A warm-hearted rich man's son, Richard Gardener needs to overcome three obstacles: find a way the family business can run without him, help his mother cope with grief, and stop butting heads -- and other parts of his anatomy -- with the gardener.<br><br>Ethan Fields has worked for the Gardener family for many years. He’s struggling with debt and the desire to leave, and has loved Richard far longer than the man would believe. Ethan can cope with most things, but his anger with Richard’s mother won’t fade. Until that and his feelings for Richard are resolved, he feels trapped and, alas, the idea that sex will get Richard out of his system isn’t working.<br><br>To make the situation worse, both men assume too much and don’t say the right words, and Ethan’s offer of ‘just sex’ grows more complicated by the day. Can Richard and Ethan stop getting their wires crossed before their paths diverge?

Flowers for the Gardener

Ruby Gardener eyed her son, her expression questioning.


Please don’t ask. Rich sent up a silent prayer for her not to voice the most obvious enquiry—he could give no realistic explanation why he was outside minus a jacket on such an arctic morning. He breathed easier when she glanced at her wristwatch, more concerned with time.


The coat, and handbag gave the fact away, but Rich took his mother’s cue and asked no questions.


“I’ll be out most of the day.” She gave him another stare, this one more reflective, while tugging onher gloves as though they offended her. “Please find something to do with yourself.” The tone impliedhe did nothing. Wasted his life.


“Of course you do. So…prepare for them?” The lilt of her voice changed the suggestion into a question, without disguising the insult.


Chapter 11