He's Captured My Soul (Captured Series Book 3) (11 page)

I’m also looking forward to the opening of his casino on New Year’s Eve. He has worked so hard to get everything ready in time. Staff have all been hired, a few finishing touches over the next few days, then it will be ready for the grand opening. What a way to spend New Year, I should be at the hotel but Kieran has it all in hand and I’m more than happy to let him get on with it for a few days. The thought of spending New Year with both our families, more than appeals to me.

His fingers trace my belly, in small circular motions.

“I could get used to this,” I say.

“You could. I’m already used to being everywhere with you. But I’m about to get out, dressed and go and make something to eat.”

“I’m comfortable.” I try to sound convincingly, moving restlessly against him. Well the water has cooled down somewhat for me.

“Well, I’m needing to cool down.”

“What it’s cold now. I’m going to jump in the shower to wash my hair and heat up.”

He climbs out the bath and grabs a towel, wrapping it around him. He bends down and kisses my head and leaves me. I climb out the bath and jump into the shower, still needing to wash my hair. I spend long enough in the shower, letting the hot water cascade over my body, heating me back up.

“SOMETHING SMELLS AMAZING,” I SAY
as I enter the kitchen. “Do you want me to make tea?”

“No, it’s already in the pot. You just need to sit down.” I sit at the table, which Alex has already set and watch as he moves with ease around our kitchen. A girl could get used to this. “Mom called, they will be here just before two. I thought we could make a pasta,” he says carrying two plates as he walks toward me.

“Yeah that sounds fine, quick and easy. This looks good enough to eat,” I say jokingly. Scrambled egg, smoked salmon and toast. If he thinks I will manage all this, he had better re-think. There is enough on each plate to feed a small army.

“Michael arrives tomorrow,” Alex says.

“Yes I know. Is he staying here as well?” I ask, suddenly thinking our flat is going to be over-crowded.

“That’s up to you. There is a room at the hotel for him, Kieran already has one for him. But we do have space here for him and it would be closer for the casino. How do you feel? ”

“I feel fine,” I tell him with a smile. “He’s more than welcome here, as long as he behaves himself. But poor Joan, she’s coming back to more than a house full. Will she not mind having to cater for everyone?”

“Libby, you and I both know, Joan will be more than happy to cater for everyone,” he says in between mouthfuls. “He’s only here for the week. We need to sort out a few things and I have the buyer for the hotel arriving tomorrow to sign paperwork. He’s coming in on the same flight as Michael. I’d like to be a fly on the wall with . . . . . . Shit!” He looks anywhere but at me. Why do I get the feeling, I’m not going to like this?

“So you know the buyer?” I ask him, as he shifts uncomfortably in the chair.

“Yes. James. I believe he has also booked a room at Stewart Estate.” I frown and ponder his words. The only James I know from America, likes to stir up trouble. The last time I saw James, Alex hit him, throwing the first punch, on a night I would much rather forget. I’m now glad I’m not working. The man makes me uncomfortable and he has a knack of going out his way, to wind up Alex. And how the hell, has Kieran managed to get rooms at the hotel? We were fully booked. You know what I don’t need to know.

“So, James wants the hotel?” I ask. “I didn’t think he would be high on your list, of people to do business with.”

“Business is business. And he was prepared to come here to sign the deal. But, I am now having some doubts over selling.”

“Why? You decided on this weeks ago.”

“Because, if we do have to split our time between here and New York, I’m sure you could manage it.”

“Alex I have no desire to manage a hotel of that size, you know this. It needs a manager dedicated to it fulltime. We’ve already spoke about this. And if we need to spend time in the states, we will work something out. I could just take you up on the offer of coming into work with you.” I tease him.

“Not sure how much work, I would get done with my beautiful wife as a distraction.” I smile at his words, because I have to agree with him. “I know you’re right, I suppose I just needed to hear it again. Okay, then the deal will be signed tomorrow and it will be off my hands.”

“Can I ask a question?” He nods. “How long is James booked into the hotel?”

“Two nights. I have his return flight details in an email. Why?”

“Just making sure I stay away from hotel whilst he is there.”

“You don’t need to worry about him.”

“I’m more worried about the two of you,” I tell him. It’s true, not sure how I feel about these two in the same room again.

“I have tickets for tonight,” Alex says, with a quick change of subject.

“Anywhere I would know?”

“Blaze, have you heard of it?”

“Of course I’ve heard of it. It’s one of the top clubs in Glasgow. How did you manage to get tickets for there?”

“I’m a man of many talents.” I can only smirk in response to that, thinking of the many talents I know of. Most of them are sexual. “Libby . . .”

“What?” He shakes his head in response. “So how did you get tickets?”

“Let’s just say, I’m mixing business with pleasure tonight.”

“It’s on the market?” I ask the question I already know the answer to.

“Yes it is. It might have the reputation of being one of the best clubs in Glasgow, but as far as the management and profitability go, there is room for improvement,” he tells me. “They approached me at the start of the week. I said I would look at the paperwork after the New Year. So tonight, I get to see just how busy it can be.”

“Well I’m just looking forward to a fun night and letting my hair down. If I get drunk, no let me rephrase that when I get drunk, be sure to carry me up the stairs.”

“I’m sure that can be arranged.”

After we clean up the dishes from breakfast and the remaining few from last night, we head through to the living room. I smile looking at the balloons and fresh flowers that grace the room. A few hours relaxing on the couch is more than appealing, whilst the flat is quiet.

