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

“I didn’t mean only this lot.” A wave of Ethan’s hand toward the table reminded Rich of all the papers spread out. “I’ve started on the plans. Done some sketches.”


Though Rich had plans of his own, curiosity won out. He followed Ethan.


“I don’t know if you’re thinking about water features but…well, with the house being eco-friendly, water-features are good for wildlife.”


“I’ve picked out three possible placements. I like…” Ethan stepped back and shook his head. His lips twisted to one side when Rich looked over. “Sorry. I was going to say which I like best, but it’s for you to choose.”


“It’s for us to decide,” Rich insisted, unsurprised when Ethan shrugged the comment off and stayed silent, leaving Rich to study the drawings. The planting blueprints were beyond him—he didn’t know the Latin name for even a single plant—but the layouts were better than he expected. As for the sketches…“These are good. More than good. Excellent. You’re as skilled as your father.”


Chapter 79