She's Captured my Love (Captured #4) Read online

  The front door opens and Libby calls through.

  Shit! Now I’m nervous.

  Libby enters holding onto Alex’s arm for support. She must still be in a little pain. But my eyes don’t linger on my sister long.

  Wow!

  I feel my jaw drop as Sophie comes into view. She looks amazing. She has on tight jeans with heels, and a lace shirt that is unbuttoned just low enough that there is some cleavage on show. Then I look at her face, she looks away shyly. I love her hair, everything about it just looks so natural the way it falls down and frames her face. God, I just want to go to her, kiss her and tell her everything will be okay. Given Alex’s reaction to us the other day, it’s no wonder she looks a little tense.

  Libby takes Lucy from me with a grin on her face, obviously watching my reaction to Sophie.

  “Are you sure you can manage?” I ask her.

  “Of course I’m fine and the three of us will have fun together. Won’t we, sweetheart? You are going to be a good girl for Auntie Libby.”

  “Do you want me to drop you off?” Alex asks me stiffly.

  “No, I’m not drinking so I’ll take the car.”

  “The offer is there.”

  “Thanks. Just take care of my girl.” That brings a grin to Alex’s face, I know he’s aware Lucy will always be my main concern. I give Lucy a kiss.

  “Of course we will,” Libby tells me. “Now go and have a fun night.”

  “I’m sure we will,” I say looking at Sophie.

  I take her hand and lead her from the room, but stop in the hallway. I take her face in my hands. “You look amazing,” I tell her.

  “Thank you,” she says breathlessly.

  I lean forward and kiss her. Her eyes close. Maybe Libby should have had Lucy overnight, because I suddenly don’t feel like going out. I would much rather take her upstairs and worship every single inch of her body.

  “Let’s go, before I change my mind about dinner.” She smiles, understanding the meaning hidden within my words.

  I booked a table for us in a nice Mexican restaurant in the city centre. I have the luxury of being able to go anywhere and not have the press hound me, unlike my sister. Since she and Alex got together, there has been something every other week in the news about them. Most of it is good, but the odd report that’s not so good.

  The restaurant is busy when we arrive. I’ve kept Sophie’s hand in mine since we parked the car, wanting the contact.

  We are shown to our table and order some drinks. Sophie stretches her hand across the table and I take it in mine. Everything feels so natural with her.

  “So have you been here before?” she asks.

  “Once with Libby, the food is amazing. Dad recommended it, so I knew it would be good. Not sure if Libby has been back again.” I find myself babbling more than Lucy does.

  “I’m sure the food will be fine. So what did you do today?”

  “You really want to know?” I ask her, not sure I should be telling her.

  “Yes, or I wouldn’t have asked.”

  “Okay, I finally made a start on clearing out the main bedroom.”

  “Oh, I see.” Her eyes fall to the table.

  “Not what I wanted to talk about with you tonight. Sorry.”

  “You don’t have to apologise to me. I know Lindsay was a part of your life, a big part of it. You have a beautiful daughter because of your relationship. You don’t have to pretend with me. I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable speaking to me, if you want.”

  I’m struggling with how to respond to that. She is an amazing person.

  “I thought it was time. Libby and Stephen wanted me to do it weeks, maybe even months ago, but the time wasn’t right for me.”

  “And it is now?” she asks, her warm smile lighting up her face.

  “Yes, it is. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve only made a start, there is still a lot to do. But it wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be. It actually made me see things in a different light. Moria, Lindsay’s mum, took away the things she wanted when she dropped off Lucy.”

  “And how was her mom?” she asks with genuine concern.

  “She was really good. I also told her I was going on a date tonight.” Sophie looks taken aback. This can’t be easy for Sophie to hear me sitting talking about my late wife’s family.

  “That must have been a shock for her.”

  “A surprise, yes, but not a shock. And she was happy for me, which makes me feel better. They are lovely people who will always play a large part in Lucy’s life. I didn’t want to lie to her.”