I send Kirsty and Ethan both a text;
Have tickets for Blaze tonite x

Ethan; Perfect let me know what time to be at yours x

Me; Will do x

Kirsty; OMG HOW DID YOU GET THOSE.X

Me; Alex I will tell you later. Drinks at mine first.

Kirsty; Sounds Brill. See you later x

I settle in on the couch, curled in tight to Alex. His arm wraps around me, as he flicks through the channels on the TV. We settle for a movie, the choice was some cartoon movie, Dirty Dancing or Lethal Weapon. Guess who got their own way? Not that I’m opposed to Lethal Weapon, but Dirty Dancing makes me think of tonight.

Of course me!

I don’t know how many times I’ve seen this movie, I still love it. I know it’s not Alex’s cup of tea, but I did promise we could watch his after. I know he’s not watching it really, he’s spent most of it so far watching me. I can feel his eyes on me.

“Libby, is there something wrong? I’ve watched you fiddle, as you would put it, with your ring, since the movie started?” he asks.

“I didn’t realise. It’s going to take a bit of getting used to.”

“Well you had better get used to it because it won’t be long until there is a band to match it.” I smile as I look at the diamond that now graces my finger. “Have you given any thought to the wedding you want?”

I sit up, so I can see him clearly. “A bit, but not much. I would love a summer wedding at the hotel.”

“Summer, that’s months away. Not sure I can wait that long for you to become Mrs. Mathews. I’ve already told you this. What about a church wedding?”

“I am very well aware of your wishes, Mr. Mathews. I know my parents would love a church wedding and I’m sure yours would as well. It might be nice to have a traditional wedding although, I’m not opposed to eloping. Gretna Green or a nice Caribbean beach.”

“Libby, if I thought for one minute we would get away with that with our families, we could be on the first plane out. But you are your father’s only daughter, and I wouldn’t want to take it away from him, walking you down the aisle. I’m sure he would never forgive me for that.”

“You’re right about that. Can I be honest though, I don't want a fuss. I’m not one for being the centre of attention, you know this.”

“This is the one day you will enjoy being centre of attention of that I can assure you. Now I think we should go and see the priest at your parents parish over the next few days, so we can at least have some sort of idea of dates available.”

“Yeah okay. I’ll call Mum later and get her to set up a meeting.”

“So once a date is set, what else do we need to do?” he asks.

“Well, there’s the reception, which won’t be a problem providing the hotel is free. There’s flowers, cars, transport for guests. Picking a colour scheme. Wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses. Suits or Kilts.” I smile warmly at him as I think of Alex in a kilt. “Although I’ve seen you in a suit, on more than one occasion. You’d look sexy in a kilt.”

“Sexy in a skirt. I don’t think so.” He laughs. “Okay, here is what I think. We get a date from the priest, you pick the colours you want, then your dress and bridesmaid dresses and leave the rest to me. I’m sure Kieran is more than capable of sorting out the reception at the hotel.” He kisses me on my brow. “I told you last night, I don’t want you to stress about the wedding. The way you are just now, relaxed is how I want you all the time.”

“Does that mean I get to stay in your arms all the time?”

“If that’s what it takes.” He moves a stray hair away from my face. “Now you said something, about being in my arms. Now let’s get back to watching your movie. How is the sore head?”

“Not sore,” I tell him as I settle back into the warmth of his arms. He strokes my arm gently. It’s soothing. I can feel my eyes getting heavy. I’m not going to see the end of this movie.

A MUFFLED SOUND PULLS ME
from a deep sleep. I already sense Alex is not beside me. I open my eyes slowly, not wanting to be awake. I’m lying on the couch, covered with my throw. I stretch and give myself a minute to wake properly. The TV is off, but I hear voices coming from the kitchen. The voices are low but I do make out Sophie’s.

Shit!

Alex’s family is here, we were meant to organise lunch together. I look at the time, two-thirty. I’ve slept a few hours. I stand up quickly, but have to sit back down, because like last night, I feel a little dizzy. I sit for a moment until the feeling passes. It does, just as quickly as it came. This little incident doesn’t need to be mentioned.

I walk toward the kitchen, with a smile on my face.

“Well, sleeping beauty has come back to the land of the living,” Alex teases, as I walk round the table.

“Hi guys,” I say as I pull out the chair beside Alex. But Alex has other ideas, he shifts his seat back, indicating he wants me on his lap. “Why didn’t you wake me?”

“Because, you looked so peaceful. You needed it. I hope you’re hungry? We waited for you.”

“You look refreshed,” Sarah says.

“I feel it.”

“Well, Libby I’m so looking forward to tonight.” Sophie sounds excited.

“I am as well. The others are coming here, for drinks first.” I tell her. The buzzing of the oven startles me. I move from Alex, and he follows me. I open the oven door, but Alex moves me out the way.

“I want to do something, I was meant to help make lunch.”

“Help.” His voice is low and soft against the back of my neck. “Help you say, there’s a salad in the fridge, you can get that. That would help and some bottled water.”

“Is that really all I can help with?” I ask.

“Oh, it’s all you can help with just now,” he whispers in my ear, sending shivers all down my spine. He chuckles softly. “I’m sure you can help in so many ways later. But for now, you get the salad and I’ll get the pasta and bread.”

I let out the breath I was holding and walk away from Alex, shaking my head. For the next two weeks, I’m going to have to get used to not acting on situations like this. Restraint, I will be using a lot of that.