The Landscaper
The morning sunlight streamed through the kitchen windows as Sean rushed through his usual pre-work routine, briefcase in hand. “Remember, the landscapers are supposed to start today,” he said, his voice tinged with the familiar urgency that came with his morning rush. Noah nodded absently, though his mind wasn’t on the landscaping. It was still at the beach, with Jake.
Did you hear me?" Sean’s tone snapped Noah out of his reverie.
“Yeah, I got it,” Noah replied quickly, though the lingering thoughts of Jake tugged at the edges of his mind. The teenager had become a disruptive presence, filling his thoughts in a way Noah couldn’t shake.
As the front door clicked shut behind Sean, Noah exhaled, not realizing he had been holding his breath. He glanced at Jimmy, who was still excitedly talking about “that sick dude Jake,” eager to return to the beach. Noah managed a half-hearted smile, but inside, a gnawing confusion was taking root. How had this guy—this kid, really—found his way so deeply into Noah’s mind?
It wasn’t just that Jake was attractive—though he undeniably was. It was more. The way Jake had carried himself with that perfect mix of confidence, playfulness, and warmth, especially toward Jimmy, had made an unexpected impact. And his body... Noah’s thoughts trailed off as his chest tightened. Sean had been distant lately, caught up in work, and though they had a solid relationship, Noah couldn’t deny the loneliness creeping in.
The guilt hit him in waves. He loved Sean, didn’t he? Their life was stable, predictable, everything he had wanted. So why had Jake dominated his thoughts for the past 24 hours? It wasn’t just the attraction—it was deeper, more unsettling. Noah felt drawn to Jake in a way that left him feeling unmoored.
The morning drifted by in a blur of chores—folding laundry, tidying the kitchen—anything to distract himself from the steady pull of thoughts about Jake. But every time he paused, there Jake was, in his mind. That smile, the way his eyes had lingered a second too long, and how effortlessly he’d rescued Jimmy. By lunchtime, Noah felt restless, his emotions tangled in a way he didn’t fully understand.
After lunch, Noah tried to focus on a client project, his fingers poised over the keyboard. But his attention drifted again, pulled back to that easy grin and muscular frame. A sudden shout from Jimmy’s room interrupted his spiraling thoughts.
"Dad! It’s Jake! He’s in the yard!" Jimmy’s excited shout echoed through the house. Noah’s heart skipped. Jake? He rushed to the window, barely believing it. When he looked out into the backyard, his breath caught. There was Jake—the same muscular guy from the beach—unloading tools. Jake is the landscaper?
His pulse quickened as he watched Jake bend over to check the work area, muscles straining against his fitted shirt. Before Noah could fully process it, Jimmy bolted outside, racing toward Jake with excitement.
“Jake!” Jimmy called, laughing as he ran.
Jake turned, clearly surprised to hear his name. For a moment, he hesitated, not expecting to see a familiar face. Then he grinned, recognizing Jimmy, and easily scooped him up, his arms flexing and veins popping. From the kitchen, Noah watched, his heart racing as Jake’s strength was on full display.
Jake’s gaze shifted toward the house, still processing the surprise, as though sensing Noah watching. His eyes lingered briefly before he returned his attention to Jimmy, tossing him lightly in the air, their laughter filling the yard.
Taking a deep breath, Noah stepped out into the sunlight. The heat enveloped him as he made his way to the yard, where Jake stood, still holding Jimmy but now focused fully on Noah.
“Hey, Noah!” Jake greeted him with that same warm, easy smile. The sound of his name coming from Jake’s lips sent a jolt through Noah, though he tried to brush it off. Jake remembered his name. Noah felt a slight flush in his cheeks but quickly hid it as Jake continued, “Looks like we get to swap those workout tips after all.” There was a playful glint in Jake’s eyes.
Noah forced a chuckle, though it came out more awkward than intended. “Yeah, looks like it,” he said, his voice tight. His gaze flicked to Jake’s arms again, the way the muscles bulged as he held Jimmy. The shirt stretched over his chest, and Noah’s pulse raced. He quickly averted his eyes.
