Hi, I'm Mike and I started my own gardening business in the summer of 07 which has really taken off. I'm a retired army officer who saw time with the Royal Engineers. My wife died a number of years ago and although I have a home of my own I live a vagabond style of life, if you continue to read my stories you'll understand.
Note:- It was easier to write this story from Jenny's perspective.
It was the sound of a vehicle back firing then coming to a grinding halt that made me glance up. There, through the overgrown hedge I could just make out a battered looking Nissan Pickup, long faded letters on the side of the vehicle indicated that it belonged to some Garden Services or other.
Living in a quiet country lane I was naturally intrigued by the presence of this 'foreigner'; staying hidden I heard the driver make several attempts to re-start the vehicle but to no avail. Finally with a clunk and a squeak the driver's door opened.
"Bloody...fucking...thing" followed by what sounded as a hefty kick into the bodywork, was quickly followed the pushbutton-tones of a mobile phone.
"Hello Jim...Mike here...It's finally given out on me, I'll be bloody glad when my new one arrives. Can you send the tow-truck...Oh!...Where am I, somewhere along Reddings Lane...Yes I know it's a bloody long lane...Hang on a minute I'll see if this cottage has a name...It's Rose Cottage about a mile in from the Chalk Hill turn off...Hope that helps...Bye for now....Jesus what the fuck am I going to do now?"
Again I heard the key-tones of the mobile phone.
"Hi...Zoe.....I won't be able to make it today, me trucks broken down and I've got to get it to Jim's.....Yes I'm sorry.....perhaps another day?"
Unable to contain myself any longer I stood up, wincing at the pain and cracking sound of my arthritic knees. All of a sudden, I wished I was dressed in something more appealing than my scruffy skirt and filthy blouse.
This man was gorgeous. His scruffy salt & pepper hair curled over the collar of his tee-shirt and his eyes glared with frustration. I could hardly tear my feverish gaze away from his broadly muscular chest and for a moment, I struggled to say anything remotely intelligent.
Taking pity on him I, with the nervousness of a teenager blurted out, "Excuse me...I couldn't help overhearing your conversation; is there anything I could do to help?"
Quickly his eyes, an intense hazel brown focussed on me, not on the nettles, brambles or massive docks that made up my boundary wall.
"Um yeah, it's been neglected for too long. I don't mind the work though, keeps me busy!"
He grinned at me, the smile crinkling the corners of his eyes. "Well I could go a cup of tea whilst I'm waiting for the tow-truck to arrive and since I have all the gear in the back of the truck I could help you out with your garden, I think that would be a fair trade don't you?." he spoke with amusement, assuming that I wasn't going to show him the door.
"Yes, of course," I blushed, quickly turning away from him in embarrassment, hoping he hadn't noticed my redden cheeks and bust. He followed me around the side and through the gate hanging by its hinges.
The back garden was far worse than the front and he stood silently taking it all in. I knew that I had my work cut out here. The easiest option would probably be to hire an excavator and dig the whole lot up.
"It was once a fine garden you know." Mike said quietly
I nodded. "How much would it cost?" I enquired in a pleading tone.
"Shouldn't be too much; most of the ground cover is superficial, a few hours perhaps with the mini-digger. But then there's the maintenance, how are you going to manage that? Pardon me for saying, but you don't look the type to do the digging this garden would require."
His gaze slid down my body as if he was undressing me and I felt a long forgotten warmth spreading though my limbs. He was right of course; I was not going to find it easy doing such hard labour.
"I guess I'll have to manage..." My voice trailed off and I suddenly realised what a mammoth task I was about to take on.
"I could help if you like?" he offered.
"That would be great, but I can't really afford to pay you for all your time." I said regretfully.
"No charge, perhaps the odd cup of tea or sandwich would suffice" he said with a chuckle, scanning his eyes once more across my cleavage.
I shivered with unexpected desire and tried desperately not to imagine what he looked like beneath his shorts and tee-shirt. It had been a long time since I had been touched in that way and I could feel my hungry body responding to the sexual vibes emanating from this hunk of a man.
Mike, looked a lot younger than me but what did that matter? I was naturally slim and petite. My breasts were still firm and I revelled in my feminine charms; I had been ignored for so long, it felt wonderful to finally be appreciated once more.
"Well...er...if you're sure?" I said, licking my lips nervously.
"I'm sure." Mike smiled. He tucked his hands into his shorts and headed back round the front of the house. I entered the kitchen, wondering just what the hell I had agreed to.
Mike returned with a barrow full of tools muttering something 'About making a start whilst waiting for the tow-truck to arrive'. Following a short interlude we spent all day outside, enjoying the warmth and clearing a sizable chunk of ground.
I was miles away when I heard the gate bang against the side of the house. Pushing my unruly hair back, I rubbed my face just in time to see a newcomer walking down the path.
"Where is he then?" asked the newcomer
Mike hearing a familiar voice emerged from a tangle of brambles. "Took your bloody time getting here, I was beginning to think I'll have to ask this lady for bed & breakfast."
"How's it going?" he asked cheerfully, taking in our dishevelled state.
"Oh not too bad!...I'm getting there slowly" replied Mike smiling and with a glint in his eye
"I bet you are," replied the newcomer, picking up on the innuendo.