On the Green

By Nicole Dennis

Can a flashy sous chef and a hard-working landscaper go beyond their pasts and find one another?

Homeless as a teen, Malcolm Bissette has found a new life at the Southern Charm. Flamboyant, he often changes his hair color on a whim. At sixteen, he crushed hard on the landscaper Reece Simpson.

Now all grown up, Malcom still has a crush on Reece, but there appears to be no reciprocation from him. Malcolm watches him at work every day from the kitchen, but lets the crush disappear. He vows to forget the man—that is, until Reece changes the entire game.

Waiting for years to get his hands on the vast overgrowth around the Charm, Reece Simpson dives into the project with enthusiasm. Preferring plants to people, he sticks to just brief moments with men. There is one man he would consider staying beyond a moment with, though—the flashy, colourful sous chef at the Southern Delights. Realising his feelings, Reece is knocked off his feet by a wave of emotions. Is he in time to catch this flirty chef?

What would it be like to have Mal in bed? Would it make the summer afternoons even steamier? Is there a chance for love for both of them? Could they entertain the idea of a life together like their friends?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pride Publishing
• Release date: Sep 12, 2014
• ISBN: 9781784301866

Nicole Dennis

Dreamy…Sensual…Forever Love A quiet one, Nicole Dennis is the penname of an asexual author of different genres of fiction – both LGBT+ and hetero. Lots of characters, worlds, and stories build up in her head until she must get them down on the screen – anything from romance to fantasy to paranormal. During the day, she works in a quiet office in Central Florida, where she makes her home, and enjoys the down time to slip into her imagination. She is owned by a new feline companion – a house panther, affectionately known as Brat Cat.

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A Totally Bound Publication

On the Green

ISBN # 978-1-78430-186-6

©Copyright Nicole Dennis 2014

Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright August 2014

Edited by Sarah Smeaton

Totally Bound Publishing

This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Totally Bound Publishing.

Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Totally Bound Publishing. Unauthorized or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

Published in 2014 by Totally Bound Publishing, Newland House, The Point, Weaver Road, Lincoln, LN6 3QN

Warning:

This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has a heat rating of Totally Sizzling and a Sexometer of 2.

Southern Charm

ON THE GREEN

Nicole Dennis

Book three in the Southern Charm series

Can a flashy sous chef and a hard-working landscaper go beyond their pasts and find one another?

Homeless as a teen, Malcolm Bissette has found a new life at the Southern Charm. Flamboyant, he often changes his hair color on a whim. At sixteen, he crushed hard on the landscaper Reece Simpson.

Now all grown up, Malcom still has a crush on Reece, but there appears to be no reciprocation from him. Malcolm watches him at work every day from the kitchen, but lets the crush disappear. He vows to forget the man—that is, until Reece changes the entire game.

Waiting for years to get his hands on the vast overgrowth around the Charm, Reece Simpson dives into the project with enthusiasm. Preferring plants to people, he sticks to just brief moments with men. There is one man he would consider staying beyond a moment with, though—the flashy, colorful sous chef at the Southern Delights. Realizing his feelings, Reece is knocked off his feet by a wave of emotions. Is he in time to catch this flirty chef?

What would it be like to have Mal in bed? Would it make the summer afternoons even steamier? Is there a chance for love for both of them? Could they entertain the idea of a life together like their friends?

Dedication

To those who asked for Malcolm’s story. Here you go.

Trademarks Acknowledgement

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

Cherokee: Chrysler Group LLC

Jeep: Chrysler Group LLC

Sharpie: Newell Rubbermaid Inc.

Bluetooth: Bluetooth Special Interest Group

Firefly: Twentieth Television, Inc.

Smurf: Peyo/Dupuis

iPhone: Apple, Inc.

Red Bull: Red Bull GmbH

Let There Be Love (Christina Aguilera): Max Martin, Shellback, Savan Kotecha, Bonnie McKee, Oliver Goldstein, Oscar Holter, Jakke Erixson

Sam Adams: Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)

Tigger: A.A. Milne

Robin Hood: Men in Tights: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

YouTube: Google, Inc.

Sunset Boulevard: Paramount Pictures Corporation

Febreeze: Procter & Gamble Co.

James Bond: Ian Fleming

Ben & Jerry’s: Unilever N.V. Unilever PLC

50 First Dates: Happy Madison Productions/Flower Films, Inc/Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc.

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark: Paramount Pictures Corporation

Blu-ray: Blu-ray Disc Association

Lysol: Reckitt Benckiser plc

Chapter One

Mid-Summer, Georgia

Standing on one of the higher hills overlooking the brand new luxury golf course he was creating with a pro-golfer, Reece Simpson tugged on his ball-cap and unfurled the plans to check on the situation for hole eleven and the three damn bunkers the golfer insisted on creating around the bends. After tugging out the walkie-talkie from his belt, Reece hit the button to connect to the supervisor on site.

