Love By Design: Designed With Love Series

By Linda Tiffin

After the death of her mother, Breeze Waters inherited the family landscape business, Misty Waters Designs. She begins to realize that Hudson Faulkner, her mother's second husband, isn't happy with the division of assets.

Finn Donovan had been hurt too many times to let the smiling face and appealing figure of his neighbor penetrate the wall around his heart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Linda Tiffin
• Release date: Sep 15, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393962298

Book preview

Chapter One

Breeze peered through the thick hedgerow behind her house into the yard of the house which backed up to her own. There he was!

Mr. Gorgeous, all six feet plus of tanned, sculpted muscle. The man probably modeled for some muscle magazine...if there was such a thing. No question, just looking at him would cause a girl’s heart to stop or race out of control.

Breeze gave a soft sigh. That wasn’t why she was watching him.

Mr. Muscles had been working on his patio for the last two Sunday mornings. He was laying more stone to enlarge it to twice the size. She knew when she came to peer through the bushes, that she would see him out there again. Judging by his progress, he would probably finish it up today.

A fresh sheen of sweat glistened on his perfectly cut body. His powerful arms bulged, defining each muscle when he hefted up another piece of stone. He laid it on the ground while he smoothed out the sand before gently resting it in place. Then using a rubber hammer, he tapped and pounded it to the exact height and position that seemed to satisfy him. He wore a dark red bandana tied around his head to keep the sweat from his face, his dark hair was soaked. The North Carolina sun could be brutal in August.

She’d caught a glimpse of him in a local seafood restaurant and noticed he seemed impervious to the women who looked his way. She had concluded that he wasn’t full of himself like some men who achieved that body type and sported those incredibly good looks. He was one hot package, with a humble wrapping.

She bit her full bottom lip as she considered him from a far different perspective. The main reason she stood watch was because she was assessing the possibilities. He looked powerful enough and she was sure if he frowned, he would look menacing enough for her purposes. The big question was cost.

A studious look crossed her face as she threw numbers around in her head. She didn’t want to insult him, but at the same time, she didn’t want to overpay for his services.

Enjoying the play of muscles across his back, a random thought occurred to her...what if he was gay? She had heard of men built like that who were gay. Would another guy know that right away?

She stared thoughtfully, her mind taking a totally different track. No, she shook her auburn head, absolutely not. He was straight...but then again, he ignored the women who were blatantly staring at him? Hmm?

Well, it didn’t matter, straight or gay, she felt sure he could fulfill her need. It was just a matter of explaining without telling him everything and convincing him that this would be a good gig for some extra cash.

This is crazy, she thought suddenly. It was sad that she had been reduced to doing something like this. But if he was doing his own patio, maybe he couldn’t afford to hire out and extra cash might very well be of interest to him.

She brought her index finger up to her bottom lip and rubbed it gently. Her mind whirled with ideas on how to approach him.

Breeze had been sitting on the ground in the shaded area watching him for the last half hour. She needed to just get up, go across the back of his yard and speak to him. Yet she couldn’t quite make herself get up and move. Nerves.

She had seldom asked anyone for help before, but she was at a loss on how to handle her current situation. It was truly perplexing...she still had trouble believing that her intuition about this was correct. It just couldn’t be true. To nip the problem in the bud, if her instincts were correct, this would be the best thing. She studied Mr. Muscled Gorgeous. Could he be the man for the job? She certainly hoped so.

Her phone buzzed in her back pocket and she pulled it out glancing at the name that flashed on the screen. She shivered and pressed ignore. When it rang a couple of minutes later, she did the same thing, then shut the sound off.

As she rose to her feet and brushed off her salmon colored shorts before she glanced down to make sure there was no grass or dirt on her long-tanned legs. It was now or never, she coached herself.

