by Andrew Grey
“You need to wait until everyone gets here,” Clay said as he came through the back door, catching Duane and lifting him into his arms.
“Do you need any help?” Rich’s mom asked.
“You’re a lifesaver, Nancy,” Andrew told her, as more kids started arriving.
“Then I’ll take the kids out back, and they can bounce and play to their hearts’ content.” She led the way, and Andrew approached Clay, who had put Duane down.
“I thought you had to be at the work thing for the sheriff.” Andrew’s mouth went dry the way it always did when he saw Clay.
“I walked in, and Pierre met me at the door, asking me why the hell I was there. He took me to say goodbye and then told me to get the heck back here.” Clay grinned. “I didn’t argue the point at all. Apparently Pierre is ten minutes behind me. He and Jordan will be here with Jeremiah soon.” Clay drew Andrew closer, hugging him tightly. “You, the kids, they’re more important to me than a job or kissing the right butts in order to get ahead.”
“But….” Andrew held Clay even tighter. “You put in to be appointed interim sheriff?”
Clay shook his head. “I’ve thrown my support behind Pierre. He’ll make a great sheriff until the next election. All the men respect him, and he’ll do a great job.”
Andrew hugged Clay even tighter. “Clay, are you sure about this?” He blinked a few times.
“Yes. I want to be here for you and Auburn and Duane. I made you promises when we decided to move in together, and I mean to keep them. You and the kids are my priority, and always will be. That’s work… you’re my life.” Clay kissed him quickly and then hurried off to help corral the kids.
ANDREW WAS exhausted. The party had been a success, and the kids were in bed, completely worn out and happy.
Clay came out of the bathroom in a pair of sleep pants and nothing else. Andrew stood in place, just watching him. He’d been waiting for his chance in the bathroom, but took a few moments to take in the sheer masculine power that was Clay.
“Everything was a success,” Andrew said quietly, running his tongue over his lower lip. He was pretty sure he was too tired for amorous activity, but that didn’t stop heat from rushing through his veins.
“It was….” Clay turned and smiled. “Do you know what Duane asked me after the party?”
Andrew shook his head. “I have no idea.”
“Apparently he and Jeremiah had been talking, and he asked me if you and I were going to get married.” Clay closed his dresser drawer.
“What did you say?” Andrew asked he finished getting ready for bed.
“That I didn’t know.” Clay slowly got down on one knee and opened a small white box. “I hadn’t asked you yet.” He smiled, and Andrew put his hand over his mouth as he moved closer, a smile forming on his lips as he nodded.
More from Andrew Grey
A Carlisle Deputies Novel
Jordan Erichsohn suspects something is rotten about his boss, Judge Crawford. Unfortunately he has nowhere to turn and doubts anyone will believe his claims—least of all the handsome deputy, Pierre Ravelle, who has been assigned to protect the judge after he received threatening letters. The judge has a long reach, and if he finds out Jordan’s turned on him, he might impede Jordan adopting his son, Jeremiah.
When Jordan can no longer stay silent, he gathers his courage and tells Pierre what he knows. To his surprise and relief, Pierre believes him, and Jordan finds an ally… and maybe more. Pierre vows to do what it takes to protect Jordan and Jeremiah and see justice done. He’s willing to fight for the man he’s growing to love and the family he’s starting to think of as his own. But Crawford is a powerful and dangerous enemy, and he’s not above ripping apart everything Jordan and Pierre are trying to build in order to save himself….
When Broadway actor Jonah receives word that his uncle has passed away and named him the heir to a property in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Jonah’s plan is to settle the estate as quickly as possible and return to his life in New York City. Much to Jonah’s surprise, the inheritance includes the Ashford Cemetery—and its hunky groundskeeper, recent Bosnian immigrant Luka Pavelka.
Jonah soon discovers Luka is more than easy on the eyes. He sees into Jonah’s heart like no man ever before, and his job at the cemetery is all he has. If Jonah sells, Luka is left with nothing. Luka is there for Jonah when Jonah needs someone most, and there’s no denying the chemistry and connection between them. But Jonah has a successful career back in New York. Now he must decide if it’s still the life he wants….
