by Joel Skelton
“I’ve got two water options for you to consider.” He slid his sketches over.
Hang in there, you’re almost done.
Ian went into detail regarding the pros and cons of each feature. At one point, Harper leaned in to compare sketches and reduced the distance between them by half. Using every ounce of concentration available, Ian managed to forge ahead.
“Would you like some time to think about these? You don’t have to decide tonight.” In his haste to get through his presentation, he feared he might have rushed this last part, which seemed to be so important to his client.
“Ian, which one do you like best?” Harper sat back, folding his arms across his chest.
Those eyes, that smile. “I like… I like….” He had to clear his throat. “I like the one that originates in the far corner. It can be bigger, and bigger is usually the route to go.”
Milliseconds after his “bigger” comment, he lost his battle with composure and started to laugh. “I’m sorry—”
“No…. No problem.” Harper chuckled. “I hear ya, big is always better.” Harper held up his bottle in a toast.
“Something like that.” They clinked bottles.
“I love this. I’m on board a hundred percent with what you’re proposing. You really have a talent.”
Ian’s palms had begun to sweat. Harper moved closer to him and once again reduced the distance between them to inches. “Oh, well, thank you.” Ian felt embarrassed. He’d never learned the trick to feeling comfortable accepting a compliment. Because he was so physically attracted to Harper, he couldn’t trust what he said or how he reacted. This isn’t good.
“I’m starving. Can you hang around for dinner? I can grill burgers or we can call for a pizza… anything works for me.”
This is your business, he reminded himself. He couldn’t chance losing control any more than he already had. As much as he wanted to stay, in an instant he decided it was best if he didn’t. “I’d love to, but I have to pass. A friend of mine is expecting me.”
HARPER waited for the jailer to slide open the door. He couldn’t say goodbye to the gunmetal grey cell block fast enough. The drab yellow visitation area felt warm and comforting in comparison. He signed out on the clipboard, stepped outside, and welcomed the sunshine.
The man he had just left was broken. So much so, it was hard for him to imagine the kind of vibrant personality Jasper Flynn had had prior to being convicted. Where was the charisma, the passion this man had once had that allowed so many smart people to have the wool pulled over their eyes? Whatever Jasper had going for him before, being incarcerated had drained it. Harper felt sad for him. Jasper was despicable, which he fully understood. But from a basic human perspective, to see a life like his destroyed was humbling.
Enough Jasper for now, he thought as he got into his car. He had a more pressing issue to contemplate. One Ian Burke, to be specific.
I bet he has a boyfriend. How could he not? A catch like that, he has to have guys after him all the time.
He pointed the car in the direction of his office while his mind raced toward Ian. Had it been a twist of fate that when he’d finally made a conscious decision to pursue a relationship, Ian had popped into the picture? He had almost forgotten what it was he found physically appealing in a man. Ian, in an instant, had brought it all back for him. From the floppy mop of brown hair on top of his boyishly handsome face to his bulging calves, he was perfection. And he came across as such a nice guy. A kind, genuine soul.
There was a tension, something in the air they seemed to share as they were going over the landscape plans. He was sure he recognized something. More than once while together, he sensed Ian was sending out an “I’m interested” vibe. And their initial meeting couldn’t be overlooked either. Setting ego aside, he knew he was considered handsome. Well, very handsome if he was being true to himself. And over the years, he had come to understand how his looks affected others. He had the ability to make those who found him appealing act nervous and flustered. It happened all the time. He’d gotten so used it, he rarely ever noticed anymore, unless, like in the case of Ian, it mattered. Ian had been very flustered on their first meeting, and that, in turn, offered him hope.
Harper parked and headed into the building. Depending on the amount of e-mails and calls he’d be required to return, he hoped to find time to revisit his research on potential clawback litigation. He was convinced if he knew the rules well enough and he could establish an element of trust, he might be able to ward off, at least for the time being, the attack that would surely be directed toward Phyllis Flynn. He found it necessary to treat this as an exercise rather than personalize it. This wasn’t about Phyllis. It was about his skills as a lawyer. He welcomed the challenge. It was unfortunate he had to waste this effort on the likes of Phyllis Flynn.
