The Sight of Home

The Sight of Home by Sean Michael

Torquere Press www.torquerepress.com

Copyright ©2006 by Sean Michael First published in www.torquerepress.com, 2008 NOTICE: This eBook is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution to any person via email, floppy disk, network, print out, or any other means is a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines and/or imprisonment. This notice overrides the Adobe Reader permissions which are erroneous. This eBook cannot be legally lent or given to others. This eBook is displayed using 100% recycled electrons.

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Stone finished listening to his messages and stretched tall, back popping and cracking. Leeah was curled at his feet under his desk, snoring softly. Fall was really started, the wind blowing through the open windows of his office chill and damp, curtains rustling, leaves blowing in. He almost had all his class stuff organized, ready to go. Two semesters off. He hadn't done that since he started teaching. Probably wouldn't be taking the time off now if his second novel hadn't hit hard. Who knew a simple story about the Civil War would be so popular? "Dr. Watson?" Hillary's sweet little voice sounded, the door hinges creaking. "Your four o'clock appointment is here." "Oh, excellent. Send them in." He'd decided he needed a personal assistant, someone to help him juggle, help him travel. The door opened farther, firm steps clicking on the floor. "This is Mason Vergis. Mr. Vergis—Professor Watson." A deep chuckle sounded. "Professor Watson? As long as you're not expecting me to be Sherlock Holmes." The voice matched the chuckle, low and gravelly, as if its owner didn't speak often. Stone smiled, shook his head. "Right era, wrong man." He stood, held his hand out. "Very nice to meet you, Mr. Vergis." His hand was engulfed in one that was large and strong, warm. The handshake was firm. "Ditto." Oh. He liked that. He liked that a lot. 3

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"Please, have a seat. Would you like a coffee?" "Thanks." The chair slid across the floor. "Hillary? Two coffees, please?" He found his chair, opened his laptop and searched for Mr. Vergis' resume. If he remembered correctly, Mason was a former soldier, a bodyguard. "Black, no sugar," put in that growly voice. "So, Mr. Vergis, tell me about yourself, about why you applied for the position." Vergis cleared his throat. "Call me Mason. I did ten years in the service. Honorable discharge. Did a few years as a bodyguard. I'm looking to get into something that combines that with a few brains." "Well, I can't see that I'd need bodyguarding, but I need brains." He smiled. "I'll be honest. I'm traveling, starting next month. Thirty-six weeks, sixty cities. I need someone who can drive, read mail, help me get around, basic daily things. The pay's not great, but room and board's included, travel, that sort of thing." "Well, I can do all that. And it sounds a lot more interesting than babysitting some spoiled, rich kid." "Well, we won't be in the Ritz, but we'll be in decent places and I have a good-sized house." He leaned back. "Have you ever worked with a blind person?" "No, sir, I haven't." He heard Vergis shift in the chair. "Are you really totally blind? I don't mean to be rude, you're just ... you don't act like you can't see." 4

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Stone took his dark glasses off, showed Mason his pale, blank eyes, the fine webbings of scars that covered his face. "I was in a plane accident when I was five. Haven't seen a single thing in thirty years." "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to suggest..." Mason cleared his throat, an awkward silence falling. "No, no. Please. I'll take it as a compliment." He smiled, put the glasses back on. "I'm very self-sufficient, as a rule. My life's just getting complicated." "You don't want me to leave then?" He frowned, tilted his head. "Well, our coffee's not here yet..." Stone hoped Mason didn't leave. The man was the first to actually address the fact he was blind. There was that chuckle again. "You'd best know that that's typical of my people skills. If you're looking for someone to smooth things for you places ... well, I'm not your guy." "No. I need things like help ordering at restaurants, making sure I'm together, helping me navigate in a strange place." He grinned, shrugged. "Make sure I'm signing books, not some bogus contract." "Help be your eyes, eh Professor?" "Exactly. I need a companion, someone to help me out, walk Leeah with me." Keep him from being lonely. "What do you need from me to know if I'm that person?" "Well, first things first. What kind of money are you looking for?" Stone hoped it wasn't outrageous. He liked Mason's voice, liked the honesty. 5

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"Well if you're offering room and board as well, I don't expect you'll be offering more than a few hundred a month." "Five hundred, yeah. The college and the publishers are picking up the tab on the rest." "That sounds reasonable. Are expenses out of pocket until I'm reimbursed?" "No. I have a credit card; it'll all go on that." "That works. What's next?" "Well, tell me what about the job appeals?" "Travel. Companionship. Conversation. What's not to like?" "How to you feel about dogs?" "Depends on the dog." Stone laughed, whistled once and Leeah stood, bark sharp and happy. "Leeah? Mason. Mason? Leeah." Mason grunted and it was quiet a moment and then there was another chuckle. "Not too drooly. That's always a good start." "My lady doesn't drool." He grinned, hand sliding along her back. "She's a purebred German shepherd, four years old. She's amazing." "She's pretty enough. And she didn't take my hand off at the wrist. Guess I like her well enough." "Well, there's another plus in your favor." He settled back in his chair. "I suppose, if you're interested, we should take a few days, see if we can function together. I leave for the tour in two weeks and I need to be comfortable and be able to trust you by then." "Sounds fair. I can start right away." 6

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"Like as in tonight?" He didn't want to sound too eager, but he wanted this decided. "Like as in right now if you want. I don't have anywhere else to be." He blinked. "Well, then. Let's go have some supper, see the house. See how we get on." "Sure thing, Professor." His hand was taken in that large, warm one again, the shake firm. "Call me Stone, everyone does." He smiled, breathing in the musk and heat of Mason. The man smelled good. "You're tall." "Yes, sir. Six foot four. I'm a pretty good size with it, too." Mason must have realized their hands were still linked because suddenly his was dropped and Mason cleared his throat. "Yeah?" He wanted to touch, to look. He missed knowing what people looked like. "Yeah. You uh ... want me to describe myself?" Mason didn't sound too thrilled with the idea. "No. When you're more comfortable, I'll look for myself. What kind of food do you like?" "I'll eat anything, but I'm partial to Mexican and fried chicken. What do you mean look for yourself?" "I touch. That's how I see. I like Mexican. How about Garcia's?" "Garcia's sounds great. Am I allowed to drink beer on the job?" "So long as you can still drive, sure." 7

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"I can drive on a beer or two, long as I eat. I assume we're taking my car?" "Well, it would be rather awkward for me to drive, Mason." Mason chuckled, that low, dry sound going right through him. "Do you take my arm like in the movies?" "Not if I know where I am, no, but if it's a new place? Yeah." "All right. Well I'm parked in the visitor parking outside the Lennox building." Stone packed his laptop up and grabbed Leeah's harness, trying to remember where that was. "Okay, that's the building three blocks north?" "Yes, sir." Mason chuckled. "You should ask for a parking pass for me. I'd love to watch the face of the secretary in charge of that when you did." "Oh, that? Would be most fun. It's a deal." He chuckled, Leeah leading him out. "Oh, good, I was hoping you had a sense of humor." He could feel the wind of the door opening for him. "I have one, whether it's good or not is up for review." He grinned. "Goodnight, Hillary. We aren't going to need those coffees after all." "Now, you'll notice I didn't say I was hoping you had a good sense of humor. Just that you had one." Stone laughed, headed for the elevator. "Point taken. What's your favorite type of music?" "I like Latin music to go with my Mexican food. And marching music, believe it or not." Mason's hand brushed 8

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against his to push the button for the elevator. "It kind of grows on you." "I like classic rock, country. Marching music like Sousa?" Stone heard the elevator coming up, beeping. "Yep. He's the king." He could hear the grin in Mason's voice. "How about movies? Do you like movies?" "I do. Old westerns, action flicks. Japanese films." "Cool. I don't go to many; it pisses people off. I do like them at home, though." "It pisses people off? What the hell?" "Well, I need someone to explain what I can't hear. People don't like you talking in the movies, yeah?" "Oh, right, that makes sense. I don't know, I guess I figured you just went and listened. Silly of me." "No, there's lots of complications people don't think of." Tons of things people never considered—clocks, microwaves, signs. "I'm beginning to see that. Notice it, I mean." Mason snorted. "I imagine you run into that a lot." "You know it." They got into the elevator, headed down to the bottom floor. "You'll get used to it." "Does it bother you?" "What?" "The expressions. I see. Last time I saw you." "Oh, no. Not at all. I know what you mean and mostly? It's true. You saw me." They stepped out, Leeah telling him the way was clear. 9

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Mason was quiet a moment or two. "That's cool—the way you work together." "She was trained for over a year. She's brilliant. I can't function without her." "You sure don't walk like you're blind with her." "Well, I know this place, too, so we don't have to worry. Leeah is as comfortable here as I am." Leeah was actually more comfortable in strange scenarios than he was. "Well I'll try and help make sure you're as comfortable in new places as you are here." That's what he liked to hear. "Where are you from, Mason?" "Vermont, but don't hold it against me." "Snow and maple syrup, huh? Did you like it?" Leeah stopped him and he stepped around the lamppost. "Yep. I still miss proper seasons." Mason stopped and Leeah stopped with him. "This is mine. It's a navy Ford." He reached out, feeling the slick lines, the cool metal. "Is it new?" "New to me. Last year's model. Driven by some executive." The door was opened and Mason's hand taking his elbow. "What do you need me to do?" "Leeah will sit in the back. Where is the seat belt?" He was suddenly nervous—in the car of someone he didn't know, no one knew where he was... Mason's hand was warm and confident as it guided his to the belt. "Thank you." Leeah's nose brushed his arm, the action familiar and comforting. 10

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The door closed and a moment later Mason was sliding in on the other side, engine starting up. "Straight to supper?" "Yeah. Yeah, we can get a quiet table and get to know each other." He reached out, exploring the car dash in front of him. "You want me to describe stuff to you?" "Would you? I'm a little disoriented." "Sure. The interior's as dark as the outside. I don't have anything hanging from the mirror or anything." "The seats are soft. Is there a CD player?" The car felt luxurious, rich. "Do you like to drive?" "There's a CD player and I do. I take it we're driving from place to place so you don't have to put Leeah on planes?" "Well, it's cheaper, too, and ... Well. I. I don't fly well." He blushed, pushed his glasses up. Thirty years and they still scared him. "Why's that? Oh. Yeah, the accident. Sorry." "Yeah. It's stupid, I know, but I get really stressed." He'd lost his mother, his sister and baby brother. His father hadn't been with them, and he'd been the only one to survive. "I don't think it's stupid. It must have been pretty traumatic." "I don't remember much of it. I remember being scared, I remember the sounds. The man that found me is still alive. I write letters to him." "Yeah? He an emergency worker?" "FBI, just happened to be training nearby. Name's George. A real, real nice man." 11

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"Lucky for you he happened along then." They turned a corner. "Almost there." "Where is the parking lot in relation to the front door?" "Around the side. I'm pulling into a spot about twenty feet from the sidewalk and then it's another fifteen to the front door. No stairs. "Okay." He could smell the food, the beer, the grilled meat, the spices. "Smells good." "Yeah, it does. I just love Mexican. What's your favorite dish? And what kind of help do you need aside from menu reading?" "When the food comes, I'll need to know where it is on the plate, and beef enchiladas." "Will Leeah follow me and get you around the tables and stuff when the waiter seats us?" Mason asked, voice lowering to an intimate level as a couple of people passed them. "I'll take your elbow, hold Leeah with the other hand. She'll stay out of the way unless you're going to bump me into something." He reached out, fingers sliding around Mason's arm. Damn. Muscles. "Okay." Mason's hand patted his and they went up the stairs and into the restaurant. "Two, please," Mason told the girl who met them at the door. Then they were walking, winding their way through the restaurant. Leeah directed him when they got too close to a table, but besides that Mason did fine. Stone sat, fingers sliding over the bumpy vinyl tablecloth. "Tell me what's on the table?" 12

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"Mid-table, ten o'clock is the salt and pepper, a bottle of hot sauce. Mid-table, twelve o'clock are a bowl of chips and right next to them's the salsa. There's a napkin with a knife and fork on it on your right hand side." There was a rustle. "You want me to read the menu?" "No. I want beef fajita tacos. Are they on there?" Those were tasty, easy to eat, and didn't come on a burning plate. "Yeah, they are. I'm going to have the chimichanga and a Dos Equis. The waitress is on her way here, five steps." "Can I help you, sirs?" Stone ordered his supper and iced tea, fingers finding the chips and hot sauce. Mason placed his order, too and after the waitress left, their fingers collided in the chip bowl. He pulled back, grinned. "Sorry. Didn't see you." He waited to see if Mason got the joke. There was silence for a moment, the sound of the other diners seeming loud and then there was that chuckle again. Stone grinned, laughing deep, the sound echoing in his chest. Mason's fingers brushed his again. "I'd call it pretty good. Your sense of humor that is." "Yeah? Thanks." His fingers explored Mason's, his curiosity getting the best of him. Mason's hand was still beneath his fingers. The skin was smooth, warm, fingers callused. Mason turned his hand over, offering his palm for exploration. The hand was fascinating— rough and muscled, strong, and the fingers curled, sliding along his and then the man was clearing his throat, hand disappearing. 13

