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 Don t be so sure of that, a deep voice said from the shadows.
Great.  You spying on me, Mike? Sidney asked.
 Nope. Came out to smoke. Mike tossed a cigarette butt into the bucket filled with
sand before stepping away from the building.
After five years together, Mike and his partner Shane had ended their relationship
almost six months earlier. Since then, Mike had begun smoking like a damn chimney.
 I take it your twink-of-the-week is inside, Nash commented.
Mike ignored Nash and reached for Sidney, giving him a bear hug.  Happy belated
birthday, buddy.
Despite Nash s growl of jealousy, Sidney hugged Mike back. There was something
about Mike s hugs that made Sidney feel safe and wanted at the same time. It was precisely
what Sidney needed after turning forty a day earlier.  Thanks.
Nash pulled Sidney out of Mike s arms.  Get your own.
One corner of Mike s mouth lifted, bestowing that sexy, devilish grin upon Sidney he
was known for.  I will, but you know I ve always wanted yours, Mike told Nash.
 Not always, Sidney corrected.  You were happy with Shane for a long time.
 I was content. It s not the same as being happy. Mike turned and started towards the
front of the building.
 Sorry about that. Sidney took hold of Nash again as they followed Mike.
 That guy really gets under my skin, Nash snarled.
 I know, so does he, which is why he does it. Believe me, when you re not around,
Mike s a completely different person.
 I hope so. Otherwise I might have to rearrange his face.
Sidney silently asked forgiveness for the little white lie. Mike had always been a flirt; it
was part of his nature. Fortunately, Sidney knew Mike well enough to know he wasn t
expected to respond to the innuendos flung his way.
The party was in full swing by the time they stepped inside Creative Solutions. Abby,
Ben s wife, had outdone herself on the decorations.  This is fantastic.
Nash paused in the process of removing his coat. He tilted his head back and looked up
at the rafters dripping with white fairy lights.  Who do you think had the balls to get up
there and hang those?
Sidney hung his coat up before taking Nash s.  It s not that big of a deal, actually. Those
beams are eighteen-inches wide. Even I ve been up there a time or two.
Nash rubbed his chest.  Don t tell me that.
Sidney chuckled. Heights had always been something Nash wasn t comfortable with.
He wouldn t even go out on Maggie s balcony because of it.
 You made it, Abby said, rushing over.
 Finally. Nash insisted we arrive fashionably late. Sidney kissed Abby s cheek.  The
place looks fantastic.
Abby s face lit up.  It does, doesn t it? I ve had the best time putting it all together.
 You should do it every year, Sidney told her. Behind him, Nash cleared his throat.
Sidney chose to ignore his grumpy partner.  I ll be here, that s for sure.
 The Ellington s are here, Abby said, pointing towards an elderly couple.  They can t
stop talking about how much they love their house.
The Ellington project had been one of the biggest and most recent jobs Sidney had
designed. The sixteen-thousand-square-foot open beam and stone home had taken almost
two years from start to finish, but it truly was Sidney s best work.  That s nice to hear.
 Architectural Digest wants to feature it on the cover of their June edition. Abby quickly
covered her mouth.  Shit, I wasn t supposed to tell you that. When Ben congratulates you,
make sure you act like it s a surprise.
Sidney chuckled.  I will.
 Sorry to interrupt, Mrs Shrivers, but what time should we set out the champagne? a
woman asked.
Abby squeezed Sidney s hand.  I d better get back to my hostess duties, but I ll catch up
with you later.
 Sounds good. Sidney turned back to Nash only to find him gone. He looked around
the room and eventually spotted him in the corner with Luke and Butch. Figures. Instead of
joining the non-social club, Sidney decided to mingle.
After a quick word with the Ellingtons, he moved on to the group of Shrivers.  Hey.
Steven Shriver, oldest and head of Shrivers Construction, held out his hand.  You hear
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