He’d only been at his desk for a few minutes when he heard a commotion in the hallway.
“For Christ’s sake, Duncan, I paid for these goddamn offices, and don’t you ever forget that. Oh, this must be the… the boy.”
Framed in his door stood Phyllis Flynn with Duncan Price panting behind her.
“May I help you?” He didn’t need to be introduced. He’d observed her uppity pouts in the courtroom during her husband’s trial and found her to be a revolting individual. Up until now, he’d been able to avoid a face-to-face meeting. Today his luck had run out.
“Callahan, how did a nice Irish boy get mixed up with these clowns? I’m Phyllis Flynn.”
“Of course you are,” he said, rising from his chair. “We spoke… very early the other morning. Duncan, how nice of you to bring Mrs. Flynn around to meet me.”
“Duncan had nothing to do with anything. I’m calling the shots here, junior.”
“In that case, please have a seat.” He gestured to one of two chairs opposite his desk. “What can I do for you?”
“Listen, you little snot,” she hissed. “Take this advice if you’re as smart as you are pretty.” Phyllis advanced a few steps forward.
He felt his right eyebrow rise in anticipation.
“If you know what’s good for you, you’d better eat, shit, and breathe my fucking finances. This is no longer about Jasper. We know how successful you were with him. You clowns call yourselves lawyers? You’re scum. Goddamned scum!”
“That’s enough, Phyllis. I know you’re upset, but that’s quite enough.” Duncan reached for her arm to lead her out of the office.
“Touch me like that again and I’ll flatten you.” Phyllis held her ground. Duncan retreated to the hall.
“Is there anything else, Mrs. Flynn?” Harper asked without emotion. “As I mentioned to you on the phone, I’ll do the best I can for you. I can’t imagine doing anything less. Now, you can insult me to your heart’s content if you’d like, but frankly, I’m not sure how that will benefit either of us.”
He stepped forward, understanding his body language would indicate he wasn’t at all fearful of her threats.
Phyllis seemed to defuse. Reaching into her clutch, she pulled out a hanky and wiped who knew what from her cheek.
“You protect me, you hear?” She froze her gaze on him, making his skin crawl.
“Loud and clear. Oh, and Mrs. Flynn, provided it isn’t the middle of the night, feel free to call anytime.”
“Out of my way, Duncan, you asshole!” Phyllis shoved Duncan up against the rich mahogany wall, replaced her hanky, and stormed down the hall. Several seconds passed before Duncan stepped back into his office.
“She’s a powder keg,” he said, failing miserably at a smile. “I’m sorry you had to go through that.”
“Hey, Duncan, it’s me, Harper. Skin as thick as an elephant. I’m good. Now I’d better get back to work before the day gets away from me.” He stood his ground, forcing Duncan to leave without saying another word. Behind the safety of his desk, he buried his head in his hands. Tell me something, Harp. Is this really worth it?
WHEN Ian arrived at Harper’s
Saturday morning, Arlan Stemple was already waiting. Typically, he avoided working Saturdays for several reasons. First and foremost, the clients were usually around, and it never failed, they almost always forced a question-and-answer session about gardening that added hours to his day. In this case, it wasn’t the client, it was Arlan. It was Arlan’s only free day in the next couple of weeks, so he was thankful he could have the digging completed so the rest of his design could unfold as planned.
“Just makes it!” Arlan re-coiled his tape measure with a loud snap.
“What just makes it?” Ian asked, walking up to the excavator, who was standing outside the driveway measuring the gate leading into the backyard.
“I thought we’d have to take down part of the fence to get the digger in, but it just makes it.”
“That’s great. The client is keeping the fence.” Ian stepped into the yard.
“So how’s this one going to go?” Arlan asked, following close behind.
