A Date With Oscar

Sparkling romance

Ellie felt her heart skip a beat, as it always did, when Oscar swaggered into the reception area. His cologne – a mixture of sage and ginger with a slice of apple – swirled around her, making her feel a little light-headed.

“Those reports you did for me were spot-on, Ellie,” he said, his voice rich and polished.

Ellie’s cheeks turned pink under his gaze. “Thank you,” she mumbled. Clearing her throat, she twisted her face into what she hoped was a business-like expression. “I was pleased to help,” she said with a polite smile.

He carefully moved some papers out of his way so he could perch on the edge of the desk. A strand of his raven-black hair slid over his forehead and Ellie had to quash an urge to tuck it back into place. She clasped her hands together under the desk and hoped he didn’t realise the effect he was having on her.

Oscar, who was one of the firm’s accountants, was gorgeous with a capital G. It was no exaggeration to say that every woman in the office under the age of forty – and, no doubt, many over that age – were infatuated with him.

Since Ellie had started work as a receptionist at the company nine months ago, he’d often asked her to prepare reports or letters. Strictly speaking, it wasn’t in her job description to help him out so she always had to do the work in her own time. But how many women could refuse Oscar when he looked at them with his sexy, heavy-lidded eyes?

According to the office grapevine, he didn’t have a steady girlfriend and there were no wives, current or ex, to cause trouble if any woman got too close.

Chance would be a fine thing, Ellie thought, feeling her face flush even more.

Realising Oscar was speaking to her, she dragged her mind back to the office.

“It must have taken you a couple of hours to get through them,” he was saying. He gave her a beguiling smile. “I’d like to buy you dinner to thank

How many WOMEN could REFUSE Oscar’s sexy, HEAVY-LIDDED gaze?

you properly.”

Ellie’s eyes widened. Dinner? With Oscar? Her mind bolted to the most exclusive restaurant in the town – plush furnishings, chandeliers, suave Italian waiters, champagne…

“Hey, I’ve got an idea,” Oscar said, breaking into her fantasy. “Do you like walking?” Before she could reply, he rushed on, “The office rambling club is organising a hike next Sunday. Some of us are doing 10k as a time-trial. But there’s an easy track, about 5k, for inexperienced walkers. Why don’t you come along?”

“Sounds wonderful,” Ellie stuttered. “I love walking.”

“Great.” Oscar grinned, easing off the desk. “We’ll grab a bite to eat after.”

After he’d left, Ellie wrinkled her nose. The thought of doing any exercise, even walking, made her break out in a cold sweat. But then, a dinner date with Oscar would be worth aching legs and sore feet, wouldn’t it?

Smiling, she was about to turn her attention back to her work when she heard chuckling coming from across the room. She’d been so engrossed with Oscar she’d forgotten that one of the maintenance men was standing on a stepladder, checking the spotlights.

Pete was one of her neighbours in the block of flats where she lived and he was a good friend. He’d helped her decorate and put up shelves in her living room, and she’d given him a sisterly shoulder to cry on when he’d split up from his girlfriend six months ago.

Occasionally, they spent the evening together, enjoying a take-away and watching an old film. Judging from his expression now, he’d heard every word of her conversation with Oscar.

“What’s so funny?” She scowled at him as he climbed down the stepladder.

Pete rested the steps against the wall. “‘I love walking,’” he mimicked her. He burst out laughing. “You complain you’re tired if you have to hobble a few metres from your sofa to the kitchen to switch on the kettle.”

“So, I exaggerated,” she shot back. “Anyway, you’re going on the hike, aren’t you?”

Pete nodded. “I’m doing the 10k walk. It’s part of the company’s Hiker of the Year competition that’s been running for months to find out who can walk the farthest in the fastest time.”

Ellie grinned. “Then I’ll be rooting for both of you, won’t I?”

A few days later, Pete was repairing Ellie’s washing machine when she clomped out of her bedroom in a new pair of walking boots.

“What do you think?” She stretched out a leg and waggled her foot.

“They don’t go with that black skirt,” Pete remarked, trying not to laugh.

“I won’t be wearing a skirt on

Sunday’s walk, will I?” She bent down and unfastened the laces. “Do they make me look like a serious hiker?”

“No, they’re miles too big.” Pete placed his screwdriver on the washing machine and leaned against the counter. “They’ll give you blisters.”

“I bought them online and they didn’t have my size.” She pulled off the boots. “It’s no big deal. I’ll wear thick socks.” After a pause, she gave Pete her sweetest smile. “Will you give me a lift on Sunday?”

“I thought you’d arranged to go with Oscar?”

“He wants to go to the gym first so he asked me just to meet him at the starting point.”

Pete narrowed his eyes but didn’t comment.

As Pete’s car pulled into the car park on the day of the hike, Ellie spotted Oscar doing some warm-up exercises. She almost swooned at the sight of his well-toned body and muscular arms.

Those arms might be wrapped around her, later that evening, she mused. She felt a tingle of anticipation run down her spine. After thanking Pete for the lift and promising to cook him dinner one evening the following week, she grabbed her fleece from the back seat of his car and hurried across the car park to Oscar. “Ellie. Glad you could make it.” Oscar’s bronzed face broke into a grin as she approached. “All set for the walk?” “Definitely. I’ve been training all week.” Ellie smiled to cover the lie.

