Whispered Secrets (Rose Garden Apartments Book 2)
Page 15
Both men seemed to have the same sort of demeanor, although the blond man was several inches shorter. They were also roughly equal in brawn, except the muscles looked larger on the taller man. With a mental sigh, Molly acknowledged that it was the first one, the guy with dark brown hair and he blue eyes that caught and held her gaze. He looked as if he should be on the cover of a Hardy Boys book. He was just so…all American. Square jaw, blue eyes, dark hair, broad shoulders, and pristine appearance. He definitely didn’t belong in this rough neighborhood. His khaki slacks were freshly ironed and his crisp, white shirt wasn’t a dress shirt, but was made of that thick, no-iron cotton that could only be found at high-end stores. The kind of store that Molly couldn’t afford to walk into, much less buy from.
And yet, for all of his good-boy looks and clothing, there was something…bad-boyish about him. While the man next to him looked as if he might be funny in a ruthless sort of way, the tall, devastatingly handsome “good-boy”…definitely wasn’t a good boy. Nope. He was naughty. The look in his eyes whispered that he had some very wicked tendencies.
Fortunately, Molly didn’t have time for those games. With extreme control, she ripped her gaze away from the man and looked around at her kids. They weren’t exactly “her” children. But she considered them to be under her protection. They lived in this neighborhood and were here at the Community Center for the last few days of summer vacation before school started back up. She loved these kids. Ensuring that they were safe and well educated, even fed when needed, was her mission in life. Her calling. Her vocation, some might say.
“Molly Bradshaw?” a deep voice called out.
Molly cringed. She wanted to ignore that sexy voice, but her kids looked up curiously when the tall stranger said her name. Unfortunately, Molly wasn’t just their protector, she was also their mentor. Molly knew that she had to model good behavior, even during those moments when she seriously wanted to run and hide.
So, Molly turned and pasted a bright, friendly smile on her face.
Blinking and tilting her head way back, she braced herself for…whatever might come next. And she was pretty sure that she wasn’t going to like whatever it was!
“Yes? How can I help you?” she asked as politely as possible.
“I’m James Morgan,” he said, extending his hand.
That name rang a bell in her mind. She extended her hand, trying to remember where she’d heard that name before. But for the life of her, she couldn’t place him. She’d definitely never met him before. She would have remembered a guy that handsome and tall and…terrifying.
Remembering her manners, and the curious eyes watching their interaction, she shook the man’s hand. “It’s lovely to meet you, Mr. Morgan,” she replied formally.
“It’s great to meet you as well,” he replied. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Molly blinked, surprised. “You have?” Her eyebrows shot up. “How?”
He laughed and she couldn’t stop the shiver of awareness that rolled over her. His laugh was deep and incredibly sexy.
“You’re the director of this community center.”
“That’s right,” she confirmed, nodding slightly.
“You’ve done some amazing things in the neighborhood.”
Molly wasn’t comfortable claiming credit for the outstanding programs happening at the Center. “Oh, the changes around here aren’t mine,” Molly asserted firmly. “The entire community came together to right the wrongs of the past,” she corrected.
His grin widened. “You’re being modest, Ms. Bradshaw.” He looked around, winking at a group of kids who were still enjoying their popsicles. “From what I’ve read, you’ve initiated a great many programs for the community that have–”
“We should take this inside,” Molly interrupted stiffly. “How about if we go into my office?”
He looked confused, but nodded. “That would be fine,” he said. “Lead the way.”
Molly gritted her teeth, frustration almost overwhelming her. Was it just frustration or crushing disappointment? No! That’s ridiculous! She couldn’t be disappointed that the gorgeous man was here to sell her something. Ugh!
But Molly knew the type. He wanted something, either from her or from the Center. She didn’t know which yet, but he clearly wasn’t here for kicks and giggles. Looking around, she spotted Mary, one of the youth volunteers. “Mary, can you get the kids ready for afternoon practice?”
Mary quickly agreed, then trotted over to the younger kids, three other teenagers trailing behind her. “Sure, Molly. I think its belly-ball today, right?”
Molly shot a glance at the man, praying he had no idea what “belly ball” was. “I think so. I’ll make sure to send someone out with the equipment.” Turning back to Mr. All American, she nodded towards the Center’s entrance. “This way, Mr. Morgan.”
Get Molly’s story HERE!