“Yay. I get a sister,” Sophie says squeezing me as tightly as she can with Lucy in her arms. I offer to take Lucy, but Sophie’s having none of it. “I saw this coming weeks ago,” she whispers. I look at her, asking a silent question. “I knew the minute he left New York. You are his reason for living. He would be lost without you. So we have another reason to celebrate tomorrow night.”
Alex is standing talking with his dad, just to the side of us. The conversation looks a little intense. God I hope it isn’t about us. But then I do hear Alex say ‘there’s nothing that can be done about it just now with it being holidays.’ It must be work related. I hear Richard saying, ‘he’s prepared to come here to finalise the paperwork.’
Then Alex tells him, ‘well if he really wants the deal done tell him it can be done here in two days.’
Last and by no means least, Kirsty and Jay. Kirsty is so excited, she squeals with delight. Even more so when Alex tells her we will be getting married in only a few short months. I don’t want to burst his bubble, but we will be having a conversation later about this. I would love a summer wedding, but intimate. I’m not keen on the idea of inviting relatives, I don’t see from one year to the next. But I suppose there will be many deciding factors in this.
I make a mental note to ask Kirsty to be my maid of honour when we are alone, and also ask Sophie to be a bridesmaid. I will only do both once Alex and I have a proper chance to talk this through.
The rest of the evening goes well. Alex seems much more his usual relaxed self. Did he really have doubts over my answer? Granted everything about our relationship has, shall we say, moved at a quicker pace. So why not this as well.
I go into the kitchen for some water. The alcohol has indeed gone straight to my head, or maybe it’s the turn of events that has my head dizzy. I don’t have to turn around to see him. My body reacts to him the minute he is near. I hear his footsteps cross the floor. His arms snake round my waist.
“So, Miss Stewart, soon to be Mrs. Mathews, just how quickly can we pull together a wedding?” he says leaning in and kissing my neck. I melt under his touch.
“As quickly as you like.” I can’t believe I’ve just said that.
He spins me round in his arms. He looks surprised. “What? You’re not going to challenge me on this?”
“No. I’m all about compromise. You’ve given up so much for me already, this is the least I can give you.”
“In my eyes, I’ve not given up anything. You’re all I need and want in my life.” His eyes smile with his words. The sincerity in his voice is clear. “So tell me what you want and I will do whatever it takes.”
“I just want you.” I kiss him softly. “Although I do have one request, when we get married.”
“Anything.”
“The media, they love to report every aspect of your life. This is the one thing I want to try and keep out of the public eye.”
“Libby, your dad and I have already spoken about this. An announcement will be made about our engagement. You will see the press release before it goes anywhere. I’m sure your dad has it already written.” Why would that not surprise me. “With regards to the wedding, I promise you will get exactly what you want. We will keep it as private as you want. But after if you agree, it will be announced that we have married. I want the world to know you belong with me.”
“Okay then, so it looks like I have a wedding to organise. Maybe I won’t get my few days off after all.”
“Libby, I don’t want you to stress about this. I want this to be the happiest day of your life. We can discuss details, and then leave the rest to me. All you have to worry about is your dress and your bridesmaid.”
“Bridesmaids.”
“Oh, I thought it would just be Kirsty.”
“No, I’m going to ask Sophie as well,” I tell him. He looks kind of surprised with my decision. I know Sophie and I have only known each other a short time, but we have become such good friends in that time.
“You do know she will be so happy about that. I know how close you two have become. Now come on let’s see if we can get rid of our guests.”
“That leads me to a question. Why is your family staying at my parent’s house tonight?”
“Because, my beautiful sweet girl, I’m a selfish bastard where you’re concerned, and for tonight I want you all to myself. For what I have in mind for you, there was not a hope in hell, I could let my mother hear.” Shit! “I have too much respect for my mom to have her listening to us all night. They’ll all be here tomorrow.”
He lifts his hands to my face, cupping my chin. His lips meet mine tenderly. He pulls away reluctantly, I see it in his eyes, and he leads me from the kitchen, back to our family.
