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 believe I never loved him? That I don’t love you? We always loved both of you but it doesn’t mean you’re easy to get along with. We can admire our parents’ attributes while acknowledging their flaws. Yes, Mother. You have flaws.” Sapphire spoke as though Ruby Gardener attempted to interrupt, though the outburst appeared to have stolen her tongue. “We all do. We’re human. At least some of us are. You do make me wonder sometimes.”


“Saffie.” Rich’s admonishment came as a quiet plea.


“Saffie?” His mother stared at him. “What is this Saffie? Rich. Saffie.” She shook her head. “I gave you both perfectly good names, so if we’re going to discuss flaws better look closer to where you’re sitting.”


“Abbreviating one’s name is hardly a blemish on one’s soul.”


“It’s a character deficit.” Their mother sniffed before taking a few sips of wine.


“We’re off topic.” If Rich knew his mother, it was what she hoped for.


Chapter 60