by Candace Shaw
Traci was still in such shock from him standing in her office that she’d barely heard what he’d asked. Nodding her head, she pretended as if she’d comprehended the words. When she replayed them, she was able to answer him.
“Well … I honestly didn’t do it all alone. I have a crew I work with depending upon what you request, and your mother helped. She’s very hands on.”
“Sooooo you want me to be hands on, too?” Sean stepped closer to her desk while resting a smoldering gaze on her face that she knew had to have turned scarlet for her cheeks were burning.
Traci was thankful she was seated so that he wouldn’t notice her squirm, or the crossing and uncrossing of her legs. She was at a sudden loss of words. She couldn’t place whether or not he was spewing sexual innuendos because he was so serious in his tone and expression. Perhaps it was just wishful thinking on her part because she’d had a crush on him since Dr. Darla had shown her his picture a few years ago.
“Not necessarily. It just depends on the client and their schedule. Your mother was semi-retired, so it was easy for her. Plus, she loves gardening. I’m convinced if she wasn’t a doctor she’d be a master gardener.”
He nodded his head. “Yeah, it’s my mom’s hobby, but for me I just want something peaceful to gaze at after a long day of work. Can you do that for me? My mom said you have a busy schedule, but I’d love for you to design and landscape my yard.”
She honestly didn’t have time, but for some reason she couldn’t say no to him. Not only that, but she needed the extra money.
“Then I’m your girl.”
Sean raised an eyebrow as his smoldering gaze reappeared, and the words she’d just stated replayed in her brain. Traci could sense a sexual innuendo running rampant in his head that would have her questioning whether or not saying yes was such a great idea. She decided to speak first before whatever was on the tip of his tongue came out and left her even more flustered than she already was.
“When would you like to begin?” she asked, taking out her iPad to look at her schedule.
An arrogant, sexy smile lined his rivetingly handsome face. “I’m ready whenever you are.”
Chapter Two
Strolling out of the kitchen toting two bottled waters, Sean headed toward the front door of his ranch-styled home. Traci was on time for their Sunday afternoon appointment as she’d rang the doorbell a few seconds before. He swung open the door and was elated to see the cute, little beauty in front of him wearing black-rimmed glasses. He hadn’t been aware she wore glasses, but they gave her a sexy nerdy look. She sort of reminded him of an African-American Felicity Smoak from the Arrow comics. Her hair was in soft curls around her shoulders and pulled away from her face with a black headband. She wore a lavender blouse that was open to show a white, fitted T-shirt that stopped at the top of her white, flowing skirt, which rested just above her knees. She carried a Botanical Gardens tote bag on one shoulder and a digital camera rested in her hands.
“I didn’t know I would have to do a photo shoot,” he teased, stepping back so that she could pass through into the foyer. “Where should we began? The living room? The hot tub?”
“It’s for pictures of your backyard,” she stated almost too seriously, as if she didn’t get the joke.
“Right. I was just kidding.”
“Oh,” she said, turning away from him and glancing around his home. “Which way to the backyard?”
He slid the heavy tote bag from her shoulder and pointed toward the kitchen. “I’ll carry this for you, and we can go that way.” After handing her a bottled water, he guided them through the kitchen and the adjoining great room to one of three sets of French doors that led out to the veranda.
“Thank you.” She took a swig of the water as she strolled in front of him. “Wow. This is absolutely breathtaking.”
“It’s just green grass.”
“To you its green grass, but to me it’s a blank canvas. I can do so many things out here. What is this … about one-half of an acre?”
“You’re correct.”
“Well, what would you like to see when you come home from a long day after listening to everyone’s problems? What do you want to hear? What do you want to smell?”
You in sexy lingerie moaning my name while the scent of candles fill the air.
He cleared his throat for his thoughts had clouded his brain. “Something peaceful and tranquil. I don’t have any trees, and therefore no birds, but that would be nice. I also enjoy light fragrances, sort of like the perfume you’re wearing now. What’s it called?”
Turning away from him, she fumbled with the lens cover on her camera. “Actually, it’s an oil that I made with rose petals and some other flowers.”
“Perfect. That’s what I want. A bunch of beautiful flowers that smell just as wonderful as you, or as close as possible because frankly you smell good enough to eat.”
The camera slipped from her hands, and he reached out to grab it before it landed on the tiled floor. “That was close,” he said, looping it around her neck. The strap wasn’t that long as the camera rested on top of her bountiful breasts, and he jerked his hand back when it almost brushed against the perky mounds.
Traci giggled nervously, running her fingers through her hair. “Yeah, thanks. I’m a klutz sometimes.” She turned away from him, but not before he caught a glimpse of her rosy cheeks.
“Okay, so definitely some roses,” she confirmed. “Perhaps a mixture of colors and types.”
“Types? Aren’t all roses the same?” He knew they weren’t, but it wasn’t something he’d actually thought about.
She rotated toward him with a peculiar expression. “No. There’s hundreds. Tea roses, antique roses, Knock Outs … I won’t plant any of those for they don’t have a scent, but they’re very easy maintenance so maybe a few.” Her nose wrinkled over her pursed lips. “So, you really didn’t know there were different types of roses? I’m sure you’ve ordered bouquets for your … lady friends.”
