“Maggie,” Desiree said.
That got his attention and he stiffened angrily. “What about Maggie?” he demanded.
“I didn’t know that she wasn’t aware of who you were, Oliver!”
His jaw clenched. “So you took it upon yourself to fill her in?” he asked, his voice deadly soft.
Oliver was already halfway to the door when her words registered.
“How was I supposed to know that she didn’t know who you were? You’re huge in this town! She’s an idiot if she didn’t…!”
“Stop it, Desiree! What did you do? Why would she find out now?”
She shrank back and he wanted to roar with fury.
“She was just spouting something about…well, how good you were and all of that silliness about…whatever. I laughed and then realized that you must be there in the apartment complex in order to find out information about the neighborhood,” she rushed to explain. “I understand now. You were just doing research, using her to find out more about the neighborhood. It’s actually genius, Oliver,” she continued. “I mean, to pretend to be in love with someone just to get information on your next project?” Desiree laughed, shrugging. “But I didn’t let that cat out of the bag. When I realized what you were doing, that you were only there as a spy, sort of, I left. I doubt she realized what was going on. I didn’t tell her and there’s no way she could possibly know about your plans.”
Oliver glared at Desiree, wishing that he could fire her. But that thought was banished when Jamie sighed.
“She knows,” his assistant announced, staring at his shoes.
Oliver’s head swung around to glare at Jamie. “She knows what?”
Jamie cringed, pulling his notebook closer to his chest. “Maggie Beauchamp came by earlier today,” Jamie explained.
Oliver stared. “Here?” he demanded. “Maggie was here?”
Jamie cringed. “Yes?”
Oliver’s eyes hardened. “Is that an answer or a question?” he demanded softly.
Jamie’s shoulders slumped. “Maggie Beauchamp was here. I didn’t know who she was. But…well, there was something about the way she presented herself to the security team downstairs that indicated that she was important to you. So, I slipped out of that meeting right before noon. I brought her up here, but because I didn’t know who she was, I didn’t want to put her in your office.” He turned to glare at Desiree. “I’ve been doing an excellent job of keeping the undesirables out of your office, sir.”
Desiree barely sniffed at the insult because she knew that she’d messed up big time.
“So, if you knew that she was important to me, why didn’t you come and get me? I would have paused the meeting for Maggie.”
“What?” Desiree practically screeched.
Oliver sighed. “I love Maggie, Desiree. She’s very important to me. So just let that information sink in while Jamie finishes what he’s trying to tell me.”
“But you were engaged to me!” she blurted, stepping forward. But when Oliver shot a quelling glance her way, Desiree took an involuntary step backwards.
“Jamie, continue. Where is Maggie?”
“She left,” Jamie explained. “When I came back to the conference room with coffee for her, she was gone. Matt in development was there, setting up the options for that new project that you mentioned. And…?”
Jamie stopped when Oliver sliced his hand through the air. “Are you telling me that Maggie saw the plans? That she was there?” He barely waited until Jamie nodded confirmation before he demanded, “Which plans did she see?”
Jamie shrugged. “I don’t know. When I came back the second time, Matt was setting up option two, and option one was already on the table. It’s the most impressive, so I don’t see how the plans could have bothered her.”
Oliver cursed under his breath as he grabbed his car keys off and hurried out of his office.
“What about me?” Desiree called out.
He ignored her. All he knew was that he had to get to Maggie. He had to explain. He couldn’t imagine what might be going through her mind.
Correction, he was pretty sure that he did know what was going through her mind. That he’d lied to her. That he’d tricked her. But Oliver knew that he’d never actively lied to her.
He didn’t think that she’d believe him. Or maybe he hadn’t told her the truth, which was a lie of omission. That wasn’t as bad, was it?
Damn it, rush hour traffic was horrendous. Washington, D.C. traffic was bad enough that even the five miles from his office to the apartments meant a forty-five minute drive that was more like sitting in a parking lot.
