Which didn’t surprise Harriet. Nothing would surprise Harriet about Jeremy’s behaviour where women were concerned. She even caught him winking at the mother of the bride, who was still attractive and possibly younger than Claudia. The only other guests were Sergio’s housekeeper, Maria, and her husband, Carlo, who obviously thought the marriage a marvellous idea, judging by the wide smiles on their faces.
By the time the celebrant—a portly and loquacious Italian named Giovanni—pronounced Sergio and Bella husband and wife, Claudia and the mother of the bride were dabbing at their eyes, though not enough to spoil their make-up.
Harriet felt teary herself, partly because she always cried at weddings, but mostly because she knew she would never marry the man she loved. Oh, dear God. She did love Alex, didn’t she? There was no longer any doubt in her mind. She’d suspected as much yesterday but had pushed the dreaded thought away. When her eyes automatically went to him, more tears threatened. Fortunately, he didn’t notice; the official photographer—a tall, thin woman in her forties—had pounced on the bridal party for more photos, leaving Harriet to battle her emotions in private.
Time to get a grip, girl, she lectured herself after slipping her phone back into her black clutch bag. Go talk to the countess. Or Bella’s mother. Whatever, just do something, and for pity’s sake, no more silly crying!
* * *
Alex felt impatient for the reception luncheon to be over, despite the happiness of the occasion and the quality of the food. They were sitting at the sumptuous table in Claudia’s opulent dining room, being given course after mouth-watering course. Harriet was on his right side and Jeremy on his left, both of them obviously enjoying the lavish meal a lot more than he was. His mind was definitely elsewhere, his gaze drifting over the table to Sergio and Bella, who didn’t seem to be eating much. They were too busy gazing adoringly into each other’s eyes. Alex finally agreed with Jeremy that Bella did love Sergio; the way she looked at him was rather persuasive. But he would reserve judgment till their marriage had passed the hurdle of Sergio abandoning the family business in order to move to New York with her.
They were actually flying there later this evening, which was the reason for the morning wedding. Knowing this, Alex had booked a hire car to pick both himself and Harriet up at her hotel later that afternoon and take them straight to Venice, where he’d booked them into one of the city’s most luxurious hotels. The suite he’d picked had cost a bomb, but he didn’t care. He worked hard. Why shouldn’t he spoil himself? Alex suspected, however, that it was Harriet whom he wanted to spoil.
He watched her out of the corner of his eye, thinking how lovely she looked today. She was wearing the same red cocktail dress she’d worn to the charity dinner earlier this year, the one which had given him wicked thoughts all that night. Or had they been jealous thoughts? He certainly hadn’t liked the thought of her going home with that dullard Dwayne. She’d always deserved someone better.
But you’re not better, that annoying voice piped up once again. Except perhaps in bed. You’re selfish and ruthless, and a total waste of time. She’d be better off without you in her life. Really, your behaviour has been quite shameless. So do the right thing, Alex, and once you get home let her go.
But he didn’t want to let her go. He couldn’t. Not yet.
* * *
Harriet tried to pretend she was having a wonderful time, but she wasn’t. The food was marvellous, yes, but there was way too much of it. The only reason she kept eating was that she didn’t want to offend the countess, who’d obviously gone to a lot of trouble to make the wedding a success. She couldn’t wait to get out of there and be alone with Alex once more; couldn’t wait to go to Venice. Lake Como was lovely, but somehow seeing Sergio and Bella getting married here today had temporarily spoiled the place for her. Venice would be much better. Out of sight was out of mind, or so they said. She didn’t want to think about love and marriage. She had to get her mind back to reality, which was that she was having a strictly sexual affair with Alex. Nothing more.
Before she’d left Sydney to come to Italy, Harriet had vowed to enjoy the trip for what it was. But somehow the enjoyment she’d experienced yesterday was in danger of disintegrating. Which was a shame. When she sighed, Alex gave her a nudge.
‘None of that infernal sighing,’ he muttered under his breath.
Harriet gave him a rueful smile. ‘It’s just that I’m full,’ she whispered. ‘I can’t eat another bite.’