Whispered Secrets (Rose Garden Apartments Book 2)

by Elizabeth Lennox

  At his stunned look, she started to reach out to him, then pulled her hands back. “Is that too much? This is a special apartment building. So, if you can’t afford it, say so. We can work something out.”

  “That’s fine,” he replied, shocking himself. What was “fine”? He wasn’t moving in here! He had a ten thousand square foot penthouse about ten miles away! His place had extraordinary views and everything exactly the way he wanted it.

  “Good!” she sighed, obviously relieved. “I’ll have Eddie stop by and tell you about the renovations. He’s not in charge, but since its Sunday, the workers are off. But Eddie works with the teams, so he can fill you in on the details.”

  Oliver nodded, confused and fascinated. Crossing his arms over his chest, he stared down at the woman, aware that he was making her nervous but not sure how to ease her worries. She was such a tiny thing, but those big green eyes were huge with emotions that she was obviously trying to hide.

  “Well, if you have time tonight, we’d love to see you at the fire pit. All of us.” Her hand fluttered out, encompassing the other apartments. “The residents, that is.” She took a step backwards, moving carefully towards the doorway. “But if you can’t make it, well, I’ll understand. And…” she waved a hand at the boxes. “I’m sorry that this apartment isn’t renovated. But we’ll get it on the schedule as soon as we can.”

  Oliver continued to watch her, wondering who she was. Then he remembered her name. Maggie, he thought, repeating the name in his mind. Maggie Beauchamp. He thought about making a call to his security chief and having him work up a dossier on her. But the idea left a bad taste in his mouth. No, he wouldn’t use his vast resources on this mysterious woman.

  He wanted to discover her secrets himself. Not that she could have all that many, he thought with a chuckle as she pulled the door closed, stumbling on the threshold as she hurried away. Unlike his past relationships, Oliver wanted his knowledge of Maggie Beauchamp to come to him the old fashioned way. Through conversation and time.

  He watched as the beauty walked away, more fascinated than he’d ever been by a woman.

  Time? What the hell? Oliver didn’t have “spare time”. It was a Sunday morning and he had about ten thousand things to get done by the end of the day. He’d come out here to investigate the building he’d just purchased, to inspect the vacant apartments as well as the neighborhood, and develop a plan of attack. He owned pretty much all of the buildings within an eight block radius now. Oliver planned to tear them all down and build sky rise buildings that would include multi-use areas like condominiums, retail spaces, and office areas.

  At least, that was the current plan. His idea was to create a whole new go-to area here on the edge of Crystal City. It was a prime spot for building and was ripe for a whole new look. The new Amazon headquarters had just moved in about four miles away. This was a perfect spot for condos and office spaces, new restaurants and bars, nightclubs and…hell, it was exceptionally situated for his plans.

  So, what the hell was he doing standing here in this decrepit apartment that needed a whole new lighting system as well as new flooring, cabinets, and…the appliances looked to be at least forty years old! He should get out of here and head back to his car, which was parked over on the other side of the building next door. His Maserati stuck out like a sore thumb in this area and would be a prime temptation for car thieves.

  And yet, instead of leaving and getting back to work, Oliver walked slowly through the apartment, mentally noting all of the areas that needed to be fixed and updated. The pale pink tiles in the bathroom were clean-ish, but had probably been installed back in the sixties. They’d obviously been re-grouted at some point, because the grout was relatively clean. But there were gaps in the grout, which would cause problems if water seeped behind the tiles. The floor tiles were an odd shade of avocado green. Hmm…pink and green bathroom. Not the best combination. The bathroom vanity was outdated as well, but had been made from solid wood, so only parts of it were dry rotted. He flipped the switch for the bathroom fan, but nothing happened. Looking up, he noticed the well rusted fan, which should have been thrown away decades ago.