Finally, he reached the turnoff for the apartment and zoomed down the street. He slowed down as he pulled into the parking lot, cautious because the kids played in the parking lot after school and before they were called in for dinner.
As he stepped out of his car, he noticed that Maggie’s wasn’t in her usual spot. Was she not here? But if she wasn’t, where would she be?
He hurried to her apartment door and unlocked it. They’d traded keys a couple of weeks ago. But when he walked through the apartment, calling for her, there was no response. Just silence.
Silence was bad! Every night for the past few weeks, Maggie had been here, waiting for him when he returned from work. Granted, he was early tonight, since he would normally go to his penthouse and change into jeans, but still, she’d been here. Excited to see him and he’d been just as thrilled!
But there was no Maggie.
When he stepped out of the apartment, looking around, he found Eddie and Mick standing by the fire pit. Both were glaring daggers at him. Instantly, Oliver knew that word had spread.
“Do you know where Maggie is?” he asked politely.
Mick shook his head. Eddie glared harder. “You’re just gonna tear down the neighborhood. We’re not telling you nothing.”
Oliver sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as fear of losing Maggie hit him hard. “I’m not going to tear anything down,” he told them, ignoring their obvious surprise. “In fact, she only saw one of the options. The plan I’m going with is much more inclusive. My company owns almost all of the land around here now. But I think there’s a way that we can make this whole area a lot nicer to live in, without tearing down anything.” He backed up. “If you see Maggie, will you tell her that? Will you tell her that I’m not tearing anything down?”
The men didn’t answer, but Oliver saw the look in their eyes. They were good men and wanted Maggie to be happy. They’d tell her.
But four hours later, he walked into his penthouse, defeated. He still hadn’t found Maggie. Everywhere he’d gone, people had glared and yelled at him. They thought he was the devil about to destroy their neighborhood.
He showered and stretched out on his bed, staring at the ceiling. The bed was too soft, he thought. And the room too big. It felt cavernous after sleeping in the cozy apartment with Maggie for so long. And Maggie wasn’t here. Oliver realized that nothing felt right without Maggie.
Chapter 18
Maggie opened her eyes and sighed. Another miserable day. Another day without Oliver. Another day wondering how she’d been so gullible. First Jerry, then Oliver. Both had thought she was stupid enough to trick her into thinking they wanted her. When in reality, they only wanted what she could give them. Jerry wanted the land. Oliver wanted information on the neighborhood.
“Oh, good! You’re awake!” Lilly laughed as she stepped into the bedroom, Marcus gurgling happily in her arms. “Here, hold him for me for a minute, would you?” she asked, handing over the cooing child, and rushing out of the room.
Maggie stared down into Marcus’ face, fighting back the tears. She loved kids. If things had gone the way she’d hoped, then she and Oliver would have had a whole passel of children.
Alas, Maggie suspected she’d never have that wonderful brood. She couldn’t imagine ever trusting a man again. Jerry’s betrayal had been painful enough. But she’d come through that trial
better and stronger.
Oliver’s betrayal…well, he’d nearly destroyed her.
“No more!” she whispered to the adorable baby boy, who squirmed and giggled at her. “Never again!”
Marcus bicycled his tiny feet harder, giggling excitedly. Maggie laughed as she set him down in the middle of the bed, and slipped out of bed to get dressed.
When Lilly returned, her eyes widened. “Something changed,” she announced, scooping Marcus out of Maggie’s arms. “What’s happened?”
“I’m going back,” she declared.
Lilly shook her head. “No! You’re staying here until you feel better.” She started patting Marcus’ bottom, soothing him as she swayed slightly. “You’ve lost too much weight and I know you’re still not sleeping well.”
“I’m fine,” Maggie insisted, feeling a rush of warmth for her friends. Molly came over every day with cookies or treats from Louise and Nora, or clothes from her apartment. She also provided the news that Oliver was still living at Rose Gardens. Which was very odd, since Maggie had Googled his penthouse. It was beautiful! Huge and clean, white and pristine! His penthouse was nothing like the one bedroom place at Rose Gardens.