At first he was a little taken aback by her question for he felt his intelligence was being questioned. Sure he’d ordered flowers before for women, but never roses. He associated love with roses and never wanted any woman to get the wrong idea.
“I usually give them whatever their favorite flower is.” He shrugged, walking out on to the freshly mowed lawn as Traci followed. “I can honestly say besides my mother, I’ve never given a woman roses.” He paused, maybe hesitated for a moment because he didn’t care to admit that he was curious as to what was her favorite flower. Considering she was a horticulturist she probably had many. Though the truth was, he wanted to know more about her including the little things. Especially the little ones.
“What’s your favorite flower?”
“Roses, preferably pink. Do you intend to upkeep the gardens yourself or hire someone?”
Of all the flowers in the world she would love roses.
“I’ll probably do both. Right now, I have a company that cuts the yard and maintains the shrubbery in the front. They also do garden designs. I’d thought about asking them to landscape my backyard, but then I met you. Plus, my parents’ gardens are amazing and I want the same as them. I knew you were who I was searching for when I laid eyes on you. Something about your cute dimples hooked me.”
Sean winced as the words he’d just spoken into the universe resonated in his head. He’d meant what he’d said, but they seemed to take on a different connotation as he spoke them out loud … especially when Traci’s alert brown eyes grew wide without blinking.
Clearing her throat, she tried to muffle an embarrassed smile as her dimples sunk deeper into her cheeks. “Well, thank you for the compliment. I’m going to snap pictures of the yard and the back of the house in order to sketch out some design ideas to email to you in a few days. I do see a vision with a tranquility, Zen-like garden. Maybe a pergola with seating, some trees for birds, and a water display of some type. Walking paths and a fire pit since you seem to love the outdo
ors. That way you can come out here when it’s cool with family and friends, or just when you need to be alone with your thoughts, or perhaps a romantic evening.”
“Mmm … that last scene won’t be happening.”
“I find that hard to believe.”
“You’re aware of my reputation?”
“I may have heard a rumor or five.”
He hated that. For some reason he didn’t want her to know that side of him. Yeah, he had the reputation of a playboy or bachelor-for-life persona, but he sort of wished she wasn’t aware of that. “Believe it or not, I’m not the romantic type. I love having fun and chilling with women, but I’m not into the romantic, lovey-dovey thing. It’s simply not me.”
“Maybe not now, but when you finally find that someone special you’ll probably change your mind.”
“I doubt it. It’s just not me.”
“And why do you think that is?”
“Should I go lay down on the couch?” he asked cynically, taking a gulp of his water. “Are you my shrink now?”
“Shrink? Is that a word you even like?”
“Sure, it’s not as offensive as one would think. For me, I feel as if I’m shrinking my patient’s issues and concerns so they can have happier lives. It’s quite rewarding.”
“Okay, but back to my original question that I think you’re trying to avoid.”
“Hey … what can I say? I thought I’d found the perfect one years ago and she wasn’t. I wasn’t heartbroken or no shit like that, but it made me realize that marriage isn’t for everyone. I enjoy my dating life because it gives me the freedom to concentrate on other things that are important to me … like my family and my career.”
She nodded as if she was in agreement, but the empty look in her eyes spoke otherwise. Being a psychiatrist afforded him the luxury of sensing when something was amiss with someone. Reading body language came with the job. Lifting her chin, he gazed down at her innocent, beautiful face.
“Who broke your heart, dimples?”
*****
Traci’s nerves were in utter shock, and she didn’t know how much longer she could stand there while his warm, masculine hand was piercing her skin. The fear of fainting was imminent because she’d practically lost her breath from the second he’d opened the door wearing a charismatic smile that appeared to have been created just for her. His slightly worn-out fraternity T-shirt did nothing to hide his muscular arms, and she’d caught a glimpse of a tattoo peeking out on his upper-arm but she couldn’t make out what it was. Now he was in her personal space staring down at her with a concernment about some A-hole from the past who’d broken her heart. She couldn’t even remember his name for Sean was the only name in the forefront at the moment.
“Um … gosh … it was a long time ago. Just this boy I knew in college. No biggie.” And it truly wasn’t especially now since her pulse raced for the devastatingly handsome man standing in front of her.
“Really? You looked sad for a moment.”
“Oh … but not for me. For you,” she answered sincerely.
He abruptly dropped his hand and stood back. “Why for me?”
“Well … you seem to be a really great guy. Your mother is always saying how family-oriented you are, and that you’re great with your nieces and nephews. I’m sure you’d make a wonderful father and husband one day. Don’t let one rotten apple spoil the entire the bunch. That’s all.” The words flowed truthfully and honestly, yet Traci suddenly feared his response when discernment washed over his face. Now she was scared she’d spoken out of turn to her client and was about to be dismissed. She clutched the camera hanging from her neck and glanced at her tote back that was draped over his shoulder. She had an inkling she’d have to grab it any second now. Instead, a smooth smirk lined his face.
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you’re trying to be my shrink. You think I need counseling, Dr. Reed?”
