“Pleasure. A party.”
“Do you often fly to Europe for parties?”
“I don’t know about often, but when Dame Felicity invites you, it’s hard to say no.”
Tamlyn’s brow wrinkled. “Dame Felicity? You don’t mean Dame FelicityDevonshire, do you?”
“The very same.”
“You’re friends with the head of MI6?”
“We’re neighbors, actually. Her country house is just across the river from Windward Hall.”
“Windward Hall?
“That’s the name ofmycountry house. That’s where we’ll be landing.”
“You have your own runway?”
“Came with the house and has a bit of history. The BritishRoyal Air Force commandeered the estate during World War Two and built the runway for use on covert missions.”
“You are full of surprises.”
“If you’re free Saturday night, I would love for you to come to the party with me as my guest.”
“I’ll check my schedule, but unless someone is dying, how can I say no?”
“The simple answer is you can’t.” He smiled. “In fact, whenever you’re not tied up over the weekend, you are most welcome to stay at Windward Hall, too.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“That’s all I ask.”
Soon they were ensconced in the back of Stone’s Bentley, pulling into traffic.
“I don’t suppose I could talk you out of going back to work,” Stone said. “I still owe you a nightcap.”
“Two times we’ve had dinner, and two times you’ve suggested drinks at your house after. I’m starting to think that’s your go-to move.”
“So that’s a yes?”
“That’s a would-if-I-could. There is much I must get done before you whisk me away on Friday.”
“Have you considered working from bed?”
“I would hope I wouldn’t get the chance.”
“I can’t fault that logic.”
“Then I’ll take a rain check for tonight, if you’re handing them out.”
“I’ll make an exception for you.”
She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “I’m glad to hear it.”
“Fred,” Stone said toward his factotum. “We’ll be dropping Ms. Thompson off at Strategic Services headquarters.”
“Understood, sir,” Fred said.