“You need to stay here,” she repeated.
Maggie hugged her friend, and kissed Marcus’ soft, fluffy head. “I have to get to work. There are apartments that need work. Things to do and people who need me. I’m not running away like I did with Jerry.”
Lilly continued patting Marcus’ bottom as she said, “Speaking of jerks, I have some news about Jerry.”
Maggie pulled out the duffel bag Molly had packed for her, stuffing clothes in haphazardly. Funny, but the thought of Jerry didn’t hurt anymore. How long would it be before she could say the same about Oliver? “What about him?”
“Well, you know how Drako owns several businesses down in Houston, including a bank, and…”
“Drako owns a bank?” Maggie interrupted, surprised by that little tidbit.
Lilly waved it aside. “Yes, but that’s not the interesting part. Apparently, Jerry has gone to several banks now, asking for loans.” She grinned, a sparkle in her eyes. “It appears that dear old Jerry is broke.” Lilly grinned. “Worse than broke. He has bill collectors calling on him constantly.”
“Really?” Maggie asked, laughing as she collected her socks.
“Yep. He mortgaged his house and his ranch to buy up all of your land around the river. Now that the developer has mysteriously pulled out, Jerry is left with a massive debt, and no one wants to buy that land. He’s even trying to sell it dirt cheap. But…wonder of wonders, whenever he gets a nibble of interest, the buyer mysteriously pulls out.”
“Why is that?” she asked.
Lilly shrugged. “Apparently, there’s a big developer down there warning people away from the sale. The land is cursed or something, people are whispering.”
Maggie stopped packing, looking at her friend. “Cursed?” she repeated. “And what developer?”
“Fenton properties, is what Drako heard.” She shrugged, as if the news was of little import.
Maggie caught her breath. “Oliver is doing this to Jerry? But…why?”
Another shrug. “No clue. Maybe he’s trying to make up for what he thinks he’s done here?”
Maggie shoved the last sweater into the duffel bag. “Not a chance!” she spat.
Lilly followed, bouncing Marcus with every step. “Well, I’m just saying that there might be more going on than we know. It’s possible that Oliver might not be as horrible as you think.”
Maggie turned, her eyes narrowing on her friend. “What do you know?”
Lilly smiled. “A little birdie told me the neighborhood is getting a major revitalization grant from the state. And there are several developers trying to step in and spruce up the apartments around Rose Gardens.” She swayed again. “Oh, and…there’s some politician who found out about the Center and is asking questions. But that might be just a rumor.”
“A politician?”
Lilly grinned. “Yeah, the rumors are that someone is running for a weakened senator’s seat. That pathetic senator is my father, by the way.” She laughed and did a little spin, thrilled by any bad news regarding her corrupt father. “Gossip about some handsome lawyer-guy is spreading around town and…well, you should ask Molly about that. She hates him, but I think he’s pretty charming.”
Maggie eyed her friend dubiously. “If Molly hates this guy, then we shouldn’t trust him. She has an excellent instinct for people.”
Lilly laughed. “I’m not so sure if her instincts are on point about this guy.” Lilly shrugged slightly. “I also think that you should talk to Oliver. There has to be more to his story than we know.”
Maggie’s eyes narrowed on her friend. “Are you on his side now?”
Lilly shook her head. “I’m on your side. I just want you to think about every possibility before you reject a man who might be your soul mate. Don’t lose something that could be precious, just because you’ve been hurt.”
Maggie understood. Lilly had loved Drako from the beginning, but he didn’t believe he could love again. Thankfully, they’d worked things out and were wildly happy and, now they were crazy about their little boy.
Maggie smiled gently and leaned in to hug her friend. “I love you for wanting me to find the same happiness that you have with Drako, but I don’t think that’s in my future.”