"I’ll just... be over there if you need anything,” Noah mumbled, gesturing toward the patio as he retreated. His heart thudded in his chest, and the nervous energy he felt earlier only intensified. Every glance at Jake—the grin, the muscles, the teasing glint in his eyes—ignited something inside him, something he didn’t want to admit.
Noah sat at the patio table, laptop open, trying to focus. But his eyes kept straying back to Jake, who worked with a casual confidence, his T-shirt sticking to his sweat-dampened body. Jimmy, practically glued to Jake’s side, looked up at him with admiration Noah hadn’t seen in a long time.
Jake and Jimmy were laughing now, Jake encouraging Jimmy to help dig with a small spade. At one point, Jimmy tried to mimic Jake’s powerful movements, prompting Jake to toss an arm around his shoulders, laughing. The sight of them together was heartwarming and gut-wrenching all at once.
Noah’s laptop sat forgotten as he watched them, the growing pull to talk to Jake becoming impossible to ignore. Grabbing two water bottles, he made his way over, nerves tingling under his skin. “Thought you might need this,” Noah said, offering Jake a bottle.
“Thanks, man. This heat’s brutal,” Jake replied, twisting the cap off with a flick of his wrist. He drank deeply, and Noah’s eyes trailed down to Jake’s throat, watching the muscles in his neck move as he swallowed. The veins in his bicep stood out as he gripped the bottle, and Noah caught himself staring.
Desperate to break the tension, Noah blurted, “So... how’s the work coming along? Need an extra hand?” His voice cracked slightly, and he winced.
Jake flashed a grin, eyes twinkling with amusement. “Nah, I’ve got it under control. Besides, I’ve got my little helper right here,” he said, nodding toward Jimmy. There was a teasing lilt to his voice, and Noah’s stomach flipped.
Without warning, Jake reached out, gently taking Noah’s wrist and turning his hand over. Jake’s fingers, rough and calloused, traced across Noah’s soft palm. The contrast between their hands sent a shiver down Noah’s spine. “You’ve got soft hands,” Jake said, his voice low, teasing. “Office guy, huh?”
Noah’s laugh came out shaky. “Yeah... not much for digging,” he managed, feeling his heart race as Jake let go with a grin, leaving Noah feeling exposed, as if that simple touch had uncovered something deeper.
Jimmy, oblivious to the tension, puffed out his chest. “I’ve been helping all afternoon!”
Jake ruffled his hair with a warm smile. “Couldn’t do it without you, buddy.”
Noah, grateful for the interruption, backed off toward the patio, watching as Jake returned to work. Jimmy stayed by his side, hanging on his every word. Jake was patient, explaining each step to Jimmy with care, his voice never showing a hint of annoyance. Noah admired Jake’s natural ease with his son—it was a side of Jake he hadn’t expected, and it only made him more magnetic.
The scene filled Noah with a confusing mix of gratitude and guilt. Jimmy was thriving under Jake’s attention, happier than he had been in weeks. But every time Noah’s eyes landed on Jake, guilt gnawed at him. He felt inadequate—not just as a father, but as a partner. What kind of father couldn’t connect with his own son the way a stranger could? And what kind of partner was he, if he couldn’t stop thinking about someone other than Sean?
Noah scolded himself, trying to push the thoughts away. Jake was just a friendly guy. That was all. But even as he tried to convince himself, his gaze found Jake again, watching the way his muscles flexed with each movement, the effortless strength in every action. Noah’s heart raced, and deep down, he knew he was losing control of something he hadn’t even realized was slipping.
The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the yard, filling it with a warmth that should have been soothing. The backyard, usually Noah’s sanctuary, now felt like a place of turmoil. His mind was still whirling with thoughts of Jake—the images from the beach, the easy confidence, the magnetic pull that Noah couldn’t shake. And now, here was Jake, right in front of him.
Across the yard, Jake had finished the day’s work, dirt and sweat clinging to his skin. Without a second thought, Jake grabbed the hem of his soaked tank top and peeled it off. The damp fabric stuck briefly before revealing the full expanse of his chest and the sculpted ridges of his abs.
