He's Captured My Soul (Captured Series Book 3) by Karen Frances Read Free Book Online

dream of going behind your back. Your dad might own this place, but as far I’m concerned, you’re my boss and manager. You just need a little guidance. And no, that doesn’t mean I think you’re doing a bad job. I just want to help you.” He stands holding his hand to me. I take it pulling myself from the seat. “Now we have a quick staff meeting in the restaurant before the festivities start.”
    We walk through the now empty kitchen and head straight to the restaurant. Karl opens the door, always the gentleman.
    “Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, Miss Stewart. Happy Birthday to you.”
    All the staff that’s working today are all gathered, for what I thought was going to be a staff meeting. Kieran as always, with the biggest grin on his face, comes rushing at me. He has a beautiful bouquet of flowers in his arms.
    “Happy Birthday, Libby,” Karl whispers in my ear. I turn, smiling at his words. “See we couldn’t forget about this.”
    “Thank you.”
    “Hey, sweetie. Happy Birthday,” says Kieran, handing me the flowers and a card.
    “I don’t know what to say. Thank you everyone.”
    “Happy Birthday, Miss Stewart,” says Sally as she hands me a gift bag. “This is from everyone.”
    “Thank you.”
    “Right.” Karl voice brings me back to business. “We only have the one sitting today for Christmas lunch. So everything should be straight forward. Tonight’s guests will be entertained in the function suite and the buffet is in hand. Kieran, I trust everything at your end is ready?”
    “Yes, although we do have a few last minute changes to make with regards seating arrangements,” Kieran tells Karl.
    “Miss Stewart, do you have anything to add?” Karl asks.
    “I would just like to say thanks for all your hard work over the last few weeks. Karl, Kieran and myself have discussed what we should do as a thank you to you all. I know in years gone by, various nights out have been organised. This year will be one night for all the staff in January. The hotel will be closed for two days to allow us all to get together. The seventeenth and eighteenth of January, we have no guests booked in so makes sense to use that time. Now all I have left to say is enjoy your day.”
    The rest of the afternoon flies by. So much going on. It’s been great seeing the kids faces light up as they received a gift from Santa. It’s been such a relaxed atmosphere in the hotel. Very festive. I’ve thought a lot about Ethan and Lucy and also about Alex. Alex, I do need to find the balance in my life, so I’m able to enjoy all parts of it. As everything is about done, I send Alex a text;
    Just getting ready to leave see you soon. xx
    Straight away he replies; Take care it’s snowing again see you soon xx
    I will xx
    I say very brief goodbyes. I tell Karl and Kieran that my phone will be on if they need me over the next few days. They both tell me they will not be phoning and that they will be fine. I’m sure they will be. Karl helps me out to my car with the flowers and presents from the staff.
    “Very nice wheels,” he says, admiring the car. He runs his hand along the side of the door. “So a gift from Dad or Alex?”
    “Dad. I’m sure Alex would much rather be driving me himself.”
    “I’m sure your right about Alex. Safe journey home and I will see you when you are rested. Try not worry about here we will be fine.”
    “Thanks, Karl.”
    The drive back toward home is not as tricky as it would be in my wee convertible. The only problem I have is with the snow that is falling, making it difficult to see. I phone Alex and ask him to come and give me a hand upstairs with the gifts from the staff. He’s just coming out the main door as I park the car, right behind his.
    Opening my door, he leans down and kisses me. “Libby, you look tired now.”
    “Alex, I’ve been fine all day. I’m tired, but that could be just straining to see out the window, whilst driving.”
    “You