He's Captured My Trust (Captured Series Book 2) (33 page)

I HEAD DOWN THE STAIRS
and hear Ethan and Alex talking in the kitchen.

“That’s me, all ready for work now,” I say, entering the kitchen.

Alex’s eyes travel the length of me, or should I say the length of my dress, and he frowns.
Seriously? It’s not that short.
This is what I wear to work. Surely he doesn’t have a problem with it. But oh, he does. His eyes are a dead giveaway.

“Sounds like you three had a good day,” Ethan says as I walk over and sit down at the table.

“We have, but I should call a taxi and get to work now. I was hoping to get in early.”

“I’ll take you. What’s the point of my having your car and not dropping you?” Alex says in a way that tells me he won’t take no for an answer.

“So how has she been, sis?”

“As good as gold. You know I’ll take her anytime you want.”

“Yeah, I know. Alex, if you want to go to a football game while you’re here, just let me know. It’s a good place for business dealings as well.”

“I’m sure I will. Come on, Libby, let’s get you to work.” Alex takes my hand and pulls me up from the chair. “And Ethan, I’ll be in touch late next week about the advertising campaign.”

“No bother. See you both later.”

I give Lucy and Ethan both a kiss before leaving with Alex. I stop before getting into the car.

“Go on,” I call around to Alex as he opens the driver’s door. “Whatever you have to say, spit it out.”

“For work, really?” He slides into the car, leaving me standing at the side fuming. I get in as gracefully as I can, although now that I know the length of my dress annoys him. I adjust it slightly higher on my thigh, revealing the black stockings I have on underneath. He has only himself to blame—he said he didn’t like tights. I don’t look across at him.

He starts the car. My job is done, when I hear him mutter under his breath, “Fuck.” He’s obviously noticed the stockings. “Libby, if that’s how short that is on you, we’re going home so you can change.”

“Uh, don’t think so! My dad gave up years ago trying to tell me what to wear. Do you really think you stand a chance in this argument?”

“I’m not arguing with you, baby.” He keeps his eyes on the road, but I see the hint of a smirk. “Let me put this another way. You spend a bit of time behind a desk, doing the odd meeting or two—”

“Stop right there,” I screech at him. “Are you implying I don’t do any work?”

“I wouldn’t dream of it. But do you not think it’s a bit short for the restaurant floor?”

“No, I don’t. And you should be thinking about how much easier things will be at the end of the night. Now to change the subject. You’re going to be working with Ethan?”

“I’d have no objection to the length if I was to be with you.”

“Good. I don’t want to hear another word about the dress. Now, Ethan?”

“Yes. It makes sense. The company he works with has a great reputation. I need someone I know and trust to do this job for me, and Ethan fits the bill perfectly. If we were in New York, it would be my own in-house team, but if this works out, it could benefit both companies.”

I want to ask a lot of questions, but don’t get the chance because my phone rings. “Hi, Kirsty.”

“Libby. Perfect. Are you on your way into work?”

“Yes, should be there in about twenty minutes. Is everything okay?”

“Yes. I got it!” she squeals down the phone. “The job! I got it, and they want me to start on Tuesday. Hope you don’t mind.”

“Why would I mind? I knew you were only helping out. I’m thrilled for you.”

“Look, I won’t be here when you get here. I’m in a rush, but why don’t we all do dinner on Sunday night? I know Alex is in town. I have a few choice words for him.”

“Kirsty!”

“Don’t. It needs to be said. So how about it? I’m sure a nice, relaxing meal out in good company with your best friend is just what you need.”

“So can I presume Jay is coming as well, then?” I ask.

“Yep. I’ve not seen much of him this last week, and, before you say anything, yes, it’s getting serious.”

“Alright, then. It’s a date, but I’m working, so any time after seven is fine with me. Thank you for everything lately,” I add because she has been a godsend.

“Don’t get all mushy. I’ll see you Sunday.”

