Chapter Ten
Oliver
H ayley sat on a chaise under an arch in the foyer of the Royal Saxon Hotel, surrounded by shopping bags, looking like a model for a fashion company with her legs crossed in front of her, knee-high boots accentuating her calves. Her glossy hair tumbled over her shoulders in neatly formed coils. Oliver’s body heat rose a notch. She was so incredibly beautiful. And obviously she’d worked some hairdresser magic because no one seeing her would know she’d stepped off the sleeper train nine hours ago and not walked out of the salon twenty minutes previously.
‘You’ve been busy,’ he said as she got to her feet.
A smile split her face and seemed to light the whole foyer with sparkles. Oliver loosened his tie, the heat reaching fever point.
‘I’ve probably spent far too much,’ she said. ‘But I couldn’t resist. And why should I? Life’s too short and all that.’
‘True.’ His thoughts darted to his mum again. How often he’d heard his classmates as teenagers moaning about their fussing mums and thinking up ways to trick them so they could sneak out from under their ever-present gaze. Wow, if only . At least their mums were watching from the window and not heaven. He’d spent his teenage years wishing his mum was there to fuss over him and look out for him. Hayley and Finlay’s mum, Lisa, was nice. She’d always been kind. Even now she gave him free coffees if she was working when he nipped into the Drip Drop Coffee Shop. She’d told him she did the same for Hayley and one time she had a flat white in progress as she was expecting her daughter at any second. Oliver had banked the fact, along with so many other little pieces of information about Hayley.
Growing up, he’d lived out of town on his dad’s farm. If he wanted to see Finlay, he had to rely on lifts and that was always too much of an inconvenience for his dad and his stepmum. He was like the unwelcome guest at their party, and he’d learned not to ask for anything. Often, Lisa would give him lifts to clubs along with Finlay. Even Finlay’s dad, who didn’t live with them, would take the two of them out more often than Oliver’s own dad. More and more, Oliver had learned to keep his own company in his room, and really, it was better that way. He wasn’t a social butterfly. Never had been and never would be.
This week he’d made an exception. For the first time in what felt like forever, he’d be sharing a room with someone, going out with someone… Not being alone.
‘Let’s get checked in then.’ He crossed the marble-floored foyer through two large pillars and approached the reception desk. This morning, he’d been so tired and overwhelmed by thoughts of what was coming he hadn’t paid attention to the hotel. Its grandeur was ostentatious and kind of fake. Hayley looked around bright-eyed and smiley, appearing perfectly at home. If only he could muster the same easy energy… But the very fact she was with him made his shoulders tense. How could he relax in her presence with all the raw lust in his body? But then how would he feel if she weren’t here? Like he usually did. Alone. Was that any easier? He wouldn’t have to bother with fancy meals if he was alone. Not that he had to with her… But he wanted to. If she wasn’t here, all he would do would be to stay in the room and immerse himself in work. He might not even have left the office yet. Such was his existence. Finlay often jibed him about being a workaholic and told him it wasn’t healthy. Maybe he was right. He was trying to be more balanced and leave at five each evening, but sometimes he didn’t see the point. His career was all he had that mattered.
Hayley gave him another huge smile as they reached the desk. Why did she always look so cheerful? Wasn’t it exhausting?
‘Oliver Wright,’ he said to the receptionist, and she found him on the screen.
‘You’re in room nineteen,’ she said, before talking them through the times for breakfast. ‘We also ask guests not to play music in their rooms after ten p.m.’ She handed him a keycard.
‘We need two.’
‘Of course.’ She took out another card to authorise it. As soon as she passed it to Oliver, he gave it to Hayley. ‘Your luggage has already been taken up.’ The receptionist smiled at them both.
‘Thank you,’ Hayley said. ‘I love your hair, by the way.’
Oliver frowned, glancing back at the receptionist. Maybe the style was a little unusual, kind of asymmetric, but he’d never have thought to comment. Yet here was Hayley chatting as if they were old friends. How did she do it?
He was at the bottom of the stairs when she caught up with him.
‘Stairs or lift?’ she said.
‘It’s only the first floor. I think we’ll survive the stairs.’
‘Good idea. It’ll help me work off those extra calories.’
He raised an eyebrow. Like she needed to. She looked in great shape to him, but he couldn’t imagine not finding her attractive, no matter what shape she was in. Because the whole package made her. Taking the stairs was a sensible move. Imagine getting stuck in the lift with her? His body jolted at the thought, and he marched down the corridor, trying to ease the tension in his limbs. He opened the door to the room and let her go in first.
