Page 33 of Stay

“Weston offered us a suite, but I like being a little closer to the action,” she says as we take our seats. She points out to Owen that we’re near the players’ tunnel. “We can take him up on the suite when your family comes...” She smiles up at me, and I feel that rush of endorphins that I get every time she looks at me.

“Thanks for this,” I tell her. “It’s been such a great day. I don’t often do things like this…”

“What, have fun?” she teases.

“Hey, sweetheart,” someone says.

Felicity and I both turn and Felicity jumps up, hugging an older gentleman and the woman next to him. When I get a better look at them, I realize they’re her parents.

“Mom, Dad! I didn’t think you were coming today,” Felicity says.

Is it my imagination or does she sound completely freaked out?

“We didn’t think we could, but Francis and Ken had to pull out of the trip. We decided we’d rather stay home and come to the game than go on the trip without them.” The woman peers around Felicity. “Judge Landmark, is that you?”

I stand up and hold my hand out to shake their hands. “David and Lane, it’s been a long time. Good to see you.”

“It sure has,” David says. “Good to see you too. Thanks for taking our girl under your wing. We know she’s in good hands with you.”

I tug on my collar, a little unsettled with his words. Images of her in my hands race through my mind, those full breasts—God help me. I clear my throat. My guilty conscience has me feeling a little unsteady, but I try to recall what it’s like to be a decent, upstandingjudge.

“Yes,” Lane leans in, her tone conspiratorial, “when she told us she’d be working with you, all our concerns about her future vanished.” She does apoofmotion with her hand, laughing.

Felicity’s eyes flash to mine, but I can’t read her expression. All I see is panic.

What the fuck is going on?

“We are very grateful for all her help,” I say, nodding toward Owen. “This is Owen, my son.”

“Owen, these are my parents, Lane and David,” Felicity says.

“Mister and Missus Shaw,” I tell Owen.

“Hello, Mister and Missus Shaw,” Owen says, smiling up at them.

“Well, aren’t you the cutest thing,” Lane says. “I didn’t realize you had a son, Judge Landmark.”

What?

“Oh, I told you that, Mom.” Felicity laughs, her hand clutching her neck. It’s red and her face is too. She shakes her head.

“Are you feeling okay, sweetheart? Your cheeks are flushed,” her mom says.

“It’s really hot out here,” Felicity says, grabbing a flyer to fan herself.

Lane frowns, putting her hand on Felicity’s forehead. “It’s thirty degrees. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine.” Felicity laughs. “Where are you sitting?”

“We’re down a few rows.” David points to their seats. “We thought we’d wait and use the suite for the next game if they win this one.”

“Felicity said that’s where we’ll go when our family comes too,” Owen says excitedly.

I put my hand on his shoulder, wanting to rein him in a little in case the suite’s not big enough for everyone or…I don’t even know what, but Felicity’s nervous energy is making me uneasy.

“Well, I can’t wait,” Lane says. “They’re winning today. Let’s just put that out in the universe right now.” She winks at Owen. “So I guess we’ll be seeing you and your family again soon.”

He nods happily.

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