This is Sal, the man said.

Sal, extend the damn bunker another two feet to the right and four feet deep. Make sure to get those river birch and saw-tooth oak grouped tight together. I want them growing throughout the right turn and to hide the bunker and hill to the green.

No problem. Do you want the cypress to go on the left?

In a row, I want them ten feet from the edge of the green.

Got it.

Reece hooked the radio on his belt. He checked his phone, which had been suspiciously quiet throughout his stay here. He wasn’t sure if it was his location or the service. Either way, he needed to get in touch with the office.

Afternoon, Reece. How is our top notch course coming along?

Hearing the owner of the hotel and golf course calling to him, Reece rolled the plans back then clenched his fist as he faced the man. There are things we need to discuss. You need to get a handle on your damn golf pro.

Why? I thought he was helping you.

He’s hampering what little progress I’ve made, Reece said and shoved a hand through his hair. If your damn golfer stopped changing his mind, things would be further along. Right now, he’s made twelve changes since the original plans were finished and approved. I cut him off this morning when he pointed out additional alterations. They’re not in the schedule.

He’s a player and designer and sees things in a different way. Could we incorporate his additions?

Not if you want to open the course in September. I’m lengthening the bunker on eleven, which means I have to move the trees. Every change requires multiple issues and alterations he doesn’t see. I’m sorry, but I cut it off.

Understandable. Are we on target for the Labor Day opening?

The trees won’t be full size for a couple of years, but you’ll have the look you want for the course and hotel grounds. We got the shipment of Italian cypresses you want to line the entrance and they’ll go in today. We’ll lay the grass next week on the remaining holes. They’ll need continuous water until they’re secure. A company will come in and trim everything to length the weekend before opening day if we stay on schedule.

Good. Good. I love those slender cypresses and it’ll incorporate nicely with the Tuscan feeling of the hotel’s structure.

Hmm. They are a good match to the hotel. I added in the scarlet maples you requested. They’ll give you a bright red color to contrast with the golden Norway maples.

Excellent. Shall we move to the gardens?

Reece hit the button on his walkie-talkie twice in rapid succession to alert Sal that he was moving to the gardens. He got a triple beep in acknowledgment. He followed the rotund man to the extraordinary Tuscan-inspired lawn. To stay with the inspiration, Reece had chosen multiple plants found within Tuscany and able to grow in the climate. It had ended up being one of his favorite designs.

What are we doing around here?

All of the colors will be the earth-tone and natural ones in shades of olive, moss, tangerine mist, sunset, peach, terracotta and lavender. The stones are native to Georgia along with travertine and decomposed granite. We’re keeping the same palette. Reece directed their attention to the far end. We’ll create several wall and free-standing fountains for the water features. The extended patio will be finished in the travertine and ionic columns. My designer will choose old-fashioned iron hinges and armillary works along with typical statues. Reece pointed out the areas. In the opposite corners, you’re going to have two fire features along with outdoor seating in coordinating woods and fabrics. This is one of my favorite designs, top of my personal list.

Good to know, it means everyone else will enjoy it. What about plants?

I’m adding bay trees, lemon and olive trees in smaller containers, and old knobby grape vines will follow the entire patio and arches, and will weave around all the beams. The planters will have a variety of thyme, rosemary, lavender and multiple varieties of sage. It’ll be an eclectic touch your kitchens can use for their dishes. Moving through the area, he gestured to the other forms. Those will be stone planters to create the feeling of an old garden. When it’s done, you’ll have walkways, comforting benches and tables to invite folks.

Damn, this sounds perfect. The man pounded a hand on Reece’s back, forcing him to take a balancing step.

I’m doing what you asked for, sir.

You’re going above and beyond what I asked for and I knew hiring out of state would do wonders. You came highly recommended, son, and I’ll pass on the praises to others.

Appreciate it, sir. It’s been a pleasure working here. You hired a good horticulture staff to take care of the entire grounds. I can leave them in charge when we have the plants situated in the ground. You have my guarantee if anything dies within six months of planting, I’ll send someone to investigate for the problems and replant or replace.

Understand. I understand and gave a copy to my head grounds keeper to sign and keep for his records.

Good to know. I should do the same with all clients.

Happy to see progress. Are you staying on until all is planted?

I can’t. I need to return to a project in Louisiana and another in Mississippi before I head back to Florida. Sal and Clayton are top-notch. They’ll handle the final builds and plantings. Again, there can be no more changes from the golfer, no matter how much he whines and complains.

The rotund man laughed and held a hand up. I promise, Reece, no more changes. I’ll have a word with him to calm down and back off. Will I see you back for the opening?