The phone call was the impetus for her to spring into action. She moved to make her way through the evergreen hedge, her hands ready to push the branches apart. She took a deep breath, plastered a smile on her face and stepped forward...she hoped with poise and confidence.

~~~

Finn had realized she was watching him again but was somewhat surprised when she emerged from the thick hedge and headed his way. She was average height, slim with reddish brown hair pinned up on top of her head. He had seen her at a local shopping center one time when her hair was loose, just dusting her shoulders.

He distinctly remembered that she had an infectious smile that traveled all the way to her eyes. It was like her whole face smiled. It warmed his insides and at the same time, set off warning bells to stay away.

He never had good luck with women and this one could be dangerous. His instant reaction to her was something he needed to ignore. He had been down this road too many times. The last road was, ironically, named Lane, Jessica Lane. It led directly to hell on earth.

When she reached him, he didn’t stand or acknowledge her presence. He wanted her to know that he wasn’t interested in anything she had to say. Relationships were something he no longer wanted and planned to steer clear of from now until eternity.

He frowned at the stone that was still high on one corner. He grabbed his small level and checked it before hitting the corner gently with the hammer a couple of more times. Then checked again. Perfect.

Hi neighbor, a voice, that could only be described as softly melodious, called from a few feet away.

Finn stood up, ignored her and walked away to the pallet of stones. A soft scent of perfume drifted his way and he refused to acknowledge his acute awareness of the fragrance. He pawed through the pile, found what he wanted and carried the stone back. Again, he went to his knees to smooth out the sand before putting the rock in place.

I’m sorry to bother you, the voice said apologetically, I...

You are bothering me, he told her gruffly, never once glancing her way.

Oh, she said sounding contrite. Well if I could just have a minute of your time, I promise I can make it worth your while.

Breeze stared at the man who turned and looked angrily back up at her. He was a little frightening and that is exactly what she was in the market for. She gave him her best winning smile.

What are you going to do, take me right here and figure I should be thankful, he asked rather crudely and regretted the words the minute they left his mouth.

What?! the woman backed up with a shocked expression. A burst of laughter followed.

There was humor in that statement? he stood up slowly, deliberately letting his height intimidate her. Except, it didn’t. She was still smiling broadly, her laughter slowly subsiding.

I can’t tell you how perfect that was. You’re exactly what I’m looking for.

Lady, you don’t get it, Finn said with exasperation. I’m not looking for a relationship! And certainly not with a woman.

Oh, her deep gray eyes lit up with surprise. Perfect. I didn’t think you were, but it’s okay if you are. I can still use you, if you can continue to hold that menacing look. I’ll pay you, too.

Breeze was sadly disappointed that he was gay, but in the long run it was best. She didn’t need any personal involvements. Not after her last two disastrous relationships and certainly not with...she pushed the thought aside. It was too unsettling to contemplate, but that was the reason she was here.

She straightened and continued to smile hoping to soften a little of the anger that washed over his face.

~~~

Finn stared at the woman wondering if she was just plain wacky. Maybe there was something clinically wrong with her. In a way he was glad. It gave him another reason why he couldn’t become involved with her. She could crush his heart and he knew it. This instant attraction would be the worst thing to happen to him. The last one nearly killed him emotionally.

I want to hire you. It’s just a part-time gig. All you need to do is be menacing and occasionally act like you...oh, I can go into the details later. Are you interested in making some cash on the side?

The sun played on her hair bringing out the rich auburn color and Finn found it captivating. Almost as much as the tiny spray of freckles across her nose and the huge gray eyes that looked silvery and seemed to crinkle slightly on the edges as if they were smiling back at him.

Who are you? he asked when he finally managed to make his mouth work. He didn’t need her to know he thought she was striking and desperately wanted to know her name.