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"I'm sorry, Mason." He blushed, put his hand in his lap. "I get curious." "S'all right. I'm just not sure a restaurant is the best place for seeing like that." "Yeah." His cheeks were going to burn off. God, the man was military. Not queer. Not available. He'd gotten stupid in his old age. Mason ate a few more chips and then the waitress was back with their drinks. "One o'clock, about ten inches in from your end," murmured Mason. "Thanks." He reached out, found the glass and drank deep, letting the action distract him. "And here comes the food; they're pretty quick here. Is the food as good as the service?" "Yeah, it's always been good." He found his silverware, unrolled the knife and fork. "Your tacos are in the middle of the plate, beans to the right, no, your left and rice to the right of them." Mason's voice had lowered a little, but it was back to normal when he asked, "So what is it you teach?" "History. I specialize in post Civil War America." He carefully searched around his plate, found a taco. "Is that what you write about?" "I write historical fiction—stories about the time period I specialize in, but the main characters are fictional. Sort of like Michener's stuff, you know?" "Cool. You'll have to tell me the names of the books you've written. I'll check them out." 14

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"I'll just give you copies. I have them all." The taco was warm, spicy, went down easy. "Well now, you sure you don't want the sales?" He could hear the teasing note in Mason's voice. "I'll take it out of your salary." He grinned, finding his tea again. Mason chuckled. "It's a deal." A few moments later Mason sighed heavily, groaned and pushed back slightly from the table. "Damn, that was good." It took him a little longer, searching out each of the three tacos, avoiding the beans and rice. "They've got good food here." "What have you got against beans?" Mason asked him. "Hmm?" He tilted his head, a little confused. "I don't follow." "You haven't eaten a single one. You know they're there..." "Oh. I love them, but they're messy. I don't eat them in public. Beans, spaghetti, soup—lots of things." "Oh, now that seems to be a shame to me, a man who loves beans not eating some of the best I've ever tasted." He heard the sound of silverware on china and then the smell of beans got strong. "Twelve o'clock. Right in front of your mouth," said that gravelly voice. Stone blinked, but opened up, lips closing over a spicy, perfect mouthful of beans. "Oh." Yum. The fork slid slowly out of his mouth. "So?" "Good. Thank you." "You want some more, Stone?" 15

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"Do you mind? One more bite?" "That's what I'm here for, right?" The fork and plate collided again and a moment later Mason murmured "twelve o'clock" again. He opened his mouth, got his bite. Part of him was embarrassed that he'd allow Mason to feed him. Part of him was just enjoying the taste. Part of him? Very turned on. "You should get that to go. Then you could enjoy all of it at home." "Yeah. I sometimes have it delivered." He blushed again, fingers sliding around the plate. God, the man had to think he was a dork. Mason cleared his throat. "I guess there's a lot of things that you'd rather do in privacy." "Well, people like to watch me fuck up. Not in a mean way, just in a 'thank God it's not me' way." Mason was quiet a moment before answering. "Yeah, you might be right about that. But obviously it doesn't stop you from doing stuff like eating out. I admire that kind of courage." "Well, there's also the fact that I'm a lousy cook..." He smiled, took his wallet out and searched for his credit card. "Don't sell yourself short, Stone—you could order in all the time instead, but you don't." "I could, but I'd get lonely." He put his card on the table, knowing the waitress would take it. "It's not lonely eating in a restaurant all by yourself?" "Not really. I get to listen. Having supper with you is much better, though." He heard his credit card sliding across the 16

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table, the receipt. "Can I get a to go box for the beans, please?" "Sure thing." Her heels clicked away. "What do you usually do in the evenings, Stone?" "I read a lot—audio books, especially. I listen to the television. I chat online sometimes. I like to work out, but I don't get to do it much." "Why's that?" "Well, I don't have a pool or a track nearby and the weights are intimidating—so much to miss or get wrong." Simon and he used to work out every night, sweating and lifting, skin sliding against each other. "You just need a work-out partner. Someone to spot you. I like to work out." "I used to have one, once upon a time. It was a lot of fun." "Well these hotels we'll be staying at, I bet they have gyms. We could work out together." "Yeah? Cool. I'd like that. I'd like that very much. Especially spending so much time in the car." The waitress brought his card back, the slip. "How much is the balance, please?" "$22.43, hon." "You want me to add in the tip," Mason asked, real quiet. He nodded, signed the slip. "Make it $27.00 even, please, sir." Mason took the pen from his hands, their fingers grazing. "You got it." "Thank you." He reached down for Leeah, stood. "Would you like to see my house?" 17

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"I'd like that, yes. You do damned well for yourself in public; I'd like to see how you handle things in your own environment." "I live at the corner of Black Locust and Tolliver. Three blocks from the university. Do you know it?" "I know how to get there from here, yeah." Mason's chair scraped back. "That makes things nice and close for you to get to work." "Exactly." He took Mason's elbow and the headed out. He hadn't brought a man home in a very long time. **** Mason followed Stone into the elevator, watching as long fingers moved over the buttons and pressed the one for the fifth floor. He was impressed and appalled in equal measure. Stone was obviously independent, obviously did really well despite his lack of eyesight, not needing a lot of help beyond Leeah in places he knew. But the chances the man took, the ways he left himself open to all sorts of theft, fraud, personal injury ... Well, it was a damned good thing he himself was used to being a bodyguard, because while the man needed a personal assistant, he needed a bodyguard even more. Mason had been stopping himself from putting his hand in the small of Stone's back ever since they first headed out together, figuring Stone might take offence, but he was used to being hands on. If you were touching the man you were protecting you knew exactly where he was in relation to yourself and everyone else. 18

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He finally gave into it as they exited the elevator, just resting his hand there lightly. Stone would say something if he didn't like it. The apartment building was well kept up and there'd been an intercom system to get in through the locked doors. The lighting was bright—not that that would make a difference to Stone—and there weren't a lot of places for someone to hide in the halls. The lock on the door Stone stopped in front of was good and solid, no sign of forced entries on the door. Stone searched for the key, unlocked the door, Leeah hurrying in and looking around, tail stiff as she searched. The house was spotless, stark, the furniture all tan and overstuffed, bookshelves filled with marked books, a tiny television and a huge stereo on the entertainment center. "Come on in. I'll give you the dime tour." "Thanks." He closed the door, locking it when it was clear Stone wasn't going to. If he didn't get this job, he needed to talk to the man about proper safety habits. "Let me turn some lights on for you. Hopefully they still work." The computer was placed on a desk, the keys on a hook. Stone searched along the wall for a light switch and with the dim lights came on, that's when Mason noted there weren't any blinds, no curtains on the windows. Anyone could see right in. He shook his head. Wasn't there anyone in Stone's life who might be concerned about this kind of thing? "You don't get a lot of visitors, I take it?" 19

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"My dad comes by periodically—he's a county commissioner, and he's awful busy. Did the lights work?" "They do." He turned them up so they weren't as dim. "It's just really Spartan in here. You know?" And that was coming from him—a man who'd spent ten years in the service. "Is it?" Stone frowned, moving easily through the room, fingers sliding over the leather sofa. "Well." He sighed. "Can I be frank, Stone? I'm not one to hold back what I think." "Sure. If you're going to be with me all the time, you might as well be honest." "You don't have any curtains, Stone. Or blinds. Anyone can see in. It isn't safe. You could have a peeping tom and never know." Stone chuckled. "Like anyone would want to look in at me." Mason arched an eyebrow, looked at Stone—nut brown hair and warm tanned skin, solid and confident. Wide shoulders, tiny waist and ass. The man was fine, even the too-pale eyes and white web of scars were appealing. "You'd be surprised what people would look at, Stone. It's a power game with a lot of these creeps and the more vulnerable the mark, the more they want to play them. All that aside, folks would be looking at you because you're good to look at, as well." Stone flushed. "Well, we can get curtains, if it makes you more comfortable. I imagine there were some before Simon moved out and he took them." "Simon?" Stone's previous assistant? 20

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"He was my partner—and if you have a problem with that, you should probably let me know. I'm not promiscuous, but I'm not in the closet, either." "Oh. No, I don't have a problem with that." He could hardly have a problem with a proclivity he shared himself. He supposed now would be a good time to share that, but he wasn't used to sharing that information. Especially with the people he worked with. "How long were you together?" he asked instead. "Twelve years. We met when I was an undergraduate student." Stone smiled, the look telling, bittersweet. "Would you like some coffee?" Ow. That was a hell of a long time. "I'd love some, thanks. And you should get those beans into the fridge." Stone nodded. "Come on, I'll show you the kitchen." Stone moved easily; it was amazing to watch him. The kitchen was interesting—filled with unusual things, little white labels everywhere. "Here's the kitchen. If you decide to stay, we'll clean a cabinet or two out for your food and stuff. I am a little picky about where things go, especially in the refrigerator, but we can work that out. The cabinets are all labeled in Braille so I can find what I need." Stone started making coffee. "Oh, the dishwasher? Has a clean/dirty magnet. Very important. Drinking from a dirty glass is so nasty." He chuckled. "I'll bet. I can adapt to pretty much anything. You just tell me the rules and I'll follow them."

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"Well, you'll discover that I'm a labeler. Especially the last eighteen months or so. I got spoiled having a sighted person around and got lazy. I won't do that again." "I should learn Braille. So I know what the labels are." "I'd be happy to teach you the basics." The coffee was started, two mugs pulled from the cabinet. "How do you take your coffee?" "Black, no sugar." He'd learned to drink it like that in the service. That way you never were disappointed when milk or sugar was missing. "That's easy to remember." Stone moved around the kitchen, showing him the neat cabinets, the dishes in them mismatched and odd. "The washer and dryer are in here. There's a dining room, an office, and two bedrooms." "Are you going to want me to stay here if I stay on as your assistant?" He could bunk anywhere easily enough, but he had a little condo that was his and he'd have to close it up properly if he wasn't going to be staying there. "It's completely up to you. I imagine you'll want a real life, though. I'll make the second bedroom available for you, in case you need to stay or whatever." "That works for me. When does this tour of yours start again?" Of course that kind of thing would be his job to know. "Two weeks from Monday. I speak in San Diego on Thursday. Then Los Angeles on Friday. Santa Barbara on Saturday. Sunday is a driving day." For the first time, Stone looked a little unsure, almost worried. "That's excellent, gives us two weeks to work together, get used to each other's company." He reached out and patted 22

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Stone's shoulder. "You'll learn to trust I won't steer you wrong." "Thanks. It's a little daunting. I ... When I started down this road, I expected it to be different." "What do you mean?" Stone walked over, poured their coffee. "Well, I didn't think about the touring thing and, when I started talking about this with my agent, I had a full-time partner and it felt exciting. Now that it's close, it's just work." "How long ago did you and this Simon split up?" He was being damned nosy, but he figured it would be easier for him to help if he just asked what he needed to know. "A little over a year ago. Things in the publishing industry move so slow." Stone took a drink, leaned on the cabinet. "Simon is a forensic scientist—a brilliant man. He, uh ... Well, twelve years is a long time to hold someone's attention and he got bored, wanted to get into things that I didn't. We still have supper once a month or so." "Amicable split then? You still love him?" Okay, now he was just being nosy for nosy's sake. "Never mind, that was rude." Stone turned bright red, but shrugged. "We're good friends. I ... Well, I guess you always love people; you just don't stay in love with them." He nodded. "I'm sorry; I think I mentioned the lack of people skills." "Once or twice, yes." Stone grinned, chuckled. "It's actually quite refreshing." "Yeah? So I shouldn't apologize for making you blush?" 23

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"Well, I can't see if I do, so it's sort of pointless." Stone's face twitched in a way that let him know the man was winking behind the black glasses. "All right then, I won't worry 'bout being blunter than a well-hammered nail-head. Can we have these coffees sitting in the front room? I can stand for hours, but I did enough of it in the service I like to sit when I can." "Sure. Come on and sit." He followed Stone over to the couch, admiring the way the man moved, the confidence in his own home. "Oh, this is nice." The couch was comfy as anything. Stone nodded, sort of curled up like a cat. "Yeah. It's soft and just right." "Yeah." He smiled—Stone looked good at ease. Stone took his glasses off, sat them on a coffee table. "So, did you like being in the service?" "It was all right. Some of it wasn't and after ten years I decided not to re-up." "Ten years. Wow. How old are you?" Stone shrugged, pinked. "I have a hard time telling." He chuckled. "Thirty-four. I did my ten years starting when I was eighteen and I did straight bodyguard work for a few years and I've spent the last couple trying to be a little more than just human bullet fodder." "You sound older than me. You have a great voice. And bullet fodder? Scary." "A great voice?" He chuckled. No one had over told him that before. Scary was the word usually used. "How old are you?" 24

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"I turn thirty-six Christmas day." "Oh-ho, so you're the old man." He chuckled. "I feel older than most people I come across, truth be told. Yourself included. You see some stuff in the service." "Oh, I bet. My dad was in the army for years. He has always regretted that I couldn't join up." "Yeah? Seems he's lucky to have you at all." Oh, yeah. That was pretty fucking insensitive. Stone chuckled. "Oh, Dad was a Captain, a pilot, a mayor. He's an ambitious go-getter." "You and him close?" He didn't figure they could be, he couldn't imagine any father letting their child take the chances Stone took. Stone nodded. "We talk once a week and I see him once every few months. He's got a whole other family now, of course. Kids and grandkids and such." "You close to any of them?" "No, not really. I'm sort of the last reminder of the old guard, you know?" He frowned. "That sounds like a pretty lonely way to grow up. When did he remarry?" "Hmm ... when I was ten, I think. I went to school at the Texas School for the Blind. I didn't grow up there." "Well, hell, that sounds really lonely." He didn't have a big family, but him and his sister were real close. "Not really. The school had tons of people just like me." "Yeah? I guess that would be okay. My folks are both dead, died within a few months of each other. So it's just me 25