The first thing I notice, is Sophie still has Lucy cradled into her, but it’s the closeness in proximity of Ethan. They are sitting very close together in conversation and laughter.
“Seriously.” Alex has noticed as well. “I could kill her.”
“Alex,” I scold him.
“You trying to tell me, you’re happy with this?”
“Alex, don’t you think you’re jumping the gun? All I see is two people enjoying each other’s company. Sophie’s not done anything wrong. Yet. And anyway, I love hearing Ethan laugh, and seeing him relaxed.”
“Okay, okay. I will butt out only because I don’t think Ethan would do anything stupid.”
We spend time with our family discussing the opening of the casino. The casino that brought Alex to being in Scotland in the first place. He bought a chain that had gone into liquidation. The Glasgow one is to be his flagship and it opens New Year’s Eve. I thought the London one would’ve been a better choice, but after having a look at all the figures available, it was decided to close it altogether. It was losing too much money. He has worked flat out, dealing with the contractors, hiring staff the last few weeks. It’s all finally coming together. I can’t wait to see the final look of the place. It’s been given a complete overhaul.
I’m glad his parents will be here for it, given how proud they both are of him. And Sophie, she can’t wait to see what he’s been up to here. Turns out Sophie has talked Ethan into going clubbing tomorrow night. Now this should make for an interesting night. Alex sighs heavily at this, grabbing my mother’s attention. Oh boy. My mum agrees to have Lucy tomorrow night, so Ethan can enjoy a night out and not have to worry about getting home early or getting up early in the morning. Lucy is not known for sleeping late but then again I’ve never heard of any babies who are.
“So have you two got any dates in mind?” asks my mother. Alex is lounging on the floor just in front of me.
“Just as soon as we can get things moving. I presume there will be red tape to work through? But as soon as that’s done, I will check the calendar for the hotel,” I tell her, but my question is meant for Alex. Although I’m surprised when it’s my dad who answers.
“Libby, the red tape as you put it, won't take so long. Alex and I have already done a lot of the ground work. Granted it was mainly about his living and working arrangements. A few things still to be ironed out, Alex can discuss those with you. But there really is nothing to stand in your way.”
“Well in that case, I know Alex wants this sooner rather than later, I will check when the hotel is free.”
“What about the church?” asks my mother. I knew that would be the first thing she was bound to ask. My mother is very traditional when it comes to that. She wasn’t happy that Ethan and Lindsay hadn’t had a traditional church wedding. My mum seems to have the same opinion as the church when it comes to that. A marriage has to be blessed in God’s house. Sarah looks on with interest, from the nodding, she obviously shares my mother’s question.
“Alex and I can discuss that.”
“I’ve already told you, it doesn't matter to me where, as long as we get married.” His voice is low as he speaks.
“Well we can discuss it, there’s nothing that can be done for a few days, with everything bein
g closed.”
“Oh sweetie, I’m sure Father O’Connor would be more than happy to see you,” my mum says. I look to Alex for support, but he just smiles. Bloody hell! Am I the only one that thinks things are moving too fast? Anyone would think they all want rid of me.
“Oh, that would be lovely,” says Sarah. “A traditional ceremony. Connor and Emma aren’t getting married in the church, and it doesn’t seem right.”
I stare at Alex, this time and he gets it straight away this time. “Mum, Jane give us a few days to discuss it and as soon as we decide on anything. You two will be the first know. We both promise.”
That’s better, the idea of a church wedding does appeal to me. Especially knowing that I can have a reception at the hotel, photographs taken in the grounds with the loch as a stunning backdrop. A summer wedding, the pictures would look amazing, but I think any time of year the pictures would be great.
Drinks get topped up and the conversation in the room flows with ease, considering this is the first time our parents are together properly. The first time my mum met Sarah and Richard, doesn't really count. Not sure there was much conversation between them that night, although I really don’t remember much of it. The night I took unwell at the hotel, I’m sure they were all too concerned to do small talk. That being said, the conversations tonight are certainly not small talk. No they all seem to be getting on extremely well.
