He's Captured My Heart (Captured Series Book 1) (34 page)

“Come on, you. Up you get,” he says, holding out a hand to help me up. He pulls me up from the bed and straight into my favourite place, his arms—the safest place in the world for me.

“Thank you,” I say.

“What for?” He questions me with raised eyebrows.

“For being here with me through everything this week.” I do mean that. It’s been comforting.

“Even when you thought I was pushing you away?”

“Yes, even then, because you thought you were doing the right thing. I just needed to know that you still wanted me. I thought you saw me as damaged goods.”

“I could never think that about you. Never.”

“Come on. Let’s get your stuff together and head downstairs. Michael must be waiting on you.”

It’s strange walking through the hotel. Staff are being overly polite, trying hard not to stare. I greet all the guests who pass by and even stop to help a lady who has dropped the entire contents of her handbag on the floor.

Alex has his bag in one hand and the suit carrier in the other, which annoys him. He did fidget with them, trying to carry them both with one arm so he could hold my hand, but he wouldn’t let me carry even his extremely light carry-on bag. I think he was desperate for contact between us.

“Lovely to see you up and about, Miss Stewart,” Sally says from behind the desk. “Kieran says you’ll be working today for a bit. If I can help in any way, just ask.”

“Thanks, Sally. That’s appreciated. If you could give me the schedules for room allocations for the weekend and the coming week, that would be helpful,” I say, smiling at her.

“No problem. I’ll leave them on your desk. What about lunch? Do you want to me organise anything for you?” She is thoughtful.

“No, just tea I think. I only had breakfast a short time ago.”

“Mr. Mathews, the rest of your travelling party are already outside. I believe Mr. Stewart has just arrived with the car.”

“That’s your cue to leave, Alex,” I say.

“Thank you.” Alex flashes a smile at Sally. “Well, Libby, will you walk me out?”

“Only because I know I will see my parents.” I grin.

When we get outside, Fraser is helping the driver put Michael’s and Kirsty’s things in the back of the black Audi whilst they are in a deep conversation. Kieran stands talking with my parents. No doubt my mother is making Kieran promise to keep an eye on me. Of course he’ll agree, but the promise is hardly necessary. He’d watch over me without being asked.

“Sweetheart, you look a lot better today,” Mum says as we approach. She greets me with her usual kiss and a hug.

Alex heads to the back of the car. Fraser takes his things from him, and they engage in what looks like polite conversation.

“Thanks, Mum,” I say. “I feel better today. I don’t feel as sore. If only I didn’t
look
so bad.”

“I’ve already told you. You could never be anything less than beautiful,” Alex says as he strolls to my side.

My mother’s eyes dart between me and Alex. He’s not noticed yet; he’s too busy gazing at me. His eyes are filled with sadness. My mother’s eyes are filled with warmth, love, and a happiness that’s not been evident for a long while.

“Come on, you lot. We need to get moving, or we’ll miss the flight,” Dad shouts to everyone.

“I don’t want to leave you,” Alex whispers as he pulls me into a tight embrace.

“Stop it. You have a friend to see and a business to take care of. I’ll make this easy,” I say, holding his gaze. I step onto my tiptoes and place a small, soft kiss on his lips, and then I pull back before he can take it further. “Now go. I’ll see you tomorrow night.”

Alex climbs right into the backseat with Michael, leaving the middle seats free for Kirsty and my parents. I say good-bye to Kirsty, reminding her to
behave herself. She assures me she won’t. Kirsty wouldn’t be Kirsty if she did.

My parents are the last to get in the car.

“Sweetheart, you two are so perfect together. Even after everything that’s happened, you still look blissfully happy.”

“Mum, I am happy,” I say with a sigh.

“Sweetie…I sense a ‘but.’”

“He lives over there, and I live over here. I just don’t see how a proper relationship can work between us. One of us would have to give up so much, and that one would certainly be me because of his business. I just don’t want to get in over my head, although I’m already thinking that’s too late.”

