He's Captured My Heart (Captured Series Book 1) (25 page)

“I think I know how you feel. You’d do anything for those you love.” There’s a sadness in his voice. Does he speak from experience? Should I ask him? Or wait until he wants to tell me?

“Yes, I would.” I hear Dad and Ethan come back into the house. “Come on. I’ll go put her down, and we can join the others.”

“I’m fine with her. You just lead the way.”

Ethan is out in the hall when we leave the living room. He raises his eyebrows when he sees Alex has Lucy.

“Interesting. How long has she been sleeping?”

“Not long. Hopefully she’ll stay settled and let us eat. Because I am starving, and it smells delicious,” I say as we head through to the kitchen. Lucy’s pram is out in the garden. I bring it in so Alex can put her there. She doesn’t wake.

“Libby, you’re always starving. Where the hell do you put it?” Alex asks.

We eat round the kitchen table. I’m not sure who my parents were expecting; there’s enough food to feed a small army—steaks, chicken, burgers, salads. The guys all have some beers. Mum opens a bottle of wine for me, though she refuses to join me in a glass. I know that’s because she wants to fuss over Lucy. The food is great, and the company even better.

Alex looks at home with my family. That thought makes me feel sad, as I know he will be going to
his
home in a few weeks.

Late afternoon turns into evening. It’s been great spending the day there, and I have loved watching Ethan with Lucy. He’s so comfortable with her now. I’m so happy for them both. They do need each other. It’s eight o’clock when Mark arrives to pick us up. I’m looking forward to some time alone with Alex when we get back to the hotel. I’ve already sent Kieran a text to have some chilled wine sent to my room.

We say our good-byes to everyone, saying we’ll see them tomorrow.

“Remember what I said, sweetie. I’m always here to talk. But I think everything will be fine.” Mum pulls me in tight. “Do you think you could get some time off Tuesday? I want to take you dress shopping.”

“Why?” I ask.

“Because you’re going to need something special for Wednesday night’s premiere down in London,” she says. She smiles. “You can help me find something too.”

“What? Why?” I stammer.

“Your father and I are attending as well.”

“Brilliant! Love you, Mum. See you tomorrow.” I leave her embrace and take Alex’s outstretched hands.

He slips his arm round my shoulder as we walk to the car. “I’ve had a great day with you. I hope you survived okay?”

Mark stands by the car with the back door open. “Thanks,” I say to him as we get in the car. He nods in acknowledgement. “The day wasn’t so bad considering what happened with Jeff. I really can’t believe I wasted two years of my life on him.”

“You know how it goes. We learn from our mistakes.”

“He was a big mistake, so I must have learned a lot.”

I lean into Alex while Mark drives us back to the hotel. Now would be as good a time as any to talk. I
cuddle against Alex’s arm round my shoulder, and he smiles at me sweetly. Then he turns and looks out the window. I sense a change. He’s deep in thought.

“Alex…can we talk?” He glances at Mark. “Mark has been a driver with my father for years. I’m sure he’s heard a lot worse over the years than anything I want to talk about.”

“Okay, go ahead then.”

“All right, a couple of things about today. The film premiere? When were you going to ask me? I’m not sure I’m comfortable meeting Katherine Hunter.”

“I was going to mention it today, but then we were ambushed by the media circus. Things kind of got out of hand at the stadium, don’t you think?”

“Yes. Ambush is a good word for it. That’s the kind of public spotlight I’ve tried to avoid all my life,” I say. “Well, since Tony, I should say. Before that I never worried about it.”

Alex pulls me in tight and strokes my arm. “I am sorry. It’s all my fault.” I can hear the anguish in his voice. I grow still in his arms.

“No, this isn’t your fault,” I say. “But to get back to the matters I wanted to talk about. The premiere—when is it? So I can organise the hotel.”

“Wednesday night. Your dad wants to fly down in the afternoon. The hotel rooms are booked,” he says with a no-nonsense attitude.

“So we’re staying over?”

“Unless you have a better idea?” He sounds snappish.
What’s up with him?
Maybe he’s regretting some of the things he said today? I shake my head and sigh.

