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

Brian studied the painting, now, and nodded before picking up his palette and brushes to set to work on finishing it. He had spent all his spare time in the previous two weeks on it. An effort, he knew, to keep his mind off Conley and whether he would return as he’d promised. First, Brian concentrated on getting every flower and tree in the background perfect. From there, he set to work painting Alistair in the foreground, comparing his mental and emotional vision if his grandfather with the photos pinned to the sides of the easel.


It worked, he decided much later, stepping back to survey the final result. In the painting, Alistair looked both distinguished, as Mr. Johnson had said, and at the same time compassionate. Brian had painted him holding a single red and yellow dahlia while gazing up at the azure blue sky visible above the trees to his left.


“Beautiful,” Conley said from the doorway. “You captured him perfectly.”


Chapter 36