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.

you're smarter than

that?"

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7:18 pm n

Chapter 20

said. I'm

"What's your IQ?"

mate gets to know." I smiled. "I

is a secret."

took a sip of his cola, not pressing

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

labeled a freak.

so interested in me?"

not particularly interested,

you might think. What you see is what you get." I

"If

so." Ryder gave me a smile tinged

your type, then I'm the opposite.

for

said I was interested in you

disappointed me a little-apparently he was

you didn't, did

club was just a spur of the moment thing," I said, taking another big bite of my

fixed on the

me.

push the issue further, so we watched the movie in silence. But damn it, I couldn't stop thinking about that kiss. There was a strange chemistry between us, maybe just physical attraction, or maybe it was his mysterious aura. Ryder had that silent, brooding

like this movie," Ryder said, sliding off the hood

me

2/4

Chapter 20

appreciated the assistance since my ribs were

the car and Ryder folded up the blanket. His phone vibrated, and

I asked, noticing his mood

fine," he answered almost

from the parking lot. My mouth opened and closed several times before I finally just leaned back in my seat

quiet.

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