And with that, she slung her duffel over her shoulder. “I’m truly grateful to you for giving me a place to stay over the past few days.” She placed another kiss on Marcus’ sweet-smelling head. “I’ll talk to you soon.”
Chapter 19
Oliver was going to spank Maggie’s ass as soon as he found her. In the meantime, he ran a hand through his hair, scanning the horizon in the hope that he’d see her. Unfortunately, Maggie still hadn’t returned. Molly assured him that Maggie was safe, but that she was also hurt and confused. He’d tried to convince Molly that he’d messed up. Molly had simply told him to be patient.
“Right!” he snapped, turning back to the architect, who was taking measurements. Patience wasn’t in great supply just now. He’d be more patient if he could just talk to Maggie, explain to her what had happened.
Three days! She’d been gone for three days! It felt more like three years. He barely slept, hated eating without Maggie smiling across the table, and he struggled to focus on work when all he really wanted was Maggie in his arms.
Yeah, he’d messed up. But not in the way she thought.
An hour later, he was leaving the Center when he spotted a man that looked vaguely familiar standing in front of the building. “Can I help you?” he asked, instantly alert and curious.
The man pulled off his sunglasses. “James Morgan,” the man said, extending his hand with an easy smile. “And you’re Oliver Fenton, correct?”
Oliver liked him at once. It didn’t hurt that the man’s reputation as a determined and hardworking legal genius preceded him. The man had won some pretty amazing lawsuits over the years.
“That’s right. James Morgan. You’re running for Senator Von Deuch’s seat this time around, aren’t you?”
“That’s me,” the guy replied. “I was just–” he stopped, his eyes focusing on something over Oliver’s shoulder. Oliver turned, following his gaze. Molly came around the corner, laughing as she ran full out with something in her arms. About three seconds later, a stream of kids galloped after her. Oliver chuckled softly when Molly spun around, hiding behind a tree. It wasn’t a good move, because those kids were street smart. They surrounded her without mercy. Within moments, the kids had her on the ground, cheering with their success.
Molly emerged from the dog pile, laughing and tossing her curly ponytail over her shoulder as she stood up. “Okay!” she laughed. “You win!” The object in her hands was a box of popsicles that she immediately began handing out to eat.
“That’s Molly,” Oliver offered. “She’s the director here at the C
enter.” He looked at the man who appeared to be too stunned to speak. “Would you like an introduction?”
The man continued to stare. Then slowly, as if still entranced, he nodded. “Yes please!”
Oliver chuckled. “I know the feeling,” he said, having experienced that same kind of lightning bolt when he’d first laid eyes on Maggie.
And that’s when he saw her. She was getting out of her car. She looked around, obviously looking for Molly, but spotted him first. He saw her stiffen and knew that she was considering getting back into her car. Thankfully, she decided against it.
It wouldn’t matter. Not this time. He would have followed her. And he would have caught her. Maggie was just too important for him to lose again.
“Sorry buddy,” he told James, patting him on the back. “You’re on your own. I have an important mission.”
The other man might have nodded, or he could have started doing cartwheels. Oliver had no clue since his attention was focused on Maggie.
“What are you doing here?” she asked as he reached her.
“Waiting for you,” he admitted honestly. “I knew that you’d come back here eventually.”
Maggie sighed, disconcerted because she hadn’t expected Oliver to be here. She knew that they needed to talk, if only so that she could get the keys to his apartment back. But she didn’t like confrontations. Not like this.
“Well, are you moving out?”
“Nope,” he replied, taking her arm and leading her over to an area that was partially hidden by a group of bushes, giving them some privacy. “I’m not leaving, Maggie. And you’re going to listen to me.”
“I am?” she demanded, glaring up at him.
Damn, he loved her spunk. “Yes. You are. This isn’t what you think.”
She folded her arms protectively over her stomach and glared at him. “So, you didn’t buy up all of the properties in an eight or nine block area with the intention of tearing it all down and building sky rises?”
Whispered Secrets (Rose Garden Apartments Book 2) Page 13