  He wandered into the bedroom, surprised to find a large mattress that didn’t seem too dirty. He didn’t relish the idea of sleeping on a stranger’s bed though. The closet doors were off the hinges and…okay actually, the hinges were gone. The doors were in good shape, but again, they were bi-fold doors that had gone out of style decades ago. A pair of “barn doors” would look good in here. And would be easier to use. The windows were smallish, but with trim and the right kind of windows installed, they could look funky instead of dated.

  He returned to the kitchen. The linoleum flooring was scraped and faded, even ripped in several places. Someone had tried to glue the tears back down, but dirt had accumulated in the gash over the years and the edges were dark with grime. The cabinets were the worst though. Several of the doors were hanging from broken hinges, there was rot in several corners, the stove didn’t look as if it would actually work and…the refrigerator should be moved into the bathroom, where it matched the floor. The avocado green fridge was…well, some might call it quaint. He thought it looked pathetic. A remnant of a bygone era that, thankfully, hadn’t lasted long.

  “What the hell are you doing here?” he muttered to himself, standing in the middle of the kitchen/den area that was separated only by an L shaped countertop. With his hands fisted on his hips, he shook his head in disgust. “You have work to do.”

  With that, he headed towards the doorway, determined to set Ms. Maggie Beauchamp straight. Maybe he’d ask her out for dinner. He could take her to that Italian restaurant that had just opened up down in DuPont Circle. She’d like it. Lots of ambiance and the food was excellent.

  So, why did he hesitate at the door? Why did he turn around and, swearing under his breath, grab the key before leaving? What the hell was he thinking?!

  Chapter 2

  Six hours later, Maggie watched with jittery anticipation as the residents gathered around the fire pit. Eddie had been the first to arrive and had helped her set up the small table and lay out the food.

  She’d gotten the cushions out of the storage room, pretty flowered and plaid cushions that Louise and Nora had sewed over the past several months.

  “This looks real nice, Maggie,” Eddie had announced once everything was ready.

  “Thanks,” she sighed, trying to relax. He was just a guy, she reminded herself. Just another resident. Someone who needed a little help. Maggie loved helping people. So, this guy was a good fit for her. He needed help and she needed to help. A match made in heaven.

  So, why was she so nervous?

  “He’ll be here,” Eddie muttered, handing her a cold soda before walking away.

  “Who will be here?” she asked, trying to feign a casualness that she didn’t feel.

  “Is he here?” Louise asked, walking over to the food table and helping herself to an orange soda and a Dr. Pepper for Nora.

  “Who?” Maggie asked.

  Nora chuckled as she expertly popped the top off of her soda bottle on the edge of the new brick fire pit that Eddie and Jimmy had built. “That gorgeous hunk of man that you brought in earlier today,” Nora replied with mock frown at Maggie for daring to feign ignorance.

  Maggie cleared her throat. “That’s Oliver…” she paused, shaking her head. “Actually, I don’t know his last name yet. But he seems nice. Fresh out of the military and looking a little lost. More than slightly rough around the edges.” She took a sip of her soda. “He just needs a bit of help to get back on track.”

  Nora and Louise nodded. “Then he came to the right place. We’ll help him out!” both ladies announced.

  Maggie smiled weakly, looking back towards the still-closed door nervously. Would he show up? Or had he left already?

  She turned her attention back to Louise. “Thanks. Could you mention Oliver’s predicament to Jimmy too? I think they might have a lot in c
ommon. They both have that ‘warrior’ vibe about them.”

  Mick nodded in agreement. “Good idea, honey,” he said as he picked up one of the metal fire-pokers, sliding a hot dog onto the end before moving towards the fire so that he could roast his dinner.

  Oliver stood back in the shadows, admiring the scene. The residents were chatting happily in small groups, many of them roasting hot dogs and marshmallows over the dancing fire while sipping soda or beer. Some had brought lawn chairs while others spread themselves across the pillow-strewn benches. There were strings of lights overhead, adding more light as well as a festive air to the scene.

  This was nice, he thought. This was a community. It seemed as if everyone knew each other and, even more importantly, cared about one another. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d spoken to…or even passed…anyone in his current building. Having a private elevator and private parking area gave him a sense of isolation from the other residents where he lived. Up until this moment, he’d always appreciated that his wealth could allow him to separate himself from the rest of the world. He worked long hours so when he came home, he didn’t want to be bothered with polite conversations at the mail box or in the elevator.

