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The downstairs is still and quiet when we arrive at the house. Libby’s face scrunches with concern and her gaze strays toward the stairs. “You sure she’s not sick?”
With the stress of today, Emily could’ve come down with something. Or she’s still exhausted from the emotional roller coaster. “I think she’s just tired. You want to order a pizza or something?”
“Sure.” She holds up the bag with the jar of tea. “I’m going to leave this on the counter, so she sees it when she comes downstairs later.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“See what?” Emily’s groggy voice reaches us from the hallway.
“I brought you a present!” Libby sings, hurrying across the living room.
“You did?” Emily comes into view, her gaze landing on me. Still wearing the green tank top I put on her earlier, she’s added a pair of loose black pajama shorts that immediately give me all sorts of filthy thoughts about wrapping her legs around me. “Hey,” she says softly.
I clear my throat. “Feel better?”
“Lots.”
“Open. Open.” Libby shoves the bag into her sister’s hands.
“You went to Steep Dreams?” Happiness and surprise ring through Emily’s question.
“Dex said you weren’t feeling well.” Libby shrugs and nudges the bag. “I thought this might help.”
Smiling, Emily pulls the glass jar out of the bag. Tissue paper falls away, floating toward the floor, and Libby scoops it up.
“Summer in Italy. Oh, wow.” Emily’s confused eyes skip from Libby to me. “This is so expensive, Libby…”
“Well, Dex helped me out,” she admits. “I was going to get you the tiny jar, but he insisted you should have the big one since it’s a limited-edition blend.”
Emily laughs softly and embraces her sister. “Thank you, pudding,” she murmurs against Libby’s hair.
“Are you okay?” Libby asks.
Over Libby’s shoulder, Emily’s gaze strays to mine. “I feel better already.”
Peace wraps around me. After what she endured today, that’s all I needed to hear.
EMILY
“Admit you kinda like pineapple and ham now, Emily,” Libby says.
I set down my slice and finish chewing. “I’ll admit I might have judged it too harshly in the past.”
“Ah-ha!” Libby turns to Dex. “Our work here is done.”
He nods slowly and holds out his fist. The two of them tap knuckles.
I roll my eyes as I hold back a smile. They’re adorable.
Libby grunts and I glance over to find her sticking a fork down her cast. “Libby!”
“It itches,” she whines without looking at me.
“Okay, but maybe not at the table.” I reach over and flick her shoulder. “Or with the silverware.”
Her cheeks redden. “Sorry.” She gets up and hurries over to the sink.
I rest my hand over Dex’s and whisper, “Thank you.”
“For?” he asks.
“Everything today.”
He turns his hand over and laces his fingers with mine. “You’re welcome.”
Itch and fork free, Libby returns to the table. Her gaze drops to our entwined hands and a mischievous little smile tugs at the corners of her mouth.
“Do you want to watch Chucky with us tonight, Dex?” she asks.
I frown and pass a curious look her way. We already finished watching that show. I’m about to remind her of that when Dex answers.
“I should probably head to my place.”
Libby lets out an exasperated sigh. “Dex, you know you can spend the night here, right? I’m not an idiot.”
“Libby!” I scold, although I don’t know why I bother.
She huffs but doesn’t take her eyes off of Dex’s face. “I figure I better tell you it’s okay to stay over, since Emily probably uses me as the reason you need to go home every night.”
He doesn’t go home as many nights as you think, Liberty Belle.
At first, Dex’s mouth curls into an amused smirk, then his expression softens. “I appreciate that, Libby. Thank you.” His tone’s serious, not like he’s trying to humor her. He seems genuinely touched by her offer.
I chuckle to myself. My big, scowling biker accepting permission for anything from my little sister is both funny and sweet.
“I mean,” she says as if she’s thinking this through as the words come out of her mouth, although I doubt that’s true. “Since you’ve been giving me rides to school and all. It would make your life easier if you just stayed here.”
“Okay, Libby,” I groan. “We get it.”
“You can sleep on the couch if you’re worried about my tender sensibilities,” she continues, ignoring me.
Dex stands and collects the plates, a smile twitching at the corners of his mouth. “I’ll definitely keep that in mind, Libby. Thank you for the suggestion.”
“Well.” She takes a dramatic bow. “I’ve said what needed to be said. I shall be in my room if anyone needs me.”
Shaking my head, I wait until she’s gone before turning my eyes on Dex. He’s clutching the edge of the sink, bent over, shaking with laughter.
“She’s a riot, right?” I stand and clear the rest of the table.
He sucks in a breath and stands straight. “Jesus. I didn’t want to laugh and encourage her, but yeah, she’s funny.”