Noah’s breath caught, his eyes locked on Jake’s body. Every subtle movement—the way Jake stretched, how his muscles flexed—held Noah captive. He stared, as the water traced a path over Jake’s broad shoulders, his pecs, and down to his abs, disappearing along the waistband of his shorts. Each droplet seemed to cling to him, catching the last light of the day, making Jake’s already perfect body seem like it had been carved out of the sun itself.
Noah gripped the armrests of his chair, his breath quickening. He knew he shouldn’t be staring, but he couldn’t look away. He tried to focus, to think about work—anything to pull his attention away from Jake’s body. But it was no use. To Jake, this was just cooling down after a day of work. To Noah, it felt like something much more intimate, something he couldn’t ignore.
Jake shook off the last of the water and turned toward the yard, where Jimmy was waiting eagerly by the side, football in hand. “Alright, let’s see what you’ve got,” Jake called with a grin, tossing the ball toward him. Jimmy caught it and laughed, immediately throwing it back. Jake caught the pass with ease, barely needing to move.
Noah watched from the patio, trying to maintain some semblance of composure as the two of them began their impromptu game. Jake’s movements were effortless, each throw precise, his muscles coiling and flexing beneath his skin with every toss. Noah couldn’t help but notice how the veins in Jake’s arms stood out, adding to the sense of raw power he seemed to carry so naturally.
Jimmy ran in circles around Jake, laughing with the kind of unrestrained joy Noah hadn’t seen in a while. “Nice throw, buddy,” Jake said, chuckling as he tossed the ball back lightly. The ease of their bond was unmistakable, and Noah could see how much Jimmy admired Jake, his face lit up with pure excitement. It was heartwarming, yet it left Noah feeling oddly out of place—like an outsider in his own yard.
Jimmy’s next throw went wide, sending the ball sailing over Jake’s head. Jake jogged back to retrieve it, his muscles flexing with every step. He tossed the ball back to Jimmy, his body moving with the kind of ease Noah envied—everything about Jake screamed confidence and strength, the kind that felt unattainable.
From his seat on the patio, Noah shifted uncomfortably. The scene playing out in front of him should have brought him pride. Jimmy had connected with Jake so easily, and it was rare to see him this engaged. But Noah couldn’t ignore the weight of his own feelings, the magnetic pull Jake had on him.
Noah clenched his hands, trying to steady his breathing. He shouldn’t be feeling this way—shouldn’t be sitting there, fixated on Jake like this. But every time he pushed the thoughts away, they came back, stronger and more insistent. He wasn’t just watching; he was entranced. The attraction was undeniable, and it left him feeling more conflicted than ever.
Jake let out a deep, carefree laugh, his voice filling the yard. The sound only deepened the ache in Noah’s chest, a mix of longing and guilt. He shifted again, trying to shake the heat rising within him, knowing deep down that he was losing the battle to keep his emotions in check.
The sun had dipped lower in the sky by the time Noah finally moved. For the past thirty minutes, he’d been caught in a quiet storm of emotions, watching Jake and Jimmy bond while trying to suppress the turmoil inside him. Every glance at Jake’s glistening body only made the tension worse.
His legs felt unsteady as he stood, walking toward them, heart pounding. The sounds of laughter and the slap of the football filled the air, but all Noah could focus on was Jake’s broad back, his muscles shining under the setting sun. As he neared, the flush of heat crept up his neck, his pulse quickening with each step.
Noah faltered, as he approached. He had to say something, anything. “Maybe it’s... time to let Jake head home,” Noah said softly, his voice barely masking the reluctance he felt. His gaze flickered to Jake’s bare chest before he quickly looked away, the sight too overwhelming up close.
Jake turned at the sound of Noah’s voice, a slight furrow in his brow as if surprised the day was ending so soon. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, and Noah’s heart skipped. The tension inside him tightened, a knot that wouldn’t loosen no matter how hard he tried.