  But these people were gathered around, talking and laughing among themselves, teasing each other but doing it in a gentle, friendly way. As Oliver lingered in the shadows, observing and listening, he didn’t hear a single malicious comment.

  And he had to admit that the hot dogs smelled pretty damn good. He’d never been the type to enjoy carnival foods before, but smelling the dogs roasting on the wood fire brought back memories.

  He approached the food-laden table, adding a case of cold beer that he’d picked up, correctly assuming that everyone would contribute something to the evening’s festivities.

  “Are you him?” some guy asked eagerly. The man had dark skin and dark hair with white streaks at the temples.

  “Him?” Oliver repeated, not sure if he was the “him” in question or not.

  “Oliver!” Maggie exclaimed, rushing over to him. He noticed that she didn’t have a hot dog in her hands. Just a glass of lemonade. Cute, he thought. When was the last time he’d enjoyed lemonade? Maybe he’d had some with a dash of vodka in it but only because one of his previous lovers had forced him to try her rather idiotic martinis. But pure, unadulterated lemonade?

  “Am I late?” he asked, still wondering what he was doing here. He’d changed into an old, but clean college tee shirt and a clean pair of jeans. Normally, he would be dressed in khaki slacks and a button down shirt. But Oliver hadn’t wanted to lose Maggie’s perception that he was a lost soul, looking for redemption and salvation.

  “Nope! We’re just early,” she replied, grabbing a reusable plastic cup and pouring him some lemonade.

  “I brought beer,” he told her.

  Those emerald eyes faltered and she pulled back, startled. “Oh. Right! I’m sure that you’d prefer beer instead of…well, I’m just being silly I guess,” she finally stammered. Still, she nervously eyed the case of beer.

  Immediately, Oliver realized where her thoughts had gone. She was worried about Oliver diving into alcohol to soothe his inner wounds. In that moment, he wanted to please her. So instead of grabbing one of the cold beers, he nodded to the cup she was still holding. “But the lemonade sounds like a much better choice,” he smiled.

  Maggie’s smile was almost brighter than the fire now. She gazed up into his eyes and, for some silly reason, Oliver felt like a hero.

  He wasn’t a hero though, he thought. As soon as Maggie discovered that he was the bastard buying up all the abandoned buildings and land in the neighborhood, and would slowly tear them all down to make room for bigger and better buildings, she’d never look at him again.

  So right now, he was going to revel in her smile and enjoy himself. The time will come when he’d have to be honest with her. But right now, her smile eased the tension in his shoulders. Tension that he hadn’t been aware of until it disappeared.

  “Jimmy!” she called out.

  An older man, slightly stooped, and wearing a clean pair of baggy khaki slacks and a tee shirt that had seen better days, came over to them. But as Oliver looked into the man’s eyes, there was something there. A struggle. His wounds clearly ran deep. Oliver remembered Maggie’s comment about Jimmy being a former Navy SEAL. But behind the pain lurking in the man’s steady gaze was something else. Something stronger. His gaze was straight, even though his shoulders were a bit crooked, as if protecting himself from the world. Strength. Integrity. The man looked right back at Oliver as if daring him to judge.

  Oliver extended his hand, his respect increasing when Jimmy shook his hand with a solid shake.

  “You’re the new guy?” Jimmy asked.

  “I guess I am,” Oliver replied.

  Jimmy looked Oliver over, as if the older man could see into his soul. For a long moment, Oliver wondered if Jimmy was going to see the truth and reveal it to the others. Of course, Oliver hadn’t actually lied. But he hadn’t corrected Maggie’s belief that Oliver was destitute and in desperate need of saving. Still, Oliver didn’t want the truth of his wealth revealed. Not yet. He needed…time.