“Right Missy or rather soon to be Mrs. Jay and I should be making a move, we are going back to Mum’s and you know what she's like about the time,” says Kirsty. I laugh because Kirsty’s mum, isn’t as bad as she makes out. Alex thanks Kirsty and Jay for coming and for keeping it a secret from me. That I’m surprised with because Kirsty and keeping things to herself don’t usually go together. I walk them out.
“I will call you tomorrow,” Kirsty says.
“Not too early I hope. I plan on having a long lie in.”
“Yeah, right I know exactly what you will be up to.” She sniggers; Jay just smiles. “I won’t call too early. I have a few ideas if Alex can’t get tickets for tomorrow night.”
“Okay. I will see what he comes up with. But I’m looking forward to going out and letting my hair down for a change.”
“Yeah, me too.” She kisses me. “Now get back to the rest of your family and send them all away for the night. Because you, my best friend, have a gorgeous hunk of a man to go and look after. No offence to my current company.” She flashes a dazzling smile at Jay.
“None taken,” he replies.
“Now I will see you tomorrow night, when you are all glammed-up and looking sexy as hell. Because I know you can still pull that off.”
“Okay, I hear you loud and clear.”
We say goodnight and I head back to our family. As I walk along the hall, I suddenly feel a little dizzy, lightheaded. I stop and lean against the wall, urging it to pass quickly. I can’t really blame the drink, I’ve not had that much. A couple of glasses of champagne then on to some water, because I could feel it going straight to my head. I’m still leaning against the wall, when I hear footsteps. I look up and try to move away, but it’s still a struggle.
“Libby! Shit what’s wrong? Why didn’t you call me?”
Alex. He comes rushing toward me, concerned.
“Alex, I’m fine just a little dizzy. And I didn’t call because it will pass.”
“You don’t look fine. The colour has drained from you.” He takes me in his arms, holding me possessively, but also keeping me on my feet. I’m sure if it weren’t for him I would be on the ground.
“I’ll be fine in a minute,” I tell him.
“No, I think I should take you upstairs and then let everyone know you are ill.”
“There’s an offer I won’t say no to. You and me upstairs.” I smile coyly at him.
“Seriously, Libby. You’re unwell and that’s still the first thing you think of.”
“Of course and I’m not unwell.”
“What will we do with you?”
“Oh I can think of a few things.” I smile as I draw him near. He shakes his head.
“Now come on. I’m taking you upstairs.”
“No, I’m fine. I want to see everyone before they go. If you tell my mum, she’ll only worry, needlessly.”
“Libby, you would try the patience of a saint.”
“Well it’s a good thing you’re not a saint, then.”
We both go back into the living room and Alex doesn’t leave my side. My mum notices there’s something wrong but doesn’t push. She can still be subtle when she wants to be. Everyone stays for another hour or so. But my mum hints that it should be time they were all leaving, saying I must be tired after working today as well as all the excitement of this evening.
It’s not too long until we are saying goodbye to everyone. Sarah, Richard and Sophie will all be here tomorrow afternoon to stay here for the rest of their visit.
I SLOWLY CLOSE THE DOOR, after saying goodnight to my concerned mum. She does tend to worry about us all. I tried to tell her I was fine, but she’s having none of it. She insists I go and see the doctor. Locking the door, I sigh heavily. Alex stand’s, stares and frowns. I’m tired, no let me rephrase that I’m bloody shattered. Today has been an amazing day to end the last few hard weeks. I take steps in the direction of the living room. I know my mum and Sarah have already moved most of the glasses and dishes into the kitchen, they even put the dish washer on. But I don’t want to get up and start cleaning tomorrow.
“No you don’t,” says Alex stopping me. “You are going straight up the stairs.”
“But . . .”
“No but’s, Miss Stewart. It will all be done before you get up tomorrow. Now bed.”
