He's Captured My Soul (Captured Series Book 3) (33 page)

Dad gives Alex all the details and he seems really excited about it. The football club wants a meeting with Alex as soon as possible. I’m sure they will work well together.

The rest of our afternoon is more of the same, with lots of chatting. We talk about the hotel, and Dad seems to think everything has run smoothly the last few weeks in my absence. I’m sure it has, but now that I’m home I want to go and find out for myself. I have no doubts about Kieran’s ability; he knows my way of running things and he has the experience of Karl in the kitchen. So I am expecting my meeting with Kieran to go well in the morning. I suppose this will have been a good test for Kieran, because I will be taking time off when I have the babies and leaving him in charge.

Before we know it, afternoon has turned into early evening. Joan appears fresh faced, asking what everyone would like to do about dinner. My parents have a table booked and are meeting friends for dinner.

We see them both to the front door and say goodbye. It has been a lovely day with them. Alex takes me in his arms.

“Now, what are we going to do for the rest of the night?” he asks in a low seductive voice.

“Oh, I can think of one or two things.” I lean toward him and kiss his chin. “But I’m hungry, so the one or two things will have to wait until I’ve been fed.” I kiss him on each cheek this time.

“Well you should’ve said something. Will we get Joan to cook?”

“No, I really fancy take-a-way.”

“Anything in particular you want?” he asks.

“Yes, Chinese and you should order for Joan and Murphy as well.”

“That can be arranged.” He leads me into the kitchen where Joan is. “Joan, no cooking tonight, Libby wants Chinese. Is that good for you and Murphy?”

“Yes, that would be lovely,” she tells him.

Alex orders enough food to feed a small army. And I manage to talk Joan into eating with us in the kitchen. I know she still finds it a bit uncomfortable; back in New York they had their own kitchen as well, where she and Murphy would share their meals together. Alex and Murphy discuss appointment times and travelling for tomorrow. It turns out Joan has a hospital appointment tomorrow, and Murphy is going with her, naturally. She had already told us about it, but with everything going on I forgot about it. I now feel bad about that. I know it’s not serious, just routine. So Murphy is going to take Alex’s car; Alex will take mine and I get to travel in my convertible to the hotel. I’ve not driven it since before Christmas.

After clearing up, Joan and Murphy go to their own sitting room. I decide to take matters into my own hands, so to speak, with my very charming husband.

“Right, you and me,” I say, pushing him against the wall. “We need some us time. So I suggest you join me upstairs, and preferably naked, in our bed.”

“I’m sure that can be arranged.” He teases. “The question is who will be naked first.” I kiss him hard before leading him upstairs. I have a feeling I could be in for a long night.

I TURN AND REACH OUT,
but he’s not there. All I hear is the rustling of paper with each movement I take. Opening my eyes, I reach out and take the hand-written note he’s left for me on his pillow.

I grab my phone from the side of the bed and call him. “Good morning, baby,” he says answering straight away.

“What’s good about it?” I say sounding all sulky.

“What’s wrong?”

“Only that I woke in an empty bed.”

“Sorry about that. How are you feeling incidentally?”

“Oh, a little tired and a whole lot sore. No I will re-phase that, I feel over-used.” He lets out a soft chuckle. “I would have to say, it’s not very funny Mr. Mathews, especially given that you are not here to take care of me this morning.”

“You’re right, of course it wasn’t very nice of me. But we will do it all again, and next time I will be there to soothe your tired and aching body.”

“Deal. Is everything okay over there?”

“Yes and no, although nothing for you to worry about. So, what are your plans today?” he asks with a quick change of subject.

“Shower, breakfast then I’m going to head to the nearest maternity shop and pick up a few things. Because I am not wearing leggings going into work and nothing else fits me.”

“Send me a text later when you’re leaving the hotel; hopefully we can leave around the same time and get home together. But we won’t be alone which will be unfortunate; remember I have Michael to pick up at one fifty. Although with a bit of luck, he might want to go and pay Kirsty a visit first. God, I might even suggest he does that.”

“Alex, I don’t think my aching body could take anymore, so Michael coming straight here is fine with me.”

“I hear you loud and clear, Mrs. Mathews. Look I better go and get some work done. Have a good morning shopping. We can go out at the weekend shopping, if you’re needing clothes, we will have to get you some dresses for these functions your dad wants us to attend.”

“Yeah I know, we can decide on the weekend later, there’s no rush,” I tell him. “Love you.”

“Love you too.”

We end our call. I stretch, deciding it’s about time to get up. I won’t get anything done lying in my bed, will I? Quick shower, dress in the dreaded leggings and a jumper and head downstairs to eat, because all I seem to be at the moment is hungry. I’ve decided to take my gym gear with me to the hotel in the hope I can fit in a workout after my meeting with Kieran.

Downstairs is unusually quiet; it’s strange not having Joan in the kitchen this morning. I put some music on along with the kettle. Considering we all only got home yesterday, Joan was busy when she went shopping, the fridge is full. I decide on fresh fruit and natural yogurt and toast. I text Kirsty.

So we are home when do you want to meet up? x

She replies;
What about tonight. I know Michael will be here the 4 of us could go for dinner x

Me;
Alex and I are going out tonight.