She strolled in, gazing up at the high ceilings with elaborate cornice work, then at the plush beds. He often stayed in hotels, but this had a touch of class with the velvet bed runners, thick brocade curtains, and large ornate bedside lamps. It was definitely less clinical than the ones he usually stayed in. Being a twin room – as ordered – it had two beds, but both were almost large enough to be doubles.
‘Well, this is rather nice.’ Hayley twirled around as she looked at everything.
Oliver crossed to the window and stared out.
‘Not a bad view either,’ Hayley said.
He whipped his head – wait, she couldn’t see through the window, could she? Was she looking at him? ‘What? Oh… The street? It’s a nice area.’
‘Isn’t it just?’
Oliver loosened his tie further and pushed open the door to the en suite. ‘Nice bathroom too.’
Hayley appeared at his side to peek in. ‘Wow, love the bath.’ She grinned at the large claw-foot tub. ‘This is all rather grand. I wouldn’t mind a soak in that before we go anywhere.’
‘You go ahead, though if you’re planning on being long, maybe I should shower first, then I can get ready while you’re soaking.’
‘Sounds good to me.’
He kept his eyes anywhere but on her as he collected the fluffy white towel from the end of the bed. He didn’t want to imagine her in that bath, surrounded by bubbles, hair all piled up, rosy skin… Christ. Of course he was going to imagine it. He couldn’t think of anything else.
Washing off the London dirt was like a purge, but all he could think about was Hayley. If he could as easily wash her out of his hair, he would be fine. He scrubbed himself, then leaned one arm against the shower wall while the boiling water doused him, letting his imagination take over.
He emerged with a towel wrapped around his waist. Hayley sat on the bed closest to the window, propped on the pillow, scrolling her phone. She peered up, giving him a very obvious once over. His stomach clenched. Was she checking him out? Did she like what she saw? He wasn’t ashamed of his body. He was in good shape after all his cycling and home gym sessions, but something about her eyes on him like that made him tingle, in a kind of uncomfortable way, but also like he was proud, maybe hopeful even. Not to mention the uncensored, raw desire pumping around his veins like rocket fuel.
‘My turn.’ She gathered some bits and pieces from her case. ‘Ooh, it’s steamy in here.’ She opened the bathroom door. Not as steamy as it would be if they were in there together.
As soon as Oliver heard the bath running, he got dressed, paying close attention to his hair, which he always did anyway – he prided himself on being well-groomed – but for some reason it felt even more important right now. He ran his fingers through it several times, cocking his head to check it was in place. Sounds of splashing water distracted him. He tried to force images of Hayley lathering soap up her arm out of his mind.
‘Just fuck off,’ he muttered.
He was mid tying his shoelaces when she stepped out of the bathroom, already dressed in a long black jumpsuit with chiffon sleeves. Her chestnut hair was piled atop her head in a perfectly constructed ‘messy’ updo that enhanced her long neck. Jeez, how he’d love to unclip it and let it fall over her bare shoulders.
She hung her towel over the rail, then opened her case and took out a pair of nude heeled pumps. ‘Are you ok?’ she asked.
Why am I staring? ‘Eh, yeah. Sure.’ He adjusted the cuffs of his white shirt and tried to force his eyes elsewhere, but they were determined to follow Hayley as she slipped into her heels. ‘You look… Nice.’ The words came out so quietly he wasn’t sure she’d even heard him.
She pulled a clutch bag from her case, smiling with a furrowed brow. ‘Why, thank you.’ Her eyes met his. ‘You don’t look too bad yourself. So, shall we go and wow the town?’
‘Yes, let’s.’
She lifted her black, belted coat and swung it on. Oliver did the same with his, then opened the door for her and they made their way into the corridor and down the stairs. Outside, the street was dark and slightly quieter than it had been earlier. But a short distance past the wide stone staircases and Georgian railings of the buildings, they turned onto a main road that was nose to tail with traffic, headlights beaming and blinking. People bustled up and down the street past a mix of beautiful old buildings and modern shops, bars, and restaurants, all lit up for the evening.
In one of the old buildings was a restaurant named the Silver Vine Brasserie. ‘Shall we try this?’ Oliver asked. ‘It looks ok from out here.’
‘Sure does.’ Hayley strolled to the menu that was placed on a large, well-lit lectern outside. ‘Looks amazing. I would eat anything on here.’
Oliver strode up the wide stone stairs to the large front doors and opened one side, holding it for Hayley to go through. A server greeted them and led them into the dining room. Enormous chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and plant screens and trailing vines shielded the tables. The server pointed to a table in the corner lit by candles and fairy lights. Oliver let out a low sigh. Did it have to be so obviously romantic? But he couldn’t exactly refuse and make a fuss by telling a random stranger they weren’t actually a couple. He took his seat on one side and Hayley took the other. As soon as they were settled, the server handed them large leather-bound menus with silver vines embossed on the front and asked if they wanted drinks. Oliver needed a clear head for the next day, so ordered a soda water. Hayley ordered a sparkling white. How apt, sparkling wine for a sparkling personality.
