**Secret Meetings**
After his divorce, Oliver found himself adriftor so he told his colleagues and friends. Eight years of marriage had ended bitterly, though he hadnt wanted it that way. His wife, Emily, had an unbearable temper. At least there were no childrenshe had never wanted any.
At thirty-six, Oliver was in his primefit, broad-shouldered, with an attractive, enigmatic gaze. Hed had flings with women, even younger ones, but marriage was the last thing on his mind. He never entertained the idea of office romances, dismissing them as cliché, especially since most of his coworkers were married.
«Ive got more sense than to get tangled up in something like that,» hed say over pints with his mates at the pub.
«Famous last words,» theyd laugh. «You know how it goeslove sneaks up on you when you least expect it.»
Turns out, Oliver wasnt as immune as he thought. Hed never forget the summer day a new colleague, Charlotte, joined their office. The day before, his friend James had mentioned, «Maxs wife is transferring here from the other branch.»
Oliver vaguely knew Maxa dull, unremarkable man, in his opinion.
«Bet his wifes just as dreary,» hed thought, dismissing the news.
Then Charlotte walked in. One glance, and Oliver was speechless. She was stunningand brilliant, as he soon discovered. Within a week, he was counting the minutes until she arrived each morning, lying awake at night thinking of her.
«Shes perfect. Everything Ive ever wanted. And if Im right for her, shell see it too. I just need to make sure she notices meeven if shes married.»
Another week passed. Charlotte clearly liked himthey worked side by side, joking and laughing. But Oliver grew uneasy. She talked about Max constantly.
«Either shes warning me off, or she genuinely loves that dull husband of hers,» he grumbled.
Despite his frustration, he held back from outright flirting. But working closely on projects together made it hard. They were rarely alone, thoughJames shared their office.
Then, one day, James was out. As they leaned over documents, Oliver felt Charlottes breath warm against his cheek. Before he could stop himself, he kissed her.
She pulled back, covering her mouth. «Oliver, please dont do that again.»
But she didnt storm off. A good sign, he decided.
«Sorry, couldnt help myself,» he said with a grin.
Charlotte acted as if nothing had happened, and he exhaled in relief. Days passed without mention of the kissuntil Friday. As they packed up, Oliver ventured, «Can I call you this weekend?»
«No,» she said quickly, then hesitated. «Ill call you.»
His heart leapt. «Ill be waiting.»
But Saturday came and went with no call. By Sunday evening, Oliver cracked and dialled her number.
«Dont ring me,» she whispered. «Ill call when I can.»
Monday morning, his alarm hadnt even gone off when his phone buzzedCharlotte.
«Oliver, are you busy? Can I come over?»
He bolted upright. «Now? Yesof course.»
He scrambled to shower, brew coffee (though he didnt drink it), and fling open the door. The look in her eyes said everything. He kissed her before she could speak.
«Good morning,» she murmured when she finally pulled away.
Later, over coffee in his kitchen, she said, «Max leaves for work much earlier than me.» Oliver stiffenedwhy bring him up now?
She glanced around. «Your place is cosy. The coffees lovely.»
They arrived at work separately, just in time. Oliver braced for suspicion, but no one batted an eyeexcept James.
«Running late today?»
«Something like that,» Oliver shrugged.
From then on, Charlotte visited oftenearly mornings, stolen hours. One Saturday, she surprised him.
«Can I come over?»
«Any time. Forever, if youd like,» he joked.
She arrived within the half-hour.
«Howd you manage today?» he asked as they lay in bed.
«Max visits his parents cottage on weekends. I hate the countryside.»
«Stay with me, then. Properly.»
She sighed. «I cant.»
«Why not?»
«Because I just cant.»
Oliver bit back his frustration. She needed time. But what if Max grew suspicious?
«Charlotte, where is this going?»
«Well keep meeting like this.»
«I want more. Weekends together. A proper life.»
She laughed softly. «If you were married, Id never have looked twice. Forbidden fruit and all that.»
«But forbidden fruits the sweetest.»
«Not for me,» she teased.
Weeks passedhasty mornings, rare Saturdays. Finally, Oliver snapped.
«Leave him. Marry me. This isnt enough.»
«I cant.»
«Why?»
«Because apart from Max, theres my son. Hes elevenindependent. Thats why I can slip away. Did you never wonder?»
Oliver faltered. «Iit doesnt matter. Id raise him as my own.»
«Max would never allow it. He adores him.»
After that, their meetings dwindled. Oliver couldnt bear the secrecy, the early wake-ups. One morning, he ended it.
«Charlotte, I cant do this anymore. Either you choose me, or were done.»
Her eyes filled, but she nodded. «If thats your decision.»
She walked out for good. Later, Oliver met someone elsesingle, uncomplicated. But he didnt love her like he had Charlotte. Some loves only happen once. Between torment and peace, he chose peace. It was better this way.