“Really? I’m impressed.” Oscar opened the boot of his car and took out a designer backpack. “The group you’ll be walking with should arrive back here before the rest of us.” He laughed. “So you can cheer for me as I cross the finishing line.”

Ellie nodded. “I’ll be looking out for you.”

After easing the rucksack onto to his back Oscar brushed her cheek with his lips. “Till later,” he whispered, before striding off to join his group.

Ellie smoothed her fingers across her face and smiled. Five kilometres would be a doddle – she was walking on air.

Once everyone was assembled the time-trial hikers, including Pete and Oscar, checked their watches, then set off at a fast pace. Almost immediately, they veered on to a track that would lead to the longer, more challenging route.

Ellie and her group started walking the easier path at a more leisurely pace. As she chatted to the other walkers she started to enjoy herself. Fresh air, good company and a kiss from Oscar – it was turning out to be a brilliant day.

She shielded her eyes from the sun and looked ahead to the fast walkers. Pete and Oscar were among the leaders. Ellie smiled, but her smile turned to a grimace when she saw a lithe, blonde-haired woman position herself next to Oscar. The woman started to match his stride as if they were glued at the hip. Ellie couldn’t stop the wave

of jealousy that coursed through her.

She was concentrating so hard on trying to keep the pair in sight, she wasn’t watching where she was walking. Her foot caught in a branch and the next thing she knew, she was lying in a pile of soggy leaves.

Hearing her scream, the fast walkers ran back to see what was happening.

Ellie’s hands were grazed, there was a throbbing pain in her leg and her face burned with embarrassment. As she blinked back the tears, she realised Oscar was towering above her. Despite her discomfort, her heart started racing. But, when she studied his face, her stomach tightened. His expression wasn’t one of concern, but irritation. Pete knelt down beside her. “Are you OK, Ellie?” Peeling her eyes from Oscar’s face, she nodded weakly. “Just a bit shaken up. I’ll be fine in a minute.”

“Do you think you can stand up?” Pete put an arm around her waist to support her weight. “Take your time.”

Staggering to her feet, she glimpsed Oscar looking impatiently at his watch.

“If you’re OK, Ellie, those of us doing the time trial ought to get going.” He flashed her a dazzling smile, but there was no warmth in his words.

Pete glared at him. “I think Ellie’s more important than the walk,” he snapped. He pulled some cleansing wipes and a bottle of water from his backpack and handed them to her.

Ellie thanked him and, after wiping her hands, she took a sip of water.

“So, what are we doing about the time trial?” Oscar asked grumpily. “I don’t want to sound heartless but we can’t cancel…” His voice trailed off as some people tutted. Others shook their heads.

Noticing his face was distorted into a frown, Ellie winced. How could she have thought he was handsome?

“Look, Oscar.” Pete fixed him with a steely gaze. “There’s no need to abandon the trial. You and the others can go on. If Ellie wants to turn back, I’ll go with her.”

Oscar’s face lit up. Ellie knew what he was thinking. If Pete didn’t complete this walk with a fast time, he’d lose his chance to become Hiker of the Year. Apart from the title, the company was offering a week’s free holiday.

She knew Pete had been training hard. He deserved to win but, above all, she hated the thought of Oscar snatching the prize from him.

“It’s all right, Pete,” she said quickly. “I’ll make my way back to the car.”

Several people offered to accompany her but Pete shook his head firmly. “It’s no problem, Ellie. I’ll go back with you.”

“Good. Now that’s settled, we’ll get going,” Oscar said, already edging away. “We’ll have to reset our watches to allow for the time we’ve spent here.”

Ellie watched Oscar as he stalked off. Within minutes, he was way ahead of the others, the blonde trying to keep up.

Ellie let out her breath in a long sigh. How had she allowed herself to be taken in by him? Behind the veneer of sweetness and charm, Oscar was arrogant, self-centred and shallow.

After the rest of the walkers had wished Ellie well and had left, Pete delved into his backpack and took out a bar of chocolate.

“For medicinal purposes.” He chuckled. “To keep up your strength.”

As she took the chocolate, Ellie looked up at Pete and wondered why she’d never noticed before what nice green eyes he had – almost turquoise – and full of kindness and sincerity.

And, she realised, he was quite good-looking in a quiet, understated, sort of way. There was certainly nothing false or flashy about him, unlike Oscar.

As they ambled along the path, Ellie said, “I’m so sorry, Pete. You’ll lose the holiday because of me. Oscar’s bound to win the title now.”

Pete shrugged. “There are more important things than trophies and holidays.” His eyes glinted mischievously. “And I certainly don’t feel like a loser.”

They fell into a companionable silence. As they neared the car park, Pete asked her, “Do you want to wait for the others?”

“No.” Ellie shook her head. “I’d rather go home.”

“What about your hot date with Oscar?” He smiled wryly.

“Hot? That’s a joke.” Ellie groaned. “Right now, the thought of having dinner with the likes of him leaves me cold. Anyway,” she added, returning his smile. “I’ve got a better idea. Why don’t we share a takeaway and a bottle of wine this evening?” She linked her arm through Pete’s.

“But there’s one condition.” When he gave her a quizzical look, she said, “You’ve got to promise you won’t laugh when you see the size of my blisters.”

She knew he had been TRAINING HARD. He really DESERVED to win