As soon as the words left Noah’s mouth, he noticed Jimmy stiffen. His son, who had been so wrapped up in the game, suddenly froze, his expression shifting from carefree joy to frustration. “No!” Jimmy’s voice was sharp, unexpected. He whipped around to face Noah, his face scrunched in frustration. “You always ruin everything! Jake doesn’t have to leave yet!”
The outburst caught Noah off guard, a wave of guilt washing over him. It wasn’t often that Jimmy reacted so strongly, and Noah hadn’t anticipated the depth of his attachment to Jake. The laughter and admiration Jimmy had shown all afternoon had been building, and now, faced with the prospect of Jake leaving, it was like a dam had burst.
Before Noah could collect himself, Jake stepped forward, his movements deliberate and unhurried. He placed a firm yet gentle hand on Jimmy’s shoulder, crouching slightly to meet the boy’s eye level. “Hey,” Jake said softly, his voice low and calm, cutting through the tension like a knife. “Don’t talk to your dad like that. He’s just looking out for you.”
The simplicity of Jake’s words carried a quiet authority, the kind that Noah could only admire. His hand remained on Jimmy’s shoulder, grounding the boy with a reassuring touch. There was no anger in Jake’s tone, just a steady firmness that had an immediate effect on Jimmy.
Jimmy’s defiance wavered, his face softening as the weight of Jake’s words sank in. He stared down at his shoes, clearly embarrassed by his outburst. The frustration that had flared up so quickly now seemed to dissolve, leaving behind a sheepish calm.
“Sorry, Dad,” Jimmy muttered, his voice small, the apology reluctant but genuine. He glanced up at Noah for a moment, then quickly dropped his gaze again, still clinging to the connection he felt with Jake.
Noah exhaled slowly, a sense of relief washing over him. Jake had diffused the situation effortlessly, and Noah felt both grateful and humbled. He watched as Jimmy’s eyes lingered on Jake even after the apology, as if seeking approval from him.
Noah could only watch, still processing the emotional rollercoaster that had just played out in front of him.
The tension from Jimmy’s outburst had barely settled when, as if nothing had happened, Jimmy looked up at Jake with hopeful eyes. “Why don’t you stay for dinner?” he asked eagerly, his voice soft but filled with excitement, as if clinging to the last threads of the day.
Noah’s heart skipped a beat. Having Jake stay for dinner—sitting at the table with him, sharing a meal—felt like crossing an invisible line, one Noah wasn’t sure he was ready to face. The idea of prolonging Jake’s presence, of sitting across from him, sent a nervous flutter through Noah’s stomach.
For a moment, Noah hesitated, his gaze shifting from Jimmy’s hopeful expression to Jake’s shirtless form. Jake, for his part, seemed unfazed by the invitation. He looked at Jimmy, then at Noah, a slow smile tugging at the corner of his mouth as though the idea genuinely amused him.
Noah could feel the pull, the temptation to let the day stretch on just a little longer, despite the warning bells going off in his mind. Yet, as much as he knew it would complicate things, Noah couldn’t find the strength to turn the invitation down.
“I don’t know...” Noah’s voice wavered, the words getting caught in his throat. He wanted to say no, to come up with a polite excuse to send Jake on his way, but his mind was spinning. Noah found himself stumbling over the right response. His gaze flicked to the strong lines of Jake’s chest, then quickly away as a flush of heat crept up his face.
“It’s... getting kind of late,” he added weakly, knowing even as he said it that the hesitation in his voice was all too clear. The truth gnawed at him—he didn’t want Jake to leave. Not yet. The pull to spend more time with him was overwhelming. His heart raced, a confusing mix of excitement and guilt swirling inside him.
Sensing his father’s reluctance, Jimmy shot him a pleading look, impatience clouding his young face. “Come on, Dad,” he urged, the frustration in his tone growing. “Jake can stay. Please?”
Noah swallowed hard, his eyes lingering on Jake for a beat too long. The line between what was right and what he wanted was blurring, and Noah wasn’t sure he could keep himself from crossing it.
Before Noah could find the right words, Jake’s grin widened, his eyes twinkling as he caught on to Noah’s flustered state. With an easy, playful tone, Jake said, “Don’t worry, I’ve got a clean t-shirt in my truck. I’m always prepared for situations like this.” His teasing cut through the tension, yet carried an undertone that made Noah’s heart race even faster. It was as if Jake knew exactly what effect he was having and was gently testing the waters.