I unstrap my seat belt and slide over. My dress rises slowly as I straddle him. I hope this works. He glances down, his eyes running ever so slowly from my bare thighs up my body. I try to keep composed. It’s taking all my willpower. When his eyes finally reach mine, I see the wicked spark slowly emerging in those deep, brown eyes. I have definitely got his attention. All focus is entirely back on me.

“Libby, what are you doing?”

“What does it look like? I’m putting a smile back on your handsome face and hopefully putting you back in a better mood.” I grin wickedly. Some parts of his body are definitely feeling happier.

“I was slightly distracted. A few things on my mind. But now you are my distraction…and a mighty fine one at that.”

I wrap my arms round his strong shoulders. A few days ago, just the thought of being this forward with a man would have had me feeling embarrassed. And yet here I am, not nervous in the slightest.

“As tempting as you are, Miss Stewart, I would much rather be alone with you.” Alex leans in with his mouth so close to mine I can almost feel the kiss I am eagerly waiting for. My body is eager for his touch. His eyes tell me their own story, what he is
desperate for. He wants me just as much as I want him. “Sorry, baby. It will be worth the wait, though.” He pulls back with an extremely smug look. Oh, he knows exactly what he’s doing. Well, as I keep telling him, or at least thinking at him, two can play this game. I remove myself from his lap, straightening out my dress at the hem, turn face to the window, and cross my arms.

“So. The film premiere,” I say, though I don’t turn to look at him. “Were you going to ask if I wanted to go? Or were you always just expecting me to do as I’m told?”

“No, Libby. I wanted to ask you if you would accompany me as my plus-one, my date. But as you well know, I was somewhat put on the spot today. I would have asked before we went to the football, but the business with Michael distracted me, I guess. I cleared this up a few moments ago?” I nod. “My sincere apologies. Now was that all you wanted to speak about, or is there something else?”

God, what can I say to that? I have a mountain of things running through my head. What does Katherine Hunter mean to him? What do I mean to him? After his comments to the waiting vultures, I want to know. Then there’s his cryptic comment about doing things to protect our loved ones…what did he mean? I know there’s a meaning behind it. I could tell from the expression on his face.

“Tell me what Katherine Hunter means to you.” My voice is low. He doesn’t answer for a moment. Was it so low that he didn’t hear me?

“Libby, turn around.”

No, he heard me all right. I turn slowly round but can’t bring myself to look into those beautiful eyes. I keep my eyes down, looking at my hands. He cups my face with both his hands, tilting it, so I have nowhere else to look but directly into his face. He brushes his thumb slightly over my cheek. I’m trying to concentrate on my breathing, which is always a difficult task in proximity to Alex. My mind is racing with all the possible things he could say to me. Does he regret what was said today, or does he want me?

“Katherine Hunter is a family friend. I’ve known her and her family for a number of years. There are no romantic feelings—on my part, at least. I wouldn’t presume to speak for her. She’s got a mind of her own—like you.” He pauses, trying to gauge my reaction. “Yes, there have been a few photos of the two of us out together lately, but your dad’s in the business, so you know—that sort of thing is beneficial to people like us. And since she’s my friend, I’d like you two to meet. I’m sure you’ll love her.”

He leans forward, and this time there is no hesitation on his part as our lips meet. The passion is there. When he pulls back from me, all I see is desire.

“So what else do you want to know?”

“Well, you did say something about us at football, and I was wondering what you meant?” I mutter nervously. Why does this question make me nervous?

“I see.” He’s gazing at me intently. “Libby, I meant every word I said. Yes, you are a lovely woman, and I’m loving the time I’m spending with you. But yet again I find myself apologising to you.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m too selfish where you are concerned. Your life is going to be scrutinized by the media—not just here but worldwide—and all because of our relationship. I’m not being vain, just honest, when I say that I’m big in the news right now. I’m young, and I get more successful every day, and that makes for good headlines,” he says. “I should do the right thing where you are concerned and walk away to give you back your privacy. I should, but I don’t want to. I don’t think I would even be
able
to do that, to walk away now.”

I am totally lost for words. He’s completely taken my breath away. He doesn’t want to walk away from me. What will that mean when his visit is finished?

“You’re deep in thought, baby,” he says, stroking my face.

“I’m just thinking that I’m happy,” I say, snuggling back into his arm.

