Ethan cocked his head. “And I’m supposed to just take your word for this? You agreed pretty fast.”
With a shrug, Robert refilled his glass. “A smart businessman knows when to cut his losses.”
Maybe Robert was legitimately worried about the legalities of the situation...as he should be. Perhaps there was some conscience in there after all, and he realized this place never should’ve been his to begin with.
Ethan wasn’t asking—he didn’t want to stick around for any more chatter than necessary. But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t keep his radar up. Robert would pose a threat until all documents were signed and filed properly...or until the man was behind bars.
Now, if he could keep all of the ugliness away from Harper, find some way to explain without hurting her so they could both just move on. They could marry, raise their child, go about their careers and...
Yeah, it was the and part that terrified him. Who knew what tricks or traps Robert had waiting for them? There was no way the old bastard would go down this easily.
Ethan turned from the suite and let himself out.
One hurdle at a time.
* * *
Harper settled her hand at the crook in Ethan’s arm as he led her into the Italian dining room. The resort had several restaurants, but this one was her favorite. She didn’t even care that she could pound an entire plate of homemade ravioli in mushroom sauce. She planned on not only having that mouthwatering dish, but also the fresh-baked bread that practically melted in your mouth.
Her baby was going to love carbs.
Good thing she wore a flowy dress so she could enjoy her dinner without straining any seams. Harper had pulled out her fun red maxidress with a halter top and pulled her hair up on top of her head to stay cool. And since this was a special occasion, she’d also donned the blingiest earrings she had packed. The gold and diamonds hung in an intricate pattern and swayed with each step she took. The ruby on her finger and the gold bracelet on her wrist completed her look, and she’d never felt better.
Maybe it was the nap, maybe it was the fact she was about to go into carb overload...or maybe her happiness had everything to do with the man at her side and seeing her father again.
A renewed sense of hope blossomed within her, and Harper truly believed she could forge successful relationships with these two men. She had every reason in the world to want to make this happen. This baby gave her a new purpose, a reason to really fight for a familial future.
This day was already amazing, and she hadn’t even discussed business with Robert yet. She couldn’t wait to actually walk him through the rooms and the grounds and let him visualize each detail from her plan.
Excitement burst through her at the prospect of her ideas coming to life. The renovations would definitely take time, but in the end, the hard work would be worth it. Carmen would be proud, and that in and of itself was payment enough.
“I still say we should’ve stayed in the room and ordered room service,” Ethan growled in her ear as they neared their table in the back. “I could show you how to properly eat Italian in bed.”
Harper glanced his way. “Perhaps I’ll let you do just that. Later,” she vowed. “Rig
ht now, we’re having dinner with my father. You already made me miss casino night because you couldn’t leave the room.”
He muttered something under his breath, but she couldn’t make it out and she didn’t get a chance to ask as they arrived at their table.
As soon as the hostess pulled out Harper’s chair, Robert came through the restaurant, headed straight toward them.
He extended his arms toward Harper and kissed her cheek in a very robotic manner that lacked the affection she desperately craved from him.
“I was running late,” he told her. “I was afraid you’d be waiting.”
“We just got here,” Ethan replied.
Robert eased back and gestured toward the table. “Please, let’s take a seat. I’m anxious to talk to you both.”
Harper smiled as she settled next to Ethan. The waiter came over to fill their water glasses and take their drink orders. Harper admired the stunning floral arrangement of whites and greens when Robert’s voice pulled her back.
Ethan had mentioned green to her just last night. He thought it might be a nice clean yet classy color scheme for one of the restaurants. Harper hadn’t put that in her plans, but her decorative mind could see it in this open room. Whites and various shades green would be something to set the Italian restaurant apart from the rest of the resort.
Ethan was quite the little decorative assistant and handy to have in her corner.
“No wine?” Robert asked. “Last time we met up, you raved about a cab that you loved. Wine is always a perfect accessory to Italian cuisine.”
Harper bit her bottom lip and darted her gaze to Ethan. “Well, we’re not only engaged, but we’re also having a baby.”