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

“He won’t say yes,” Conley said to Sir Kenith. He was sitting in one of the chairs in the solarium with the macaw perched on the arm. He had been there for at least an hour, talking out his worries because he needed to verbalize them, even if Sir Kenith didn’t understand.


The bird flew to his shoulder, rubbing its head against Conley’s. “Con sad?”


He’d asked that several times, and Conley had denied it. “Scared, I guess,” he replied this time. “When he thinks it through, will he believe I love him enough that I want him with me always? Forever is a long time. He could regret it. Hell, we’ve only known each other for a couple of years. Right now he’s sure he loves me as much as I love him. Will that change? Would it change if I was your average human and we decided to, I don’t know, get married? How many marriages end in divorce?” Conley drummed his fingers on the arm of the chair.


Chapter 46