Apt. 604 Nirvana Central

By Susan Horsnell

Can Bree help Jack come to terms with his nightmares and PTSD, or will he succumb to despair?
Jack knew coming home was never going to be easy…

Will Bree be the light that breaks through his darkness?

Will he find his new home in Apt. 604, Nirvana Central and new friends in the people who inhabit the building?

Previously published as Finding Home.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lipstick Publishing
• Release date: Dec 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223955245

Susan Horsnell

I’m an Australian author who lives in Queensland when not travelling and I write in a variety of Romantic sub-genres, including Western,  Historical, Gay, Mafia, and Contemporary Romance.  I have published over 60 books and novellas, many of which feature strong, independent heroines and rugged, alpha male heroes. Some of my popular series include the Outback Australia series and The Carter Brothers series. My books are known for their well-researched historical details, vivid descriptions of the Australian landscape and real life experiences. My work has garnered praise from readers and critics alike, and I have been a Finalist in both the Rone Awards and Laramie Awards as well as being a multiple times International Bestselling Author and USA Today Bestselling Author. If you're interested in learning more about my books:  Linktree https://linktr.ee/SusanHorsnell   

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Copyright © 2018 by Susan Horsnell

The right of Susan Horsnell to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her under the Copyright Amendment (Moral Rights) Act 2000

All rights reserved. This publication (or any part of it) may not be reproduced or transmitted, copied, stored, distributed or otherwise made available by any person or entity (including Google, Amazon or similar organisations), in any form (electronic, digital, optical or mechanical) or by any means (photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise) without prior written permission from the author.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

Written by Susan Horsnell

Edited by Redline Editing

Proofread by Leanne Rogers

Published by Lipstick Publishing

ABN: 573-575-99847

Disclaimer

This book is a work of fiction. I have used some factual names of institutions but practices such as providing uniforms are fictional.

Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author's imagination and are used fictitiously.

Real name places are used throughout this book, but events occurring in these locales are purely fictitious and for the benefit of the story only.

Chapter One

Washington DC

February 2011

Bree sat on a bench in the park and opened the paper to the Seeking Accommodation section. She was getting desperate. She had been in the hotel for more than a week and it was rapidly depleting her savings. The rents were expensive in the area near the hospital and she had no way of paying for an apartment on her own. She circled an ad in the paper. This one sounded perfect but she cautioned herself not to get too excited. A girl who had just graduated Uni, probably around the same age as her, needed someone willing to share an apartment. As luck would have it, the area was close to the hospital where she'd secured a job. Bree took her cell from her purse and with trembling fingers, tapped in the number she had circled.

Hello? The voice on the other end sounded shy, almost uncertain.

Hi, my name is Breeanna Patterson, everyone calls me Bree, she said, trying to get down to business quickly. You posted an ad for a roommate?

Yes, the girl replied. Oh, I’m Liz Strickland by the way.

Can you tell me why you need to share?

Well, Liz said, sounding more confident as the conversation progressed. In the background, Bree could hear Katy Perry. I recently graduated from music school was lucky enough to get a position playing my viola in the National symphony.

Wow, you must really be good. That’s impressive for a recent graduate. Do you earn enough to live on?

Almost, Liz sounded sheepish. I tutor a few private students as well. But, housing here is so expensive…

Tell me about it, Bree replied. Makes perfect sense that you need someone to share.  Hopefully it would be her.

What about you?

I’m a nurse, just moved from New York to take up an opportunity at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. I'm interested in Military medicine, caring for soldiers who suffer physical and mental injuries, which differ from what the average civilian would suffer. They didn’t tell me how the wages would compare to the cost of living. I could squeak by, but sharing would work better.

No kidding, Liz agreed. Bree was liking her personality, even though it was revealed only in a tiny way by this impersonal telephone conversation. It’s not good to live on the brink.

Agreed. Well, Liz, do you want to get together and talk about this some more?

Sure. I found an apartment that seems promising. Shall I bring the ad?

Found an apartment? Bree queried. I thought you were actually living there.

No, I guess the ad might have been a bit misleading. I’ve made arrangements to look at a place, which sounds perfect. There was no use me taking it unless I had someone to share the rent with.

