tease me about but it became more and more important as he got older. When he turned forty, he decided that there wasn’t enough of an age gap and he wanted someone hotter and younger.” Mason drained his glass and set it on the table. “That’s about all there is to it. He dumped me. It was humiliating and heartbreaking for about a year but I’ve moved on.” Mason reached for the bottle and Avery’s hand grabbed his shoulder while the other slid around his jaw. Mason looked up and Avery’s eyes were pouring into his, dark and intense.
“No. There’s no way he was hotter than you. If Ryan was stupid enough to throw away what he had with you for someone with no substance, then he didn’t deserve you.” The words were a series of gravely groans and growls and Mason had never been so grateful to be sitting down in his life. Avery leaned closer as his hand tentatively stroked Mason’s neck. He couldn’t stop himself from shivering. Avery’s touch started out curious but transformed into something hesitant and cautious. It was driving Mason crazy. Avery pulled in a shaky breath and Mason felt his chest expand against his. “Mason, you’re… you don’t know what you do to me.” Avery’s eyes were pleading and close as his lips hovered over Mason’s. You have got to be kidding me! His hand pushed into Avery’s hair as he slid his tongue over Avery’s lips and Mason moaned.
“Oh, God! I swear I do!” Mason promised as he pressed his hand to Avery’s chest and let it glide over hot, hard flesh. Avery gasped and Mason’s tongue surged into his mouth. Avery tasted like wine and hunger and Mason groaned into him when he felt Avery’s hands pushing his shirt up his chest. Mason pulled back and gasped for breath as he yanked the shirt over his head. He was about to throw it down when he froze and looked at Avery.
“Just drop it!” He commanded as he reached for Mason.
Their lips crashed and their tongues twisted and stroked urgently as their hands gripped and slid over each other’s chest and back. Heat. It was as if the sun had dropped into Avery’s living room. Mason could feel it vibrating under his skin and pushing through his veins as he let his lips glide along Avery’s jaw. His lips slid down Avery’s neck and he let his tongue sweep along his skin. Oh, he tasted so, so good. Avery moaned Mason’s name and it made the hairs on his arms stand up. He felt Avery’s hand close around his ass and pull him hard against his groin as he arched off the sofa. Mason let his teeth graze Avery’s skin as he found his ear. He nipped the lobe then breathed into Avery’s ear causing him to shudder.
“Bedroom. Now.” Mason urged as he rose from the sofa, pulling Avery with him.
It was a swift and uncoordinated dance as they moved through the living room. Their mouths and hands licked, pulled, sucked, scratched, bit and grabbed as they ground their
hips together as they stumbled toward the hallway where they crashed from wall to wall on their way to Avery’s room. As soon as they turned into the doorway, Avery’s hands attacked the button fly of Mason’s jeans. Mason nodded against Avery’s lips as he tugged the tie of Mason’s pajama pants and slid his hands under and around the waistband to cup the firm, round swells of Avery’s bottom. He felt Avery pushing his jeans down and Mason pulled free from Avery’s lips so he could step back and kick them away. He let his eyes sweep down Avery’s body and he swallowed hard at the sight of Avery’s pajama pants low around his hips. The dark curls at the base of Avery’s cock and the muscles of his hip and thigh peeked from the drooping waistband. Mason remembered his observation about grown up Abercrombie and Fitch models and he decided he had to amend it. Avery was what became of the really bad Abercrombie and Fitch models. And by really bad, Mason meant the really good kind of really bad. Avery looked like really good, really hot porn. Mason hooked his thumbs into the waist of his boxer briefs and raised a brow at Avery. He promised no pressure. Mason held his breath until Avery nodded. Mason pushed them down over his hips and thighs until they slid on their own so he could kick them aside before he advanced on Avery. He paused when Avery held out his hand, holding him off as his eyes slid down Mason’s body. Mason felt his nerves start to bubble and he fought the urge to cover himself or turn away.
“What are you doing in my bedroom?” Avery’s voice was a hoarse whisper. All the air left Mason's lungs and he stepped back in stunned confusion. Avery growled as he reached for Mason. “How can anything as beautiful as you exist and how are you here, with me?” He rasped before his lips found Mason’s. The extreme joy and surprise would have overwhelmed Mason if Avery’s hands hadn’t managed to be everywhere, all at once. His touch had gone from tentative and cautious to demanding and desperate as he pulled Mason with him toward the bed. Mason slid his lips from Avery’s and let them brush against his cheek.