He's Captured My Soul (Captured Series Book 3) (6 page)

“I am taking a few days off,” I say, as we enter the office and sit down.

“Glad to hear it. From when?”

“Tomorrow. Only if you can all cope.”

“Libby, of course we can cope. Kieran and I, not as good a team as you and I, but we will do okay.” He’s trying to reassure me that I’m leaving the hotel in good hands. Which of course I am, otherwise I wouldn't even think about taking time off.

We spend the next thirty or so minutes, going over the kitchen rota for the week ahead. I don’t usually interfere with the kitchen rota, but I want to make sure Karl had plenty of cover incase Kieran needs a hand. Then Karl runs through the new menus, he wants to start in January. I agree with what he wants to do, and achieve. We both share the same vision for the hotel. Karl doesn't interfere with any of the other departments, but always gives advice and his input and experience is invaluable to me.

“Right. Let’s go and sort out the staff,” says Karl with a hint of humour. “Time for a quick staff meeting.”

“Is it that time already?” I ask, as I try not to think of how quickly the day is going. That’s a good thing though, it means I will be home with Alex soon enough.

“And, Libby,”

“Yes,Karl?”

“I’ve been where you are, putting in all the hours. You need to find a balance. It took me a long time to find mine, but I think I finally have it. I also have a very good team under me along with you and Kieran.” He sighs. “Look, I think we are friends as well as work colleagues, so if I offend in anyway just tell me to shut up. You need to take care of you first and foremost. Family and relationships secondly and then this place. Who knows one day in the future you will be blessed with your own family.” I listen to his words, although I’m shaking my head at the direction this conversation is going. “Libby, hear me out!”

I nod.

“Libby, these are things you should think about just now. If you have a family, you won’t be able to work the hours you have been. All that stress is not good for you. You have very good foundations here, it’s time to build on those. I want to help you. I’m here to help.”

His words mean a lot and I know Alex would love nothing more than a family. Although having said that, I’m in no rush. Yes I love little Lucy, but that’s different. I have things I want to achieve before I even think about family. Yet Karl’s words do make sense to me. I’ve been too busy lately, trying to do everything myself.

“So what are you suggesting?”

“I’m suggesting we take one day maybe two, in January, and go through everything. Analyse every department and member of staff, see what you need and where you need them. Each department should be able to run on its own. The way I see it, just now, only two do. The kitchen and the gym; Stephen does a great job there, because he has very good staff as well.”

“Okay. Okay. Have you been speaking to my Dad?”

“No, Libby. I wouldn’t dream of going behind your back. Your dad might own this place, but as far I’m concerned, you’re my boss and manager. You just need a little guidance. And no, that doesn’t mean I think you’re doing a bad job. I just want to help you.” He stands holding his hand to me. I take it pulling myself from the seat. “Now we have a quick staff meeting in the restaurant before the festivities start.”

We walk through the now empty kitchen and head straight to the restaurant. Karl opens the door, always the gentleman.

“Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, Miss Stewart. Happy Birthday to you.”

All the staff that’s working today are all gathered, for what I thought was going to be a staff meeting. Kieran as always, with the biggest grin on his face, comes rushing at me. He has a beautiful bouquet of flowers in his arms.

“Happy Birthday, Libby,” Karl whispers in my ear. I turn, smiling at his words. “See we couldn’t forget about this.”

“Thank you.”

“Hey, sweetie. Happy Birthday,” says Kieran, handing me the flowers and a card.

“I don’t know what to say. Thank you everyone.”

“Happy Birthday, Miss Stewart,” says Sally as she hands me a gift bag. “This is from everyone.”

“Thank you.”

“Right.” Karl voice brings me back to business. “We only have the one sitting today for Christmas lunch. So everything should be straight forward. Tonight’s guests will be entertained in the function suite and the buffet is in hand. Kieran, I trust everything at your end is ready?”

“Yes, although we do have a few last minute changes to make with regards seating arrangements,” Kieran tells Karl.

