Beneath the Palisade Read Online Free PDF Page B

sleep, having your clothes ready to roll was a huge benefit. Throwing his towel on the bed, he stepped into black boxer briefs. A white T-shirt came next. He’d been taught never to wear a dress shirt without a T-shirt underneath. The T-shirt always made the shirt look so much better, even in the middle of summer when the days were scorchers. Pants, belt, socks, and shoes followed before he threw on his suit coat and headed down the stairs. A noise outside the kitchen window startled him. Looking out, he spotted Ian from Burke Landscaping marking off areas in the yard with twine.
    Pouring a cup of coffee, he leaned over the counter and watched Ian march up and down the yard. We have to be about the same age. God, I love that crazy mop of hair. It looks like a rooster’s. He was dressed in khaki shorts, a hooded sweatshirt, and work boots, a look he had always envied, on some guys that is. Very few could pull it off, but Ian of Burke Landscaping was a man who could—and then some. As natural as a suit felt on Harper, the khaki shorts and sweatshirt looked to be the right choice for Ian. And those legs, those hot, hot legs. Strong, bulging calves curved up to a nice tight butt. His waist was slender but not skinny. Shoulders were well developed, and although he hadn’t had the opportunity to see his arms in a T-shirt yet, he was sure they were muscled, finishing off the hot workman look he seemed to own. The images he’d already collected of Ian in his baseball uniform brought about a familiar tingle, his body’s way of communicating approval.
    Glancing at his watch, he knew he had to shut down his spy mission, but not before he stepped into the backyard to say hello.
    “Ian, you’re at it early,” he greeted, stepping out into a gorgeous spring morning.
    “Hey! Good morning. Wow, suit and tie. Looks good!” Ian flashed a thumbs-up.
    Not as good as you look in those shorts. Damn! Oh, and by the way, has anyone ever mentioned to you that you own the word adorable too?
    “Thanks! So, what’s happening today?” Harper forced himself to survey the yard.
    The landscaper detailed what he had planned, but Harper hardly heard a word. Everything about this guy standing in his yard fascinated him. The slow, relaxed lilt to his voice and how it contrasted with his abundant energy. The purposeful, athletic way in which he moved. His warm, engaging smile. Harper tried to focus but couldn’t to save his soul. Am I getting hard? Seriously? “I am!” he cried out.
    “What?” Ian asked, taking a few steps forward.
    “Oh… I am… I am thinking this backyard is going to turn out great!” He felt his face flush.
    “You have a perfect yard to work with. I should have sketches over to you in the next day or two.” Ian looked over to see if he approved.
    “Terrific! I can’t wait, and when it’s all said and done, you’ll have to join me out here for beers to celebrate.” He needed to retreat so he could regain his composure. He couldn’t recall ever being this rattled by anyone.
    Beers to celebrate? Oh, Harp, my boy, your opening statement needs more work than you thought. That was soooo lame.
    “Sounds great! I should mention, some nights we might work a little later than others. I’m not sure I’ll be here, but one or two of my helpers could be. I wanted to let you know if you come home and there’re strangers in your yard. I’ve worked with these guys plenty of times, and you have no worries.” Ian tossed the ball of twine in his hand.
    “Oh, thanks! Do what you have to do. So, you have everything you need, then?” Retreat now before you really screw this up.
    “Yeah! We’re in good shape. Thanks!”
    Ian, you don’t have any idea what you’re doing to me, do you? I’m going to have to figure out a way to tell you.
     
     
    F OR most of the drive over to the ball field, Ian listened to Andy bitch about a local vendor who had one more chance before he told him to take his frickin’ pachysandra starters