I don’t know what I would’ve done the last few weeks without her. Since the incident at the hotel with Jeff, she has been there for me in more ways than one. Kirsty is more than just a friend—so much more.

“Are you sure you’ll be up to dinner?” Alex asks.

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Working tonight, out tomorrow night, and then working on Sunday. I need you fit and healthy—can’t have you burning out on me.”

When I look across at him, his grin is infectious. I only laugh in response. “So you don’t mind going for dinner with Kirsty and Jay?”

“No, of course not, but I do want to try to keep it low-key—so somewhere off the beaten track.”

“I’m sure we can arrange that.” The rest of the drive to the hotel is peaceful, although my dad calls Alex. He and Mum are going to take him into town while I’m working, so I’m sure they’ll point him in the right shop direction.

It’s strange having someone else drive me to the estate, but it does give me the opportunity to take in the scenery as we enter. Most of the trees along the road are bare as they sway in the wind, but that’s to be expected, given the time of year. I don’t even notice that we stopped.

“We’re here.”

“Yeah, we are,” I say with a heavy heart as I look at the hotel entrance. I’ve enjoyed my day with him. “Right. You’ll need my keys then.” I take the house keys from my bag and hand them to him. He leans across the car. It’s getting harder by the minute to leave him.

“Go before I don’t let you leave,” he tells me, placing the briefest of kisses on my lips. “What time do you think you’ll be finished?”

“Midnight, but if you want to come in earlier and have a drink in the bar, I can drive home.”

“Yeah, I might do that. Now go before I drive off with you.”

I stand on the steps as he drives away at what I can only describe as excessive speed in my beloved car. He is so going to pay for that!

It’s busy when I enter the hotel. I double-check at reception that there are no problems I need to know about, and Sally assures me everything is in hand. We talk briefly about the following night before I head through to the restaurant. She is looking forward to it, and I am as well.

I arrive in the restaurant and, as usual, have a quick meeting with the waiting staff and kitchen staff. We go through the evening specials, and Karl lets them know what else he wants promoted. Except for Joanne, the staff members tonight are all experienced and valued. She only started at the beginning of the week, but I’m sure that, with time, she’ll be the same. This is my first time to meet her and she seems nice.

“Libby, can I have a minute?” Karl says as we finish the meeting.

“Of course.”

“I just wanted to make sure there were no problems last night.”

“No. Everything was fine, although I’m sure you’ve already heard that I had a late-night visitor.”

“Yes, I heard.” He smiles. “So tonight let’s get this done then. Every diner leaves happy. No excuses.”

“No excuses,” I repeat.

I’ve checked the bookings, and there are no late ones for a change. The last tables are booked for eight thirty, so it shouldn’t be too late of a night, but then, it is a Friday night, so we can never tell what will happen.

The night starts off at a fast pace. The atmosphere is good, and staff and customers alike are happy. Joanne looks like she could be a great asset. She is professional and has confidence when speaking to staff and customers. I work my way around the room as the evening goes on, ensuring everyone is happy.

I check in with Karl halfway through the night. The kitchen staff is coping with the number of orders going out, and so far, so good. He tells me he much prefers the atmosphere when I’m working the floor compared with Kieran. I laugh, as does Karl, because although Kieran is good in the restaurant, he’s not keen on it. Still, if he has to choose between the kitchen and restaurant, the restaurant always wins.

“Miss Stewart.”

I turn when I hear Joanne’s voice as I leave the kitchen. She looks upset. “Yes, Joanne, is everything all right?”

“No, Miss Stewart. I have a table that I’m finding difficult to deal with.”

“How and who?”

“The gentlemen sitting by the window. They’re rude and overbearing, and the remarks about my appearance and so on are getting a bit too much. Could someone else deal with them? I don’t want to cause a scene.”

“Leave them to me. Have they ordered yet?”

“No, but they’re ready.”