“Miss Stewart, do you have anything to add?” Karl asks.

“I would just like to say thanks for all your hard work over the last few weeks. Karl, Kieran and myself have discussed what we should do as a thank you to you all. I know in years gone by, various nights out have been organised. This year will be one night for all the staff in January. The hotel will be closed for two days to allow us all to get together. The seventeenth and eighteenth of January, we have no guests booked in so makes sense to use that time. Now all I have left to say is enjoy your day.”

The rest of the afternoon flies by. So much going on. It’s been great seeing the kids faces light up as they received a gift from Santa. It’s been such a relaxed atmosphere in the hotel. Very festive. I’ve thought a lot about Ethan and Lucy and also about Alex. Alex, I do need to find the balance in my life, so I’m able to enjoy all parts of it. As everything is about done, I send Alex a text;

Just getting ready to leave see you soon. xx

Straight away he replies;
Take care it’s snowing again see you soon xx

I will xx

I say very brief goodbyes. I tell Karl and Kieran that my phone will be on if they need me over the next few days. They both tell me they will not be phoning and that they will be fine. I’m sure they will be. Karl helps me out to my car with the flowers and presents from the staff.

“Very nice wheels,” he says, admiring the car. He runs his hand along the side of the door. “So a gift from Dad or Alex?”

“Dad. I’m sure Alex would much rather be driving me himself.”

“I’m sure your right about Alex. Safe journey home and I will see you when you are rested. Try not worry about here we will be fine.”

“Thanks, Karl.”

The drive back toward home is not as tricky as it would be in my wee convertible. The only problem I have is with the snow that is falling, making it difficult to see. I phone Alex and ask him to come and give me a hand upstairs with the gifts from the staff. He’s just coming out the main door as I park the car, right behind his.

Opening my door, he leans down and kisses me. “Libby, you look tired now.”

“Alex, I’ve been fine all day. I’m tired, but that could be just straining to see out the window, whilst driving.”

“You sure?” he asks with concern.

“Yes. I’m sure. Now if you get the flowers from the back.”

“Have you eaten today?” he asks. Shit! He’s not going to like my answer. “Libby. Seriously! It’s no wonder you’re so bloody tired. You need to eat.”

“Alex, I’m sure you’ve made some dinner so I won't starve. Now, if you’ve finished having a moan, it’s bloody freezing out here and all I want is a bath.”

He smiles and without saying a word, we take to the stairs.

THE FRONT DOOR IS OPEN
when we reach our floor. Funny only a few months ago, this was just my apartment when I bought it. I never imagined I would be sharing my life with someone as wonderful as Alex. Five short weeks we’ve been living together, and I’ve loved every minute of it. Not something I ever saw happening. I presumed, wrongly, it would be me having to move to the States to be with him. I stop, taking off my coat; I hang it up as we enter the hallway.

I walk toward the stairs with my handbag and the gift bag.

“Where are you going?” Alex calls after me, frowning.

“To put this upstairs and run a bath.”

“What about these?” he asks, holding up the flowers. “I will only do them wrong.”

“I will sort them when I come back down.”

“I think you should fix them in a vase, just now.” He just stands and stares at me. Really?

“Fine,” I snap, dropping the bags on the floor and grabbing the flowers from his hand. These could’ve waited until I had a bath. I walk into the living room with Alex right behind me.

“SURPRISE. Happy Birthday.”

Now I see why he wanted me to see to the flowers. The sneaky git. My parents, Ethan and Lucy, Kirsty and Jay, and even Stephen. I turn to face Alex and I can't hide my smile. I was looking forward to a night of just the two of us, but I’m glad they’re here. I did enjoy my time with my family this morning. The living room is filled with flowers, red and white roses. Lots and lots of them. And balloons. Red balloons. Alex has been busy.

“Libby, there’s another surprise. Turn round.” A ghost of a smile appears on his face. I do as I’m told, slowly turning. Not sure what to expect.

“Oh, my god. When? How?” I ask Alex as Sophie rushes toward me. Alex takes the flowers from me. Sophie and his parents are all here as well.