  “No I wouldn’t want you to lie to her, she is family to you.”

  “She did say my date was a very lucky lady,” I tell her with a grin, trying to relieve some of the tension that has built between us.

  “I have to agree with her,” she says with an air of smugness.

  “Are you ready to order?” the waiter asks as he places our drinks on the table.

  “Sorry, we’ve not even looked at the menu yet.”

  “No problem, I will give you a few more minutes,” he says leaving us.

  “We should read this,” I say. I remove my hand from hers, reluctantly and I already miss the warm touch of her soft delicate skin.

  We spend the next few minutes reading the menu in a comfortable silence. When the waiter comes back we are both ready to order. We decide to share a mixed starter.

  “Cheers to what I’m sure is going to be a great night,” she says, lifting her glass.

  “To a great night.”

  “So tell me about your day. How did dress shopping go?” I ask, remembering what the girls all had planned for today.

  “Oh, I don’t think I’m allowed to say.” She looks really excited about the day. I wonder if I can coax something from her.

  “Did Libby pick something?”

  “You should’ve seen her. She was beautiful, she tried on so many stunning dresses. And yes I think she has decided on one, although she wants to go back in a few days to try it on again before making her final decision. The shop has put it on hold for her. She is going to be a beautiful bride.” She bursts with pride as she speaks of my sister. I have no doubt about my sister being a beautiful bride. I smile.

  “So what about you and Kirsty?”

  “We both agreed on a colour and a dress. We need to go in for another fitting before I go back to the States. So I can’t put on or lose any weight before the wedding.” When I’m with Sophie it’s so easy to forget she goes home at the end of next week. That thought makes me sad.

  “I’m sure the dress will be perfect on you.” Is it wrong that I am now picturing how stunning Sophie will look for Libby’s big day?

  “You only have to wait five weeks to see. So what about you? What will you wear for the wedding?”

  “You will have to wait and see,” I tell her. I suppose I will need to speak with Alex and see what he has decided on. They were going out today, I should’ve gone with them, but I just wanted some time to myself. I have my own kilt, it would be a great opportunity to wear it, if Alex decides to wear a kilt that is.

  “Now I’m curious.” Her eyes sparkle in the dim light of the restaurant.

  “Curious about what?” I ask.

  “I’m hoping you will all wear the kilt. We don’t see much of the kilt back home. It would be nice to see those sexy legs of yours.”

  “So I have sexy legs?” My question is a whisper as I lean across the table. Sophie leans forward to meet me. Her lips are almost in touching distance. I feel her warm breath against me.

  “You have a whole load of sexy going on.” She draws in a deep breath. “But you don’t need me to tell you that.”

  “Oh, I think I might need to hear more.” I place a lingering kiss on her lips. But our moment is interrupted with our coughing waiter. We pull apart as he puts the starters down on the table. Sophie giggles and I can’t help but smile.

  This girl brings out so many good feelings in me.

&
nbsp; We talk about work as we eat. I know all about Sophie’s business from my sister. But I ask her what made her go out on her own first and not work within another company. I listen intently as she tells me Alex was her motivation, seeing him do so well on his own was her driving force. He has also provided her with lots of practical assistance in setting up her business. I ask how the shop is doing. She tells me it’s doing better than she expected, but she wants to develop and grow the online side of things.

  She also tells me she is currently working on a few designs that she had in mind for Libby before she announced her pregnancy. I’ve only seen one of the dresses she designed in a picture. That being said, she is a very talented girl. Libby swears by her dresses.

  We talk a little about my work. I’m now back working four days a week in the office, the company has been so accommodating with my circumstances. And I’m loving being at work now. When I first went back to work I felt so guilty. It was so hard leaving Lucy in the beginning. I hated doing that, but I soon realised it was best for us.

  I could’ve managed financially not working, but I love my job and those I work with. And it means I get to interact with people, have adult conversations.

