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"I'll help clean up."

And maybe steal him away for some fun while the others have Lexie entertained.

Chapter Thirty-One

Moira

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LEXIE IS SO EXCITEDabout all the new fun things offered to her, she's almost manic as she runs back and forth between the library, her new room, and the door leading to the back deck, trying to do everything all at once.

The rest of us remain reclined on the pile Jareth made, idly munching on the strawberries Ryder brought out as we chat and flip through books.

I feel lazy and drowsy, lying there with my head on Hendrix's lap as he runs his fingers through my hair, reading my book over my shoulder. I could fall asleep here easily, lulled by the scents of them surrounding me, mixing with the smell of the books and fresh paint.

Ryder certainly knew what he was doing, setting the place up like this. Like he wasn't already tempting enough, now he comes with a dream house? How the hell am I supposed to move back into my tiny place with only Jareth and Lexie?

Lexie races back into the library, her chest rising and falling rapidly with excitement. "Okay. I'm ready to play basketball now."

"Are you sure?” I ask. “You're here for at least three more days, you can pace yourself. There's plenty of time for everything."

"I know, but I need the practice. I don't want to get rusty."

I turn a glare on Hendrix. “I blame you for this.”

He laughs. ”Me? I'm her basketball coach, of course I'm going to tell them to practice as often as they can. It's how they improve."

"Then you're on practice duty while we're here."

"Deal." He eases himself out from under me. "All right, kiddo. Let's go. Get your sneakers on and we'll meet you out there."

Jareth jolts. "Right. You volunteered me for this too."

"Yes, I did. Don't worry, I'm not trying to seduce you with my ball skills."

Jareth snorts. “I’m sure I'll learn all about your skills with balls soon enough."

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