Loving Alex by Sarah Elizabeth Ashley Read Free Book Online Page A

eyes!
    “Laughing at me,” H e says again, “you’re going to
regret that lady!” Without warning he scoops me up into his big arms and quite
literally chucks me into the deep end.
    I hit the water with a major splash and flap around, once
I’m righted and swimming back towards the edge I see him, now he’s doubled over
creased with bloody laughter.
    I climb out of the pool and march towards him. He’s still
laughing hysterically, with all my strength I push him towards the edge of the
poolside but he’s much heavier than I expected and puts up a fight, struggling
I push and push until he’s on the very edge of the pool, with one last shove he
topples into the water, sideways with an almighty splash. Now I’m standing on
the side laughing my head off, pointing at him.
    “Got you back you…you…bloody rogue! And I’m going to tell my
Father what you did, so there,” I put on a girly voice and stick my tongue out
at him.
    He throws his hands to his face, “Oh No! Please don’t tell
Ramiro!” He’s begging and laughing at the same time.
    I smile at him again as he climbs out of the pool.
    “I’m really cold. I’m going to get dressed.” I shiver and
grab a towel from the loungers making my way to the changing room. James
follows carrying the champagne, glasses and his precious strawberries.
    We’re soon towelled dry, dressed and seated in James’ office
with a hot drink and several punnets of strawberries which he’s picking his way
through slowly.
    “What time’s Anna home on Saturday?” He looks up from his
paperwork.
    “Flights due in at twelve. Lunchtime.” I look down, at my
legs, slumped in one of the comfy chairs feeling so sleepy.
    “Will they be staying here on Saturday night? Do you need to
book a room for them?” He asks, just sat behind his desk looking at me, into
me.
    “No, I think Katie’s parents are coming to pick her up,
they’re away but come home before the girls, I’ll have Anna to myself.” I run
my fingers through my still damp hair, raking it as best as I can. “We’ll need to
get on and sort her an apartment out for when she goes to uni., I thought we’d
head off to Birmingham for a day next week. You up for coming with us?” I look
up, yawning.
    “I can do. It’s years since I’ve been to Brum. Quite
cosmopolitan now isn’t it?” He shuffles some papers and picks up a pen, half
concentrating on his work and half looking at me.
    “Parts of it. We can look at some apartments and have some
lunch.” I yawn again, feeling so very tired on the verge of sleep.
    “Sounds like a plan.” He concentrates on his work, not
looking up.
    I sit in his comfy bashed leather chair and doze as he
works. I don’t know how he does this, travelling this morning, working this
afternoon and still working this evening and through the night, barring one or
two pleasant pauses of course. I wish I had his energy. I close my eyes and
must sleep for a little while, not deeply, I’m conscious of the constant
tapping of his keyboard and papers being shuffled.

Chapter
4
    I’m roused from my sleep by the
activity outside in the staff corridor and the early August morning sunshine
spilling through the window of James’ office.
    “Morning sleepy head.” He looks at me, smiling. He’s either
worked through the night or been awake for a little while.
    “Morning yourself. What’s the time?” My voice is croaky as I
stretch, uncurling myself from the chair.
    He looks at his watch, “Seven”, he stands and walks towards
his kettle, turning it on “tea?” He asks.
    “Umm, please. I’m hungry too!” I announce, placing my hand
on my stomach. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so hungry for ages, the grinding
hunger pains telling me that I need to eat.
    “Alex Drake claiming to be hungry! That has got to be
a first! There’s plenty of strawberries.” He points towards the Tesco bag
sitting on his other leather chair.
    “I need something more than strawberries. Shall I send