“How does the homeowners association talk you into hosting these stupid things?” Connor asked, eyeing the picnic table laden with casserole dishes and bowls.

“They don’t; I offer.” Peter smiled at Connor’s incredulous stare. “It’s the best way to keep an eye on the people around me.”

“I should have guessed,” Connor muttered, lowering his voice as Timothy approached, waving.

“Hi, guys,” he called. “Long time, no see.”

Peter could feel tension descend upon Connor; relations between him and the man he had attempted to swindle out of his house were still delicate at best. Timothy was putting a good face on it; he had the grace to take responsibility for his wanton behavior that night. Steve Woodward… well, who knew how he felt? He didn’t live next door anymore; Linda had gotten the house in the divorce.

“Timothy, how are you?” Peter asked.

“I’m good.” Timothy gave the two men a furtive glance. “Look, I sort of brought my new boyfriend – he’s right over there.” He nodded in the direction of a young man Peter had never seen before. “Could you, like, not mention…”

Connor held up his hand. “Say no more. Good job, by the way,” he added, appraising Timothy’s companion.

“Yeah.” Timothy grinned. “So, what about you? Are you two officially shacked up, or what?”

Connor made a face.

“Did you catch the game last night?” Peter asked, pointedly changing the subject.

Timothy looked from one man to the other, and his grin mellowed into a knowing gaze. “Got to be tough sometimes, eh? Two of you under one roof?”

Connor tilted his head, and though Peter did not have a clear view of his expression, it made Timothy swallow convulsively and suddenly find something more interesting to look at across the yard.

Sniffing in disdain, Connor turned toward the drinks cooler. Peter followed him and waited while he pulled two fresh bottles from the ice. Handing one silently to Peter, Connor straightened and sighed, looking at the back of the house. Their house, whether Connor would admit it out loud yet or not.

“What ever possessed me to want to tear this great old place down?”

“It’s only natural, love.” Peter resisted the urge to put his arms around him. The neighbors weren’t quite ready for that. “That’s what big, bad wolves do, isn’t it?”

Connor half-turned his head and Peter caught a glimpse of his grin, full of dark and predatory promise.