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and my sister. She's got a great family. Three girls that will be breaking hearts soon as they're old enough." Stone chuckled. "Yeah? How old are they?" "Four, three and one. You should see their eyes. It's enough to break a man." "Yeah? How? I mean, are they pretty or just happy or what?" Stone looked curious, pale-pale eyes staring about six inches to the left of his face. He fought the urge to cup Stone's cheek and turn his face. "Pretty, but it's more the way they promise you the earth, yeah? Like you're the best person in their life. They've got their uncle's number. I'm gonna go broke buying them toys." "Neat. I ... I don't remember what eyes look like. I mean, I remember the shape of certain peoples, but it's like color. I can't remember." "Really? I can't imagine what that's like." "That's probably how I feel, too." Stone chuckled, brushed back the nut-brown shock of hair off his face. "The hardest part of being blind is that I don't know what most people look like. I mean, my close friends, let me touch, but mostly? I make it up." He chuckled. "Well, I guess looks truly don't matter with you then." "Nope, not even a little. I mean, I can tell you that my secretary Hillary? Is about as tall as I am, wears Coco perfume, uses tangerine-scented shampoo, but I don't know if she wears glasses or has long hair." "She does and it's short." He grinned. "You want that to be part of the deal? I can give you general descriptions." 26

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"Oh, maybe if I ask. I mean, it doesn't mean anything to me." It was amazing, how much emotion he could see in those eyes. "If it was a lover? Maybe. But then I'd know everything I needed to." "All right, no descriptions. I suppose you'd better 'look' at me." Stone frowned. "No. It's okay. I don't want to make you uncomfortable, Mason." "Well I don't know if it would make me more uncomfortable to have you do it or know you hadn't." "Really? I promise not to come onto you. I just want to look." "I'm not worried about you touching me, Stone." He shifted closer. Stone reached out, found his shoulders and then slipped up along his throat. "You're strong." "I work out," he growled, skin tingling where Stone's fingers touched him. "Yeah." Stone's lips were parted, eyes wide as his face was explored. He swallowed hard, the act of Stone 'looking' at him far more intimate than he had been expecting. "Oh..." Stone leaned back, a sheen of sweat on his throat. "Thank you." "You're welcome," he replied, voice strange in his own ears. "I..." Stone's hands landed to hide the man's erection. "Yeah." "So what did you see?" "You're strong, you smile a lot, at least with your eyes. You worry. Your skin feels good—not soft, male, healthy." 27

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"I worry?" he asked, surprised, having expected a more physical description, though he supposed Stone's answer made more sense for a man who didn't see. "Your forehead. There are want lines there." Stone reached out, stroked his forehead. "Want lines?" he asked, leaning forward a little more. "Uh-huh. From thinking 'I want this and I want that'." Those hands kept touching, kept stroking. He chuckled, starting to follow the soft touches, starting to want. "Oh, do that again..." Stone's fingers brushed his lips. "What?" he asked, tongue sliding out almost automatically across Stone's fingertips. Stone moaned, almost too soft to hear. "I meant the laugh, but you can do that too..." "This?" he asked, chasing Stone's fingers down, licking them again, taking one between his teeth and scraping the pad. "Oh." Those pale eyes rolled, bottom lip taken between white teeth. Oh, shit. There were a hundred reasons he shouldn't be doing this. At least a hundred. He leaned forward. Stone's fingers slid around his jaw, holding him. "Stone," he whispered, lips brushing Stone's. "Yes." Stone purred, breathed him in. "This is a bad idea," he murmured. He was taking advantage. "Why?" Stone tasted good, spicy and sharp and hot. 28

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"Because ... you're my boss. I'm supposed to look after you not take advantage ... I." He groaned, pressing their lips together more firmly. Stone moaned low, pressed against him, tongue slipping in to taste him. Stone's kiss was sure, experienced, stealing his breath. Those pale eyes were open, steady, almost like they could see him. He opened wider, letting Stone have control of the kiss, just enjoying it. Stone pressed against him, leaned into him, letting him feel the lean heat. His cock leapt, hard and throbbing. Making a noise, he leaned back, Stone's body following, pressing against him. His arms slid around the man, moving along Stone's back. "Oh..." Stone's hand slid down his belly, petting, heading for his prick. He swallowed hard and broke away from the kiss. "You sure?" he asked. "We don't have to, Mason. You just smell so good..." Fuck, the man was sensual, completely giving himself to every sensation. "We're just heading into land of no return and I want to make sure you're not going to regret this in the morning." "I think you have to be able to see the sun to have morning regret." He got a grin, fingers tickling his ribs just a little. He chuckled, but refused to be distracted away from the question. "After regret then. I like you Stone, and I don't want to take advantage of you." "Uh ... Mason?" Stone shook his head, pale eyes rolling. "I'm blind, not a boy. I like fucking. I like men. I like you." 29

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He grumbled, still not a hundred percent convinced this was the right thing to do. Stone left himself open for ... so much. Hell, he could be a serial murderer himself. He wasn't. But he could be. Still, the man was grown and the liking was mutual. So he kissed Stone again, this time pushing his tongue into Stone's mouth. Stone opened up, took him in with a soft, happy little sound. He stroked Stone's back, fingers sliding to where the man's shirt disappeared into his waistband. He teased the shirt up, fingertips stroking across the small of Stone's back. "Oh. Oh." Stone gasped and arched into the touch. "Again." "Yeah." He whispered his fingers across Stone's back again, the skin warm and smooth, good. Stone just purred, fingers sliding down to stroke over his cock, his balls. His eyes closed, a low groan leaving him. He cupped Stone's ass in one hand, getting a good feel of that ass cheek as his fingers slid more firmly along the warm skin of Stone's back. Oh, the man had a sweet, tight little butt, rocking right into his touch. Groaning, he encouraged the movements. He shifted again, so Stone rocked forward against his thigh. "Yes..." Stone licked and lapped at his lips, just gone liquid in his hands. He licked back, hands squeezing, searching out more skin. Stone's lips started exploring, moving over his face, his jaw, his throat, finding each and every sensitive spot. He groaned 30

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and pushed, moaning whenever Stone hit a particularly good spot. Damn, this was fine. He pulled Stone's shirt off, fingers sliding on hot skin. There were tiny little scars covering the man's chest, too, like spider webs. They were silver and odd and strangely hot, a pattern on gold skin. He traced them, bent to lick at the ones on Stone's face. "Mmm..." Stone got his shirt unbuttoned, fingers finding his ribs, his nipples. Mason made a noise, bucking as Stone's fingers slid over his nipples. His right one was especially sensitive. "Oh, you like that..." Stone leaned down, lips wrapping around his nipple and tugging hard. "Fuck!" He bucked up, hands tightening against Stone's back. "Jesus, Professor," he growled. "You trying to kill me?" "Not even a little." Teeth scraped across his nipple, made him arch. His hand slid into Stone's hair, holding him in place. "Fuck. Don't stop." Stone's fingers worked his zipper down while that mouth went to town, biting and sucking and pulling. His own fingers weren't good for much else than holding on and petting randomly as the things Stone was doing sparked through him, made him dizzy with needing. Then those fingers wrapped around his cock, petting and pulling and driving him out of his fucking mind. "Stone. Fuck. Yes." He just lay back and gave it up, letting Stone hear how good it was, body pushing into those touches. "So good, Mason. Damn. Just ... so good." 31

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"Uh-huh." Yep, he could agree with that. As if Stone's words let him catch his breath a little, he suddenly had the presence of mind to fumble with the buttons on Stone's pants, fishing out the man's cock so he could return the favor. Long and hard and so hot, Stone arched, rubbing that sweet prick against his palm. "Oh." He nodded in agreement, his own hips working his prick in Stone's hand. Stone groaned, cheek sliding on his chest. "Smell you. Damn." He groaned. There was something really sexy about the way Stone used his other senses, the way stuff like the smell of him became erotic. "Yeah." Stone's fingers slipped over the slit of his cock, petting him. "Fuck. Won't be long." Wasn't going to be long at all. He tugged on Stone's cock, sheer strength making up for lack of finesse. He hoped. Stone shifted, brought their cocks together, their hands wrapping around them. Moaning, he squeezed and humped, his cock sliding along Stone's, held in both their hands. Shit, the lights behind his eyes were going nuts and, with a low sound, he came. "Oh. Yes. Yes, so hot." Stone rubbed harder, gasping, groaning as heat spread over his hands. He grunted, trying to catch his breath as he rubbed Stone's back as that hot tongue slid over his neck, his jaw. He gave Stone a hug. "Nice." "Uh-huh. Very." 32

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"Yeah." He kept stroking and petting, feeling a little awkward now that they were sitting cuddled together, come all over their hands. "Let me get you a towel. Be right back." Man, Stone was astute, picking up on God knew what clues. "Thanks," he murmured, standing as Stone did. Stone nodded, heading down the hall and rummaging, bringing a towel to the opening of the room. "Give me a hint?" "I'm still by the couch," he told Stone. He hadn't felt right wandering around with his cock hanging out of his open pants. Not to mention they'd just given anyone looking in quite the show. He took the towel as Stone held it out, their fingers brushing. "Thanks." "Anytime. Would you like another cup of coffee?" "Sure." He felt better all tucked in and done up again and he picked up Stone's shirt from the floor. "Allow me?" he asked, sliding it over Stone's shoulders. "Thanks." Stone felt for the coffee cups, fingers sliding on the coffee table until he found them. He slid his hand along Stone's ass. Stone grinned, wriggling a little. He patted that sweet ass. "You don't have something sweet to go with that coffee, do you?" "I have some pecan pie, I think, and cookies." Stone visibly relaxed, smiling for him. "Oh, pie sounds good, Stone. You want some help?" He relaxed, too. Cool. He hadn't screwed this up. "Sure. You can make sure it's not fuzzy." Stone winked, turned the stereo on as they passed. 33

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He chuckled and then sobered. "How do you usually tell?" "I don't. I date everything and throw it away earlier than later. It only takes one screw up there." "Yeah, you could get pretty sick eating something off." Man, there were so many things he took for granted that Stone couldn't. "You know it." Stone reached for the coffee pot, gingerly, searching for the handle. "There's got to be a better way to do that," he murmured, hand guiding Stone's down to the handle before he hit the hot glass. "The glass isn't terribly hot." Stone put his fingers against the lip of the coffee cup, pouring carefully. "Do you any cooking?" Mason asked, thinking he already knew the answer. "Not much. I buy pre-made stuff and heat it up a lot." "Did your ... Simon used to cook?" "He did. He said it was like chemistry." Mason chuckled. "Yeah? Seems more like a big mess to me." "Yeah. Well, I want to learn how to cook on a grill, but people seem to think that's a bad idea..." "Really? I can't for the life of me think why..." He let the words fade off, grinning over at Stone. Stone gave him a patently false innocent look. "I could do it. Maybe." He laughed out loud. "Well I cook a pretty mean piece of meat with fire. Maybe I can let you live vicariously next time I do it." 34

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"Does that mean you'll let me help?" Stone pulled out a pie plate. "Yep." He stood behind Stone, nice and close, hands sliding down along Stone's arms to his hands. "See? We could do it like this." "Oh." Stone leaned back against him, warm and relaxed. "I'd like that." He hummed. This felt good. Damned fucking good. And that was just a little scary. "Yeah, me too." They cut the pie together, Stone moving easy under his touch. He leaned down, nuzzling Stone's neck. "Oh. You smell nice, too." Stone beamed, skin heating up for him. "You think so?" "I do." He rubbed against that sweet little ass, letting Stone feel just how much. "Mmm ... That's fucking hot, Mason. Makes me want things." "Yeah, I'm kind of wanting myself. You rev me up pretty fast, Stone." He could admit that, given he was ready to go again, even though he'd just gotten off a few minutes ago. "It's something else, the way it works between people." "It sure is something else, the way it works between you and me, Stone." Stone lifted his face, begging a kiss. "Mmm." He brought their mouths together, his tongue sliding into Stone's, easy as pie. Stone hummed, moaned sweet and low, trusting him without question. He held the lean body against his chest, 35

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hands sliding up Stone's arms and then down along his chest, regretting now that he'd helped the man put his shirt back on. All the while he kissed Stone, exploring the man's mouth, pulling in the lovely flavor of coffee and spice and something he was willing to bet belonged to Stone alone. Stone rocked, rubbed against him in time to the music. He couldn't help but groan again, hands sliding to cup Stone's hips, fingers sliding along the side of his erection trapped in his pants. "Oh." Stone was just something else, responsive and happy, hard and wanton. He tugged them man back against his cock, rubbing, rumbling. Felt damned good. "You feel good. So hard." "I am hard. Fucking hard." He growled a little. "For you." "Oh." Stone visibly rippled. "That sound." "This one?" he asked, growling again. "Yes..." He'd never seen anyone so unselfconscious, so lost in pleasure. It was something else, made him harder, made him want more. "Let me take you to bed?" "Yes. Please." Stone nodded, pushed the pie away. "Last door on the left." "Okay." He moved them, slowly walking Stone down the hall, fingers back to sliding along the sides of Stone's hard cock, mouth on the warm neck. Stone moved like an angel, led him into a simple room, dominated by a huge bed filled with multicolored blankets. He growled at the sight of it. "You got stuff, Stone?" 36

