Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 20

Xena's POV

"No."

We arrived at a drive-in movie theater, the kind where you could order food while

enjoying the film. Tonight's feature was "2012."

"Hope you like cheeseburgers," Ryder said with a smile.

"I do, actually." I wasn't particularly picky about food, as long as it wasn't something ridiculous like those Donut Burgers.

Ryder found a spot at the back of the parking lot. We got out and he pulled out a blanket and spread it over the surface to protect the paint job, then we climbed onto his hood.

"I bet you bring girls here all the time," I couldn't help asking, though I felt an odd twinge of discomfort, secretly hoping he would deny it.

"You're the first. This is usually something I do alone."

His answer surprised me, making my heart beat a little faster. "Then why bring me?"

"I just wanted to watch a movie," Ryder shrugged, his tone so flat I couldn't tell if he was

serious or joking.

Our food arrived as the movie started. I was really enjoying the film. My cheeseburger was

juicy and delicious, with burger juice dripping down my chin until Ryder had to hand me a

napkin.

"Charming," he teased.

"I try," I laughed as I wiped the juice away, feeling a subtle intimacy flowing between us.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure," I replied, only half listening as most of my attention was on the movie.

than everyone else. What did you

that?"

1/4

7:18 pm n

Chapter 20

I'm

"What's your IQ?"

know." I smiled. "I mean, it's not a huge

is a secret."

sip of his cola, not pressing

school altogether and gone straight to college." I immediately regretted saying too much. I always felt conflicted when this topic

labeled a freak.

in

not particularly interested, just

isn't as exciting as you might think. What you see is what you get."

"If

gave me

your type, then I'm the opposite. We could be friends,

for your

was interested

little-apparently he was just playing around with

involved. "No, you

club was just a spur of the moment thing,"

that." Ryder's eyes remained fixed on the screen, not looking

me.

There was a strange chemistry between us, maybe just physical attraction,

sliding off

me

2/4

Chapter 20

assistance since my ribs were

too, it's a classic." We got into the car and Ryder

okay?" I asked,

fine," he answered almost

away from the parking lot. My mouth opened and closed several

quiet.