“Libby, Happy Birthday!” Sophie says excitedly as she embraces me. “Merry Christmas. Isn’t this just the best?”

“When did you get here?”

“Last night. I could hardly wait for tonight, although I got to spend the afternoon with my brother. I’ve been waiting all day to see you. I can’t wait for you to show me around the sites and the hotel, who knows I might even find myself a hunky Scotsman.” I shake my head, at her words; she really is so much like Kirsty.

“Sophie, let Libby see to her other guests,” Alex tells his sister. Sophie pulls a face at him. He just shakes his head at her.

I leave Alex and Sophie and go over to greet Sarah and Richard. “Richard, Sarah, merry Christmas,” I say warmly.

“Merry Christmas, sweetie and a very happy birthday.” I stand speaking with them for a few minutes. I find out this was planned a few weeks ago. Sarah jumped at the chance of coming here to Scotland to spend Christmas with us. I remember how upset she was when she realised Alex would be here, and Connor would be spending it with Emma. As I stand with his parents, I look up to find Alex’s eyes on me, that smile that I love so much, slowly spreads across his beautiful face. The face I will never tire of seeing.

I leave his parents, and Ethan is the first person to cross my path. “I can’t believe after seeing me this morning, you didn't tell me, my dear brother.” He laughs and wraps one arm round my shoulder, and we walk toward Kirsty and Jay.

“Of course. I was under strict instructions not to tell,” Ethan tells me. “Hey, this is as much for me, as it is for you. You know I really don’t mind sharing the limelight with you.” I watch my parents; my mum has Lucy in her arms as they walk toward Sarah and Richard.

My next stop is with Kirsty, Jay and Stephen. Kirsty squeals as she hugs me tightly. I thought she was working tonight, that’s what she told me. They’ve all kept me in the dark about this. I stand with Ethan’s arm still round me talking to them all. But I can feel Alex’s eyes on me. When I look up, I see the man I’ve fallen head-over-heels for. I see the smile, as he watches me. I see the usual powerful, confident man, look slightly uneasy. Unsettled, as if there’s something bothering him.

He walks toward me. Ethan sees him approaching and drops his arm. Alex stops behind me. I lean into his strong chest and his arms wrap around me. Holding me tight. Keeping me safe.

“Guys, I need to make a move, I have Sally to pick up,” says Stephen. I’m so glad the two of them have gotten together, they do make a lovely couple. “But I have something for you both.” He picks up two identical-sized and wrapped gifts. We open them quickly. When I see what it is, I look to Ethan to see his reaction. Surprisingly enough, he’s good. It’s a framed picture of Ethan, Stephen, Lindsay and me, we must be about ten years old. It was taken in my parents’ garden.

Alex nods approving. Stephen smiles. This small gesture between the two means the world to me. I know they are never going to be best friends, but at least they’re on speaking terms. Ethan starts laughing much to mine and everyone else’s surprise.

“What’s so funny? I ask him.

“Libby, I was just remembering the day this was taken. There was a rabbit in the garden, but Stephen caught it and was teasing you two, that it would be dinner.” Stephen starts laughing as well. The others look on in amusement.

“It wasn’t funny. Lindsay wanted it as a pet. But you two got a big pot from Mum’s kitchen and put the poor thing in.”

“Libby, you know we let it go?” Stephen asks. I nod. “Right, I better make a move. You all have a good night.” Stephen gives me a kiss on my cheek. “Alex.”

“Stephen.”

Ethan walks Stephen out.

“I hope everyone is hungry,” Sarah says, grabbing everyone’s attention. “Dinner is served in the kitchen.”

I turn to face Alex. “Who made dinner?” I ask.

“My mom and yours. Sophie and I helped by staying out their way.” So he didn’t have a phone call to make today. He leans in and kisses me. I suddenly wish we were alone. Because I really want more than just a kiss. I pull back reluctantly. He smiles and shakes his head. “Those thoughts can stay in your head until later.”