Whispered Secrets by Elizabeth Lennox
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 common. 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 great 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.
Not that he’d allowed that claiming. In reality, Maggie had no real claim on the man. He was simply another resident. Another person she could take care of. And yes, Oliver needed a bit of caring too. He was big and tough and there was a strength in him that she recognized. But there was something else inside of him that was wounded. Just like the others, Oliver needed her. Now that Molly was sitting next to Mick and that green-eyed monster had moved away, Maggie could see that need in Oliver’s eyes.
Walking over to him, she offered the platter of cookies. “Louise makes the best butterscotch cookies around,” she explained. “Would you like to try one?”
Oliver stared into Maggie’s eyes as he took one of the cookies. “The best?” he asked, teasing her in the hopes of seeing another blush. Unfortunately, Maggie had her back to the fire, so he couldn’t really see her expression. Pity, he thought.
“Yes. She and Nora used to own a bakery down the street. They ran it for about forty years until they retired.”
“And now they make cookies for occasions like this?”
“Oh, no!” Maggie grinned. “They bake for just about any reason.” Maggie leaned forward conspiratorially. “Don’t stub your toe, or you’ll get a batch of something within a few hours.” She leaned back. “I swear, I’ve gained weight since taking on this job because of Nora and Louise’s baking.”
He took a bite and…holy cow! He blinked down at the cookie, stunned by the burst of flavors. “These are incredible!” he said, startled by how good they really were. He’d been expecting an old fashioned cookie with too much flour or maybe too sweet. But the cookie was rich and warm and bursting with butterscotch flavor, as well as a warm, gooey center. “Damn, these are amazing!”
Maggie laughed. “Told ya,” she replied, swinging her shoulders back and forth slightly. “So, are you going to take the job?”
Oliver swallowed and considered taking another cookie. Or maybe a dozen more! They were that good!
“I already have a job, but–”
“You can work part time. Eddie is a wonderful manager.”
“I’ll think about it,” he promised because he doubted that Maggie would accept no for an answer. She wanted to make sure he was financially set. So he could pay the rent? No, he suspected that her hopes ran deeper than simple financial security.
“Why is the rent so low here?” he asked, curious despite himself.
Maggie’s eyes glowed with pride as she glanced around at the fire-lit courtyard. “Because this is a special place. I made a deal with the owner, Drako Gataki. He agreed to keep the rent low and he even covered the cost of the renovations. In exchange, we all help out around the neighborhood.” She beamed, “It’s a massive tax write off for him. In the end, it’s a win-win situation for everyone. The residents get a decent place to live at a reasonable price. They don’t have to move further outside the city and they don’t have to deal with long commutes. In return, we all figure out ways to keep the operating costs low, so that Drako can at least turn a small profit.”
“That’s very generous of him,” Oliver commented, thinking that perhaps he’d have a chat with the guy. Oliver had seen Drako at the gala at the Kennedy Center last weekend, along with his very pregnant, incredibly beautiful wife. They’d both looked nauseatingly happy and Oliver remembered glancing at Desiree and…no, his relationship with Desiree was in the past. It was over and he’d moved on.
Coming back to the present, he looked down at Maggie. “An interesting business model,” Oliver replied. “I’ve read about Drako Gataki. He’s not a man who lets a good business deal get away.”
“Oh, he’s a very generous man. Very sweet too! I’m good friends with Lilly. In fact, Molly and I had lunch with her about two days ago.”
Ah! A personal friend of Drako’s wife. That made sense now.
“So he does all of this out of the goodness of his heart?”
Maggie laughed as if the idea was ridiculous. “No way! He wants a profit. We just figure out how to make that happen. I select the residents here, both for their needs as well as how their talents might benefit the community.” She looked at him triumphantly. “You’re a good addition.”
His eyebrows lifted at that announcement. “How am I supposed to help?”
Maggie poked his bicep playfully. “Eh, you’re the pretty boy who’s going to keep the bad guys at bay.”
That was startling news to him. She thought he could fight off bad guys? For some reason, his chest puffed up with that news. “I’ll do my best. But who are the bad guys? Do you have trouble with gangs around here?”
He didn’t like the idea of gangs causing problems with his development projects. So if there were a serious gang issue, he’d have to work with the local police to develop a plan.
“Oh, you’d be surprised at the problems that we have around here. But no, the gangs aren’t the big issue,” she told him. “And besides, sometimes it’s the people you don’t suspect who become the biggest worry.”
“Who are your bad guys?” he asked, his tone softening because he liked being her hero. He’d never been anyone’s hero before and it was a heady sensation.
The light in her eyes dimmed and Oliver wanted to kick himself for asking such a sad question.
“Sometimes, the bad guys are right next door,” she replied, and there was a sadness, a pain, to her words, that alerted him that she was telling a truth that was too deep for her to acknowledge. She forced her lips to smile. “And sometimes, it’s the rich guys that are a problem.” She leaned closer. “Rich guys can be absolute assholes!”
He was so startled by her words that he froze for a moment. Then he threw back his head, laughing. Yeah, the wealthy weren’t particularly merciful when it came to steam rolling over certain aspects of one’s life. Himself in particular, he knew.
“Well, I’ll see what I can do to protect you from the gangs as well as wealthy assholes,” he vowed. Oliver had used a teasing tone, but deep down inside, he was absolutely serious. Even if it meant protecting her from himself.
Her melodic laugh touched him deeply and, even in the dim light, he could see the sparkle in her eyes. “That’s a valiant offer, sir,” she said, then dipped into a small curtsy as if she were a fair maiden. He laughed as well, delighted with her casual teasing and light banter.