“I’ve got the areas marked off for you.” He looked over to make sure his lines were still in place. “Why don’t you get yourself ready to go and we’ll talk about depth. Any boulders you run into, try to separate out. I’ll use them in the areas I have to build up over in that corner. I want to see what we end up with today before I order any rock brought in.”
He checked his watch. It was almost nine. Harper should be awake by now. Ian had left a message with his assistant the day before informing him they’d be working today. Harper had told him to come by whenever he wanted.
Now that he’d had a few days to recover from their last meeting, he felt more in control of himself. He felt like a player. If Harper had an interest in him, bring it on. He was game. And it wasn’t that he didn’t want something to happen. The thought of romping around in the sack with someone as handsome as Harper certainly got the old juices flowing. Being taken advantage of was a different story altogether. Whatever was going on with Harper, Ian felt confident it’d happen again. If he allowed something to develop between them, fine, but it was going to be on his terms.
Arlan was a master with a digger, twirling it around in the confined space like a toy. By midafternoon, his work was complete, and the digger was loaded back onto its small flatbed trailer.
“Thanks, Arlan.” Ian slapped the door of his friend’s truck. “Send an invoice and I’ll work it into mine.”
“My pleasure. Send me more easy jobs like this. I love ’em!”
With Arlan out of the yard, Ian could start moving wheelbarrow loads of dirt and rock over to the corner where the water feature was planned. It was best to get as much in place as possible before the fill was made heavier by the seasonal rains, which were right around the corner.
He had another reason for wanting to hang around. Although it was possible Harper had gone out of town, knowing work was being done in his backyard over the weekend, Ian held out hope he’d return so they could have the opportunity to spend some time together. It had been the wrong move, not accepting Harper’s offer to stay for dinner the other night. Refusing had prolonged the inevitable. He had to get a handle on his feelings so he could move on. Nothing good could come from this man-crush he was developing. Why am I having such a struggle with this? He’d come across guys like Harper before. They played you right into bed, and when the attraction wore off, they threw you out on your ass without as much as a wave goodbye. Handsome guys with money were always shallow. Harper, though he seemed like a regular dude, was probably no different, Ian figured, except maybe better-looking than most. If he looked hard enough, he’d find a crack in the plaster. What if I don’t find a crack?
His stomach rumbled. It’s candy bar time!
He drove the few blocks to the convenience store and bought a Snickers bar. When he got back, he was surprised to find Harper surveying the progress.
“Hey,” Harper greeted. “You don’t waste any time, do you? Wow! This is so exciting.”
“Hi there. Yep, we’re moving right along. I thought you may have gone away for the weekend.”
“I wish. I went into the office early this morning to get a jump on next week. Did I mention to you I’m a lawyer?”
You didn’t have to. “I had you pegged for either that or a doctor.”
“Doctor, I wish. I can’t do blood. I spent most of Sweeney Todd staring at my popcorn box.”
Harper’s admission cracked Ian up. “I do okay with blood. Snakes scare the crap out of me, which is a definite disadvantage when you’re in landscaping.” He sensed an opportunity and, in a split second, decided to take it. “Sorry I wasn’t able to stay for dinner the other night. Any chance you’re free tonight? Maybe we could grab a bite somewhere or—”
“Ian, are you a mind reader? I was just trying to get up the nerve to ask you the same thing, but I wasn’t sure I could handle another rejection.”
“Oh, well, I’m not usually one to refuse a meal. Hey, I’ve gotta run home and shower. Do you want to meet somewhere? Can I pick you up?”
“Let’s see, it’s closing in on four. What part of town do you live in?” Harper adjusted his watch.
“I live in Hopkins. Not that far.” He hoped Harper wouldn’t offer to pick him up. His shabby little apartment was an embarrassment.
“Okay. Hey, I got an idea, why don’t we meet up at Leona’s. They have great steaks. It’s my treat. With all the extra time I’m putting in lately, the firm owes me… and my guest,”—Harper gestured over to him—“a decent dinner. You okay with that?”