“Oh, Libby, you do have yourself worked up into a fluster. Well, at least you’ve got some time to think things over. But while you are thinking about things, remember that all relationships take hard work and compromise. And try not to overcomplicate things. These things often have a way of sorting themselves out, but I think, and please don’t take this the wrong way, that you have to get over the insecurities going through that head of yours. You’re too busy focusing on problems that don’t even exist, so think about the good for a change,” she says. “Now don’t work too hard. We’ll talk later. Okay, sweetheart?” She does have a valid point.

We all say our good-byes. I’m left standing with Kieran and Fraser, watching as the car drives away.
Kieran places his arm round my shoulder, and I lean my head on him.

“Miss Stewart,” Fraser says, “are you sure you’re okay? You look a bit knackered.”

“I’m fine, Fraser, although I suppose as the day goes on, I will get tired. Come on. Let’s get back inside. We’ve got work to do.”

We go back inside. Immediately Fraser starts giving out advice on places to go to a young couple. Kieran heads off to attend to a few problems with housekeeping. He’s asked if I’d like to sort it out, but I’m more than happy to leave him to it this time. I’m sure I have enough paper work to keep me busy and distracted for a few hours in the office. I also want to speak with Karl to see how the interviews are going.

I spend the first hour or so going through and replying to e-mails. I didn’t think there would be this many. Most are from various suppliers wishing me a speedy recovery, but there’s one that really interests me—and it should interest the staff. It’s from the hospitality association. It seems the hotel has been nominated for an award. The fact that we have even been short-listed is such an achievement.

There’s a knock at the door.

“Come in,” I call out. It’s Sally.

“Libby, I was wondering if I can get you anything?” she asks. “I’m just going on my break.”

“Maybe some tea.”

“Nothing to eat?”

“You know what, Sally? Do you mind some company? Are you going to the canteen?”

“Of course. I’d love for you to join me,” she says, smiling.

I shut down my computer, and we head to the canteen. It’s quiet when we arrive, with only a few members of the housekeeping staff in evidence. We both have a baked potato and salad. Sally decides she’d like some coffee to keep her alert, while I have a sweet tea that might help curb my desire for some chocolate. The conversation goes smoothly between us. Sally is such a likable girl.

Karl joins us for a well-earned break now that the lunch rush in the kitchen is over. I ask him how the interviews are going. He has four candidates that he thinks are suitable, but he wants to do a practical interview to see how they perform in the kitchen. Sally agrees with me when I say that’s a fantastic idea.

Before I know it, Sally says her break is just about over. I decide to head back with her. I lift our plates and take them over to the hatch leading into the kitchen.

“Libby,” Sally says. I turn round, and she looks worried. So does Karl.

“What’s wrong?”

“Libby, I don’t want to worry you, but you have fresh blood on the back of your T-shirt,” Sally says.
“Can I get Stephen or Kieran for you? They’re the first-aiders.”

“Sally, you don’t need to get them. I’ll take care of it,” Karl’s deep voice assures her.

“Karl, I wasn’t thinking. Of course, you have first aid.”

“Right, Libby. My office. We’ll have a look.” Karl motions me into the kitchen. To say that I’m reluctant is an understatement. I’ve not been in the kitchen since Sunday. “Sally, would you mind going and getting Libby a clean top? Libby, do you mind if she uses the pass key?”

“You know, you can be quite bossy,” I say, laughing. Karl grins.

“Anything in particular you want?” Sally asks.

“No. Any of the T-shirts in the bottom drawer of the dressing table. Thanks.”

Sally leaves, and I go into the kitchen with Karl. He puts one hand on my shoulder, urging and reassuring me to continue walking. He must sense my apprehension. I knew that eventually I would have to get it over and done with, to go back to the scene of the crime, but I didn’t think I would feel this anxious.

“It’s fine, Libby. You’re doing great,” Karl says. His voice gives me the confidence to continue with small, slow steps.

When we go into his office, he tells the staff that no one except Sally should be allowed to enter,
which is met with sniggers and whispers. One stern look from Karl stops that.

“Right. Libby, if you could lift your shirt?” He’s grinning. “You’ll need to sit on the desk so I can look at your back.” He’s as embarrassed as I am, but he’s taking it well.

“I bet you say that to all the girls,” I say with a laugh.

“Only the good-looking ones.” Karl opens the first aid kit. “I’m sorry. You do have to lift your top, please.”

