Edric turned around to rest his back against the fence instead of his sigh. A chair would definitely be welcome right now, but he wasn't about to ask to intrude upon Miss Lynch and her family's hospitality. Fortunately, she seemed to have a sharp eye for spotting his bullshit, and thus suggested she get something for herself.

"I'll be here for as long as it takes for me to finish this paperwork," he explained, holding up the stack of papers he was still struggling to balance on his palm. "You going to keep me company?" he added teasingly.

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