“Not a horse fan, are you?” she asked Dino.
“Horses are perfectly fine,” Dino said. “It’s the bouncing up and down that gets old quick.”
“To be fair,” Stone said, “he is semi-competent in the saddle.”
Dino stopped at the bottom of the stairs and said, “Remind me not to have you speak at my retirement dinner.”
“You’re retiring?” Tamlyn asked.
“Not to my knowledge,” Dino said. “But it’s always good to have a plan.”
“Which is why my speech is already written,” Stone said.
“The one you won’t be giving anytime soon?” Tamlyn said.
“She’s a fast learner,” Dino said. “I like her.”
“I like her, too,” Stone said.
“I hadn’t noticed. Now, if you two will excuse me, I think I’ll stretch out for a bit before we head to the party.”
“To rest your bruised gluteus maximus, you mean.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Dino said as he headed for the stairs.
“What time are we leaving?” Tamlyn asked.
“Seven-forty-five,” Stone said.
Tamlyn checked her watch. “If I’m going to be ready by then, I need to take a shower now.”
“Perhaps you could use some help with that.”
“No ‘perhaps’ about it.”
“Allow me to show you the way.”
Stone, Tamlyn, and Dino tookStone’s boat across the Beaulieu River to Dame Felicity’s dock, where they were met by one of her staff in an electric cart.
They arrived at the house shortly after and were escorted into the grand salon, where they were greeted by Felicity herself.
“Stone, my dear, I’m so happy you were able to make it.”
She kissed him on the corner of his mouth.
“Felicity, you look as radiant as ever,” Stone said.
“Of course I do.” She turned to Dino. “And you’ve brought my favorite commissioner of police.” She gave him a hug, then said, “Don’t tell me Viv is on a business trip again.”
“You know her too well. She sends her greetings and regrets.”
“Tell her I expect her attendance next time and will accept no excuses.”
“I’ll let her know, but take no responsibility in regards to her future actions.”
Felicity’s gaze swung to Tamlyn, her smile growing. “And who is this gorgeous creature?”
“Dame Felicity, may I present Tamlyn Thompson,” Stone said.
