“Do you think he will be available to attend the children’s hospital benefit that’s coming up?” another one said.

Declan didn’t always understand women. He loved women, all sorts of women, but he didn’t always understand them. Not outside the bedroom anyway. But it was quite clear that these women were attacking the blonde with their veiled niceties and not-so-subtle digs at her being at the reunion alone. Without really thinking through the consequences, Declan strode towards the table, his panty-melting smile in place.

“Sorry I’m late, sweetheart,” he said as he leaned down and nuzzled the neck of the blonde. She smelled fantastic, by the way. “You know how...