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

“You are no closer to your sister than I am.”


“That’s…” He stopped. Though he wanted to, telling his mother the truth wouldn’t be in his or Sapphire’s best interest. “Maybe true. If it is, I’m sorry for it. I am. And no, I can’t read her mind, and she won’t like the idea of my speaking for her, but I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s late every time because she’s working up the courage to put in an appearance.”


He deliberately gazed around the kitchen. “Now, as there appears to be no plans for dinner, I suggest we do our own thing for today. I opt to eat out.”


He hated leaving his mother alone again, but she made it difficult to be near her, and when not reading documents related to work, for the last few days all he’d done was to potter around the house or shag the gardener. He needed time off the estate.


Chapter 34