“That’d... be great,” Noah finally managed to say, though his voice was uneven. The struggle to stay composed was palpable. Jake had effortlessly taken control of the moment, and all Noah could do was stumble through it, trying not to let the tension overwhelm him.
Jake’s grin lingered for a moment longer, his eyes twinkling with that easy confidence before he nodded and headed toward his truck. Noah’s gaze followed him, helpless to stop himself from watching the way Jake’s broad back and strong legs moved as he walked away. The sight sent another wave of heat through Noah, and he quickly averted his eyes, praying that the whirlwind of emotions wouldn’t completely unravel him.
By the time Jake returned from his truck, Noah had set an extra place at the table, and dinner was nearly ready. Yet the flustered feeling in his chest hadn’t subsided. Seeing Jake walk back, now in a snug white t-shirt that hugged his body, did little to calm his nerves.
The shirt was simple but perfectly fitted, clinging to Jake’s chest and shoulders in a way that highlighted every muscle. His thick arms filled out the sleeves, the fabric stretching ever so slightly with each movement. Somehow, the t-shirt made him even more irresistible, framing his physique with just the right amount of subtlety.
Jake, as always, moved with the same relaxed ease, his smile warm as he rejoined them. “Ready for dinner?” he asked casually, his voice snapping Noah out of his thoughts.
Noah nodded, struggling to regain his composure as they sat down to eat. Jimmy, still brimming with excitement, launched into a lively recap of the day’s events, his voice filling the air with energy. But Noah’s mind wasn’t on the conversation. Every glance at Jake made it harder to focus—on the way his shoulders shifted, on how the fabric of his shirt stretched tight with each movement.
It was Jimmy’s voice that finally broke Noah’s spell.
“You’re like a superhero—you’re so jacked!” Jimmy blurted out, his eyes wide with admiration as he looked at Jake.
Noah froze, his fork halfway to his mouth. The innocent comment sent a jolt of panic through him, and he set his utensil down, his face flushing as Jimmy’s words lingered in the air. His mind scrambled to keep up as all the attention shifted to Jake’s physique.
Jake, for his part, took it in stride. He chuckled softly, his smile modest. “Superhero, huh?” he said, glancing at Jimmy with a playful gleam in his eyes. “I like the sound of that.”
Noah breathed a small sigh of relief—grateful for Jake’s humble response. But just as Noah began to relax, Jake leaned into the moment with a teasing grin.
He flexed his arm slightly, the muscles bulging under his t-shirt, and gave Jimmy a playful look. “If I had to pick, I’d say I’m probably more of a Thor. What do you think?”
Jimmy’s face lit up with glee. “Yeah! You’d totally be Thor!” he exclaimed, his laughter echoing through the room.
Jake struck a mock superhero pose, raising his arm like he was wielding an invisible hammer. His bicep swelled under the strain, and Noah’s breath caught. He gasped softly, his gaze locked on Jake’s arm, unable to look away. For a split second, he wondered if Jake was doing this on purpose—if he knew exactly how much power he held in these small, teasing gestures.
Jake’s eyes flicked toward Noah briefly, a knowing smile softening on his lips. “What do you think, Noah?” he asked, still playful, but with an undercurrent that made Noah’s heart race.
“Thor... or someone else?”
Noah’s throat went dry. The weight of Jake’s question pressed on him, and he fumbled for words. “Uh... Thor seems about right,” he managed to mumble, trying—and failing—to sound nonchalant.
Jake chuckled, enjoying the moment before letting the conversation drift back to lighter topics. But the tension between them remained, hanging in the air, thick and undeniable.
Dinner wrapped up quicker than Noah had expected. Jimmy, worn out from the excitement of the day, pushed his chair back, eyes drooping with exhaustion. “Bedtime, buddy,” Noah said softly, ruffling Jimmy’s hair. Jimmy gave a tired smile, glancing at Jake as he mumbled, “Night, Thor,” before heading off to bed.
