Brian Newell is an average young man, working in a coffee shop. That is, until he learns he’s the sole heir to his grandfather Alistair's fortune. A grandfather he didn't even know he had. There is a proviso, however. He has to live in his grandfather's house for one year, and take care of his macaw, before he can inherit anything.<br><br>Conley Finnegan was close friends with Alistair, cataloguing his book collection and tending to his yard. He’s less than happy when he meets Brian, or so it seems. But that isn't quite the truth. Conley has a deep secret, and part of it requires Brian in his life -- but only as a friend. <br><br>However, his wishes to the contrary, Conley falls in love with Brian, and vice versa. That small problem, as Conley thinks of it, will impact their lives in ways neither can imagine.

A Secret to Die For

“Who knew,” Brian grumbled good-naturedly as he helped, “that there was more to a garden’s upkeep than dropping in seeds and watering them?”


“Are we going to fill the pond?” Brian asked. A logical question because Conley had emptied it before winter came, in deference, he said, to keeping the water from freezing and moving or destroying the rocks surrounding it.


“Not yet,” Conley replied as he turned away to pull up some dead weeds. “There’s always a chance of the weather turning cold again. After all, it is March. We’ve been known to have winter storms even into April.”


“Okay.” The pond looked lonely, Brian thought. Like it was just waiting to be filled, and surrounded by flowers, the way it had been last summer. But he bowed to Conley’s desires, figuring he knew what he was talking about.


They finished the yard, took showers, and after an early supper went to a movie.


Chapter 32