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

For several seconds, Ruby didn’t believe him. He witnessed the moment doubt slid into her expression. She pressed her lips together and rocked on her heels. Her grip on the handrail tightened. “I…I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it. Of course I didn’t. I…worry.”


Saffie ran fingers through her hair, somehow managing to avoid getting caught up in the ribbons. “About what? I’ll end up alone? If that’s what you think is the worst thing to happen to a woman, you’ve pottered around inside these walls far too long. It’s not like we’ll ever be broke and I’ll find myself on the street. Amazing as it may seem, I don’t need a man to complete me.”


“You mean, you don’t…ever…?” Ruby fisted her free hand.


Chapter 49