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“You work for Harker and you still married him?” Richard didn’t even try to hide his surprise.
“Yes, she’s the head of our software engineering department,” said Harker.
She frowned at him but correcting him would bring up questions she really didn’t want to answer.
“Smart and beautiful. A most potent combination,” said Richard.
“Very.” Harker’s dark eyes filled with the promise of pleasure that almost made Alison jump up, grab his hand and drag him back to their room.
“The problem you have Harker—”
“I don’t have a problem,” said Harker.
Richard continued as if he hadn’t spoken. “Is that smart women don’t stay with stupid men who don’t appreciate them.”
“Alison knows how much I appreciate her.” His eyes moved back to her and she wanted to agree but she wasn’t sure she did know that.
“I don’t know how she would when you didn’t take her on a honeymoon. That’s the absolute least a husband can do for his bride.”
“Alison understands and you should mind your own business,” said Harker.
“Yes, I should but where’s the fun in that.” Richard grinned.
“No. Really. It’s okay.” Alison laughed. “We are super busy at work and our marriage was kind of hurried.”
“Really?” Richard’s eyes immediately dipped to Alison’s stomach.
“There’s no reason to explain our relationship to anyone.” Harker’s words were clipped.
“Oh. Okay. Sorry but I figured they knew since they already knew you got…” She turned to Richard. “How did you hear about our wedding?”
“Harker was a confirmed bachelor. Trust me, this story is making its way around the Club,” said Richard.
“Dahlia? Did you know too? You didn't seem surprised when you saw the ring on my finger?”
“Yes. Ethan told me.” Dahlia’s eyes darted to Harker so fast that Alison almost missed it.
“Ethan?” She winced as she looked at Harker. It made sense. Harker had to have told him earlier. Ethan had her membership contract ready the last time they were here, but the other man was still a bit of a sore subject between the two of them.
“It's not like it was a secret.” Harker’s tone made it clear he wasn’t happy about this conversation.
“You’re right and that’s why I don’t understand why you didn’t want me to bring it up. You're the one who came here on our wedding night.”
Richard’s eyes widened as if he’d just heard the biggest, juiciest secret. Harker’s reaction was quite different. It was like he’d turned to stone, but she really didn’t care. Everyone had probably already heard about that and she’d rather it was clear that she knew. She hated looking like a fool.
“You came here on your wedding night,” said Richard. “Please tell me the two of you came here together to…celebrate.”
“My bride and I had a disagreement.” The words were almost forced from Harker’s mouth.
“Enough to leave her on your wedding night?” Richard shook his head, but his eyes were gleaming with amusement. “I’ve been married several times and I’ve had my share of disagreements but that must’ve been a doozy.”
“It was.” Harker glared at Alison. “But we’ve gotten past it and before you ask another hundred questions, that’s all either of us is going to say on that topic.”
If looks could kill, Alison was pretty sure she’d be lying on the couch in a lifeless heap.
“Of course.” Richard raised his glass to his lips and mumbled, “I’m sure I can get the details from someone.”
Alison couldn’t help it, she laughed. She glanced at Dahlia who sat quietly, staring at her hands in her lap. Unlike Richard, Dahlia didn’t seem surprised to hear Harker had been here on their wedding night. Her good humor fled. “Dahlia, you mentioned that you live in Europe.”
