“If you’re not ready to go, I’ll be okay,” she said.
“I was using you as an excuse. I’m more than ready.”
“If we’re taking a vote,” Dino said, “I’ll make it unanimous.”
They found Felicity holding court with the home secretary and several other members of parliament. After Stone caught her gaze, she said something to the group, then came over.
“Don’t tell me you’re leaving already,” she said.
“Sadly, we need to call it a night.”
“That’s too bad, but I’m so glad you came.”
When she gave Stone a hug, he whispered, “I’d love to discuss your retirement when you have time.”
“We’ll talk later. I promise.”
She hugged Dino next, then Tamlyn, and said as they parted, “You are most welcome to visit anytime, with or without Stone.”
“Uh, thank you.”
Stone put an arm around Tamlyn and said, “I think we should go before you scare my date too much.”
“Scaring was not what I was trying to do.”
“I’m well aware of what you were trying to do,” Stone said. “Good night, Felicity.”
“Good night, all. And truly, thank you for coming.”
Lance intercepted them just before they exited the house. “There you are.”
“Come to wish us goodbye?” Stone asked. “That’s so unlike you.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I wanted to catch a ride back to Windward Hall.”
“Back?”
“Oh, that’s right. You were already on your way here when I arrived. I had your staff set me up in my regular room. I knew you wouldn’t mind.”
“How nice of them.”
“Shall we?” Lance said, then started walking ahead of them toward the waiting electric cart.
“I take it he’s stayed with you before,” Tamlyn said.
“On occasion,” Stone admitted.
“Without asking?”
“Lance tends to assume it’s okay,” Dino said.
“That seems to be working for him.”
They joined Lance in the cart and started on their short journey home.
A buzzing noise woke Stonefrom his sleep.
It took him a moment to realize it was his phone on the nightstand.
