Epilogue
LAINA
Weston and Felicity greeted us near the entrance of the country club. With the success of the fifth season and another award nomination, he’d been invited to play in a celebrity tournament this weekend.
My best friend pulled me in for a quick hug. “You made it.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it.” I flashed her a grin. “I have to support two of my favorite people in the world.”
“And your husband,” Weston joked.
“Yeah, he’s not too bad.” I grinned up at Bennett, who knew darn well that I’d meant him and Felicity.
The guys shook hands, and Weston murmured, “Appreciate you coming out.”
“Happy to support the children’s hospital.” Bennett gave him a self-deprecating half smile. “As long as no one expects me to be any good. I write better than I swing.”
Everyone laughed, and the four of us moved toward the main patio where the rest of the players and their guests were gathering.
Felicity looped her arm through mine as the men were pulled into a conversation about handicaps and sponsorships. “I really am glad you’re here.”
“Me too.”
The day passed in a pleasant blur of sunshine and polite conversation. Bennett did better in the scramble than he’d expected, and I spent most of the time with Felicity, helping out here and there.
When the players started filtering into the clubhouse for the evening reception, Bennett found me near the bar. His face was slightly pink from being out on the course for hours, and he was laughing at something Weston had said about his swing.
He slipped an arm around my waist like it was the most natural thing in the world. “I didn’t embarrass myself too badly.”
“I saw your drive on hole eight.” I grinned up at him. “Two hundred and fifty yards, right in the middle of the fairway.”
“It’s a good thing you talked me into all that practice.”
When Weston invited him to play, we put our next few date nights to good use and hit buckets of balls at a nearby golf entertainment complex before going out for dinner. It had been more fun than I expected, and we were talking about possibly becoming members at Weston’s club.
“I hope you worked up an appetite because the menu sounds amazing.”
He nibbled on my neck and growled, “I’m always hungry, baby.”
My cheeks heated, and I playfully swatted at his chest. “Plenty of time for that later. Lucy has a sleepover tonight.”
“Looking forward to having the house to ourselves.”
Dinner was served under a long stretch of white tents. Speeches were made, and donations were pledged. Weston moved through the horde with the ease of someone who was used to crowds, and Felicity stayed close to his side for most of it.
It wasn’t until the main events wound down and people began drifting into smaller groups that she caught my eye across the patio, and I realized something was wrong. Her smile was still on her face, but I knew her well enough to tell that it was forced.
I excused myself from Bennett with a quick squeeze of his hand and crossed the patio toward Felicity. Interrupting her conversation, I murmured, “Can I borrow my best friend for a minute?”
“Sure.” Weston leaned down to kiss her cheek before we walked away.
When we were safely away from the crowd, I asked, “You okay?”
“I’m not sure.” Felicity stared out at the dark fairway for a moment.
“Weston’s business partner has a nineteen-year-old daughter who decided to take a gap year before going to college.
He’s been giving her lessons for a couple of weeks.
He told me, but I didn’t think anything of it.
He’s a big draw for a lot of members. Lessons with him are a big perk of playing here. ”
“Is she here tonight?”
“Yup, and I noticed how she acts around him. It was familiar in a way it shouldn’t have been. And very flirtatious.”
My stomach tightened. “Maybe she has an innocent crush?”
“Maybe.” She finally looked at me. “I keep telling myself that I’m being paranoid. But I know what I saw. And I’m worried.”
I reached for her hand. “I’m here for whatever you need, just like you were for me.”
“I know.” She let out a shaky breath. “Thank you.”
I squeezed her hand and hoped I was right, but the perfect day suddenly felt a lot more fragile than it had an hour ago. We stayed there until someone called Felicity away, then I went to find my husband.
Bennett was near the edge of the patio, talking to one of the other celebrity players. The moment he spotted me, he excused himself and came straight over.
“Everything okay?”
“With us? Yes.” I leaned into his side as his arm settled around me. “Felicity just needed me for a moment.”
He nodded and pressed a kiss to my temple. The simple display of public affection still felt like a small miracle after what we had survived. But we’d come through the other side, stronger than ever.
Want to know what’s happening with Weston and his business partner’s daughter? Find out in Golf & Guilt!
But first…Julian Hayes finds love with a newly divorced heroine who’s been put through the wringer by her ex but still messes up in Tied by Treachery! This is the first book in my newest series, Betray Me Twice.