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

Jabbing a fork into a tomato, Rich shovelled a little of the salad wilting on the side of his plate into his mouth—an excuse to bide more time and avoid answering. With luck, she might forget or let the subject drop. This was the wrong time to confront his mother about her refusal. The larger project he had in mind required better prep and a conversation with William Fields. Which led to a host of other potential issues.


Unfair to raise the man’s hopes if there was no chance of winning his mother’s approval. On the other hand, he didn’t expect to win without a full proposal. William’s design provided a good base and, if Ruby listened for a change, Rich’s ideas might be good for her, too. Give her something on which to focus. Charity began at home, the greatest currency health. Ruby needed a reason to get out of bed in the morning. Work came with the potential to help overcome depression.


Chapter 23