She let out a relieved breath. “No. I just think—”
“—that I’m a really great guy that should settle down? You and my entire family, especially my mother.”
“Well, who knows? You may meet the perfect woman one day that will knock you off your feet. There’s someone for everyone.”
“Ah huh. So you believe in the whole soulmate thing? That my kinda girl is out there?”
“Mmm … well, yes.”
“And have you found yours?”
“No. I thought so, but he wasn’t the one.”
“Oh … the boy from college?”
“Yes.”
“That’s your problem. You need a real man. You’re highly intelligent. Beautiful. Witty. Beauty and brains is a lethal weapon, my dear. A lot of men can’t handle …” He stopped abruptly.
“What?” she asked, confused as to why he’d stopped. She rather enjoyed the compliments.
“Nothing,” he said, shaking his head and grinning. “So when do you think you can get started?”
“Well, once you approve the plans, I’ll have the guys I work with come over probably one day next week to dig up whatever grass won’t be needed and then go from there.”
“How long will it take?”
“Depending on the design plan and weather conditions, about three weeks to a month. I’ll have to come over once I’m off from work and on the weekends.”
“Cool. Just let me know, and I’ll help you.”
“Oh really?” That threw her completely off guard. She wasn’t sure if she could focus if he was assisting her. She assumed he wouldn’t be interested in planting flowers.
“Sure. I mean … it is my yard, and I had fun yesterday repotting the orchids.”
“Cool. Gardening can be a fun experience and a stress reliever.” Turning the digital camera on, she scrolled through the menu section. “I’m going to take some pictures and head on out.” She glanced at her watch before snapping the first picture.
“You have another appointment?” he casually asked.
“Oh … yes.” No, not really unless the appointment was heading home to begin working on his plans and catching up on her favorite shows on her DVR.
“Hot date?”
“No. Just work.”
“So you’re a workaholic?”
“No, not at all. I enjoy my career so therefore it really isn’t work to me. I’ve been around gardeners all my life starting with my grandmother and my mother.”
“I can relate. Both of my parents are doctors, so it was inevitable that me and my siblings are doctors except I chose a different route. The study of the brain can be quite fascinating even though I do enjoying studying the anatomy … well, a woman’s anatomy.”
“Well, I guess you have the best of both words.”
“What do you do for fun besides working with plants?”
“I like to go to plays, the movies, hang with my girlfriends, or go to blues clubs on Beale—” The ringing of his cell phone interrupted her. She nodded her head understandably to excuse herself even though he shook his head in the negative. However, she needed to take a few more pictures from different angles and headed further out into the yard. Besides, she wanted a moment away from him so she could exhale.
Being in his presence wasn’t doing her nerves any good. The man was gorgeous in every sense of the word. From his wavy hair, thick eyebrows, and chiseled features to his confident smile, Traci was having a hard time tearing her eyes away from him. Her chin still felt the warmth of his hand, and she could only imagine how it would feel on the rest of her body. His scent lingered in the air. It wasn’t too overpowering like some men who splashed on cologne to attract women. Sean didn’t need to. The light, woodsy scent was tantalizing enough to make her want to climb up on his body and plant a kiss on his lips.
Ten minutes later she returned to the veranda but Sean wasn’t there; however, her tote bag was seated on the couch. She grabbed it and ventured back through the same set of French doors, which led to the extensive gourmet kitchen that she’d noticed earlier was sparklin
g clean. Either he didn’t cook or he was a neat freak. However, when her eyes landed on the scene in front of her at the island, she was convinced he was just a freak.
A woman, twirling a pair of handcuffs, was perched on a bar stool scantily clad in a leather get-up. Her extremely long legs—that were encased in boots past her knees—were crossed, and long weave touched her butt. Sean’s back was to the door and the woman hadn’t noticed Traci either. Ms. Thang was too busy begging. When Traci spotted the leather whip on the island she knew it was time to go.
“Sean, you missed my fashion show last night so you have to make it up to me,” she explained in a seductive manner, resting her palm on Sean’s cheek. “I’m flying out of town in the morning for fashion week in New York.”
He removed the woman’s hand and gently placed it on the island. “Now isn’t a great time. Perhaps I’ll catch you when you get back … or not.”
Traci decided to make her presence known before she witnessed one of Sean’s favorite pastimes. She lightly cleared her throat and two pairs of eyes landed on her.
“Hey, Dr. Arrington,” she paused, not sure why she’d called him Dr. Arrington in the most professional tone she’d ever used, “I have all of the pictures I need. I’ll be sure to send you the landscaping plans in a few days.”
He backed away from the island and walked toward her. “Um … thank you. Are we done because I thought we had a few more things to discuss?”
“Yes, I have another appointment and you have company. I’ll talk to you soon.” She headed toward the front door, attempting not to make it appear as she was trying to hurry the hell up, but she’d never been so embarrassed in her life. The vision of handcuffs and a whip was now etched into her brain. As she reached the doorknob, a hand landed on her shoulder.
“Wait … Traci … I had no idea she was coming over.” He said it softly and almost apologetically.
Turning toward him, she prayed her face wasn’t red because it was definitely burning.