Home, love, and possibilities he never imagined are waiting for Billy Joe to claim them. But first he needs to escape the horrors of his past.
A twisted act of cruelty and prejudice drives Billy Joe from his Mississippi home, and he makes it as far as Pennsylvania—where his car breaks down just as the year’s first snowstorm blows in. Fortunately, Carlos is there to lend a hand.
Carlos is no stranger to hardship. His family rejected him for being gay, but with determination, he put himself through school and became a librarian. Carlos sees the same willpower in Billy, and he wants to help Billy and his son succeed in a new life that is very different from the one they left behind. With his support, they start to adjust, and before long, both men want more than encouragement from each other. They want the chance for a future together, but their families have other ideas… and Billy’s will stop at nothing to get what they want.
A Tale from St. Giles
The suspicious death of Dante Bartholomew’s wife changed him, especially in the eyes of the residents of St. Giles. They no longer see a successful businessman… only a monster they believe was involved. Dante’s horrific reputation eclipses the truth to the point that he sees no choice but to isolate himself and his heart.
The plan backfires when he meets counselor Beau Clarity and the children he works with. Beau and the kids see beyond the beastly reputation to the beautiful soul inside Dante, and Dante’s cold heart begins to thaw as they slip past his defenses. The warmth and hope Beau brings to Dante’s life help him see his entire existence—his trials and sorrows—in a brighter light.
But Dante’s secrets could rip happiness from their grasp… especially since someone isn’t above hurting those Dante has grown to love in order to bring him down.
A Tale from St. Giles
Family can be a blessing and a curse, but for artist Florian, it’s a nightmare he longs to escape.
As chief designer for Bartholomew Porcelain Studio, Florian specializes in painting birds. He also watches them in the wild to distract himself from his short-tempered mother, at least temporarily. Florian’s heart is too soft to leave his stepsister, Ella, to suffer alone. Still, he can’t help dreaming about one day finding happiness and love.
When Count Dieter von Hollenbach arrives in town to visit a friend and present an award, he isn’t looking for romance. Then again, he doesn’t expect someone as perfect as Florian to come into his life. To make sure Florian is all he seems and that their connection is genuine, Dieter keeps his title to himself.
But he isn’t the only one with a secret.
At a masquerade ball to celebrate the award, some of the masks fall away, but those that remain in place could destroy the love beginning to grow between them.
Readers love Fire and Flint by Andrew Grey
“…my sincere recommendation to anyone looking for a completely fresh story. You’ll not regret picking this one up!”
—Divine Magazine
“I cannot recommend this enough. I loved it start to finish and while it had some super sweet, it was hot too. So grab your copy and enjoy!”
—Mistress Anya’s Reading Nook
“I am definitely recommending Andrew’s new book and series (Carlisle Deputies) to all Andrew Grey, m/m romance lovers because this is one series you won’t want to miss!!”