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"Yeah. Yeah, in the bedside table. Get naked? Need to touch." "I will if you will." He stripped out of his clothes, a small part of him glad Stone couldn't see just how damned eagerly he did it. He was a desperate man. The bedside table yielded a brand new box of condoms and a battered tube of lube. Stone got naked, crawled up into the bed and curled in, sliding on the blankets. "You're a sexy man, Professor." He was growling again, fucking turned on. "Am I?" Stone leaned toward him. "That sound is stunning..." "You are." He climbed up and took Stone into his arms, bringing their mouths together. Stone pushed right in, rubbing against him, so hot. "Fuck, yes. Sexy." "You're so hot. So strong. I could eat you up." "Oh, don't let me stop you." Oh, that soft, sexy laughter was so fine. He lay back, pulling Stone with him, finding the man's mouth and licking his way in. Stone was loose and easy, obviously enjoying touching and being touched. It was sexy and getting intense quickly. "You smell fine. Strong. Hot." Stone's lips found his nipple started pulling and sucking. He jerked. "And you have a good memory." "I do." Those teeth scraped. "Excellent." "Stone!" Damn. Stone was something else. 37

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"Uh-huh." Stone moaned, tongue sliding on his skin. He slid his fingers over Stone's face, seeing it the way Stone had seen him, chuckling as his fingers found Stone's tongue. "Mmm ... tasty." Stone nibbled and sucked, drove him higher and higher. He moaned, hands sliding to Stone's head, holding it in place. Stone relaxed into him, working his nipple until it burned. He reached for that sweet ass, holding and squeezing as Stone made him crazy. "Mmm ... yeah." Stone's cock was hot, hard, wet-tipped. "You want to ride me, Stone?" He could just imagine how Stone would look above him, in the throes of passion. "Oh, fuck yes. Yes, Mason." Those hands wrapped around his cock, started pumping. He reached over for the condoms, fumbling the box open and pressing one into Stone's hand. Then he reached for the lube. Stone opened the rubber, eased it down over his cock, nice and easy. Moaning, he slicked his fingers up, easing one into Stone's body. Oh, fuck. Hot. Tight. Just right. Stone moaned, sat up and started moving on him. He got another finger in, watching Stone's face. Fucking hot for it. "Yes. Yes, damn." Stone moved like a dream, bucking, hips rolling. "On me. Now," he growled, sure the sight alone was going to make him come. "Uh-huh." Stone raised up, thighs parting as the man sank down on his prick. "Oh, fuck." He bucked up, cock going deep. 38

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"Uhn." Stone nodded, riding good and hard. He watched, hands sliding over Stone, finally landing on those slim hips, helping Stone come down harder. It felt fucking fantastic. "Oh. Oh, yes." Stone threw his head back, riding hard. That tight ass slid over his cock, squeezing him again and again. He reached for Stone's cock. The man was something else—open and eager, belly rippling, cock hard as anything. He let Stone's movements push that hot cock through the tunnel of his hand, concentrating on meeting Stone's body with a thrust every time it came down. He was making noises: grunts and groans, letting Stone know how damned good it was. "Oh. Oh, fuck. Yes." Stone was born to fuck, so eager, body just burning around him. "Yes." He ground the word out, nodded, pushed hard and squeezed that hot cock. He shifted just slightly, looking to make Stone go from on fire to totally out of control ablaze. Stone cried out, lips parting, entire body shaking. "Again." Mason growled, pleased to have found that spot so easily and hit it again and then again. A deep, dark flush crawled up Stone's belly, that heavy cock throbbing in his hand. "Yeah, that's it. Show me." He dug his heels into the mattress and pushed up hard. "Mason!" Stone bucked, shooting with a cry, body like a vise around him. He growled, body jerking, Stone's body pulling his orgasm out of him. He filled the condom, body continuing to twitch even after he'd spent. "Oh. Oh, that. Wow." Stone slumped against him, panting. Warm. 39

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He moaned, slipping out of Stone's body and getting rid of the condom quick as he could. Then he curled up around Stone, pulling the covers up around them. "Yeah. Damn, Stone. Nice." "Mm-hmm." Stone snuggled in, humming low. "You mind if I stay awhile?" he asked, sleep tugging at him. "Not at all. You feel so good." "Yeah, you too." He settled, Stone half on him, the weight good in his arms. Sleep had him soon after. **** Stone woke up curled against a warm body, Leeah nudging his hand with her nose and whining to go out. Damn. Damn, Mason was ... Damn. Naked and fine and snoring in his bed. He was getting to be a slut in his old age. He pulled on a pair of shorts and headed out and down, shivering as he got outside to the little courtyard. Shit. He'd forgotten it was cold, all snuggled up close. Must still be dark too. Either that or cloudy. "Damn it, Stone, are you insane?" That cut glass voice growled the words out right behind him, making him jump. "Huh?" He turned around, hand reaching out toward the voice. "What's wrong?" "You're half naked, out here all on your own in the middle of the damned night. You might as well be wearing a neon sign!" Mason's hand grabbed his. 40

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"Leeah had to pee." He tilted his head, confused. "A neon sign?" "You make an easy target, Professor." One warm hand slid along his belly. "Being blind makes you vulnerable already, more or less naked is icing on the cake." "But I obviously don't have any cash on me." He leaned toward the touch, smiling. "Oh, you're warm." Mason wrapped him in both arms and tugged him against the warm—and dressed—body. "Getting robbed would be preferable to what some creeps are out for, Stone." Mason's voice was thick, concern evident. Stone cuddled in, humming. Like anyone wanted to hurt him. He? Was harmless. He could feel Mason shake his head. "You need to be more careful." "Oh, Mason. This is my home. I've lived here forever. There's no danger." Mason grunted, but didn't reply on that. "You think she's done peeing yet? You're freezing your ass off out here." He whistled and Leeah started back for the door. "Apparently so." "Good." Mason wrapped an arm around his waist and steered him in. He followed easily, leaning against Mason's warmth. "What time is it?" "Two a.m." The words were short. "Ah. I figured it was either still dark or really cloudy. I couldn't feel the sun." They headed up to his front door, the elevator groaning as they went up. 41

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"You got a key hidden in those shorts?" Mason asked him. "Did you lock the door?" He never locked the door. "I did." "Oh. Oops." He grinned. "There's a spare hidden around here somewhere, I think..." Unless Simon took it... Mason made a sputtering noise. "A spare. Hidden right near the door." He stopped, tilted his head. "Uh. Mason? If it wasn't near the door, how would I find it? Besides, it's a hallway..." "Everyone else can find it, too, Stone. Hell, someone could find it, make a copy and put it back and you'd never know. There could be someone coming in every night and watching you, rifling through your things. I know a locksmith. I'll have him come by and change your lock for you." "Well, if I can't find it, we'll have to do that anyway." He slid his fingers up along the wide doorjamb, finding a sticky note with Braille pressed in. "Simon said he put the key under the big flower pot." "Well, go ahead and make sure it's still there, though I did grab your keys on my way out." "Oh, cool." He handed Leeah's leash to Mason and ran his hand down the hallway wall, fingers searching for the plant. He could hear Mason growling, an almost sub-vocal sound in the back of his throat. The man was going to give himself a stroke.mStone leaned down, fingers sliding around the bottom of the planter. It was rough and bumpy, heavy. He shifted it, found a key with a triangular keychain. "Found it." 42

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"I'll call my guy in the morning. And you give one to someone you trust instead of leaving it in the planter. Your secretary, a neighbor. Hell, me, if you're hiring me as your assistant." "I am." He made his way back down the hall, unlocked the door. "That means I'm officially allowed to worry about you." Stone chuckled, rubbed their hands together. "Is that how it works?" "Yes, sir." The door closed firmly, the lock shot home. "Of course, if I'm going to be your lover? I get double worry points." He pushed into Mason's arms, warming himself up, the words letting him know he was welcome. "I'll manage." Those hands went straight for his ass, sliding into his shorts so it was skin on skin. "Mmm..." He pushed up for a kiss, growing addicted to that touch with every passing minute. Mason's mouth met his partway, open and welcoming, hot, good. He just melted, rubbing and snuggling. "You are one sexy mother," murmured Mason. "Yeah? I just know what I want." And Stone wanted Mason. "That's always a good place to start," Mason murmured, squeezing his ass. "Let's move this out of the hall and back into bed, yeah?" "Sounds good to me." He stopped in the bathroom on the way, washed the bottoms of his feet off, then slid into his bed. 43

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"How do you make everything so sexy? I mean feet washing ... you do it and make me want." He smiled, cheek sliding up along Mason's leg, stroking slow. "I just like feeling." Mason growled low, fingers sliding through his hair. "You do it well." He shivered, that sound just driving him insane. He nuzzled Mason's inner thigh, licked a little. Mason growled again, legs spreading for him. "Mmm ... good." He licked and lapped the velvet soft sacs, inhaled the scents of come and musk and sweat. "Stone ... fuck, that's sweet." "Uh-huh. Uh-huh. So good." He took one ball into his mouth, sucked so gently. Mason's body shivered for him. He lost himself in the flavors, the motions, laving and exploring, tasting. Mason growled and groaned, noises addictive, sweet and rough, needy. He sucked on one hipbone, licked along the thick shaft, kissed the muscled belly. "You're something else," murmured Mason, fingers sliding through his hair. "Just an old, curious professor." He grinned, licked along one rib. Mason chuckled, chest moving beneath his mouth. "I do like the way you indulge your curiosity." "Yeah?" He found soft chest hairs, tugged them gently with his lips.

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Mason jerked, hands sliding down to his shoulders, fingernails scrapping over his skin. He hummed, wiggled, the sensation bright and hot. "It's like you're reading me with your mouth," murmured Mason. "That's a good analogy. You make one hell of a story." "Yeah? Don't stop reading." "Not a chance." He traced each rib, hummed the entire time. Mason started moving beneath him, pushing into the touches. He moved back down, lips wrapping around Mason's cock. "Fuck! Oh. Shit, Stone." Mason's hands opened and closed on his shoulders. He purred, head bobbing nice and slow. "Better stop," murmured Mason. "And glove up." Stone sucked again, tongue sliding over the tip before lifting his head. He heard the crinkle, smelled the latex scent of the condom hiding the smell of Mason from him. "Hate that." He went to nuzzle Mason's belly, Mason's hip. Mason's hand cupped his cheek. "You've got to be safe, Stone." "I know. I just wish they didn't smell so bad." "Yeah, I know what you mean. I'll bet it's even worse for you." He nodded. "I'll live." "Oh, I hope so. I'd hate this to be the only time we do this..." "Shit, Mason. I'd hate this to be the only time we do this today." 45

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Mason laughed, the sound rich. He grinned, nodded up at Mason. "You stopped reading," murmured Mason, fingers exploring his face. "Oh, I really want to know the climax of the story..." Stone chuckled, fingers wrapping around Mason's cock, lips wrapping around the fat tip. "Oh, fuck!" Mason groaned, thighs trembling. "Damn, Stone." "Mmm..." He moaned, head bobbing, ignoring the rubber taste. Mason pulled his knees up, legs bracketing his head, surrounding him in heat and the musky scent of Mason. Oh, that was good. So good. He ran his hands along Mason's thighs. "Got a sweet touch," moaned Mason. He sucked harder, needing, hips rocking his cock against the sheets. "Gonna make me come, Stone." He moaned, too, pulling harder, swallowing. Mason shouted, bucked, pushing that fat prick deep as it throbbed in his mouth. Stone whimpered, wanting to taste so bad. Mason's hands slid over his head, his face. "Damn. Damn, Stone." "Mmm..." He nuzzled Mason's belly. "Yeah, mmm. What do you need, Stone?" "Yes. Your hands. Your voice." "You like my voice?" Mason asked, pushing him over onto his back, hands sliding over his chest. 46

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"Hell, yes." He arched into the touch, humming. "You don't think it sounds like someone killing cats?" "I think it sounds like pure sex. Like a strong man." "Oh, I might keep talking you keep saying things like that." One of Mason's fingers flicked across his right nipple. "Oh..." That felt. Damn. Mason rumbled for him, finger finding his other nipple, mouth finding his neck. "Yes..." He tugged Mason closer. "Yes, please." Mason's leg slid over his, holding him down, while that mouth and those fingers explored, low rumbles vibrating against his skin. Oh. Fuck. Yes. He gasped, bucked, eyes rolling. "You're a sexy thing, Stone. A real sexy thing." "Glad you think so." He grinned, rubbed. "So glad you came to meet me." "Uh-huh." Mason's teeth closed around his nipple, not biting hard, but letting him feel it. He arched, feet sliding on the sheets. "Mason. Oh." Mason hummed, growled for him, touched him slowly all over. Stone was flying, every nerve lit up and firing, pleasure suffusing him. "Taste good," muttered Mason, licking at his nipples now. "Feels so good. So good." His head rocked, breath huffing from him. A little growl answered him, Mason's fingers spreading his legs, moving over them. He spread, let Mason see, touch. His balls were cupped, rolled in careful fingers. "Oh. Damn. 's fine..."

