Chapter 3
In the end, I took Ollies advice and bought both blouses. I actually intended to try on a bunch of other stuff, but the moment I saw him, the idea of shopping went right out of my head. I know, thats crazy isnt it? Guys didnt usually catch my eye for more than a few minutes. The moment they realised who I was, they either ran or wanted to get to know my money better.
But this guy— He was something else. He obviously had no idea who I was. I had a feeling if he did know, he wouldnt care.
Okay, Im not that na?ve. Ive met guys in the past who were experts at faking it. I mean, a guy this good-looking would have been around the block a few times. Right? No way he could be as sweet as he seemed.
Was it wrong that I hoped he actually was?
I had to be subtle about buying the blouses. I might be a spoiled little rich girl, but I knew that by the standards of most people, these were expensive. A lot of women couldnt afford one, much less two. Putting both on Dads credit card wouldnt go unnoticed.
So, when Ollie said something about grabbing his coat and scarf, I made a dash for the checkout desk. With any luck, he wouldnt notice that the bag was slightly fuller than it would have been with only one blouse inside. I folded the top of the bag down and tucked it under my arm.
If I was a master of anything, it was hiding purchases. At least until my father got his credit card bill.
Hey, he greeted me as I approached the door. A coat was draped over one of his muscular arms, and a scarf over the top of that.
I noticed the Storm Valley Rapids colours and grimaced. Everywhere I went, there they were.
Youre a football fan, I stated.
He looked uncomfortable for a moment. Yeah. I mean, I guess you could say that. You dont like it?
I can think of better ways to get hot and sweaty. I gave him a slow smile.
With fascination, I watched the blush climb up his cheeks. He really did seem kind of shy. Considering how hot he was, that was adorably funny. I mean, you think someone would have corrupted him by now.
Honestly, that was a good reason I should turn my back and walk away right now, to save him from me. I even took a step towards the door, but that was as far as I got.
For some reason I couldnt explain, I was frozen to the spot, my eyes on his.
Blue, they were a few shades darker than mine. I might get lost in there if I was lucky.
You said you know a place? he asked.
Huh? Oh, right. Yes. Its not far from here, we can walk. I took another step towards the door but he put a hand out to stop me.
Do you have a coat? he asked.
Not with me, I admitted. I parked nearby and wasnt really planning to—you know, go anywhere. Any other time, Id just buy one, but that would arouse suspicion. I didnt want to upset this… Whatever this was.
Here, he shook his coat open and draped it around my shoulders, this will keep you warm. Before I could stop him, he even wound his scarf around my neck.
Thank you. If my father could see me now. This was exactly the photo opportunity he was looking for, Rapids scarf and all.
Usually, Id take a selfie and post it on social media, but I didnt. I didnt want the world to intrude on this.
Yeah, maybe I was delusional. I was Rubie Thomas, there was no way the world wouldnt intrude.
So, you dont like football. What do you like? He walked beside me to the door, almost close enough to touch.
I wanted to say, I like you. but it was too soon for such a corny line. Maybe in an hour or two?—
Truthfully, saying things like that wasnt usually me. I was all sarcasm. Bitchy on the outside, and… On the inside too. When I was five years old, I was going on thirty, maybe forty. It was downhill ever since.
Okay, I exaggerate, but I was in my mid-twenties and almost onto my fifth mother. My father was more interested in making money than he was in me. Who wouldnt be cynical?
Sometimes I felt sorry for his wives. Even the ones who were after him for his money. He was charming, and ready to give them the world, but you know what they say about money buying happiness.
I realised Ollie was looking at me and I hadnt answered the question. What did I like? I didnt have any hobbies, unless you count spending money and being frustrated with shallow people.
I like photography, I said weakly.
Oh, thats nice, he said. Do you do that for a job?
What did I say to that?
I guess you could say it is. My dad wants me to work in his business, but I want to do my own thing. You know?
Yeah, I get it. You seem like the kind of woman who decides what she wants and goes for it. He seemed to be speaking from experience.
You could say that about me, yes, I agreed.
I led him towards Café Fleur, a tiny little hole-in-the-wall with some of the best coffee in Storm Valley. As a bonus, it wasnt owned by my father. Or any of his friends. Or even me. It was just a place I liked to go, where they left me alone until I needed a refill.
What about you? I asked.
One of his eyebrows twitched upward. Am I the kind of person who sees what I want and goes for it? He shrugged with one shoulder. I guess you could say that. I mean, I work hard. Outside of work Im pretty… chill.
I thought you might be, I said. Most of the guys I knew were either on the go, or on their phones. Or both. He didnt seem like that at all.