I lift my top rather awkwardly. It’s uncomfortable. The office door opens, and I hear Sally gasp.

“Oh, Libby.”

“I take it, it looks bad?” I say, struggling to keep my arms up.

“I had no idea it was this bad. It looks really sore.”

“Sally, could you hold her top up for me, please? Libby, I’m going to need you to sit still. I’ll clean it gently so I can look at it properly. There is quite a lot of fresh blood.”

I nod as Karl puts on some gloves before getting to work. The sterile solution he uses to clean my back with is cold, really bloody cold. He’s trying to be gentle, but it’s not working.

“Sorry,” he says, as I shiver. “Libby, the stitches look tight enough, but it’s weeping quite a bit and bleeding at one end. I’ll put a fresh dressing on,
and I can check it later, but you might want to get it checked with a doctor.”

“But I’m going out for dinner tonight with Mr. and Mrs. Mathews.”

“What, is my food not good enough for you?” Karl says with a chuckle.

I shake my head. I wonder if it would bother them if we stayed here for dinner. I could relax my rules about the restaurant for tonight. It would mean I wouldn’t have to sort or transport, especially if I am tired.

“You know what? I’m being silly to even consider going out when I have an exceptionally talented chef right at my own disposal. I’m going to stay here tonight in the restaurant,” I announce.

“Don’t be silly! Take your guests out if you’d like. I’m only winding you up.”

“No, it makes sense. I won’t need to worry about getting back here if I get tired. And let’s face it, I’ve been shattered most of the week. Anyway, I hear we have a few excellent, up-and-coming, young chefs.” I smile, and Sally giggles.

“There. A little antibiotic cream, and that’s the dressing on. Sally, if you could help her change her top?” Karl says, handing me my T-shirt.

I don’t bother asking either of them to leave. I’m sitting with my back to Karl after all. He won’t see anything. I let Sally pull my top over my head and pull the nice clean one on.

“Thanks for that, Karl.”

“You’re welcome. Now let’s get you two out of the kitchen so I can get back to work. Two beautiful woman—too much of a distraction.”

Sally’s face turns a lovely shade of red. Poor Sally. She doesn’t know how to take Karl. He sometimes reminds me of Kirsty—a big flirt but harmless.

20

THE REST OF
the afternoon passes by quickly. I get through a good bit of work and have even arranged a meeting with the heads of all departments for five o’clock. I need to break the good news to them about our nomination. I also speak to the beauty therapist and arrange for her to come to my room to see if she can do anything with my face, which she assures me she can.

The guys are all excited with the news of the nomination.

“Oh, Libby, this is great news!” Kieran shrieks with delight. “So is there a big bash that we can all attend? We can all get dressed up in our fancy togs.”

“Saturday, 22 November. We’ll have to check who all will be available to go. I believe it’s in Edinburgh,” I tell them.

“I’m not at all surprised by this. I know I’ve not been here as long as some of you, but this hotel outdoes a lot of those where I’ve worked in the past. The nomination is very well deserved,” Karl tells the room.

I have a hardworking, dedicated team, who all ensure that our guests have the VIP experience. I am proud of them all, and I’m sure my father will be over the moon with the nomination when I tell him tomorrow.

After the meeting I go back to my room, leaving the staff to carry on with all their jobs. Kieran has worked his backside off this week. I don’t know what I would do without him, and he does make my job easier. I call Sarah about the change of plans for dinner, and she agrees that it makes sense. She tells me she’ll come to my room so we can walk down to the restaurant together. Richard won’t be joining us; he’s still out with Stephen on the golf course.

I’m secretly pleased by this last news. Maybe if it’s just the two of us, Sarah will dish the dirt on Katherine Hunter.

That reminds me of the premiere, so I send Alex a quick text:

Libby: Hope you have a good night x

I don’t expect him to reply straightaway, but I am surprised he’s not been in touch before now.
The beauty therapist does a great job with my makeup. The bruising is still visible, but I don’t look like a monster anymore. I put on a skirt and a loose-fitting, button-down top. I don’t want anything that will rub against my back, and I don’t want to stress the stitches.

I hear a knock at the door, and I open it expecting to see Sarah. I’m surprised to see Karl standing there in his chef uniform. He’s holding the first aid case.