  The rest of the conversation between the two of us during dinner is light and easy. We laugh and joke. We also discuss the wedding. Sarah has decided to stay here and help Libby with arrangements, so next week it’s just Sophie and her dad travelling home. She hopes to get back a few days before the wedding, but with her dad’s work she will just have to wait and see what happens.

  “Would you like dessert?” I ask her as the waiter clears away our dinner plates.

  “Yes, but not here. I think we should leave.” I take a deep breath and release it, knowing there is only one dessert I want tonight.

  Sophie Mathews, naked in my bed.

  “THANK YOU FOR DINNER, I’VE had a lovely evening.” Sophie says, as I park the car in the driveway of my house.

  I lean across, closing the distance between us. She reaches up and takes my face in her hands. Her touch is delicate and sensual. My eyes close and I breathe her in. I want this girl and badly. Her lips meet mine.

  “Our night is not over yet. We haven’t had our desserts,” I say pulling away breathlessly wanting more. “How quickly do you think we can get rid of Libby and Alex?”

  “I’m sure we can get them to go home. Just tell Alex what we intend on doing.” She laughs at me.

  “I don’t think we should push your brother. Tell him that and he might just drag you home with them. Come on let’s get inside, it’s too cold to be sitting out here.”

  The house is quiet when we enter, the television is on but it’s low, and when we enter the living room we see why. Libby is lying curled up fast asleep in Alex’s arms. She looks so peaceful. He turns and smiles.

  “How has Lucy been?” I ask.

  “As always she’s been an angel. She was up a little later than her normal bedtime, Libby’s idea not mine.” Was my sister trying to do me a favour? If I know my sister as well as I think I do, yes she was doing me favour. Hopefully Lucy will sleep longer in the morning. Giving us a lie in bed.

  “What about Libby?”

  “Your sister is, how shall I put it, trying. Yes, I think that about sums her up. She did too much for Lucy tonight, wouldn’t let me help and is exhausted,” he says, stroking the side of her face.

  “You don’t have to tell me. I know first-hand how she can be,” I say, as Sophie and I sit down.

  “Hey, you two,” Libby says with a yawn stretching. “I am here you know, so I would appreciate if you didn’t both sit discussing me.”

  “Oh baby, you know we both love you,” Alex says with a kiss to her forehead.

  “Yeah whatever you say.” She turns her attention to me. “Hopefully Lucy will sleep longer in the morning,” she says with a smile. So I was right, if Lucy does sleep longer I must remember to thank her. “Right, handsome take me home. I really need my own bed, I’m shattered.”

  “Okay,” he says looking at Sophie. I’m not sure what passes between them but he doesn’t question what she is doing. So it is clear he knows she’s staying here. “See you both tomorrow.”

  “Yes you will,” Sophie answers him.

  “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” Libby whispers in my ear. I try not to laugh at that, but that just earns me a scowl from her.

  “Thank you both of you.”

  “It was our pleasure,” says Alex. With that they leave.

  I lean back on the couch and kick off my shoes. Sophie moves, curling herself into me. I wrap my arms around her and hold her tight. Her head rests against my chest as I breathe in her scent. I can feel her body relax.

  “Are you tired?” I ask.

  “No, but I am more than comfortable which could be a problem.”

  “How so?”

  “Because it means I might fall asleep if we stay here for any length of time.” She lifts her head, watching and I move my hands until I’m cradling her face. “Take me to bed,” she whispers.

  I don’t need telling twice.

  “You go up and I will turn off lights and lock up.”

  When I’m upstairs, I check in on Lucy but Sophie is already in the room, standing over her cot watching her. I walk over and wrap my arms around her waist and kiss her neck. She moves, giving me more access. Her body sags against mine.

  “She is perfect, Ethan.” I hear her sigh. “I see the love you share with her. You are both so lucky to have each other. There is no better feeling in the world, than knowing your father loves you whole heartedly. That there’s nothing he wouldn’t do for you.”