So sorry, she blazed another smile his way and he felt the burn rush through his body. My name is Breeze Waters. I live behind you. She turned slightly and pointed to the hedgerow.

~~~

Finn continued to stare. I suppose I won’t be making any progress on my patio until you’ve spoken your piece. He crossed his arms across his massive chest, frowned and waited.

It looks great by the way, she chirped back at him. Her eyes scanned over his work before returning to his face. He decided to remain silent despite her warm, welcoming smile.

Listen, I don’t want to disturb you any more than necessary. She glanced at the green Fitbit on her wrist. It’s nearly three thirty. Please come over tonight for dinner. Just something on the grill and I can explain exactly what I want from you. I promise it’s nothing illegal. She began to walk away before he could respond. About six would work best, she called over her shoulder.

Finn opened his mouth to say no when she turned back and met his gaze.

And, hey, it’s okay that you’re gay. It won’t make any difference in this gig. She threw him another big smile, turned, her hips swaying enticingly, as she walked casually back to the hedge and disappeared through the thick bushes.

Finn was so shocked that he couldn’t move nor could he speak. She thought he was gay.

Gay?

He nearly fell on the ground laughing. He laughed so hard tears ran down his face mixing with his sweat. She thought he was gay. He shook his head, finally controlling his laughter.

Then it struck him. He had the perfect cover. She thought he was gay, so she wouldn’t come on to him. Maybe he would go to dinner. After all, it wouldn’t hurt to listen to what she had to say. No way she would be bothering him for a personal relationship, not when he is supposed to be gay. He chuckled softly and went back to work.

Chapter Two

Breeze wondered if he would show up. He never committed himself one way or the other when they spoke. Actually, she thought, as she marinated her chicken for the grill, the chances were good that he would never ring her doorbell. He hadn’t been very happy to see her and definitely made that point clear.

She wouldn’t let that stop her. She had made her chunky potato salad, her favorite apple cider barbeque sauce, had a healthy green salad chilling and made a chocolate cream pie for dessert. Homemade yeast rolls were pulled from the freezer and left to thaw. Once they were wrapped in foil, she would throw them on the grill to finish the job.

She glanced at the clock over the pantry, it was nearly six. The grill, that sat on a decorative cement pad outside her screened porch, was already fired up.

Feeling confident, she carried the chicken breasts out to the grill. After turning them a few times, spreading more barbeque sauce on them, she left all four of them sizzling. She would barely eat one, but she supposed she could freeze the others. Maybe she would make a chicken salad later this week out of the leftovers.

Her summer dishes, set for two, looked bright and cheery on the wrought iron table in the middle of her screened porch. The matching cloth napkins were circled by blue and green beaded napkin rings and placed to the right of each plate. She brought out a large pitcher of iced tea and a plate of sliced lemons. There were several cold beers in the fridge in case he preferred that.

She turned the chicken again and was just beginning to accept that he wasn’t coming. It was well after six thirty. Defeat waved its ugly flag in her face...he wasn’t going to show.

Sorry, I’m running late. I had a phone call, a voice said startling her. He was coming around the side of the house instead of through the yard. I didn’t feel it was proper to march through the yards for a dinner invite, so I drove around the block. When you didn’t answer the bell, I just followed my nose.

Breeze couldn’t help but smile. Her whole body seemed to vibrate in his presence. It was such a shame that he was gay. She rushed forward wanting to hug him but stopped before she made a fool out of herself.

I’m so glad you came. There was a chance that this man would be able to alleviate some of her fears just being nearby.

I am too, he said breathing in deeply. That smells delicious. He looked at the reddish-brown chicken breasts that were sizzling on the grill. At the same time, out of the corner of his eye, he looked her up and down. She wore light blue long pants that flowed loosely around her white sandaled feet, with a white sleeveless blouse that came to her hips. It was loose fitting, but he could easily see the faint outlines of her breasts as the fabric clung to them when she moved. Everything he saw was very pleasing to his eye and it gave him pause to wonder if this might be a mistake.

I have iced tea, but if you’d prefer a beer, I have one of those too. I wasn’t sure.

Finn looked at her. Was this because he was supposed to be gay? He nearly burst out laughing. He had gay friends, they all drank beer, wine or whatever was on the menu. Or maybe, she was just feeling awkward...like he was.

He glanced at the iced tea and the sweating glass pitcher loaded with ice.

That’s fine, he gestured to the tea, I’ll take anything that’s wet and cold.

Breeze filled a tall glass. Lemon? When he said no, she moved to hand him the glass.

The chicken is done. Do you mind keeping an eye on it, so it doesn’t burn, while I bring out the rest of the meal?

When he nodded, she turned to enter through the screened door and disappeared into the house. Finn glanced around at the well-maintained yard. He noticed she had a fire pit off to one side surrounded by wooden benches, with a gray slate stone that was different than the decorative cement pad outside the screened porch.