—Love Bytes
“…an awesome addition to an already awesome series…”
—Jes
sie G Books
ANDREW GREY is the author of nearly 100 works of Contemporary Gay Romantic fiction. After twenty-seven years in corporate America, he has now settled down in Central Pennsylvania with his husband, Dominic, and his laptop. An interesting ménage. Andrew grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He is a recipient of the RWA Centennial Award, has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and now writes full-time. Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing). He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful, historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.andrewgreybooks.com
By Andrew Grey
Accompanied by a Waltz
All for You
Between Loathing and Love
Buried Passions
Chasing the Dream
Crossing Divides
Dominant Chord
Dutch Treat
Eastern Cowboy
In Search of a Story
New Tricks
Noble Intentions
North to the Future
One Good Deed
Path Not Taken
The Playmaker
Running to You
Saving Faithless Creek
Shared Revelations
Three Fates (Multiple Author Anthology)
To Have, Hold, and Let Go
Turning the Page
Whipped Cream
ART
Legal Artistry • Artistic Appeal
Artistic Pursuits • Legal Tender
BOTTLED UP
The Best Revenge • Bottled Up
Uncorked • An Unexpected Vintage
BRONCO’S BOYS
Inside Out • Upside Down
Backward • Round and Round
THE BULLRIDERS
A Wild Ride • A Daring Ride • A Courageous Ride
BY FIRE
Redemption by Fire • Strengthened by Fire
Burnished by Fire • Heat Under Fire
CARLISLE COPS
Fire and Water • Fire and Ice • Fire and Rain
Fire and Snow • Fire and Hail • Fire and Fog
CARLISLE DEPUTIES
Fire and Flint • Fire and Granite
CHEMISTRY
Organic Chemistry • Biochemistry • Electrochemistry
Chemistry (Print Only Anthology)
DREAMSPUN DESIRES
#4 – The Lone Rancher
#28 – Poppy’s Secret
#60 – The Best Worst Honeymoon Ever
EYES OF LOVE
Eyes Only for Me • Eyes Only for You
FOREVER YOURS
Can’t Live Without You • Never Let You Go
GOOD FIGHT
The Good Fight • The Fight Within
The Fight for Identity • Takoda and Horse
HEARTS ENTWINED
Heart Unseen • Heart Unheard
HOLIDAY STORIES
Copping a Sweetest Day Feel • Cruise for Christmas • A Lion in Tails
Mariah the Christmas Moose • A Present in Swaddling Clothes
Simple Gifts • Snowbound in Nowhere • Stardust
LAS VEGAS ESCORTS
The Price • The Gift
LOVE MEANS…
Love Means… No Shame • Love Means… Courage
Love Means… No Boundaries • Love Means… Freedom
Love Means … No Fear • Love Means… Healing
Love Means… Family • Love Means… Renewal
Love Means… No Limits • Love Means… Patience
Love Means… Endurance
LOVE’S CHARTER
Setting the Hook • Ebb and Flow
PLANTING DREAMS
Planting His Dream • Growing His Dream
REKINDLED FLAME
Rekindled Flame • Cleansing Flame
Smoldering Flame
SENSES
Love Comes Silently • Love Comes in Darkness
Love Comes Home • Love Comes Around
Love Comes Unheard • Love Comes to Light
SEVEN DAYS
Seven Days • Unconditional Love
STORIES FROM THE RANGE
A Shared Range • A Troubled Range • An Unsettled Range
A Foreign Range • An Isolated Range
A Volatile Range • A Chaotic Range
STRANDED
Stranded • Taken
TALES FROM KANSAS
Dumped in Oz • Stuck in Oz • Trapped in Oz
TALES FROM ST. GILES
Taming the Beast • Redeeming the Stepbrother
TASTE OF LOVE
A Taste of Love • A Serving of Love
A Helping of Love • A Slice of Love
WITHOUT BORDERS
A Heart Without Borders • A Spirit Without Borders
WORK OUT
Spot Me • Pump Me Up • Core Training • Crunch Time
Positive Resistance • Personal Training • Cardio Conditioning
Work Me Out (Print Only Anthology)
Published by DREAMSPINNER PRESS
www.dreamspinnerpress.com
Published by
DREAMSPINNER PRESS
5032 Capital Circle SW, Suite 2, PMB# 279, Tallahassee, FL 32305-7886 USA
www.dreamspinnerpress.com
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of author imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Fire and Granite
© 2018 Andrew Grey.
Cover Art
© 2018 Kanaxa.
Cover content is for illustrative purposes only and any person depicted on the cover is a model.
All rights reserved. This book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of international copyright law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, fines, and/or imprisonment. Any eBook format cannot be legally loaned or given to others. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the Publisher, except where permitted by law. To request permission and all other inquiries, contact Dreamspinner Press, 5032 Capital Circle SW, Suite 2, PMB# 279, Tallahassee, FL 32305-7886, USA, or www.dreamspinnerpress.com.
Digital ISBN: 978-1-64080-722-8
Trade Paperback ISBN: 978-1-64080-723-5
Library of Congress Control Number: 2018935340
Digital published July 2018
v. 1.0
Printed in the United States of America