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Mason held him a little harder before those fingers slid behind his balls, tickling over the skin beyond. Stone spread wider, moaning low, legs moving restlessly. "Can I fuck you again?" Mason asked, voice low, full on gravel. "Oh, Hell yes." "Good." He could hear Mason getting the lube from the bedside table. Mason returned to his side, fingers slick and warm, stroking over his hole. He gasped, so sensitive, the nerves felt like they were on fire. "This okay?" Mason asked, stroking again. "So much. So good." He smiled, body just rippling. Mason growled softly, fingers stroking and stroking and then pushing into him, two, slick and sure. Heat. Stretch. Yes. Damn. Stone gasped, nodding, going with it. "So fucking tight, Stone." "Don't stop. Please." "Not planning to stop." Mason's fingers twisted, pushed and found his gland. "Oh!" Stone bucked, hands reaching out to touch Mason, find that hot skin. Mason's shoulders were solid, made for holding onto. Those fingers curled again, hit that spot again. Stone threw his head back, hips rocking, riding hard, those fingers pegging him again and again. Mason was growling and moaning, mouth sliding on the skin of his inner thigh. The sensations were overwhelming, huge. Fucking fantastic. Then Mason started to mouth his balls, fingers still working him hard. 48

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"Gonna make me come. Oh. Mason. Fuck." His voice sounded rough and raw. Needy. "Wait for me, Stone. Wait for me." The crinkle of a condom package being opened came again, and a moment later Mason was settling between his legs, pushing in. The world stopped for a second as he focused on the long slide of Mason's cock into his body. "Oh, Stone. Fuck. Damn." Mason's cock pushed until he was in deep, hips tight against Stone's ass. "Yeah..." He nodded, smiled. Fuck. Yes. "Gonna fuck you now," growled Mason, one hand wrapping around his prick, the other holding onto his hip. The man was as good as his word, moving slow and easy. "Oh, that's just right, lover. Just right." That earned him another growl, Mason keeping the pace right there. Oh, he was going to die, just feeling and riding. Mason didn't say anything, but he was making all kinds of noises, moaning and groaning. Onto that cock, into that hand, over and over, Stone just pushed and rocked and needed. They rocked together forever before Mason started pushing harder, faster, breath panting from him like a steam engine. "Yes. Yes. Oh, fuck." He couldn't stop touching, stop petting. "Yes." Mason was pounding into him now, pushing that thick cock deep. He was going to come; he could feel it everywhere, burning his skin, working his muscles. "Yeah, Stone. Yeah, let me feel it when you come." 49

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That voice did it, sent him right over the edge, balls going tight as he shot. "Stone!" Mason shouted, jerked as he came. Stone stroked Mason's face, shoulders as the big man nuzzled into his touch, pulling out and collapsing against him. Stone curled in, rubbing close, breathing the scent of them together. "Mmm ... A man could get used to this." He nodded, hummed. "You know it." Mason's fingers slid over his belly, petting. "Oh, that's nice..." Sleep was tugging at him. A low rumble was his answer, those fingers still moving. He sank into dreams, holding on, warm all through. Man, Mason was so hired. **** It had been awhile since Mason had woken up with a warm body in his arms. He'd forgotten how nice it was. His morning wood was snugged up against Stone's belly, the man glomped onto him with arms and legs. It made him moan, made him rumble happily. Stone smiled, snuggled closer, rubbing against him. "Mmm..." "Yeah, I was just thinking the same thing." His hand slid down to cup Stone's ass, squeeze it. "Great hands. Mornin'." Oh, Stone was cuddly in the morning. He could handle that. "Morning." Mason kissed the tip of Stone's nose. 50

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Stone chuckled, kissed the corner of his mouth. Then Stone reached, tapping a clock on the bedside table. "Nine a.m. Saturday. Good morning." "Yep. Morning." Stone grinned snuggled in. "Hey, that's pretty cool. Everyone could use something like that—you know, for those mornings when you aren't sure what day it is?" Stone nodded. "It's a fabulous machine and battery operated. My watch talks too." He chuckled. "What else talks?" Better to find out now than be startled later. "The oven. The calendar in the kitchen. The phone. The microwave..." "The phone?" The others kind of made sense, but the phone? "Uh-huh. It tells when someone called, that sort of thing." "Oh, of course, I hadn't thought of that." He chuckled. "It's going to take me some getting used to." Stone nodded. "Well, and we're going into the sighted world, so I'll have a lot to get used to, too." "I'll do my best to make it easy for you, Stone." He got a soft, slow kiss. "Thank you, Mason." "You're welcome. We are going to share a room, right?" Stone grinned. "We are." "Excellent. I was hoping last night was more than just a part of the job interview." He winked before realizing Stone couldn't see it. He was going to have to come up with new moves. 51

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"Last night didn't have anything to do with the job, Mason. Last night had to do with us." "It was a tease. Maybe I should pinch you or something instead of winking." Stone chuckled, grinned. "No pinching." "No? What do you suggest then?" He slid his hands down, threatening to goose Stone. "Kisses. I'm very fond..." Stone started wiggling. He laughed. "I'm not sure a kiss matches a wink..." Not that he was going to argue about kissing. "No?" Stone stretched up, lips offered to him. "Not the same meaning..." he murmured, licking at Stone's lips and then taking them in a kiss. Stone just opened right up, rubbing against him. "You're something else." Hot and hot for it. Stone was a treat. "Is that a good thing?" "Very good." He growled softly, taking Stone's mouth again, proving it. Stone opened for him, tongue sliding along his own. Mason liked how Stone gave as good as he got, was an active participant. He growled softly, a low rumble that meant yes and good. He felt the shiver that rocked Stone's body, heard the soft gasp. Now that was fucking sexy "Oh." Those pale eyes opened, Stone's cheeks going pink. He rolled them, putting Stone beneath him, rubbing against that lovely body. Stone smiled, sliding right back, seeming to sense his rhythm. It made him hot, made him 52

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want and rumble. Every sound made Stone react, gasp. He pushed against Stone, sliding along all that heat. "Oh. You feel so good. So good." "Feel fucking good your own self." Mason wrapped one hand in Stone's hair, tilting his head and taking his mouth hard and deep. Stone bucked, rubbing against him, opened wide. Oh yeah. Sexy. He rubbed and kissed, needing and wanting. Stone just seemed to give it up, offering him anything, everything. He wasn't one to say no to a good thing and he took everything Stone gave him, the passion building between them. Stone's hand wrapped around his cock, rubbing, stroking, the touch so fine. Growling with pleasure, he returned the favor, sliding his hand around Stone's prick and matching his lover's rhythm. "Good..." Stone's face was a study in bliss, the man not hiding a thing. "Yeah, Stone. Real fucking good." He pressed kisses to Stone's face, not lighting anywhere long, covering as much skin as possible. That earned him sweet little sounds, Stone's lips chasing his own. Oh, this was a fun game. He growled and kept it up, moving just ahead of Stone's lips, occasionally letting the corners of their lips slide together. Fuck, it was good. Amazing even as the need played in his body, slowly growing, becoming something he couldn't ignore or play around. "Soon, Mason, yeah? Soon. I need." 53

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He nodded and then said 'yeah." Growled it really, because he was close, too. He stroked harder on the cock in his hand, mouth finding Stone's and kissing him hard. Stone's fingers squeezed, the lean body going stiff beneath him as heat poured over his hand. His hips moved faster, thrusting his cock through Stone's hand a few more times to bring himself off. "Oh. Oh, damn. Good fucking morning, Mason." Stone was panting, grinning. "Yeah. Damn. Nice." He chuckled and collapsed against Stone. "Nice way to get up." Stone laughed. "You know it. Shower before food?" "Together?" He'd never shared a shower with a guy he was sleeping with. "Do you mind? The tub's big enough..." "No. I just never have before." "No? I love the water, the soap, the slick." Stone stood, tugged his hand. "Come on. After we'll go find breakfast." "Sounds good. The soap and slick with you, as well as breakfast." He let Stone lead him to the bathroom, admiring the man's naked form and the easy way he walked in his own home. "How hot do you like it?" The shower was huge, a padded seat along the back. He chuckled and his voice was as suggestive as he could make it when he answered. "Oh, I like it hot." Stone blushed all along his spine. "Oh. Good." Mason reached out to slide his fingers up that spine, feeling the heat of Stone's body. "You do hot really well." 54

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"Flatterer." Stone arched like a cat. "Is it going to get me laid?" He kept stroking, admiring the lean lines, the way Stone moved. Stone's laughter filled the air. "Oh, Hell yeah." "Then let me continue." He grinned, adding a bit of nail as he ran his fingers along Stone. "You're sexy. The way you move, the way you experience everything." The water warmed up and Stone pulled them in together. "That feels good." "So do you. I could maybe get used to this saving water thing..." Stone found the soap, started washing him. "You think?" "Fuck, yes." Stone nodded, hands sliding over his skin, driving him mad. He pushed into those touches, rubbing against Stone, sharing the soap between them. "Mmm ... 's good. Damn good." He just growled, his own hands exploring Stone's skin, enjoying the slick feeling of it all soaped up. Stone washed him—hair and all, hands moving over him, searching. "Are you looking for something?" he asked quietly, enjoying the touches. "Hmm?" That face turned toward him, eyes looking just past him. "Feels like you're looking for something..." "No." Stone smiled, the look peaceful, happy. "Just looking." "Oh. Right. I forget..." "Does it bother you? I can stop." 55

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"No, it feels good," he admitted. Like he'd make the man stop doing something that came natural, that made Stone look so damned happy. "Oh, good." Every inch of him was explored, stroked, mapped. He'd never felt so seen. It was heady and sexy and it made him feel like the center of Stone's world. "You're a beautiful man." He smiled and chuckled. "I'm not sure beautiful's a word most people would use for me." "They don't see you like I do." He groaned softly, taking Stone's hands and kissing his fingertips. "Oh..." Stone smiled again, the look ... transcendent. Oh, indeed. That look could become addictive. He slid his hands around to cup Stone's ass. As could holding this. Stone moved closer, took a long, slow kiss. Mason murmured into Stone's mouth. "We're never going to get anything done." "Sure we will. We'll get hungry..." He laughed, hands squeezing Stone's ass. "Mmm..." Stone rubbed against him, moaning low. "I'm never going to look at a shower the same again," he told Stone, encouraging the rubbing. "This is a good thing." Stone hummed, their skin sliding together. "I don't know, Stone. I can imagine it might get embarrassing at the gym." He winked and then rolled his eyes at himself. "I winked." "Oh, that means you owe me a kiss." Stone chuckled. 56

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"That's right." He leaned in and licked at Stone's lips, nibbled for a moment and then slid his tongue into Stone's mouth. "Mmm..." Stone arched, opened right up for him, let him in. He could get used to this all right. Mason stroked the sides of Stone's mouth, so soft and hot. Stone moaned, body pressed against his, so hot, so lean. He felt his way along Stone's spine, fingers stroking as he continued to devour Stone's mouth. Stone just vibrated, pale eyes moving restlessly. He slid one hand down, wrapping it around both their pricks. "Oh. Oh, I'm too old to get it up again..." "Yeah, me too," he murmured, pumping the both of them, pretty sure that they were both gonna prove themselves wrong. "We should take it easy. Gonna ... gonna hurt ourselves..." Stone's hand joined his. "Wouldn't want to hurt something important." He moved their hands faster. "Nope. No chafing. Chafing is bad..." "You got hand lotion? There won't be any chafing." He took Stone's mouth again, speeding their hands. Stone opened, eyes shining in the sunlight that poured in. Fucking sexy. The heat between them was amazing, stunning, Stone's cock filling, growing heavy. It matched his own and he slid his thumb along their tips, pressing. A cry pushed into his lips, Stone bucking. 57

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"That's it," he murmured. "You and me being crazy and doing stuff old guys like us shouldn't." "Uh-huh. Keep me young." "Gonna try." He chuckled. "Keep us both young." "Hell, yes." Stone smiled. "Your laugh is ... wow." "You are gonna give me a swelled ... head." Stone stopped, started laughing loud and hard, body shaking with it. Oh, now there was a sight and sound he was going to have to make happen again soon. "You sure make me happy," Stone said. "Mmm ... Ditto." He went back to kissing, to tugging on their pricks. Stone groaned, pushing hard now, lips parted and hungry. Mason nipped on Stone's lips, sucking it into his mouth, teeth scraping on the soft skin. "Need..." Stone whimpered, bucked. "Yeah, me too." He was growling again, that need riding him. "You too?" Stone groaned, rocking, gasping. "Please. More." He brought his other hand down, cupping Stone's balls. Those eyes went wide, heat spraying over his fingers. "Yes!" "Yeah. Fuck yeah." Growling, he tugged harder, let himself go, spunk shooting from his cock. Stone slumped against him. "Damn." "You keep saying that. I keep saying nice. We need a new repertoire." That laughter came again. "Food. We need food. Pancakes. Bacon. Coffee." 58

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"Yeah, before we faint. You have a House of Pancakes around here?" "We do. I have to take a taxi there. Sixth and Ambrosia." "Well, I do believe driving is my job. Let me take you to breakfast, Boss." "Sounds perfect, lover." Mason stopped and looked at Stone and then smiled. He liked the sound of that. A lot. **** Mason pulled up to the hotel. "We're here. Do you want me to go in and make the arrangements?" They'd been driving all day. Their first stop on Stone's book tour. The last two weeks had been full of laughter, making love, learning each other. Today had been less than special, the traffic heavy, both of them tired after a night of making out. "I. Yes. Please. We should be all set up. Bottom floor room." Stone's fingers slid along the SUV's dashboard. He slid his own along Stone's arm. "Okay, I'll take care of it." Mason leaned past Stone, made sure his door was locked before opening the driver's door. He got them all checked in, got everything signed, then got outside to an empty car. Stone and Leeah were walking in the grass near the highway, completely oblivious. "Fucking Christ." Growling, he headed for Stone. Stone was whistling, Leeah eating grass, tail wagging. "You sure you 59

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don't have a death wish, Professor?" He made a mental note. Don't leave the Professor alone in strange places. "Hmm? Pretty sure. Leeah had to pee. Did you get us checked in?" He shook his head. He had about twenty reasons why Stone shouldn't be wandering around on his own like this, but he knew from experience it wouldn't matter. "I did. Come on, let's go see just how many flat surfaces we can find." "Sounds perfect." Stone's hand slid around his arm, following easily. "Is there a hot tub here?" He chuckled. "Are you after my virtue, Professor?" "Oh, hell yes." Stone's laughter was happy, warm. "You want pizza for supper or you want to eat in the hotel restaurant?" "I want to eat you." The smile turned into an 'o', Stone almost bouncing. "Really?" "Fuck, yes." Especially if even just saying so made the man look like that. "Stone first, steak second." "Mmm. Steak." Stone let him lead the way to the hotel room door, Leeah searching the room as soon as the harness was unbuckled. At least the dog had a little sense of Stone's safety. "Oh, this isn't bad. You need me to walk you through it or can I just throw you onto the bed and fuck you through it?" "Where's the bathroom? The bed?"