Kirsty;
Tell him he’s had you all to himself for weeks. I want to see you x

Me;
Take it up with him then.x

Kirsty
;
I will. Speak to you later x

I’m sure she will manage to speak with Alex at some point today. So I can look forward to seeing her tonight. She usually knows how to get her own way.

When I finally leave the flat, I know exactly where I’m headed. There’s a little designer shop just a short distance away from Glasgow city centre with good parking apparently. I’ll find that out when I get there.

The shop was easy enough to find and the website was right, plenty of parking.

“Good morning,” the shop assistant calls as I enter the shop. “If you need anything just let me know.”

“Morning.”

“Remember when looking at clothes just pick up your normal size,” the girl tells me.

“Thanks.”

The shop has a great range of clothes here. I start with looking for a few pieces for work as I walk around the shop. I could very easily spend a whole day in here trying on clothes. God, I wish Sophie was here; she would know exactly what I was looking for. Me, I just want something that doesn’t scream frumpy.

“Would you like a hand?” she asks.

“Yes, please.”

“First, when are you due?”

“In August and I’m having twins, I tell her.

“Oh how exciting. So what are you looking for, work wear, casual or occasion?”

“A bit of everything.”

I spend the next hour with the sales assistant who is lovely. When I finally leave the shop, I have changed into a smart cowl neck long-sleeved plum dress that looks great with the boots I had on and a pair of tights. Smart enough for a work meeting. I load the bags into the back of my car. There are a few dresses for work along with a couple of skirts and blouses; I even got a pair of jeans that sit under my bump. They are prefect; I didn’t care much for the ones that went over my bump.

I text Alex before driving.

I got a few bits and pieces. When we go shopping I should include new underwear. x

Alex;
That can be arranged I love seeing you in underwear although I do prefer you naked. x

Me;
Enough see you later. x

Alex;
Can I get to see you later without the underwear?

Me;
If you play your cards right
.

Alex;
You’re making it impossible for me to work.

Me;
Love you x

The drive out to Loch Lomond seems to take forever today. By the time I arrive at the estate it’s after one, so I’m glad I didn’t set a specific time to meet with Kieran. He had wanted to meet at eleven, but I said I would be in when I was in. I don’t park at the hotel, instead I continue my drive down the estate and I’m surprised to see a team of workers down at the site that will be our home.

I watch them from the car for a few minutes; my mind wanders to what this area will look like when it’s all finished. When it’s finished there will be three homes here: ours, the cottage and hopefully Ethan’s. The cottage will be for Murphy and Joan; I’m sure they will love it. I don’t dwell on Ethan for long because I really do hope that we will all be staying here. I know that will depend on what happens between him and Sophie.

I leave the building site and drive back to the hotel. Fraser is outside at the entrance when I pull up in my car.

“Good afternoon, Mrs. Mathews,” he says as I exit the car and hand him my keys. “Your holiday seems to have agreed with you.”

“Afternoon, and thanks Fraser. Now before I go and meet with Kieran, how have things been?” I ask him. Fraser was a very good friend of my grandfather and is very loyal, so I know he will tell me.

“Well, Mrs. Mathews, I have to be honest. Kieran has done a grand job,” he replies warmly. “And Mrs. Mathews, congratulations on your wonderful news. You know, your grandfather would be so proud of the young woman you have become.” I nod, acknowledging him. I can’t say anything because I can feel myself getting emotional at the mere mention of my granddad.

Sally lifts her head as soon as I enter. I’m greeted with her warm smile. “Afternoon, Mrs. Mathews and congratulations.”

“Thanks, Sally. Is Kieran in the office?”

“No, would you like me to track him down?”

“Yes, please.”

“Will I have tea sent through for you?” she asks.

“Yes, thank you.”

I make my way to my office and I’m pleased to see that Kieran has managed to keep it clean. He can be a bit of a slob if you don’t keep going on at him. I’m always having a go at him to clean up after himself. I switch on the computer and make a start on my emails, because I never checked these while I was away. There’s a lot to get through. Most of them are the usual suppliers’ invoices. But there’s one with an email address that’s all too familiar. Jeff’s. How is it possible for him to contact me? I open it, even though I know I shouldn’t do it.

My dearest Libby, or should I call you Mrs. Mathews. You still manage to upset me. What is it he sees in you? I now know why he is still with you, you’re having his babies. Did you think that I wouldn’t hear about it, even stuck in this place? You really don’t belong with him you belong with me. You will see that sooner rather than later. But you need to get rid of the babies, because I will not bring up his.

I don’t read anymore—I’ve seen enough. Not a person I thought I would be hearing from again anytime soon. I’m going to have to contact my lawyer, and let him see this. Surely he can’t be allowed to do this. And as for his comments, yes they’ve shaken me a little, but I’m a lot stronger than he gives me credit for. I pick up my phone and call Alex. I don’t want to keep any secrets from him, but he is going to be angry about this regardless of what I do. Especially if I don’t tell him and he finds out later. His phone goes straight to voice mail; he must still be in a meeting or picking up Michael.

I call my lawyer, because I don’t want to forget about it. He tells me not to worry too much about it and to send him a copy of it straight over, which I do, and he will deal with it for me. Well, he does get paid to do this sort of thing.