‘This place is amazing,’ Hayley said. ‘I need some photos.’ She took out her phone and held it up to the ceiling. ‘Even the chandeliers are made from twisted silver vines.’
Oliver had a quick peek, then stared into the middle distance, becoming almost mesmerised by the candle on a nearby table. His mind drifted to the interview and ‘what ifs’. What if he got the job? What if he didn’t? So much would change. Even if he didn’t get it, life wouldn’t be the same. He wasn’t sure he could go back to Glenbriar and go on as he always had.
‘Are you ok?’ Hayley’s voice broke into his reverie.
He blinked the candlelight from his eyes and glanced at her. ‘Fine.’
‘Really? You seem far away. Are you worried about something?’
‘No,’ he said automatically, though she was right. How did she know? Had he let his guard slip too far?
‘Are you tired? That was quite a journey, wasn’t it? Or are you annoyed about me being here?’
‘No, I invited you.’
‘You did, but if you’ve changed your mind and don’t want me bothering you, I’ll keep out of your way. I don’t want you to feel obliged to do this kind of thing.’ She gestured around the room. ‘I mean, I love it, but I don’t have to be here.’
‘It’s not that.’ Definitely not that. He wanted her here. Really, really wanted her even if it seemed inexplicable. ‘I am tired after last night though, so maybe we shouldn’t stay out too late… Or I certainly shouldn’t. You can, of course, if you want to.’ A strange pang suckered his chest like he was letting her down somehow. If she wanted to go out on her own, he should be with her to protect her. Not that she couldn’t look after herself, and maybe she wouldn’t want him tagging along, but it seemed wrong to have her wandering off into London on her own while he was asleep… Scratch that. Like he’d even sleep in that scenario. He’d be far too scared to close his eyes.
She was still smiling at him when he caught her eye again, but there was more in that look than happiness. Was she trying to x-ray him or solve a puzzle? ‘I’m tired too, so I won’t be going anywhere after this apart from bed.’
He nodded and some of the tension lifted from his shoulders. At least he wouldn’t have to worry about her being out alone.
Neither of them ordered a starter, although they did look good, since both had eaten decent lunches and neither wanted to be out too late. Hayley chose the herb-roasted chicken for her main and Oliver the salmon.
It was delicious, if on the small side.
‘I almost wish I’d ordered a starter.’ He eyed over his empty plate.
Hayley smirked. ‘Can you imagine if Finlay had seen that? He’d have eaten it in one go.’
Oliver nodded and gave her a brief quirk of his lips. Finlay was well known for having quite an appetite.
‘I’m not really into desserts.’ He dabbed the corner of his mouth with his napkin. ‘I think they take away the taste of the savoury stuff and I’m not ready to let those flavours go yet.’
‘I’ll pass too.’ Hayley stifled a yawn. ‘I don’t think I’d enjoy it properly. I’m too tired.’
They sipped their remaining drinks before Oliver got the bill.
Hayley chatted with the server who brought it in the same way she’d done to Oliver throughout the meal. She had that easy way of talking about anything and nothing and making it sound entertaining. But was it his imagination or did her eyes keep straying to him like she was watching him?
‘Are you sure you’re ok?’ she said as they left the restaurant and made their way down the stairs onto the pavement, the street now lit by street lamps and headlights. ‘You’ve been very quiet all evening.’
‘It’s just my way,’ he said. And it was true. He didn’t talk a lot or make conversation easily, but she was right because his mind was elsewhere.
‘I don’t think so,’ she said. ‘I know you can be quiet but where has all the Oliver banter gone?’
‘Banter? I don’t do banter.’
‘You so do,’ she said. ‘At least in messages.’
He carried on walking and didn’t respond. Would it be so bad to tell her the truth? Maybe having a confidante would ease the weight on his chest, but not her. She was a well-known gossip. Even she would admit it. He let out a sigh and something nudged him inside. A little voice saying just tell her; she’s kind. She can help.
‘Actually, there is something bothering me.’
‘Oh dear,’ she said. ‘And is it something you want to talk about?’
‘I’m not sure. It’s definitely something I don’t want spread around. If I do tell you, I need you to keep quiet about it for now.’
‘I swear I won’t tell a soul.’
‘I’ve got an interview tomorrow. It’s for a job here. In London – a really good job. But I’m conflicted about it. I guess it’s normal to feel like that, but, well…’
‘Ah, that explains it; I didn’t realise you were thinking about changing jobs.’