  “I have to agree with you. Before having her, I was a little envious of Libby and my dad. But not anymore. Libby is a daddy’s girl and Lucy, well she doesn’t have an option. I just hope we end up as close as Libby and my dad.”

  “I’m sure you will be. You are a great dad and she will always know how much you love her.” She is right; I will always tell Lucy how much I love her. I’m sure she will get fed up hearing it. Sophie turns in my arms and our eyes lock. I press my lips to hers with the softest of kisses. She allows me to lead with tenderness.

  “Come on, let’s get out of here before we wake her,” I say taking her hand and leading her from Lucy’s room.

  We stop in the middle of my bedroom and, before I can do or say anything, her mouth is on mine. Our tongues clash against the other’s, as the intensity of our kiss grows. Her hands run up and down my back, at the same time pulling me closer, closing the distance between us.

  This is what I’ve wanted to do all night. Show her how much I want her. My desire for this beautiful girl coursing through me, I can see it reflected in her.

  She’s panting.

  I pull back from her slowly, unbutton her shirt, then pull it slowly down her arms and throw it on the floor. I stand back slightly to look at her. She is beautiful. She moves her head, shaking her hair free from her face.

  She removes my shirt and slowly traces the tattoos on my skin. I love her silky touch on my skin. She studies the one on my right arm and I can sense the question that she’s about to ask. Now the question is, am I ready to talk about this?

  “What are these dates for?” Not what I expected her to ask. Yes, there are dates within the tattoo but they are hardly visible.

  “How can you see those? All the detail in this and you manage to pick out the dates.”

  “Because, this tattoo has caught my attention. It seems different to the others you have, so I’m presuming it has a meaning to it. It does have amazing detail in it,” she says with a slight shrug. I take her hand and walk to the bed and we both sit down.

  “This date has two meanings, life and death.” I point to the first one.

  “Lucy and Lindsay.” I can hear the sadness in her voice as she answers.

  “Yes.”

  “That I can understand,” she says placing a kiss on it. I close my eyes briefly feeling her lips against m
y skin. “Now what is this date.”

  “This is the date I finally acknowledged my daughter.”

  “I don’t understand.” She looks puzzled.

  “I didn’t cope very well after Lindsay’s death and there was a number of reasons for that.” Here it goes, I’m going to tell her. I draw in a deep breath. “Lindsay and I were separating around the time she found out she was expecting. Well, she had already left me. We decided to give our marriage another go, but I suspect there might have been someone else for her, I’ll never know for sure. But after Lucy was born I couldn’t bear to be near her. I blamed myself for Lucy not having her mum around to help and support her through life. I wouldn’t speak to anyone. I wouldn’t hold her when she cried, never picked her up for a cuddle.

  Libby was there for me, even when I didn’t want her in my life. She stepped in to look after Lucy. She moved in here and took full care of her. She looked after Lucy as though she were her own. Libby put her own life on hold to be here for us. You have to understand this is the part of my life that I’m least proud of. It’s my biggest regret, that I missed out on such an important stage of Lucy’s life.”

  “I didn’t realise. I’m sorry.”

  “You have nothing to be sorry for. But you now know my marriage was over a long time before Lindsay died, I just never admitted it.”

  “Yes I do, it also helps understand a lot of what you’re going through now. And it explains a lot about your relationship with Libby.”

  “Libby and I have always been close. But I’m not sure I would’ve been able to do what she did. My parents aren’t aware of my marriage problems and I only told Libby about this the other day.”

  “They won’t hear it from me. Now, as for regrets we all have those but it’s what you choose to do going forward. So in my mind, and in yours too because you have acknowledged the date, this date symbolises new beginnings for both you and Lucy.”

  As she speaks of regrets my mind wanders to James and her reaction to him at Libby’s. Is he a regret of hers? I know something has happened between them. The question is do I ask now or wait and see if she decides she wants to speak about it?