OK, thanks for explaining, Bree replied. Do you know the Denny’s on Bladensburg?

Of course, Liz replied. I’ve been haunting that place since I got here. I keep weird hours, so I love a restaurant that’s open late. Shall I meet you there in… an hour?

Sounds perfect. Bree disconnected the call.

***

Bree waited at a table in the back of the small coffee house reading the latest American Nurse Today, a nursing magazine she subscribed to. It kept her up to date on latest breakthroughs and techniques. She glanced up to notice a skinny, young girl nervously scanning the room. She had short, dark hair which she wore in a pixie cut. It framed her long, thin face beautifully and called attention to her enormous brown eyes. She wasn’t a beauty but was pretty.

Bree raised her arm to grab the girl’s attention. A wave of relief washed over the girl’s face as she weaved through tables towards her. Bree stood to greet her.

Bree?

Yes, you must be Liz.  Bree extended her hand. Liz’s hand was small with the long, fine fingers of a musician.

The two girls sat down at the table and ordered coffee. Once the order was placed they started getting to know each other.

You said you were a nurse, I can tell by your accent you're a New Yorker. Liz commented.

Yes, I arrived in DC just over a week ago. I start in three days’ time, so would love to be moved in and settled before then, and preferably with a bit left of my savings.

Well, I have an appointment with the owner in half an hour. She pulled out a newspaper and pushed it across the table for Bree to peruse. A waiter stopped by and Liz requested another cup of coffee while Bree skimmed through the ad. Sixth story walkup. Utilities included. Two—bedroom apartment near hospital and commercial districts.

Looks pretty good, but… sixth floor? That’s a lot of stairs!

I know, but it’s the best we’re likely to get, even if we combined our money.

Bree nodded. This city is expensive.

It is. The coffee arrived and Liz took a sip. Well the owner, I think that’s who I talked to, said we should stop by there in… she glanced at her watch, half an hour.

Okay. It’s only about a ten—minute walk from here. Do you want to order any food?

No, I’ve just had breakfast. Coffee is fine.

The girls chatted while Bree ate her breakfast and Liz sipped her coffee. They discovered they had an easy rapport considering they'd only just met and Liz’s shyness made her a good listener, which Bree appreciated. In the end, they had firmly concluded they would be roommates whether the apartment they were about to view worked out or not.

With ten minutes to spare, they paid their bill and walked down a street between historic buildings.

It’s this way. Liz began heading north.

How long have you been studying the viola? Bree asked as she matched her pace to that of her new friend.

It seems like forever. Liz stopped to take in the fragrance of a lovely shrub covered with blooming flowers before continuing. "My parents signed me up for violin lessons when I was seven, and I just never stopped. I switched from violin to viola in high school because there was less competition.

I graduated a year ago and as I said, I wanted to explore military medicine and rehab.

Liz made a strange face but refrained from commenting

Before Bree could respond, they arrived at the apartment building where their appointment was scheduled. The name—Nirvana Central was painted in large blue letters across the façade at the top.

This is it, Liz said.

Bree gazed up. The multi—story building had an impressive entry with a stained timber door. The dull grey bricks on the front façade were brightened with white painted verandahs and Georgian inspired windows. The block was situated on a corner and the girls could see it was also painted white at the side. The whole building gleamed in the sunlight and although large, it appeared welcoming. It was an awfully grand building for the reasonable amount of rent which was being asked.

Are you sure we have the right address? Bree questioned.

Liz checked the paper in her hand. Yes. We have to meet Greg Jamison. He owns the building and will show us the apartment.

He must be wealthy to own all this. I bet he’s about eighty years old. Bree laughed and Liz joined her.

They approached the front door and turned the handle, the door was unlocked and they entered. Bree immediately noticed how Liz’s eyes gravitated to a tall man who was busily painting a wall in the foyer. He was naked from the waist up and his back muscles rippled as he brushed the paint onto the wall in long strokes. His pants were rolled up showing off long, muscular legs. So, the shy girl is a bit boy crazy, is she? Bree wondered whether Liz would take well to a bit of teasing.