With Jimmy gone, the air between Noah and Jake thickened once more. The silence wasn’t awkward, but it was heavy—filled with everything that had been left unsaid throughout the evening.
Noah busied himself at the sink, washing dishes in an attempt to avoid the weight of Jake’s presence. But the sound of Jake’s footsteps behind him made Noah’s pulse spike. He wasn’t ready for this. The moment felt too charged, too close.
Jake joined him at the sink, casually placing a plate beside Noah, his arm brushing against Noah’s side. The touch was light, barely intentional, but it sent a ripple of tension through Noah’s body. His breath caught as he glanced at Jake’s muscular arm, so close, every ridge of muscle defined, veins pushing up against the skin.
Noah froze, gripping the counter for support. The scent of Jake—clean, earthy, natural—filled the space between them, heightening the tension already thrumming through Noah’s body. Every part of him was hyper-aware of Jake’s proximity.
Jake’s arm lingered just a moment longer, then he pulled away, stepping back as if nothing had happened. But for Noah, the moment had been searing, leaving him breathless and shaken.
“So,” Jake said, his voice low and teasing, “about those workout tips... still interested?” His tone was playful, but the underlying message made Noah’s heart stutter.
Noah’s heart lurched at the question, and he forced a breathless laugh, trying to regain control. He was still recovering from Jake’s proximity, his breath uneven from the charged moment they’d just shared. But Jake’s teasing smile, the knowing look in his eyes, made it clear that this wasn’t just an innocent question. “I think... you’ve got that pretty well covered,” Noah managed, his voice shaky.
Jake’s grin widened, clearly enjoying the effect he was having. “Well, the offer’s always open,” he said, his bicep flexing slightly as he scratched the back of his head. The quiet confidence in his voice made it clear—he knew exactly how much power he held in these moments.
Then, from nowhere, Noah volunteered, “You’re very sure of yourself.” He immediately regretted how flustered he sounded, but before he could backtrack, Jake’s gaze sharpened slightly, a teasing edge slipping into his expression. “I’ve heard that before,” Jake smirked, his eyes twinkling with amusement. He casually leaned back against the counter, causing his tricep to flare subtly, its defined horseshoe shape standing out in relief against the smooth curve of his arm. Noah stared while struggling to process what Jake had said. It felt like he was sharing a simple truth, but there was an underlying message in the way he said it. Jake’s smirk widened just a fraction, as though daring Noah to react, but he didn’t linger, stepping back with a satisfied smile
Noah’s breath hitched again, his heart pounding so loudly it echoed in his ears. Sensing Noah’s discomfort, Jake finally stepped back, softening his smile as he leaned against the counter. “Jimmy’s a great kid,” Jake said, his voice thoughtful. “Reminds me of myself at his age—so much energy, needing someone to guide it.”
Noah nodded, grateful for the shift in conversation, though his pulse still raced. “Yeah... he can be a handful,” he replied, his voice still unsteady.
Jake dried his hands and leaned against the counter, his tone softening. “A kid like Jimmy needs a strong role model. Someone who can help him channel all that energy.”
Noah’s stomach twisted, guilt gnawing at him. Jake’s words hit hard, making him painfully aware of the role Jake was stepping into, and the one Noah wasn’t sure he could fill. But Jake’s presence, calm and confident, also offered a strange sense of reassurance.
“You’re doing great with him,” Jake added, his voice gentle. “It’s not easy, but I can tell you care.”
Noah’s heart ached at the compliment, but before he could respond, Jake gave him a playful smile. “You’re cute when you get flustered,” he teased lightly, leaving Noah speechless.
He flashed Noah a quick smile, as if the last hour hadn’t been filled with unspoken tension, then added, “Take care of yourself, Noah.” With that, Jake turned and headed for the door, leaving Noah standing there, still gripping the counter. Before leaving the kitchen, he turned to Noah, “I’ll be back in a couple of days to continue my work.”
As Jake walked out, Noah stood frozen, still gripping the counter, his pulse racing as the unspoken tension lingered between them, thick and undeniable.