But you aren’t afraid to ask out a girl you just met, I pointed out. Once I said the words, I realised I half expected him to tell me this was some kind of joke. That he knew who I was. That he was doing this for a dare or a bet. I glanced at him sidelong.
He was blushing again.
Its not something I do often, he admitted. Usually…
Usually what? I prompted.
He sighed. To be honest, Im used to women preferring my friends over me.
There was something more, I saw it on his face, but I wasnt going to push. We just met, I didnt expect him to reveal all of his secrets straight away. I should at least wait twenty minutes.
Yeah, okay, I wasn’t exactly being forthcoming either. I wanted to, but this was nice. I didn’t want to mess up this moment. That was all this was, I knew that. I’m not just a cynic, I’m a realist. The one constant in my life is that people leave.
Dad said it was us against the world, but he was often absent on business trips or vacations. When I graduated high school, he was in Europe with wife three, or was it four? Maybe between the two.
He called, of course, but the call was brief. ‘How are you? Congratulations. I’ve gotta go, we have dinner reservations somewhere near Lake Como. I love you. Bye.’
My, I love you. I miss you, were spoken to the dial tone.
I shook away the memory. I don’t know who those women are, but they’re nuts, I said. I could have been referring to women’s preference for Ollie’s friends over him, or my father’s exes. Either way, it fit.
I pushed open the cafe door and stepped inside. I loved department stores, the warmth of Fleur’s was like a hug.
I shrugged out of Ollie’s coat, unwound the scarf and hung them on a rustic hat rack near the door.
This is cute. Ollie looked around, taking in the timber panelled walls, timber tables and wide plank floors.
We could be in a country town somewhere in France. I suddenly wished we were. What would Ollie think of Paris? I suspected he’d prefer somewhere quieter. A chateau near the alps, or near the sea. I could literally call for the jet to be ready and leave in a couple of hours. A lot of guys would be impressed.
Ollie wasn’t a lot of guys. I didn’t know how I knew that, but I did. I was wrong about a lot of things, but not this.
Just wait until you taste the coffee, I said. You like coffee, right? It wasn’t a deal breaker by any means, but it’s good to know what you’re dealing with up front.
He smiled. Yeah, I like coffee. I should warn you though, I’m used to the instant stuff.
I made a face. Yuck. You’re in for a treat. I found us an empty table near the window and slid into a chair. I stashed my bag with the blouses inside, next to the leg of the table.
I’m sure I am. Ollie sat opposite me, right where I could look at him the whole time without seeming as though I was staring.
I was totally staring though. Did he have any idea how drop dead fucking gorgeous he was? I’ve dated models, rock stars and movie stars, but none came close to this guy. He was ‘shut up and take my virginity’ gorgeous. If I had virginity left to take. That was long gone to some country club brat while our dads were golfing.
Bored rich kids, what can I say?
I nodded to the barista who came to take our order. Can I get a skinny latte and a piece of carrot cake please? The skim milk in the latte would offset the calories in the cake, right? Besides, carrot cake had carrots in it. It had to be healthy. Sour cream frosting and all.
Just a long black, please, Ollie ordered.
The barista hurried away to make our orders.
No cake? I asked.
I’m not allowed— I mean, I’m trying to eat right, Ollie said regretfully.
I was curious what he was going to say, but again I didn’t push. I can respect a guy who eats carefully, I said. With so many good places to eat in the city, it’s hard to resist sometimes. My PT will make me work it off in the morning. If I tell her. I smiled.
You have a personal trainer? he asked.
Shit. This might be hard to explain.
Um, yeah. Technically she’s my dad’s PT, but I borrow her sometimes. I liked her, and I knew shed never get together with my father. Her wife was bigger than him.
Maybe you should have a PT of your own, Ollie suggested.
Is that what you do? I cocked my head at him questioningly. Please say yes, please say yes. Apart from advising girls on what blouse to buy.
He looked adorably awkward. Kinda, he agreed. I’m thinking of doing more of it maybe. When I’m—trained to do it.
Right, I said slowly. You’re looking for a guinea pig? I wasn’t judging, I was offering.
His eyes lit up. Sure, that could be fun.
I smiled. Great. Here’s our coffee. I sat back to let the server place our mugs and plate on the table. The cake was huge. Id have to work out for hours to burn that sucker off.
How about we share? I suggested. If you’re going to work out with me, we can indulge a little now.
He hesitated until I handed him the fork.
Okay, you win, he said. But only because no one can eat all of that alone. I’d hate to waste any.
I’m sure you’ll make me sweat for it, I said.
He blushed again and muttered something that sounded like, I hope so.