Whisper's Edge Read Free

was getting under her skin in more ways than one. “Look, I’m very sorry that you got wet but are you made of sugar?”
    He shook his head. “Ah…no.”
    “Then you’re not going to melt.”
    “Well, true, but I have an important meeting to attend in a little over an hour.” He raked his fingers through his dark, wet hair and grimaced. “And I’m not exactly presentable.”
    “Oh, look, I truly am sorry for the confusion.” Savannah felt her anger evaporate but then frowned when she recalled the sleek sports car parked in front of the office. Her heart suddenly started to thud. “Excuse me, but may I ask…who are you?”
    A dark eyebrow shot up. “Tristan McMillan.”
    Oh no
…“Related to Maxwell McMillan?” Although she had never met the man, it was the name signed on her paychecks. Rumor had it that Whisper’s Edge was struggling and without a buyer would be sold on the courthouse steps. Her heart pounded. Was he here to deliver bad news?
    “As most of you know, my grandfather has retired toFlorida for…uh, health reasons. I’ve purchased the property from him.”
    Savannah’s eyes widened and she heard a ripple of excitement go through the crowd. Bathing-capped heads bobbed like floating balloons and the Camden brothers stopped bouncing tennis balls. Even Willie seemed to sit up and take notice. The fact that Whisper’s Edge was for sale wasn’t a secret. But although no one really talked about it, the residents lived in silent fear that the retirement community might close down if a buyer wasn’t found.
    Miss Patty’s face broke into a wide smile. “Well then, young Mr. McMillan, it appears as if you truly are a hero!” When she started applauding, everyone joined in, including Savannah. But when Savannah looked up at Tristan she noticed that, although he smiled back, something flickered in his brown eyes that gave her pause. A cold shot of fear slithered down her spine but when she saw the radiant faces of the senior ladies whom she dearly loved, Savannah decided she was being overly cautious. Whisper’s Edge had a buyer! Her prayers had been answered and it was time to celebrate! Savannah turned to her new boss and smiled. “Congratulations, Mr. McMillan. Whisper’s Edge is a wonderful community. I haven’t had the, um, pleasure of meeting him but I’m sure your grandfather is proud and happy that you’re keeping Whisper’s Edge in the family.”
    “I was more than happy to do it,” Tristan answered but there was a wry tone to his voice that Savannah didn’t miss. She’d also heard stories about Max McMillan, and not all of them were good. “While I grew up in the northern part of Kentucky near Cincinnati, I spent some time here as a kid.”
    “Well, we’re grateful,” Miss Patty said. “No disrespect, but your grandpappy has been an absentee owner for quite some time now. His signature is about all we ever see of him.”
    “I intend to make some major improvements. In fact—”
    “Hear, hear!” shouted Clovis, raising his tennis racket skyward. Clyde joined him and was quickly followed by thewomen raising their noodles. Somebody started singing “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” and the crowd joined in, ending with more applause.
    Savannah noticed that Tristan seemed a bit flustered by the cheers. He shifted his weight from one wet-socked foot to the other and said, “Please, applause isn’t necessary.”
    “On the contrary,” Miss Patty announced and got nods of approval. “We’ve been worried that we’d soon be out of house and home. This is really grand news! We can’t thank you enough, Mr. McMillan.”
    “No, really…” Tristan raised his hands while giving them a shake of his head.
    Savannah thought his humbleness was rather sweet, and silently acknowledged that she had misjudged him. “Mr. McMillan, allow me to formerly introduce myself.” She extended her hand and beamed at him. “I’m Savannah Perry, social director and Girl Friday to Kate