“Leona’s? Ah… yeah. Who wouldn’t be? That’s one of those special occasion places. Are you sure?” He loved Leona’s and had only been there a few times because it was so pricey. As long as dinner wasn’t coming directly out of Harper’s pocket, how could he refuse?
“Yes, very sure. Let’s meet there around seven. Does that give you enough time at home?”
“That’s perfect! See you then.” He fought off the urge to skip to his truck and then hated himself for it.
“HELLO, may I help you?”
Before answering the guy dressed in a suit at least one size too small, Ian squinted in the low light to see if he could spot Harper. Coming up short, he stepped up to the host stand. “I’m meeting another guy. He has black hair—”
“Ah yes, I think we have a match.” The host pivoted in a precise move reminiscent of the military. It didn’t surprise him one bit this twit knew who he was referring to. He caught a strong sense of envy as he was led into the dining room.
“Ian, welcome!”
He was surprised when Harper rose from his chair and embraced him.
That was your cologne I smelled in your dining room. Mmmm.
“I just got here.” Harper gestured for him to sit. “Haven’t had a chance to order a drink yet. What do you feel like?”
Ian took a seat across from his gorgeous dinner partner. You get better-looking each time I see you. What’s up with that? Harper was dressed in a black turtleneck and grey pants. In a word, he was stunning. Giving Leona’s his best shot, Ian had chosen a deep burgundy dress shirt and the nicest pair of khaki slacks he owned.
“You look great!” Harper said, displaying a devilish grin.
Oh yeah? Then why do I feel like an unwanted stepchild at the rich kid’s birthday party?
“Thanks! So do you.” Was that weird? We just complimented each other on our outfits. “What are you drinking tonight?” It was best to get this moving along. He needed a drink to calm his nerves in the worst way.
“I’m tempted to have a martini, but I think I’d better pass. They make me crazy. You mentioned the other night you enjoyed wine. Should we order a bottle? They have an incredible red here I love.”
“Perfect!”
Harper signaled for the waiter, who stood only a few feet away. “We’ll enjoy our wine for a while before ordering.”
“Of course, sir,” the waiter responded.
“If you’re starving,”—Harper brought his focus back to Ian—“let me know
.”
An entire bottle of wine was consumed before the subject of ordering food surfaced. At Harper’s suggestion and much to his surprise, Ian ordered the bone-in rib eye without a single giggle.
“How’s the steak?” Harper asked, ignoring the waiter hovering over their table and refilling their wineglasses.
“It’s incredible. This is so nice. Thank you.” He resisted the temptation to pick up the bone with his hands and gnaw on it. Harper, who had sat back in his chair, held his wineglass to his chest and looked over with an alluring smirk. Ian held his gaze for as long as he could and then retreated back to his plate.
“May I ask you a personal question?”
He looked back up. Harper hadn’t moved. “Yeah, sure,” he replied with a nervous chuckle. Whatever this is, let it happen, Ian.
“Are you seeing anybody right now? Are you in a relationship?” Harper swirled the wine in his glass.
Harper’s frankness made him sit up in his chair.
Here you go. Hang on! “Not at the moment. How about you?” He held his breath.
“Not at the moment. Are you open to seeing anyone?” Harper asked with another expert swirl.
“Dating, you’re talking about dating?” He wanted to make sure he understood the question.
Harper smiled and nodded.
“Honestly, I hadn’t thought about it. I guess so, if the right—” He stopped himself just in time. He didn’t have to finish. He knew what Harper meant. And the answer was yes. “Yes.”
He couldn’t prevent the blush he knew colored his cheeks. A chronic condition he could count on at moments like this. Whatever was happening to him on the outside, it delighted Harper, who chuckled.
“You don’t have to answer. You can nod if it’s easier. Do you want to start seeing me?” Harper leaned forward, his gorgeous eyes focused on Ian, awaiting his answer.
Ian felt his trouser leg lift slowly off his shoe until it reached midcalf. “Is your foot rubbing my leg?” he asked, both aroused and astounded.