If I’m able, it would be a pleasure to attend the opening.

Are you signed up for a tee time?

No, sir, I’ve not had a chance to play or learn the game.

Now, dear boy, you need to relax.

Far too happy to have his hands in the dirt, Reece shook his head with a smile. As a child, it had been safer for him to be out in the garden, attending to the plants. He didn’t want to be around his father’s drinking and his mother’s babying of his younger siblings. He held back a shudder of the unbidden memory. I prefer to dig in the dirt than hit a white ball across the grass. I’m sorry, I never had an interest in the game. I hope you’ll enjoy the finished course.

Not everyone likes the game. You either love it or hate it.

After they’d shaken hands, Reece walked off to find Clayton and sign off on final paperwork, details and designs. They discussed any lingering issues or concerns before he handed the project to Clayton. After getting in the abysmal golf cart, he drove it off to the far holes where Sal dealt with the annoying bunkers to pass on the information. Satisfied that the hotel, grounds and course were in good hands, Reece returned to the hotel to pack and get ready for his flight to Louisiana. He relished the idea of a few moments to relax and take a nap during the flight or within the airport to energize for the next project.

* * * *

By late afternoon, Reece had made it through the infernal security lines and located his gate within the busy Atlanta airport. He checked the boards for his flight status and pulled out his cell phone to see if he had time for lunch. Instead, he saw a no service message.

Okay. The problem isn’t with my phone, but the carrier. Great. What the hell is happening?

Looking around, he located a bank of payphones and dug in his wallet for the emergency calling card he’d never thought he would use. After a flip through the phone book, amazed that it was even there, he found the number for his service.

It took a frustrating combination of lengthy wait time and various customer service people until he connected to someone who could help him. He learned that there was a non-payment stop on his account and that his cell had been turned off. Unable to figure out why his office manager, Sharon, wouldn’t pay the bill, he put the payment on a credit card. It took more time to go through the confirmation process and reconnect his services.

Moving to a chair, he sat and went through the messages. Some were curious about his silence. Others became more irate over time and delay.

As he moved through the messages, his phone rang.

Oh, sure, now you work for me? he grumbled and swiped the screen. Southern Haven Landscape and Design, this is Reece Simpson. How can I assist you?

Simpson, where the devil have you been? I’ve been calling for weeks. This is Davis Klower of DK Dirt, Davis snapped. I’m not sending any more trucks until my back invoices are caught up. You’re one of my finest clients, but I’m ready to drop you for non-payment and put a lien on your ass. What the hell is happening in your office? I’m not going to let this non-payment continue.

Whoa. Whoa. Hold on, Davis, and talk to me please. I’ve been out of state for the last few months.

Haven’t you checked your messages? I haven’t heard from Sharon and she’s always reliable with payments.

There was some trouble with my cell phone and service. I only just figured out the issue. Now, I’m sure Sharon would know if anything is wrong with your account. What do you mean you haven’t heard from her?

She hasn’t answered a single call. No one answers at your office. Your cell phone kept going to voicemail.

Leaning forward, rubbing the bridge of his nose, Reece figured that whatever had happened with the DK account was also why his phone had been shut off. I’ll determine what happened and resolve it, Davis.

I’ll give you a week.

I’ll take it and contact you with an update.

One week, Simpson, or our business relationship is finished.

I understand, sir.

When he hung up, Reece knew he couldn’t go to Louisiana. He needed to return to Florida and see what was happening. He gathered his carry-on bag then rushed to the customer service desk to change his flight to the Pensacola airport, the closest one to his home in Shore Breeze. At the same time, he dialed the main office number and it rang straight through to the voicemail. Frustrated, he dialed his manager’s personal number. He thanked whatever gods when the call went through.

This is Sharon, a woman said.

Sharon, it’s Reece. What’s happening at the office?

Reece, where have you been?

Rubbing the bridge of his nose, Reece groaned with the growing frustration. My phone was shut off for most of the job because of an annoying pain-in-the-ass designer on my ass the entire time. I didn’t realize it was cut off for non-payment.

What?

I got a notice of non-payment. Why is nothing being paid?

Okay. Okay. I need you to calm down, Reece. Please, Sharon said. You knew I was pregnant before you left.

Yeah, but… Wait. Why am I hearing a baby’s cry? I thought you weren’t due until I returned from Louisiana.

That’s how you figure out the timing?

Hey, I’m a gay male.

The baby came premature and I took early leave to stay with her in the NICU and at home.

Shit. Umm. Are you okay? Is the baby okay?

Yes, we’re all fine, just a little scared about the way things occurred with her birth.

"Good to know, but, Sharon, something is transpiring at the office. I need