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"Bathroom is four steps to the left of the door. The bed's ten steps into the room. And it's big. They must have known you were bringing company." "Cool." Stone took ten careful steps, Leeah running over to stop him before he hit the bed. He admired the way they worked together, Leeah helping give Stone confidence. Then he followed the lean body, snuggling up behind Stone. "Oh. That feels good." Stone relaxed, just melted against him, hot and lean. "Been a long day, Professor. You doing okay?" "Doing better all the time. All the time." Stone leaned back against him, smiled. "It's harder, being in a strange place." "Well Leeah and me, we'll be your familiar." "I like the sound of that, Mason." Stone turned, pushed up for a kiss, the action familiar now, warm and passionate. He returned the kiss, tongue pushing into Stone's mouth. "Oh..." Stone rubbed, pale eyes wide. There was something about this man with the sightless eyes and seeing fingers. Something about his sounds and his smells and the way he dove into every sensation. Stone worked his shirt open and off, fingers finding his nipples unerringly, pinching them. He gasped, the sensation sharp and hot and there went his cock, interested to needing bad in seconds. "Stone. Fuck." "Uh-huh. That's the plan. Fuck." He chuckled and growled a little, knowing it turned Stone on. Stone groaned, rubbing against him, hard as a rock. "Too many clothes, Professor." He slid his fingers beneath Stone's sweater, sliding it up. 61

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"Mmm..." Stone stretched, little ass wiggling. "Your hands are fine." "And you, Professor, are easy." "But not cheap." "No Stone. Never cheap. You're top quality." He winked and laughed at himself. Two weeks and he still couldn't break himself of the habit. "I owe you a kiss." "Oh? Cool!" Stone smiled, tickled, happy. "That's thirteen." "Thirteen? Since this morning?" "Uh-huh. You winked a lot in the car." I don't seem to remember giving you kisses for any of them either." He leaned in and rubbed their lips together. "I guess I'd better get moving on what I owe you." "Excellent plan." Stone's tongue slipped over his lips. He chased it down, sucking it between his lips, pulling Stone's tongue into his mouth. Stone dragged them down onto the bed, hands traveling over his skin, driving him mad. Mason pushed and pulled at Stone's clothing, getting his lover naked, exploring the warm skin with his hands, fingers dancing. Stone responded to every touch, skin flushed, lips parted. He turned Stone onto his stomach, slowly exploring the long spine with his fingers and lips, humming and growling. "Oh. Oh, Mason..." He got off on those needy sounds, that gasp. He slid his pants off, started rubbing against all that warm skin, cock sliding along Stone's crack. Stone's thighs spread, legs trembling as that ass was offered to him. He groaned, the lube in their bags that were over by the door. Two weeks 62

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and it was still urgent enough that he was loath to leave Stone long enough to get it. Instead he pushed himself down along Stone's body, tongue sliding along spine and crease and finally teasing Stone's hole. "Oh. Oh. Oh." Stone cried out, knees slipping up underneath him. Hell, yeah. He started to fuck Stone with his tongue, loving every single fucking sound the man made. Stone moved back against him, so eager, so responsive. The man's balls nudged his chin, and he cupped them in one hand, fondling gently. "Oh. Mason. Please. So good. I need." That voice was something else, all raw and husky. He tried to hold out, hand sliding forward to wrap around Stone's cock, stroking it as he continued to fuck that sweet ass with his tongue. Stone started fucking his hand right from the start, cries growing louder. Mason kept fucking that sweet hole with his tongue, kept pumping the hard cock. "Gonna. I. Oh. Mason. Fuck." Stone jerked, body shaking violently, heat pouring over his fingers. He growled softly, tongue slowing, hand squeezing until another jerk rocked Stone's body. Then he kissed that perfect ass and climbed off the bed. Stone lifted his head, frowning. "Mason?" "Condoms," he answered tightly, his own need riding him hard now. He wanted that ass. "Oh. 'kay." Stone relaxed, ass in the air. He chuckled as he returned to the bed, running his fingers over Stone's ass. "You're just begging for it, aren't you?" "Uh-huh." Stone rocked, offering. 63

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Groaning, he put the condom on and climbed back on the bed, settling behind Stone. "Ready?" "Please. Now." Stone nodded, pressing back toward him. "Yeah. Fuck." Growling, he lined up and pushed in. Fuck. Stone was tight and hot and he didn't think this sensation would ever grow old. Stone arched, took him in, ass moving against him. He wrapped his hands around Stone's hips, fingers sliding on warm skin, tugging Stone back further. All the way. Stone sat up, sat in his lap and rode his cock. His eyes rolled, his lips landing on Stone's shoulder, muffling his shout. "Yes. Good. Mason." Stone started riding, leaning back against him. He slid one hand around Stone's chest, the other dropped to Stone's cock, encouraging Stone to find more pleasure. Stone's eyes were wide open, staring up sightlessly. He could see the pleasure, the happiness in the thin face. Mason licked his way up along Stone's neck, moaning as he reached Stone's mouth. Those lips opened right up to him, tongue sliding against his own. He growled, encouraging Stone to move faster on him, meeting that ass each time it came down. "Oh. Oh." The sounds just poured from Stone, body squeezing him. Mason did everything he could to make sure Stone came again, this time with him, on his cock. He slid his thumb across the tip of Stone's prick, pushing against the slit before spreading the liquid there down over the hot flesh. 64

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"Mason. Oh, sweet fuck..." He loved the way Stone flushed, gripped him. "Yeah. That's it. Oh fuck!" Mason came, teeth digging into Stone's shoulder as he came. Stone's cry answered his, Stone bouncing a few times before shooting. He rested, head on Stone's shoulder, panting as he tried to catch his breath. Damn. It just kept getting better. Stone's fingers twined with his. "So good." He nodded and chuckled, whispered, "Nice." "Better than nice." Stone snuggled back. "So, do you hate being stuck in a car with me yet?" "Nope. I enjoy driving and you're a good passenger. Today was long, though. I've been looking over the maps, and luckily most of our trips are going to come in shorter than this one." He chuckled suddenly, hand sliding to wrap around Stone's hip. "You hate being stuck in a car with me yet?" "No. Although I need to charge up my laptop so I can work some. It's hard to just sit still." "Oh, I can make sure you're not sitting, Stone." He winked, laughed and gave Stone a quick kiss. "But we should eat so we have energy for not sitting still later." "Sounds good. I need to prepare for tomorrow too." Stone sounded nervous suddenly. "Yeah, you should tell me what's expected of you and what you expect of me so we can work together as smoothly as possible." And so he didn't go into his overprotective caveman mode, which Stone didn't seem to appreciate. It was easier to keep the growling to himself if he wasn't surprised by stuff— 65

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like Stone walking his dog on the edge of the highway in a strange place. "I'm going to give a little talk about the story, read an excerpt, then sign books forever." Stone sighed. "You have a choice, really. If I were you? I'd drop me off at eight and then come back at three so you don't have to sit and wait. You can explore the city, have some fun." He frowned. "I thought I was hired on to help you?" Like he was going to just drop the blind guy off somewhere neither of them knew in a strange city. Like he was going to drop his lover off like that. "You are. I just ... I feel guilty, I guess. I don't want you to be unhappy..." He snorted. "Stone, I was in the service for ten years. I have stood at attention for hours. I have scrubbed latrines and dug ditches and done the most fucking boring and despicable jobs I'd ever want to do. I think I can manage a few hours sitting next to you and getting to smell you while I make sure no one tries anything funny." "Oh." Stone's face turned up toward him and he got another one of those smiles, wondering and happy and completely honest. "In that case, we'll have to go to lunch together." "It's a date." He ran his hands over Stone's face, fingers tracing the lovely smile. "You are something else, Professor." Stone's lips brushed over his fingertips, kissing them. "I'm just me. You make me happy..."

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"Yeah? Good. Ditto." He bent and kissed Stone's lips. "Let's go find some supper and then you can show me what you need to make sure we bring with us in the morning." "Okay. Did we bring up Leeah's bag? The one with the wood handles?" "Yeah. What is it?" He got up and went over to get the bag. "Her bowls, her food and her blanket." Stone stood, walked around the bed, heading toward the bathroom carefully, one hand out. He kept his mouth shut, biting back the instructions that came automatically. He'd told Stone where everything was, if the man needed help, he'd ask. Instead, Mason opened the bag and set Leeah's blanket out beside the bed and put the bowls out of the way on the other side of the little table by the bed. Stone found the wall, followed it over to the little vanity and sink. "Bring me your water dish, Leeah." The dog hopped up, grabbed the plastic dish and ran over, tail wagging furiously as she pressed it against Stone's thigh. "Good girl." Stone filled the dish up, put it down next to the sink. "The two of you really are something else." He enjoyed watching Stone moving around, making his life work despite his handicap. "I need her." Stone stroked her head, then went back to searching, finding the tub and toilet, the towels, then back out to find the little table and chairs, the door. 67

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He waited patiently by the bed, not helping, not hindering. He hadn't been exaggerating when he'd said he'd stood at attention for hours. And back then he hadn't had a lovely body like Stone's to admire while he was doing it. "Where are you, lover?" Stone stood by the door, listening. "Over by the bed. Are you ready to go to the restaurant?" "Well, I normally wear clothes." Mason started to laugh. "I guess I do, too." Stone moved right toward him, smiling. "Love your laugh." He looped his arms around Stone as soon as he was in distance. "I can't remember every using it as much as I do with you." Stone kissed his chin. "Thank you." "Just the truth." Then he slapped Stone's ass. "Come on. Dressed. Dinner. Set everything out for tomorrow and then I'll love all those worries away." "Worries? Who's worried? I never worry." Stone grinned. "Where did the clothes end up?" "All over the floor. You want to find your own? I wouldn't mind watching that ass as you bend over to pick stuff up..." Instead of winking he went straight for the kiss this time. Stone was laughing as their lips met, eyes dancing. He kept the kiss light, though—it had been a long time since Stone had eaten. Eventually they got dressed, settled. Leeah fed so they could go. He straightened Stone's top button. "Sorry, I distracted you while you were doing it." Stone grinned. "Am I presentable?" 68

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"More than." He put Stone's hand in the crook of his arm. "We leaving Leeah here?" Stone tilted his head, thought. "I. Okay. Okay, we can." "I don't want you to be uncomfortable, Stone. But I also need you to trust that I won't steer you wrong." "Yeah. I trust you. I just ... I haven't ever left her behind." Stone held on to him, fingers tight. "Well, if it's going to stress you out then let's bring her along." "No. No, I trust you enough to make love with you; I can trust you to take me to supper." "When you put it that way..." He led them out into the hall, checking his pocket for the cardkey before letting the door close behind them. Stone held his arm, walking carefully, walking close. "The hall opens up into the lobby in about ten more steps and then, according to the sign, we'll hang a right and cross the lobby to get to the restaurant." "Cool. Is it a nice hotel?" "Yeah, it's not bad. Impersonal though." He turned them, crossing into the lobby and avoiding the crowd of people at the front desk. The maitre 'd showed them to a table and he helped Stone into his chair before taking his own seat across from the man. They had a pattern now, Mason explaining the table, Stone's fingers wandering. Then he quickly went through the menu for Stone, knowing now which meals to skip. "Anything there sound appealing?" "Hmm ... the barbeque chicken pizza, I think." 69

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"And iced tea? Or you want something a little stronger tonight?" "I think I'd like a Bud Lite and a glass of water." Stone smiled, hand exploring the tablecloth. "What's the weather like?" "Overcast and grey. Supposed to be sunny tomorrow." The waitress came and he gave their order, having a beer himself and a steak. "She put buns on the table. Twelve o'clock. There's butter too, in the basket. I could butter one for you if you wanted. "Thank you." Stone smiled, waited for him. He split a roll and buttered it without fanfare, putting it on the little bread plate to Stone's right. "Two o'clock, two halves." That was becoming second nature now, giving Stone cues so he could "see". Stone found it, eating easily, looking more and more relaxed as they learned each other. He munched on his own bun, making conversation, asking about Stone's book and how many people he expected at these signing things. When the food arrived, he helped Stone transfer the quarters of pizza to a plate that wasn't blazing hot. The pizza smelled good, the chicken grilled, crust perfect. His steak looked good, too. Prepared just the way he liked and spiced nice. They dug in, concentrating on eating and from the way he was wolfing down his own, he figured it was well past time to be eating. Stone just kept distracting him with that sexy body and that amazing sensuality. "Can I have a bite of yours? It smells amazing." 70

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"Of course." He cut off a bite and held the fork out to Stone's lips. "Just open up." He found he enjoyed feeding Stone—the man just made everything a sensual experience. He thought maybe he'd like to feed Stone with his fingers some day. He almost snorted at himself. What a sap. "Mmm..." Stone purred, chewed, face pure bliss. "So good..." "Yep. There's nothing like steak to fill a man's belly." "It's good. When we eat in the room, I'll have to order it." "I could feed you." He rolled his eyes at himself. He thought he was going to keep that to himself. "Yeah?" Stone looked incredibly turned on, all of a sudden. "I could go for that." "Oh. Cool." He grinned and had another bite himself, reaching out to brush Stone's fingers. Stone smiled, nibbling his pizza, relaxing. "You want coffee and dessert?" he asked Stone when they were done. "Can we get it to go?" He chuckled. "I imagine they'll deliver it to our room, yeah. I'm not sure we'll get much of it eaten though..." "We could share each other's." Stone smiled, licked those full lips. "We could. I could ... feed you." Stone blushed dark, nodded, and he wanted to see the heat and need in those pale eyes. "What's your favorite dessert?" he asked, knowing no matter what it was he wanted to taste it from Stone's lips. 71

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"Mmm ... strawberry shortcake with whipped cream." "Oh. Whipped cream." Oh, that had potential. "Yeah. I love whipped cream. Berries. Dark chocolate. Nuts. Oh, and champagne." Sensual, sensual man. "I'll see what I can do." If he couldn't manage it for tonight, he'd make sure it was available tomorrow. "Oh, I don't have to have them all at once. I just like them." Stone smiled, fingers stroking his hand. "I bet you like the champagne for the bubbles." "You'd bet right." "I bet it tastes amazing from your mouth," he growled, turned on by the thought. "Oh. I'd like to try that." He could see Stone's flush traveling along the lean body. "Yeah. Me, too." His voice was little more than a rumble, his cock going hard. "We need to order dessert and go." Stone pushed his dark glasses up, almost panting. "Yes, sir, we do." He waved the waitress down. "Do you have strawberry shortcake and champagne?" "We do. You want them both?" He nodded. "Delivered to our room as soon as possible. We'll charge the meal to our room as well." "You got it, just sign here." He did, thanking her as she left. Then he stood and put his hand on Stone's arm. "Come on, Professor. Before we embarrass ourselves."