The grill area was separate, graced with a welcoming bench nearby where the cook or cooking companions could sit and relax. There was a countertop on both sides of the grill covered with gray slate, with outlets on both ends as well as lights that focused on the grill area for nighttime cooking. Two support posts, made of four by fours, held a small arbor above the grill itself. It had been carefully designed and executed presenting a pleasing visual.

There were flowerpots, strategically placed, painted various colors overflowing with summer foliage that was peaking in color. Bushes gathered in places defining the shape and floor area. He wondered who designed it or if it was this way when she bought it. Maybe she had a husband, at one time, who did the work. He noted in the back of his mind, much to his dismay that she wore no ring. The time he saw her out, she was with a female friend.

The door opened and he glanced over his shoulder to see her bringing out two bowls and placing them on the table before disappearing back into the kitchen. He walked to the grill and turned the chicken. He peeked inside the foil that sat on the grill upper shelf, to discover steaming rolls. The tangy scent wafted towards him. If nothing else, he would have a good meal out of this unexpected invitation.

Inside the house, Breeze leaned against the refrigerator and took a deep breath. The man was killing her in those white shorts and his pale green polo shirt that might as well be painted on his expansive chest. He should have been a model. She wasn’t sure if she had ever seen a more handsome man or one that turned on her switch like he did.

Maybe he was a model. She really didn’t know anything about him. This was a crazy scheme. She hated to think what her mother would have said about this. She ignored that thought and focused on the man.

It was a crying shame...that she would never experience being held by this man. She couldn’t quite remember ever feeling such an immediate physical attraction to any man.

Her phone vibrated on the countertop and she knew without looking who it was. She stuck it in a drawer. She picked up a plate of freshly sliced tomatoes, sweet pickles and black olives, a wooden bowl for the hot rolls and carried them out to the porch.

He stood by the wrought iron table about to place the plate of grilled chicken in the middle. It’s ready, he told her.

Thanks, she smiled back. I’m starved, how about you? The rolls in the foil were already resting on the table and she opened them arranging them in the empty wooden bowl.

How could I turn this down? I’m glad you gave me no choice. He grinned and sat down, as she did, on the comfortable turquoise cushions.

Was I that bad? She asked with a smile. She thought about how she issued the invitation to him and walked away. At the time, she didn’t think it would work, but she was so glad that it did.

They ate in companionable silence. After a while, they talked briefly about how hot the summer had been, he enjoyed her barbecue chicken and he told her he liked the way her patio area flowed around the porch.

Do you? she smiled. It’s a work in progress, much like yours. I did the fire pit almost three years ago after we enclosed the patio. The grill area was our first project.

Whoever did it, did a nice job. Finn remarked leaning back in his chair feeling like he had eaten entirely too much food.

Thanks, we worked hard on it. Breeze replied trying to keep a smile on her face.

Wait, you did that? He leaned forward surprise covering his face.

Well, my mom helped. It was a mother daughter project, she said softly.

Your mom? he asked confused.

Yes, my mom. She was a well-known landscape architect in Raleigh. Although, she oversaw most of her installations, she still liked to get her hands dirty now and then. Misty Waters, ever hear of her? Breeze looked up and saw a flash of recognition on his face.

Heard of her? Of course, I..., he was about to say he had done business with her but wasn’t ready to share his business dealings. Instead he said, I can’t imagine there is anyone who hasn’t. He looked back at the yard again. She does an amazing job. What are your plans or her plans for the rest of it? He turned back and saw the glistening in her eyes. He should have caught that; he knew Misty Waters had passed away within the last year. Hadn’t that become a problem for him too?

She passed away at the end of last year. She died in her sleep, no one really knows why. It was determined to be natural causes. She was sixty-four. I was her only child. I was a surprise to her. After being married for fifteen years she never expected me to show up, especially after she had been told she couldn’t conceive. My dad was great, but he died when I was seventeen. My mom remarried about three years ago. She wasn’t ready for this discussion until she was more in control of her emotions. Tears welled again.

Please excuse me for a minute. She rose from the table and disappeared into the house.

~~~

Finn stood as she rose and then sat back down slowly. He was more than a little shocked that she was Misty Waters’ daughter. Especially since Misty Waters had handled the landscaping plans for all of his buildings. They had coffee numerous times and he had rebuffed Misty’s machinations trying to set him up with her daughter. Misty was having the last laugh after all. He looked upward and chuckled. He totally missed her last name or at least, he didn’t make the connection when they first met earlier in the day.

Moments later, Breeze returned, all smiles, carrying a pie covered in whipped cream and