‘I wasn’t really, but this opportunity came up and it seemed stupid not to go for it. Now I’m here I see a lot of positives, but there are cons too, and I don’t know if one clearly outweighs the other.’
‘It’s a tough choice, and sadly, no one can make it for you.’
‘I know that. At least it won’t affect anyone else. I don’t have a family to uproot.’
‘Finlay will miss you.’
‘He’ll live, considering he was ready to eff off to Dubai for three years.’
‘True. But don’t you have a dad… I remember…’ She stopped and Oliver knew she was thinking about his mum and the accident. Hayley was younger than him, but she would know about it, even if she’d been too young to register much about it at the time.
‘My mum died, yes,’ he finished her sentence as memories flooded back of his return to school, days after it had happened. People avoiding him and not knowing what to say to him or how to act around him. When he really needed friends, they’d all abandoned him, except Finlay. He’d stuck around, always easy-going and cheerful. Finlay wasn’t one for deep chats, but he’d been good at keeping Oliver busy and distracted. They’d joined the cycling club and spent evenings and weekends training. Lisa had taken them there and back, sometimes with little Hayley in tow. Oliver wasn’t sure he’d have kept going if it wasn’t for their family.
‘Yes,’ Hayley said quietly.
‘I do have a dad. And a stepmum and two half-sisters. None of them will mind whether I’m in Glenbriar or London though.’ It wouldn’t make any difference.
Hayley placed her hand gently on the arm of his coat, and he twitched involuntarily. His skin prickled with goosebumps. ‘Finlay told me you weren’t close. I’m really sorry they’re horrible to you.’
He scoffed. ‘They’re not horrible,’ he said. ‘They’re just not interested in me.’ He was invisible and unimportant to them. ‘It’s easier just to get on with my own life.’
‘I know, but still. It’s a kick in the teeth. Your dad should have concentrated on you after your mum died.’
‘He had his own life too. And he moved on.’ He’d done that good and proper, not to mention quickly.
‘He could have done that without abandoning you.’
‘He didn’t—’
‘Emotionally I mean.’
How could he argue with her? She was spot on. ‘It’s all in the past now.’
‘You must miss your mum,’ she said. ‘I can’t imagine life without my mum. I love her so much and she’s the rock in our lives.’
Oliver gave a brief nod. He’d like to shrug it off, saying he was fine now, and it was all in the past. But he would never forget. ‘I miss what I’ll never know and never had. Maybe it’s a false ideal, but I’ll never know that either.’
Hayley took hold of his arm, preventing him from walking. In the glow from the streetlamp, he saw tears glistening in her eyes. ‘It must be so awful for you,’ she said. ‘Do you… Would you like a hug?’ She gave a little shrug. ‘I know you’re not a huggy person, but sometimes they help.’
He kept his eyes on hers and his lip twitched reflexively. She really was kind. ‘Ok.’ The word came out soft and slightly hoarse.
She smiled, tilted her head a little, then moved closer. He held his breath as she wrapped her arms around his stiff chest, under his arms, bending her elbows, so her palms held his shoulders. Why was he as rigid as a plank? He didn’t dare move. She leaned on his coat, almost nuzzling into it. Her hair brushed his cheek and the fresh shampoo scent wafted into his nostrils. Like he’d been supercharged, electricity fired through him. He stood still. What the hell should he do?
Relax.
With a somewhat ragged breath, he moved his heavy arms around her and held her. She tightened her hold on him and amazingly the pain in his chest subsided. Warmth filled some of the vacant chambers in his heart and his breathing levelled, as he inhaled the scent of her hair, allowing his cheek to rest on her luscious locks.
He had no memory of a hug like this ever before. His brain was totally off balance, hurtling around space. Because this wasn’t just satisfying some of the ever-present lust. It was even more powerful than that and it made him feel… different. Different and good. Very, very good.
Inhaling slowly and deeply, he allowed it to last as long as he dared before pulling back. ‘Thank you.’
‘Any time,’ she said brightly. ‘And you’ve got this.’
As they strolled back to the hotel, a little bubble swelled in Oliver’s chest. Some of the weight had gone from his shoulders. He wasn’t so alone.
They got ready for bed one by one in the bathroom. Oliver kept his eyes shut when Hayley emerged. He didn’t need any more distractions tonight.
‘Goodnight,’ she said.
‘Night,’ he replied. ‘And thanks again.’
‘I really didn’t do anything,’ she said, and he heard the rustle of her covers as she got into bed. ‘But if it helped, then I’m glad. Sleep tight and tomorrow you can blaze a trail across London.’
He smiled into his pillow. ‘I’ll do my best.’
Nothing more he could do.