?Modest? Sure she is,? Hector said sarcastically as he passed Lucas
the bacon.
?That was your sister?s nightgown, wasn?t it?? Lucas asked
without skipping a beat as he served Helen and himself. Hector
wisely shut his mouth.
?Yeah,? Ariadne replied for him, not getting it. ?So comfortable!
What? What are you all laughing at??
?Nothing, Ari. Just drop it,? Jason said in a pained voice, a hand
over his eyes. Everyone was cracking up, including Castor and
Noel.
Helen was torn. She didn?t want to laugh at the joke because it
was partly on her, but she couldn?t entirely stop herself. She stifled
a giggle and looked down at her full plate. It was the kind of breakfast
that was almost always followed by a nap, and Helen was dying
to go somewhere and hide. She thought about skipping it so she
could get away sooner.
?I know you?re hungry,? Lucas said so quietly that Helen alone
could hear him. ?What?s the matter??
?I feel like I should go home. I?ve imposed long enough. . . .? She
trailed off as Lucas started shaking his head.
?That?s not the reason,? he said positively. ?What is it??
?I feel like a jackass! Waking up practically naked in your bed
with half your family standing over us? Not okay,? she said through
clenched teeth as a hot blush burned her cheeks. He smiled slowly
as he watched her cheeks stain red.
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?If that hadn?t happened, would you want to stay?? he asked, suddenly
serious, his eyes focused on hers. She looked down and nodded,
still blushing. ?Why?? he persisted.
?For one thing, I have questions,? she said, hazarding a glance up