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

for
some pastries? You want some too?”
    He nods as move towards his desk and lift his telephone from
its cradle to call for room service, which always struck me as a little odd,
room service in an office.
    “So Bossman, what’s the plan for today?” I move towards him,
wrapping my arms around his waist and resting my head on his back as he makes
tea.
    “Not much, here for a little while then Marcus will step in
until Robbie starts back on his night shifts.” He turns towards me whilst
waiting for the kettle to boil, kissing to top of my head. I really do feel so
loved and protected. I’m so very happy, as long as the bastard leaves me alone.
    “We need to get your job advertised, so that you can start
your new one!” I smile, looking up at him.
    He looks at me, dubiously, “Umm. You’re not pushing me
Blossom, are you?”
    “No.” I’m defensive. “Well, sort of I suppose. I told you
before, I’m not indecisive, once I’ve made my mind up about something I go for
it, well most of the time anyway.”
    The pastries arrive and I grab one, plonking myself back
down in my chair with the tea that My James has just handed to me. “I’m
starving!”
    He smiles at me as he returns to his side of his desk,
whilst he breaks off manageable pieces of his pain au chocolat I’ve already
gobbled one down and have started on another. He looks at me, wide eyed and
with disbelief.
    “Tell me I’ve not hooked up with a cave woman! You really
were hungry! What’d you eat last night?”
    “Weight Watchers curry.” I mumble through a mouthful of
delicious French pastry and chocolate.
    “Weight Watchers! Why are you buying Weight Watchers?
There’s nothing of you as it is?” He looks confused as to why I would be buying
Weight Watchers foods. “Please make sure you eat properly Alex, please.”
    “It was in the freezer and I needed to eat.” I shove another
piece of pastry into my mouth. I’m famished.
     
    As we sit in silence simply enjoying each other’s company I
am aware that the hotel is coming to life, the staff corridor outside James’
office sounds busy, the early morning comings and goings as the staff go about
their duties.
    “Are you going home?” He asks.
    “I think so. I’ll get Archie to drop me. I could do with seeing
Muriel and I thought I might go shopping, you know - on my own. If I take Anna
the trip invariable ends up about her! I need to talk to Shauna as well, just
to make sure that there are no hiccups with the divorce, it’s all a bit too
quiet.” I’m sure my tone turns to one of worry and concern. It really is a
little bit too quiet as far as my divorce is concerned.
    “Okay.” He takes a deep drink of his coffee, “Well, I’m
handing over to Marcus at four. Shall we go and eat with Roberto and Gia?”
    “I’d love that, assuming you’re still awake after this
incredibly long shift!” I look up at him, I’m worried at the length of time
he’s been here, in any other circumstance, any other employment this would be
against the law. “I was also thinking, and it’s only a thought, that I should
ask Ramiro to come and stay with us for a few days - before Anna goes off to
uni. I think she’d love to meet her real Grandad and I’d love to spend
some more time with him, but we’ll need Roberto to talk for us, or Gia.” I set
out my thoughts, what I’d planned in my head, I wash the pastry down with some
of my tea my knees to my chest as I stay sat in the big leather chair.
    “I think it’s a lovely idea, I really do! You going to get
yourself off now?” He walks around to me.
    “You trying to get rid of me? Archie should be here
shouldn’t he, to run me home?” I start to unravel myself again, placing the
side plate on the tray and finishing my tea before brushing the crumbs off me
and generally straightening myself out.
    “I’ll take you, they can do without me for an hour – come on
Blossom, get your stuff.”
    I pick my bag up as he takes my hand and we walk