I walk over to their table, but I can hear them before I get close. They sound a little drunk.
Oh, great.
People at other tables are looking at them, shaking their heads.

“Gentlemen, are you ready to order?” I ask firmly.

“Guys, looky here. This one is much better than the last,” the man sitting to my left says as he runs his eyes over me.
Oh, shit.
Maybe I should’ve been a bit choosier about my dress.

“I like this one.”

“Gentlemen, your order! And please remember that we have other guests in the restaurant this evening,” I say firmly.

“Oh, this one seems feisty.”

I glare at the man speaking. He really has no idea.

“Yes, we’re ready and sorry,” the man sitting in the corner says with a sympathetic look.

I smile at him.

He places the order for the whole table as the three others continue talking among themselves. He looks slightly embarrassed by them. I would be as well if they were my friends.

I leave the table feeling slightly uneasy about some of the comments that are still being said. ‘what I would give to run my hand up that leg, under her dress.’ ‘I wonder if she’s just as feisty in the bedroom.’ ‘I’d love to find out.’ No wonder Joanne didn’t want to deal with them. I head into the kitchen and slump against the wall. So much for an easy night.

“Libby,” Karl calls from the other side of the kitchen. “What’s wrong? You look beat already.”

“Nothing. Everything is fine.”

He narrows his eyes at me knowingly. He knows something is bothering me. Am I that easy to read?

“Joanne asked if someone else could deal with a table of four men. Three of them are my idea of a worst nightmare.”

“Why?”

“They’re on the drunk side and rowdy. I’ve already checked, and they’re all staying in the hotel. I don’t want them disturbing any of our other guests. They have only ordered main courses, so if we can get those out quickly, I could move them to the bar and out of the way of the other dinner guests.”

“Okay. I’ll see to it they’re out quickly.”

“Thanks, Karl.”

I leave the kitchen and go back into the restaurant, where service seems to be going well, and everyone looks happy enough. It’s relaxed except for the table by the window. A family with two small children is near them. The woman looks uncomfortable. My decision would be to remove them from the restaurant if they weren’t hotel guests, but they are, so I need a change of plan.

I offer the family a different table, which they are more than happy to take. I also inform the waiter that there will be no charge for their whole meal. The couple try to voice their opinion about that, but I am having none of it, and they accept reluctantly and thank me.

“Can we have more drinks?” a loud voice calls across the room. I turn and walk toward the table.

“Gentlemen?” My voice is steady and firm as I speak with them. “Do you think you could keep it down a bit? We have other guests that you are disturbing.”

“What? Where? I think, missy, that you should get me the management,” the rude man says loudly.

“You’re looking at the hotel manager.”

Three of the men laugh at my words, but the quietest man sits back and watches as his friends make fools of themselves.

“Run along, missy. I want someone who actually has some authority around here.”

There is now a good chance I’ll throw them out of the restaurant, because they’re starting to piss me off. I stand my ground and stare at them. Just then, Karl appears at my side with one of the waiters with their food.

“Karl?” I ask.

“Miss Stewart, I saw you were busy and thought I would bring these out for you.”

I know this is his way of making sure I’m alright. “Thanks, but I’m going to move these gentlemen into the bar, where they won’t disturb any more dinner guests this evening.”

“We’re happy here,” one of them says.

“I am not. You have upset my staff and upset the other customers. If you want your meal, it will be in the bar. Max will show you the way.” I turn to Max the waiter, and he nods, taking their food along with Karl.

“What about our drinks?” the loud overbearing man asks through gritted teeth.

“They will be brought to you.”

“Miss Stewart,” the quiet man calls as I walk away. “I’m sorry if they upset the girl earlier. They don’t mean any harm.”

“Don’t worry about it. She’s fine.”

After they leave the restaurant, things get back to normal and the rest of the night flies by. It’s ten thirty when I realise we have only one table left, and they are just having drinks now. I text Alex. “Should be finished earlier if you want to head here now.”