“Are you joining me?” My voice is almost a whisper, suddenly I don’t feel so tired anymore. I know I shouldn’t, but he’s here, he’s mine and I really want to. But then, that’s nothing new. I always want what’s on offer and so much more. And right now I want more than just falling into bed with his arms wrapped around me. I watch the expression change on his face. He’s really thinking hard about this. Fighting with his emotions. Because I know from experience, he struggles saying no to me.
“Let’s get the lights off, down here and yes then I will join you.” My smile slowly spreads and Alex smiles in return. Although I get the impression he is far from happy about my triumph. Or maybe he is hoping I will head on upstairs and fall asleep before he comes up.
I wait at the foot of the stairs, as Alex goes round and switches everything off. He takes my hand as we climb the stairs stroking my hand with the pad of his thumb. This small touch has awakened all my senses, igniting the flames within.
When we get to our bedroom, I make my way straight into the bathroom. Keen to get out of my clothes. The same clothes I had on all day in work. I wash, change quickly without even looking in the mirror. I really don’t need to see how tired I look.
I find Alex in the bedroom, in only his boxers. Now that is a sight I’ll never tire of seeing. He has his back to me, pulling down the bedcovers. The muscles in his back tense with the movement. I stand in the bathroom doorway, in only my underwear, enjoying the view. He stops and slowly turns toward me, sensing me watching him. His eyes tell me everything I need to now. I see worry. But that really isn’t that unusual for the last few weeks. But that’s all going to change. Some time off to spend with Alex and our family, then when I do go back to work, sit down with Karl and sort out staffing.
I walk the short distance to meet him. He reaches out and pulls me tight toward him. I rest my head on his bare chest. Snuggling into him. My breathing quickens. I hear him chuckle softly. His hands feel warm and soothing, against the flesh on my back, as he strokes it. His fingers trace lightly against my scar, but it’s no longer delicate. I’m told, by Alex of course, that it’s healing nicely now. He would get so angry seeing it, now he deals with it better.
“Libby, I think you should get a check-up with the doctor. There has to
be more than you just being tired.”
“Alex, if I’m still like this after a few days off, I promise I will,” I say. “But to be honest, I think it’s what I’m needing. A rest.”
“Do you like your ring?” he asks, taking hold of my hand.
“I love it, not as much as you though. You have spoiled me today.” I sigh, thinking about our relationship and the obstacles we may face. “Alex is there really nothing standing in our way of getting married?” I lift my head to look directly into his eyes.
“No, Libby, there’s not. We can get married anywhere, anytime. I already have my visa for working here. But I have the feeling that’s not what you’re thinking about.” I shake my head. “Okay, I suppose the worst thing that can happen, is that we will have to split our time equally between here and the States. But we will cross that bridge when and if it comes to it.”
“Alright. If that’s what it takes, that’s fine with me.” He moves me in his arms, holding me at arm’s length,
“Do you mean that?”
“Of course. My life is wherever you are. Yes I want that to be here, but if it means we need to spend some time in New York, then I’m fine with that too.”
“Libby, you always manage to surprise me. But what about the hotel?”
“As you have just said, we will cross that bridge when and if it comes.”
“Right Miss, into bed.”
His words have the same effect on me, as they always do. I’m hungry for him. It’s more than just sex. Way more. Although, it does play a huge part in our lives. I need him. Without him in my life, well just doesn’t bear thinking about. He’s my drug, my addiction.
Everything about Alex, has a way of affecting me; setting off a chain reaction. His dark brown eyes draw me in, capturing me. They’re mesmerising. The softness of his hair, as my fingers run through it. How sexy he looks, in either his suits or jeans and t-shirt, takes my breath away. The sound of his voice, it caresses me. When we make love, because that’s what it is, I don’t think it’s ever just been sex with us. He worships me, that’s the only way I can describe it. My needs are always put before his.
He's Captured My Soul (Captured Series Book 3) Page 6
