Fighting for the Heart

Untitled Part 8

DAY OF THE FIGHT

Oliver, Felicity, John and Lyla walked into the hall where the competition was being held and approached the registration table. Oliver signed in and they were directed to the locker rooms so he could stow his stuff. Felicity had arranged for his interview to be held in his dressing room, and they all got settled in and waited. Candace would be there any moment and so Felicity and Lyla stepped aside so Oliver could change into his boxing shorts. She saw Candace walk in and greeted her telling her Oliver would be available shortly.

The reporter and her camera man set up their equipment and soon Oliver walked out of the changing room. Felicity felt her body respond as she saw him, chest bare, boxing shorts hitting mid thigh, his feet bare. Every muscle was on display and Felicity turned to Candace to get her focus away from his body. But her eyes narrowed when she saw Candace basically drooling and she was soon forgotten as the reporter made her way to Oliver.

"Candace Wright." she said holding out her hand to Oliver. She gave him a sexy smile and Felicity could not help her response to the scene. She was annoyed.

Oliver threw on his best smile and shook the reporter's hand. "Oliver Queen."

"Well aren't you a sight for sore eyes." Candace said with a flirty laugh and when Oliver laughed with her Felicity's irritation rose.

Candace called her photographer over to them. "Why don't we start with some pictures and then we can do the interview." Candace's voice dripped with interest and Felicity walked over and gave her a patient smile. "You are limited to 20 photos for the magazine." she said and Candace barely glanced her way as Oliver stood and posed for the camera man.

Felicity huffed under her breath and turned to watch the photo shoot, her body stiff with annoyance. Oliver looked at Felicity and twisted and turned his body for the camera. Jesus the man had a body that Michael Angelo himself would have admired. Oliver finished his photo shoot and thanked the camera man before walking back over to where Felicity was standing with Candace. Felicity's hands flew to her hips as Candace again ignored her and pulled out her recorder.

"So Oliver. " the woman said his name as if it was sex itself, and Felicity started to fume. "You are trying to make a comeback in the MMA, can you tell us what made you decide to return after such a long absence?" Felicity barely listened as Oliver told the reporter of his family history within the MMA and how it was in his blood. Her eyes were focused on Candace and the woman was tugging Felicity's last nerve.

"What do you think of your opponent Roy Harper?" Candace asked sidling closer to Oliver.

"He's going to be tough to beat. He is small and he is quick. I am going to have to make sure I keep my wits about me and my feet quick." Oliver said with a patented smile. Candace giggled.

"I bet you have some moves yourself...." Candace said and Felicity about gagged on that one. "Is there anything you will be showing the audience tonight that we have not seen before?"

"Now if I tell you that Candace I will be giving away my secrets." Oliver said with a grin.

Felicity groaned and Oliver glanced her way before looking back at Candace.

"So Oliver, are you currently seeing anyone?" Candace asked. The question was normally innocent enough as the magazines wanted to find out all they could about a fighter, but Felicity could tell by the tone of her voice Candace was asking for her own personal reasons and Felicity started fuming.

"I am not currently involved with anyone. I am trying to focus on my fighting and moving back up in the ranks." Oliver said with a wink.

Candace placed her hand on Oliver's arm and Felicity was done. She intervened, removing Candace's hand from Oliver's arm and stepping between them. "Ok, time is up Ms. Wright."