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Stone's hand slid around his bicep, natural and easy as anything. "Sounds like a plan, sir. Sounds like a hell of a plan." "Yeah." He headed them back to their room. One hell of a plan indeed. **** Stone made it through his first signing. Then his second. By the third he was exhausted and ready to quit. He didn't like sleeping somewhere new everyday. He didn't like not knowing where the bathroom was. He didn't like the car. He didn't like being lost. He didn't like any of it. He sat in the bathtub, hot water up to his neck. "You go on to supper, Mason. I'm not going anywhere tonight." "Room service sounds good. What do you want?" Stone sighed. "No more pizza. I'm sick of pizza." "Steak? A burger? A salad?" He leaned back, fingers searching for the soap. "Pot roast and mashed potatoes?" "If they've got it, it's yours. And if you give me two minutes to get supper coming, I'll soap you up." "You're good to me, Mason." Stone stopped searching, just relaxed back and waited. He heard Mason chuckle before he picked up the phone and ordered their supper. Leeah wandered in, nudged his fingers with her cold nose and he petted her idly. "How's my girl? You holding up okay?" 73

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"Better than you," growled Mason, hand squeezing his shoulder. "You want me to join you or just soap you up?" "You can join me." He sat up, giving Mason room as the man slid into the tub behind him. "Go on Leeah, I filled your food bowl, go eat." Stone chuckled as Leeah harrumphed, toe nails clicking on the tile as she left. "Sorry, Professor, but she stares." "Does she?" There was that chuckle. "She does. It's disconcerting. Especially if I'm planning on doing stuff like this..." Mason's hand slid around him, down to cup his balls. "Oh..." He leaned and spread, lips parting. "That's good." "Yeah? How's this?" Mason's other hand slid around him from the other side, fingers teasing over his cock. "You're trying to cheer me up." "Up is definitely the operative word." Oh. No fair. Now Mason was going to make him laugh. Mason's lips slid along his shoulder, fingers still dancing on him. "Oh. Oh, that..." He relaxed, the water splashing slightly, his skin tingling. "What's that, Professor?" He shivered, moaned. "Don't stop." "Oh, I wasn't planning on stopping." Mason's hand finally did stop teasing, sliding around him instead and pumping him gently. "Oh..." He rubbed back against Mason, purring, tension fading from him. 74

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"Mmm ... yeah." Mason's mouth went back to wandering, sliding over his skin as that hand slid over his cock. Over and over. Stone floated, entire body rocking and moaning, happy to float right there. Mason's hand tightened on his cock. "You feel good, Professor." "I do. You make me feel good." That growl sent him soaring, sent vibrations through him. "Good. That's what I'm going for." Mason kept stroking his cock, his other hand pushing beyond his balls, sliding along the skin beyond it. He groaned, rocking nice and slow, body begging for it. Mason's cock was hard, too, sliding against his ass every time he moved. Yeah. Good. He pressed back against the stiff heat, ass just rubbing. "Stone. Fuck. I want you." Mason's growl got deeper, lower as he got needier. Stone nodded, shivered. "Hell, yes. Please." "Yes." Mason's fingers slid around and pushed along his crease, one finger sneaking in. He leaned forward, giving Mason room to touch. The hand around his cock disappeared, moved back to his ass. One finger from each hand pushed into him, Mason's hands cupping his cheeks. "Oh..." He groaned, rode those fingers. "Sexy, Stone. You're fucking sexy." One more finger pushed into him, spreading him, opening him up. "Oh. Good." He panted, spread wide. Needing. "Fuck," muttered Mason. "I need a condom." 75

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Stone nodded, moaned. "I need you." Mason kissed the back of his neck, fingers sliding out of him. "Be right back, lover." Oh, he was empty. Wanting. Needing. Mason padded away and then back again, sliding into the water once more, fingers stroking over him. "Where do you want me?" "Right where you are." Stone heard the condom wrapper open, felt Mason fiddling behind him, and then those hands wrapped around his hips, hauling him up and back. He went easily, moaning low, letting Mason lead him. That hard prick pierced him, pushed inside him. His moan echoed, the splash of the water unusual. Once he was seated on Mason's cock, Mason began to nibble at his neck, his shoulders, hands on his hips, holding him in place. Stone shivered, moaning low, body wanting to move, to buck. Mason growled softly. "Feel it build, Stone. It's gonna be so good when we start moving." "Oh. You're so hot, inside me." The pressure was stunning, overwhelming. "Yeah? You're like a fucking vise around my cock. Feels fanfuckingtastic." One of Mason's hands loosened its grip around his hip, touched his cock and slid back. "Fuck. Won't be long, Stone. I need to move soon." "Uh-huh." He squeezed, his heart just pounding. "Oh fuck." Mason raised him up and brought him down again, cock sliding inside him, hard and undeniable, so hot. "Yes..." He nodded, panting, needing it. 76

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"Yes." Mason brought him down again and again, strong arms lifting and lowering him. His cries echoed, the water splashing, world just spinning. Mason started pushing up as he came down, meeting him with hard thrusts, their bodies coming together with loud, wet splashes. His hands slid over the cool tile, the ceramic, nowhere to catch hold. "I've got you." That made him shudder, made him shake. "Yes. Yes. Fuck..." "That's right." Another growl and he was brought down hard. "Touch yourself." His cry echoed, hand wrapping around his cock, stroking good and hard, entire body hard. "That's it. Come on. Show me." Each word was harsher than the last, each word was accompanied by a thrust, that cock pushing through his hardness, right into him. "Mason!" He bucked, coming so hard he couldn't breathe, couldn't think. Mason kept moving him, kept pushing into him, making him come and come, making him shake. He just melted, world spinning. Mason jerked into him a few more times before crying out, hands squeezing his hips hard. Leaning back, Stone just let Mason hold him, support him. Those hands slid around him, one stroking his belly. "Nice." He chuckled, ass squeezing. "Better than nice." "Yes, Professor." He turned his head, kissed Mason's cheek. "Yeah." 77

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Mason's lips covered his, the kiss long and lazy. Oh. Yeah. Better. Even good. Mason slid out of him, turned him gently so they could keep kissing. He leaned in close, tongue sliding against Mason's. That growl filled his mouth, their tongues moving together, Mason's hands tugging him closer still. He settled in Mason's lap, their bodies so close, skin on skin. "You are a fucking fine man, Stone." "I'm fucking a fine man, Mason." "That's what I ... oh." Mason started to laugh. He grinned, loving that sound. Just loving it. Mason's mouth took his again, the laughter filling him. Yes. Oh, he'd needed this. So badly. Those hands were sliding along his back, grabbing his ass. "Mason ... what you do to me..." "I turn you on." "You make me happy." "Yeah? Good." Mason stood, bringing him up as well. "And the water's making you wrinkly." "Ew ... wrinkly professor. Icky." Mason chuckled again, helping out of the bath, drying him off gently. There was a knock at the door. "There's our supper. Let me go sign for it." "Ooh! Was there roast?" If there was roast, he was going to completely give up on being grumpy. "Yep. And I'm going to feed it to you." Mason gave him a quick kiss and headed to the door. The man enjoyed that— feeding him—and he enjoyed it too. More than he probably ought to. He heard Mason's gravel voice at the door, then it 78

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was closed. "Come on, Professor. It's safe to bring that naked ass out here now." He chuckled, slowly made his way into the room, Leeah coming to him. "Where?" "The bed." Oh, there was heat in that voice. He moved carefully, finding the edge of the bed. "I can do that." "Good." The plates and cutlery clinked and then the bed dipped beneath Mason's weight. "You look sexy and decadent, Professor." "I do?" Sometimes he just felt lost. But sexy and decadent? Sounded way better. "Hell yes you do. Naked, in my bed, about to let me feed you. And you've got this..." Mason's fingers slid through his hair, pushing it off his face. "Little curl here that never wants to behave." He leaned into the touch, cuddling right in, cheeks going hot. Mason chuckled, fingers stroking his face. "You ready to eat, Professor?" "I am. It smells luscious. What's yours?" "Steakburger, fries and salad. You want my garlic bread?" "I'll share it with you." His fingers started searching, looking for the tray, for the food. "That's prudent." Mason chuckled and gave him a quick kiss. Then his hands were taken, put in his lap. "I'm feeding you, remember?" "Mmm-hmm..." He smiled. He was growing fond of this game. "Mmm. Oh, these potatoes are heaven." 79

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"Oh. My turn." He reached out, found Mason's knee. Mason chuckled and took his hand, brought it to Mason's crotch. "There's a forkful at twelve o'clock, just open up." He opened his lips, fingers rubbing Mason's sac, drawing lazy circles. Mason moaned as the potatoes slipped into his mouth. Oh. Warm. Creamy. Good. The potatoes weren't bad either. "More?" growled Mason. "Uh-huh." He stroked up along Mason's cock. This time the fork held a bite of his pot roast and wasn't exactly steady. "Mmm..." He rubbed and wiggled and chewed, feeling good. One of Mason's arms snaked around his waist and pulled him closer as he was fed a bite of garlic bread from Mason's fingers. He nibbled the bread, then those fingers. "I love eating with you." "I know what you mean." Mason's fingers slid across his lips. He kissed and licked, sucking Mason's fingers in. A French fry slid into his mouth. "Mmm ... salty." He ate one, opened his mouth for another. Mason's tongue slid into his mouth. "Oh..." He sucked Mason's tongue, hand sliding over the flat belly. A deep rumble filled his mouth and then growl and tongue disappeared, another French fry replacing them. "Mmm ... yummy." He moved his fingers up, searching out tight, sensitive nipples.

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A mouthful of potatoes was next, followed by another bite of roast and a bit of carrot, Mason moaning loudly as his fingers connected. "Never going to eat in public again." He squeezed each nipple, toes curling. Mason growled, shuddered beneath his touch. "Stone ... fuck." "Uh-huh. Again after supper." He nodded. Absolutely. Mason chuckled and kissed him hard. "Have a bite of my steak burger." "Is it tasty?" He opened wide, unsure how big the burger was. "Not as tasty as you, but yeah, it's good." The bottom of the burger slid against his lower lip, letting him bite down. Oh. Lettuce, tomato, some interesting sauce. Yum. Mason's finger slid against the corner of his lower lip and pressed into his mouth, flavored by the sauce. He liked that, sucking hard, tongue pulling at that finger. "Oh, fuck, that's sweet, Stone." Mason's tongue licked at his lips. "You taste good. So good." "You don't taste so bad yourself, Professor." Mason's tongue slipped into his mouth for a minute and then disappeared, more food slipped into his mouth by salty fingers. He groaned, scooting closer, lapping and licking Mason's fingers clean. Mason pulled him right into the warm lap and continued to finger feed him, one bite after another, fries and pot roast and vegetables and garlic bread. 81

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It was luscious and right and sensual, their skin rubbing and sliding together. Mason fed him until they were both full, until the hunger between them had nothing to do with food. His fingers were tangled in Mason's soft hair, feeding gone to slow, sensual kisses that were setting him aflame. Then Mason slowly lowered himself down onto the bed, bringing Stone with him, their mouths never parting. This was pure magic, the way they fit together, the way Mason's cock felt in his hand. Mason's purrs and growls slid through him, those warm hands exploring his skin as if it were the first time. He was hard again, the heat building easily, slowly, both of them moving together. Mason deepened their kisses, tongue filling his mouth. He moaned, arms wrapping around Mason's neck and holding on. Those big hands moved on him, working slowly down toward his ass, fingers curling around it as they got there, squeezing, holding, rubbing. He couldn't be wanting again. He couldn't. Of course, with this man? He always did. "Want, Stone. I need hard." "All yours." He whispered the words against Mason's lips, ass rocking into those hands. "Good," growled Mason, teeth nipping at his lips as he was rolled beneath Mason's strength. Yes. He arched into the touches, into Mason's muscles. Mason's hands pushed his legs apart, pushed them up, exposing him. Two fingers slipped in. "Still open from earlier. Good." 82