  Instead, Jimmy glanced over at Maggie, who was working the crowd like a professional, offering potato salad and coleslaw to those who already had hot dogs. When Jimmy glanced up at Oliver again, there was understanding in the man’s eyes. Understanding and intelligence.

  Oliver didn’t consider himself to be easy to read. In fact, several business articles had commented on how no one knew what was going on in Oliver’s business world until Oliver decided to reveal it. So, what was it about Jimmy that allowed him to see what so many others missed?

  Oliver glanced at Maggie, then back to Jimmy. The other man nodded easily, then walked away, sitting closer to the fire.

  Confused by Jimmy’s odd acceptance and…approval? Yes, it was definitely approval. Whatever, Oliver turned, watching Maggie who appeared to be avoiding him. Interesting, he thought as he caught her sideways glance before she quickly looked away. Taking a sip of the lemonade, he was surprised at how delicious it was.

  “She’s a good person,” a female voice interrupted Oliver’s thoughts.

  He turned and found a pretty blond with pale skin that seemed to glow in the light coming from the fire standing beside him.

  “Are you referring to Maggie?” he asked.

  The woman scoffed. “As if you’ve noticed anyone else here tonight?”

  Oliver conceded her point with a faint smile. “I’m Oliver,” he said, extending his hand.

  “Molly,” the blond woman announced, taking his hand with a firm handshake. “Maggie mentioned that you might need a little help.” She pulled her eyes away from the woman in question and looked up at Oliver. “You really don’t look like someone who needs help.”

  Stunned, Oliver couldn’t halt the bark of laughter, thinking the woman was quite perceptive. “I’ve been known to need a helping hand occasionally.”

  Molly’s head tilted slightly, eyeing Oliver carefully. “You’re not ex-military either, are you?”

  Damn, she was good. “No. I fully support our men and women in uniform, but I’ve never served in the military myself.”

  “Didn’t think so.” They both turned to watch Maggie, who had picked up a plate of cookies and was offering them around. “Interesting,” Molly commented, then turned to look quizzically up at Oliver. “Are you going to hurt her?”

  “Maggie?” he asked, shocked that anyone would be that direct. Especially with him. People usually treated him with kid gloves, terrified of his wrath. He’d been known to destroy his competition without a second thought.

  “Is there anyone else here you can’t keep your eyes off of?” the woman teased.

  Oliver again conceded her point. “I have never planned to hurt anyone.”

  Molly didn’t think that was good enough and she frowned, her gaze turning hard. “She’s gone through a g
reat deal,” she explained. “I don’t know the story, or even most of the details, but I do know that she’s a good person. Maggie doesn’t think so, but everyone else loves her. And we watch out for her, just as she watches out for us.” Molly stepped closer, pinning him with her sharp gaze. “If you do anything to hurt her, you’ll have us to deal with. You don’t want that.”

  And then she was gone. Oliver watched as Molly settled next to Mick and handed him something that Oliver couldn’t identify from across the fire, but Mick seemed delighted.

  Oliver contemplated the pretty woman who had just threatened him. She appeared to be a bit of fluff. But Oliver now saw the strength inside of her. He realized that Molly wasn’t offering idle threats. Every one of these residents looked out for each other. If something happened to one of them, it happened to all of them.

  Turning, his eyes once again clashed with the one woman he couldn’t seem to stop thinking about. All day, he’d told himself that he should stay away. That Maggie was untarnished. She was good, kind, and generous. She’d taken in a stranger that she’d thought needed help. In reality, Oliver was the kind of man that could hurt her deeply.

  But he wouldn’t, he vowed. Not Maggie. No, she was too pure. Too sweet and kind.

  Yes, he should walk away and leave her in peace. But for some reason, he couldn’t seem to force his feet to go. He couldn’t just walk away from Maggie. There was just something about her, something innately good and kind that…he needed. It was more than just her luscious curves and those brilliant eyes. He craved her.

  Maggie watched, wanting to screech her fury and claw at Molly’s eyes. But Molly was her friend! Molly was one of the best!

  But Molly had flirted with Oliver, a man Maggie had already mentally claimed for herself.