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

“Do you want us to do it in the water?”


Though Ethan enjoyed the discomfort on the other man’s face without shame, they were getting nowhere fast. “Lead on.” Did he see disappointment? Why? “If you want me to strip, show me where.”


Another series of subtle changes passed through Richard’s expression, anything from surprise to trepidation, excitement, or delight.


This time, after a slight pause, Richard led the way.


“I didn’t know this place has a sauna.”


No reason Ethan would but now the man saw, Rich fought embarrassment. The distinction highlighted yet another difference in their social standing. “We’ve a full gymnasium and…” Who on earth used the word gymnasium? Why not abbreviate it to gym? As for the rest, Rich waved a hand toward the treatment room where, through the open door, a massage table stood in view. “There’s no staff for this.” His face burned. “I mean, there is. Not on site.”


“A masseuse at your beck and call, hmm?”


Chapter 14