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"Real good." "Yes." Mason growled again, hands holding his calves, keeping him open. Heat and hardness bumped against his ass, slid to his opening and pushed in. Slowly. Oh, damn, Mason was going so slowly. "Oh..." His breath caught, entire focus on the pressure inside him. "Fuck, you're something else, Stone." He could feel Mason's eyes on him, looking at him. "I love how you feel inside me." Mason just growled, one hand smoothing back his hair, the other braced near his head. His legs were pressed back against his chest and he could feel Mason's breath on his face. Then Mason began to move, slowly, carefully, maddeningly. "Oh..." Every inch made him ache, made him burn. The sensation drove everything from his mind but Mason. Finally Mason was seated deep inside him and that low growl sounded almost constantly, like a purr only deeper, harsher. "Mason..." He arched, ached, soft words and promises pouring from him. "Oh, Stone." Mason started to move, the strokes long and even, filling him over and over again. "Yes." "Fucking yes." Mason's growl was soft, but the thrusts were growing harder, needy. 83

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That heavy cock pegged his gland and he cried out, shoulders leaving the mattress. "Again!" Mason didn't disappoint, their flesh slapping together as again came again and again. Stone couldn't catch his breath, just moved and held on and moaned. Mason groaned and moved faster, pushing him harder. Soft touches of Mason's lips brushed the skin of his face. "Love..." Stone rippled, inhaling deep as he came. Mason growled loudly, thrusting hard until he was melted and finished and then the condom was filled, Mason collapsing onto him. He stroked Mason's face. "Damn." "Yep. Damn nice." Mason's mouth nipped at his fingers. "Better than nice." He started laughing, happy all through. "Words aren't really enough. Nice'll do." "It will." Mason slid out of him, and settled against his side, fingers stroking his skin. "You happy, Professor?" "I am. Thank you." "Good." Mason held him closer, one hand on his ass, the other wrapped around his waist. "Good." "Mmm-hmm. Good." He cuddled right in, happy as a clam. Mason drew the covers up, the dishes clinking. He chuckled, kissed Mason's shoulder. "So good to me." "You make it easy." "Yeah? Good." "Are you happy?" Mason was quiet for a moment and then grunted. "Yeah. I am." "Oh. Good." He petted Mason's belly. 84

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"Good." Mason chuckled. "Yeah. We're good." "Maybe even nice." Mason's chuckles turned to laughter, those strong fingers finding his ribs and tickling him. "Mason!" He cackled, twisting under those fingers. Mason kept it up until was almost too much and then backed down, knowing somehow, fingers drawing him closer again and smoothing over his skin. He hummed, cuddled close. "Back on the road tomorrow," murmured Mason. "Just a couple hours though. We could leave late if you wanted." He nodded. "I miss my house." "And we've only been on the road just over a week. You're going to be utterly miserable by the time this thing is finished." "It's harder than I thought it would be—trying to relearn everything every day." "Yeah. Everyone says how these hotel rooms are all alike, but they're different enough if you can't see." Mason squeezed him. "What else can I do to make it easier on you, Stone?" "You do. You're the one constant I have." He snuggled in. "My home, yeah?" "Is that how you think of me?" He went still, listening hard. He shouldn't have pushed. "I ... Does that upset you?" "I didn't say that." Mason's hands had stilled as well, his body silent. "I'm not sure how to respond, Stone." 85

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"You don't have to." Oh, God. He was the world's biggest fool. "Where are we headed tomorrow?" He sat up, hands searching for his laptop, his computer. Simon had always said his eyes gave everything away, and he'd already given enough away for one night. Mason's hands took his, stilled them. "I'm not good at this kind of thing, Stone. I'm just an old war dog." "It's okay, Mason. No stress." He closed his eyes, fingers petting Mason's restlessly. "Honest." Mason's fingers turned and squeezed his before sliding up his arms and drawing him back down to lie against Mason's body. "Santa Barbara." Mason's voice was rough, quiet. "Cool." He had no idea where that was compared to where they were, but it didn't really matter. The pattern would be the same. Driving. Speaking. Signing. Searching a new hotel room. He touched his watch. Ten o'clock. If he was at his house, he'd log on and play for a few hours before he took Leeah out for her midnight walk. Here? He'd just doze off, listen to Mason flip channels after awhile. Hope that he hadn't seriously fucked everything up. **** The drive to Santa Barbara had been uneventful, the hotel room a lot like the one they'd just left. The signing in Santa Barbara was just like all the others, too, except they expected Stone to stay on and sign through the dinner hour until eight p.m. 86

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Mason'd growled, but Stone agreed to do it. He thought they were taking advantage of Stone. Finally they were done and he gathered Stone's stuff together, firmly put Leeah's leash into Stone's hand. "Oh, aren't you staying for the reception?" asked Jenny, the perky 'liaison' the bookstore had provided. "The reception?" Stone looked exhausted. "What is that?" "The book clerks and some invited guests. Like a meet and greet." Mason shook his head. "No. He's been here since eight a.m. Signing since ten. We're done." He put Stone's hand on his arm and started off. "But..." Stone sighed, stopped. "Ten minutes. That's it. I'll shake hands and smile, but I haven't eaten and I have to be somewhere else in twelve hours." "You don't have to do this, Stone." "I know, but if they've invited people..." He growled. "It's not on the agenda." "It's on my agenda," Jenny told him, "See?" "I do. But the one we got? Shows Stone leaving at five p.m. It's eight." He glowered at the girl who shrank back, eyes wide. "Ten minutes." Stone leaned against him half a second, then stood. "Where am I supposed to be?" He kept glowering, letting the girl know he wasn't happy as she led them to a large area at the back of the store. "My eye's on the clock, Stone." 87

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"Well, good." Stone chuckled, grinned. "Because it wouldn't work as well if mine were." He gave Stone a look and then laughed, tension easing a bit. Stone found a chair, shaking hands and speaking politely to the small crush of people. At ten minutes, Mason was grumbling. At fifteen, growling. At thirty? Stone pale and withdrawn and tired? Mason was done. He cut off the babble of one of the clerks who was holding Stone's hand and pumping it, telling him how much he adored the books. "We're going. Now." Stone nodded. "Supper time." He helped Stone up again, once more putting Leeah's leash in Stone's hand and putting Stone's free hand on his arm. "Excuse us," he told the crowd and headed them off, refusing to be deterred this time. "Food?" Stone leaned against him, followed him easily. "I can pick something up on the way back to the hotel or we can order room service. You don't need to be sitting in a restaurant." "No? Am I rumpled?" He got a chuckle, Stone smoothing his sport coat. "No, you're exhausted and need to be able to relax and know that no one's watching you." "I want pancakes." "With syrup? I'd like to feed that to you." "Syrup and butter." Stone smiled. "And orange juice." "We can do that." He got Stone into the car, Leeah in the back. 88

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It didn't take long to get to the hotel, Stone dozing by the time they got there. "Come on, sleeping beauty," Mason murmured, helping Stone out. "Hmm? We home? Here? Whatever?" Stone stumbled a little on the curb, reaching out for him. He wrapped his arm around Stone's waist, steadying him. "Come on, Professor. Let's get you naked and in bed." "With orange juice and pancakes." Stone nodded, found him a smile. "That's right, Professor." He chuckled and waited until they'd turned the corner out of the lobby to take a kiss. Stone opened nice and easy, leaning against him, hand sliding up his arm. "I've been wanting to do that all day," he growled, stroking Stone's cheek and leading him to their room after their lips parted. "Where is Leeah's bag, Mason?" "We set her up last night, remember?" Damn Stone was out of it. "Now let's get you naked and the food ordered." "Okay." Stone pulled off his shoes, the jacket shrugged off. "I can do naked." "And you do it well." Mason picked up the phone and ordered them both pancakes and orange juice for Stone, milk for himself. Then he turned to watch Stone finish getting undressed. The man was sexy as fuck. Stone stripped down to nothing, then slid into the bed, cuddling into the covers. Mason sat on the bed on top of the covers and stroked Stone's hair back 89

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from his face. He'd wait until the food came before he stripped down himself. "You want anything?" he asked gruffly. Stone shook his head, sighed. "No, Mason. Just been a long, long day." "I know." If it had been up to him, he would have taken Stone out of there at five. "I want your publisher to send us an updated schedule. No more surprises like today." "Okay. Okay, that's a good idea." Those pale eyes were closed, still. He kept stroking, bent to kiss Stone gently. Mason was still feeling a little awkward over what Stone had said. He was Stone's home. That was a big deal. No one had ever had to count on him before who wasn't paying him. Well. Stone was paying him, but they were lovers, too. So it wasn't the same. He just kept stroking. Stone fell into a light sleep, breath coming slow and easy, trusting him implicitly. That, at least, he was used to. He looked after people, kept them safe. Grunting, he settled, waiting for their food while Stone slept. The knock startled him when it came. He'd dozed off himself. He signed the card and brought the food in, stripping down before climbing back into the bed and bending to kiss Stone awake. "Mmm ... Mason..." Stone smiled, reached for him. "Hey, Professor. I've got your pancakes here." "Yum." Stone pushed closer, the kiss getting deeper. 90

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"That's not your pancakes," he whispered before diving back into the kiss. Stone smiled, tongue sliding against his own, so warm, so easy. He broke off the kiss with reluctance. "You need to eat, Stone." "You need to feed me, Mason." "Yes. I do." He reached for a plate and a fork, cutting a piece of one of the pancakes and pressing it against Stone's lips. "Mmm ... tasty." Stone looked blissful, happy, eyes closed. "I've never seen anyone enjoying eating as much as you." "Flavors, smells. It's all good." "Uh-huh." He leaned in, licking at the sticky syrup on Stone's lips. "Oh. All good..." Stone moaned, opened for him. He tasted the pancakes in Stone's mouth and his stomach growled. Laughing he fed Stone another piece. "You eat, too." Stone grinned, sucked the fork clean. "Yes, sir." He dove back into Stone's mouth, grabbing a bit of pancake. Stone laughed, one hand wrapping around his neck, holding him close. He kissed Stone a few moments longer before feeding him another bite, taking one for himself, too. Stone was hungry, eager, eating happily, sharing long kisses between bites. The juice he fed to Stone from his own mouth, sipping and pouring, making sure that Stone ate and drank his fill. Stone made soft, low sounds, pushed them into his lips. He managed to get most of the pancakes into the two of them 91

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before he abandoned the feeding entirely for making love. Stone's lips were sweet, body warm and smooth beneath him. He was getting used to this, to caring for Stone, to feeding him and making love to him. He was getting used to needing. Stone pressed close, pale eyes unfocused, warm. The man looked far more relaxed and happy than he had an hour ago. Growling, Mason nibbled the salty skin of Stone's neck. The soft chuckling moan was familiar, easy, telling him that Stone wasn't worrying, wasn't thinking, was just enjoying him. He teased his fingers along Stone's skin, gentle touches designed to wake all of Stone's nerves. "Oh. Oh, so good. Mason..." Stone shivered, skin going pink. "Yeah." He nodded, rubbing his chin against Stone's neck. Stone stretched, the action rubbing them together. He rolled Stone, fingers finding the lube on the little bedside stand— he'd started putting it there whenever they arrived so he wouldn't have to search for it. Mason slicked up two fingers and pushed them into Stone, watching the pale back ripple. "Oh. Mason. Fuck..." Stone arched, taking him right in. "Yeah, Professor. That's the idea." He bent and kissed the back of Stone's neck, working Stone open hard and fast. Stone pushed back, riding his touch, rocking and needing him. He shifted, bending to kiss Stone's balls. So soft and hot. The sound he got was low, raw, pure sex. Mason kissed them again and then let his fingers slide away. Grabbing a condom, he got it on, got it slicked up and pushed into Stone's ass. Hot and tight and just what he 92

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needed, Stone cried out, hips bucking. Growling, he wrapped his hands around Stone's hips, pulling him back into each thrust. They fit right together, Stone just holding him tight, squeezing his cock. He kept his eyes open, watching Stone writhe and ripple, riding him. Stone didn't hold a thing back, pleasure audible and obvious and hot as hell. He slid one hand down around Stone's cock, wrapping that heat in his fingers. "Yeah..." Stone bucked, hips moving faster, pushing them. "Oh. Fuck. Yeah." Each word was punctuated with a thrust, his hips snapping. Stone arched, body squeezing him tight. "Damn." "Fuck! Stone!" He growled, hips jerking as he filled the condom. Heat poured over his fingers, Stone gasping and jerking, coming hard. Mason kept moving, slowly, gently, making Stone shiver and ripple and then he stopped, resting, leaning over Stone's back as he caught his breath. Stone cuddled into the mattress, humming soft and low. He slid out, ditched the condom and snuggled up against Stone's back, that sweet ass fitting perfectly into the juncture of his hips. "Mmm. I should get up and..." Stone yawned, cuddling closer. He kissed the back of Stone's neck, hand sliding beneath the man to cup his cock. "Nah, you can get it up later." He squeezed gently and then pulled the covers up over them. Stone chuckled, relaxed, warm in his arms. "Good plan." 93

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"Glad you think so." He dropped another kiss on the warm skin. Mason reached over and turned off the light, settling in curled up around Stone. "'Night, Professor. I love you." "Night." He thought maybe Stone hadn't heard him, but then he got the softest kiss before Stone drifted off, breathing deeply. Leeah leaned up, put her head under Stone's hand, and sound asleep, Stone petted the soft head. Mason chuckled and waved at Leeah, the dog settling back on the floor by Stone's side of the bed. There. Everyone was settled. Mason let himself relax, sleep. He thought maybe he could handle being home, anywhere they were.

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