Fire and Granite

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: andrewgrey@comcast.net

  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