“I’m happy too. You’ve made me feel happy.” He sighs. “These feelings are all completely new to me. I never thought I was ready for, wanted, or had time
for a relationship just yet, but with you it feels… different.”

Happy and content. That’s how I feel right now as I sit in the back of the car with Alex’s strong arms around me. Taken care of. Is that what I crave? Someone to take care of me? Could Alex be the one to take care of me? I always thought of myself as independent. I can’t even begin to explain my feelings. Can I really have such strong feelings for someone I’ve known only a few days? Is it lust or love? I suppose only time will tell.

15

ALEX CLOSES THE
door of my room behind us.
What the hell?
I am standing in the middle of the sitting room surveying the case and suit carriers slung over the back of the couch.

“I see they made the trip.” Alex laughs at my confusion.

“I see. These belong to you?” I eye him curiously.

“Yes.”

“So why are they here?”

“I just thought…”

“You thought what?”

“Well, if you would let me finish my sentence, you would know,” he says, sighing with a mock exasperation. “I thought I would free up a room for you. I’ve spent every night so far with you, and I want to spend
all
my nights going to bed with you and my mornings waking up with you. Was that too presumptuous?”

Alex approaches me cautiously. He’s a wise man. Who am I kidding? I want the same. I have enjoyed my nights and mornings with him, both in bed and out of it.

“I hope you’re not angry. If you are, I can move them back, although I think I’d have to share with Michael, as Kieran has already booked my room out.”

“So…I’m stuck with you?” I grin.

I walk round to the table where Kieran has left a bottle of champagne chilling, along with some rather tasty-looking strawberries. This could be the perfect way to end what has been, on the whole, a good day. I can shrug off the whole Jeff incident. Alex puts his arms round my waist and rests his chin on my shoulder.

“So what are we doing for the rest of the evening?” he asks. His voice is low and seductive. I have really got a feel for being in his arms. It feels like the safest place in the world.

“I want to get out of these clothes and shoes and spread out on that couch with your arms wrapped around me, then maybe see what else we can get up to. But most of all just enjoy your company,” I say. The grin on my face must tell a story.

“I can certainly help on all accounts.” Alex’s mouth curls at the edges into a sexy smile. God, I love that smile. There must be a thousand meanings behind it, but the only one that interests me is that he wants me. Me. “But I’ll let you go and change by yourself
because if I come through there, the only certainty is that we will end up in bed. You go change, and I’ll open this.” He picks up the champagne bottle and removes the wire cage over the cork.

I quickly change into shorts and a vest top. I wash the makeup off my face and unpin my hair letting it fall softly round my shoulders before returning. Alex has moved the suit carriers from the couch, probably to the entry closet. His suit jacket and tie are now draped round the back of one of the chairs, and his shoes are placed neatly on the floor underneath. The champagne is open and already poured. There is music flowing round the room.

Alex hands me a bubble-filled glass. I have a feeling this will go straight to my head after the wine earlier. He takes my hand as he goes towards the couch. I take a drink before placing the glass on the small table that he’s moved. He positions himself on the couch, pulling me so that I am between his legs, leaning into his chest. I love the closeness between us.

“So you share my father’s love of football?”

“I’ll let you in on a secret. I couldn’t come all this way without seeing a football game. Your country has such a passion for it. But I could’ve watched any game.”

“What do you mean?” I ask, surprised.

“I mean I do my homework. It wouldn’t have mattered what
teams
I watched today. I just wanted to
experience the buzz. Let me put it another way. If you come—no, let me rephrase that—
when
you come to America, what sport would you like to go see?”

Seriously? He wants me to go to the States? A visit with him. Would I? Of course I would.

“That’s an easy question. Baseball.”

“That’s how I feel about football. So I did some research. Simple.” He takes a drink.

“But all that talk about an Old Firm game and how excited you were today?”

“Libby, I think we can agree on the fact that most people know about the Old Firm—the Celtic and Rangers rivalry. Unlike a lot of people in my country, I really enjoy the sport, but I also wanted your dad and Ethan to feel comfortable with me. I studied up, read up on the Scottish teams. Like I said: I did my homework. I knew the right things to say to your dad and Ethan. I really liked meeting both sets of players. That’s not something I get to do every day. How many people can say they’ve done that? Most of the day was perfect.” He strokes my cheek.