He turned to face the girls and Bree’s jaw dropped. This specimen of remarkable masculine beauty stopped them in their tracks.

Chapter Two

Liz couldn’t help but stare. The workman before them was without a doubt the most riveting man she’d ever seen. His sandy blond hair was just a little too long and unkempt as if he regularly dragged his fingers through the mane, the sight gave her heart palpitations.  His eyes were hazel and framed with a brow ridge just heavy enough to change beautiful to handsome. His cheekbones made her want to drool.

Oh my GOD, she whispered to herself. Never in her life could she recall seeing such a gorgeous hunk. She became instantly entranced with his mouth. His lips were full and perfectly shaped, one shade pinker than his sun—bronzed skin. She wondered what they would feel like pressed to hers. What would they feel like trailing over every inch of her body? Heat fired her cheeks at such inappropriate thoughts, she shook her head sharply and said, in that stupid, tiny voice she always used with strangers, Hello, I have an appointment with Mr. Gregory Jamison.

I’m Greg, the man said, dropping his brush in the paint bucket and crossing the room, one hand extended. His eyes snared Liz’s and he seemed to gaze deep into her soul.

Gregory Jamison, the owner of the building? she asked, dismayed.

The very one, he replied. Hello to you, beautiful. You must be Liz.

She blinked, trying not to stare… or drool. Yes, that’s me.

C’mon, let me show you the apartment.

Liz had wondered how they would get into the apartment with an elderly gentleman in tow. She could have laughed to see the young, virile Greg bounding up the stairs as she and Bree huffed and puffed behind him. At the top, he was still breathing normally. She indulged in one long, yummy stare at his back before forcing herself to act normal again. He unlocked the door and turned.

Well, looks like I missed someone. Who are you, miss? he asked, finally noticing her companion.

Bree. She crooked one eyebrow at him. He grinned, his expression both an apology and a rueful acknowledgement that he’d been distracted. Bree rolled her eyes and smiled. "I’m going to be rooming with Liz, the rent’s a little steep for a lone girl just starting her career.

New York, he asked.

Yeah, she concurred.

Greg turned to Liz. His scrutiny made her face heat…. quickly followed by the rest of her. What about you, Liz? California girl?

She shook her head. I’m from South Dakota, she replied.

Small town?

She nodded, feeling even hotter than before.

Well, girls, welcome to Apartment 604. He opened the door and led them inside.

The living room was simple, but clean; a large space divided in half by a kitchen counter. The cabinets were a bit sparse, but of good quality, better than Liz had expected. There was furniture… a large cream colored sofa with a polished wood table at each end, a matching armchair and two pretty glass lamps, all arranged to face the glass balcony doors. Behind the fluttering lace draperies, a hazy view of the city beckoned. Liz couldn’t help but cross the room, pulling aside the concealing fabric. Wow, she said softly. This view is worth the climb.

A large warm hand rested on her back and rather than flinching, she instinctively leaned into the gentle touch.

Come on, ladies, let me show you the rest.

He escorted her with a hand on her spine down a short hallway with two bedrooms side by side and a long, narrow bathroom at the far end.

Laundry is in the basement, he said as she noted the freshly laid carpet and pretty bedspread in the smaller room. We have a party room off the lobby and it's available for you to reserve if you would like a larger number of visitors. There’s no charge, but you’ll be expected to clean up after yourselves. Rent is due the first of each month.

She nodded.

I’m very pleased to meet you, Liz, he said softly. "I hope you’ll choose to stay here. I’d really like to be your friend and get to know you better."

The emphasis he put on the word friend caused a little tingle to rip through her. She turned and met his eyes again. I would like that.

You two look around. When you’re done, let me know if you want to the sign papers. Though his words were mundane, his expression was hot and needy. It made her feel vulnerable, in a really appealing way.

I think it’s a done deal. Bree approached from behind breaking the spell. I'm not rapt with having a six—story climb after a long day at work, but I doubt we’ll find anything we can afford which is better. I also think Liz won’t accept any other options now she's met you.

Bree! Liz exclaimed, embarrassed.

What? she