Oliver never realized how tired he was of the social scene in which he traveled. Speaking to people at the numerous events he attended was like maneuvering through a chess game. He was one of the best players, but standing here in the firelight, he realized how sick he was of the games and the pathetic innuendos he usually had to deal with. This was nice, he thought. Just mild flirting…okay serious flirting on his part…and casual conversation about nothing more important than the best way to bake a cookie or slay monsters. There were no undercurrents of animosity running through the low hum of conversation with these people. The only bursts were occasional laughter.
As the evening wore on, people drifted away, waving as they each made their way back to their homes.
Oliver stayed back, sitting on one of the benches since he hadn’t thought to bring a lawn chair. He’d remember next time. But right now, he was more interested in watching Maggie as she flitted around, picking up the remnants of their small party.
“What can I do to help?” he asked, standing up and moving towards her.
He watched, fascinated as she clutched the empty platter against her chest. “Oh. Um…nothing. I have everything under control.”
He looked around. Everyone had cleaned up the majority of the mess. There was just the folding table to put away and the bags of garbage that needed to be taken to the dumpster.
“I’ll get the table and break it down. Where does it go?”
Maggie bit her lip, and shook her head. “Oh, you don’t have to do that. It’s my job. I’ll take care of it.”
He lifted an eyebrow. “Where does it go, Maggie?” he repeated in a firmer tone now.
She laughed, the sound tinkling through the darkness. “Oh, you think you’re going to do your he-man role now?”
He leaned forward. “If doing a he-man thing involves putting away the plastic folding table, then yeah. I’m gonna do it.”
Her smile relaxed and he wanted to move closer. But there was something in her eyes and in the way she held the platter against her, like a shield, he thought, that warned him to back off. He thought about her comment about wounded souls. Was she one of those souls?
He didn’t like the idea of anyone hurting Maggie. She was so sweet and kind and, if he ever discovered whoever had hurt her, Oliver vowed that he’d destroy the person.
“What just happened, Oliver?” Maggie asked, stepping forward and abandoning the platter on the table beside her.
“What do you mean?” he asked, wanting to reach out and pull her closer, put his hands on her hips and feel her softness against his chest.
“You went somewhere,” she whispered, worry in her gaze. “Something bad just went through your mind, right? Are you okay?”
She lifted her hand, carefully touching his cheek and he could feel her fingers like a flame, bursting upon his brain. Immediately, he was on fire, wanting this tiny woman and all of her passionate concern. But he didn’t want her worried about him. No, Oliver knew he wanted her passion. Not her worries.
Decision made, he nodded, carefully keeping his hands at his sides. “I’m fine. I was just thinking about the person who had hurt you.”
Blinking, she stepped back. “I’m not hurt,” she told him, but her shoulders curled inward.
“You’re a very strong woman, Maggie. But someone hurt you. Who was it?”
She shook her head and turned away. “I’m fine, Oliver. Please, you don’t need to worry about me.” She bent down and lifted the cardboard box. “They drank all of your beer!”
He laughed and took the box, crushing it so it would fit into the recycling bin. “That’s why I brought it. I’m glad everyone enjoyed it.”
“But…” she hesitated, turning around to sift through the other items, stuffing serving spoons and platters into what appeared to be a storage bin for just that purpose. “You didn’t have a drink, did you?”
Oliver considered her question. Yeah, he should be offended that Maggie thought he was an alcoholic. But it felt actually pretty damn nice to have someone concerned about him. It felt good. Really good. Normally, he was the person with the weight of everyone’s lives on his shoulders. Having someone worry about him for a change was…incredible!
He carefully maintained his distance as he said, “I promise that, if I feel as if I’m losing control and will drink to excess, I’ll find you first, okay?”
Her shoulders relaxed and she sighed with relief. “Sounds like a deal.”
He helped her finish cleaning up. When she reached for the folding table, he shook his head. “I know that you’re strong enough to do this by yourself, Maggie. But while I’m here, I’m going to insist on doing it for you.”
She stepped back, rolling her eyes playfully. But there was a smile to her soft, full lips as well. “Thank you,” she replied.
“Tell me where to put it.”
She pointed towards the last apartment in the building. “I’ve taken over one of the un-renovated apartments as a temporary storage area. You can put it in there.”
He nodded, then carried it easily to the door. Once it was put away, he pulled the door closed, made sure the lock clicked, then turned around to find Maggie lifting the storage bin. Hurrying over, he grabbed it out of her hands and shook his head. “You’ll learn eventually,” he growled.
Maggie smiled, then led the way to her apartment. “This way.”
He followed, and waited while she unlocked the door. He stood there for a long moment, just watching her. She was nervous and he thought that was a good thing. Hell, it was the only indication that she was just as affected by this lust as he was. And boy did he like that!
“I’ll take it from here,” she told him, reaching for the box.
“Just tell me where to put it, Maggie,” he repeated, lifting it out of her reach.
She sighed, shook her head, then stepped back. “Just put it in the first bedroom,” she told him, pointing.
Oliver moved quickly through the apartment, barely looking around. He got the impression that Maggie didn’t want him in here for some reason. So he was going to respect that wish. But his curiosity burned.
He set the box down in the room and barely glanced at the stacks of other boxes surrounding a desk. This was obviously her office. He backed out and headed for the front door.
“All set,” he told her, stepping outside.
“Thank you, Oliver,” she told him, toying with her keys nervously.
“I’ll let you get some sleep,” he said. A moment later, he walked away and forced himself to walk into his apartment, without looking back at her. It was one of the hardest, longest walks of his entire life!
