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.

mentioned earlier that you're smarter than everyone else. What did

that?"

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7:18 pm n

Chapter 20

what I said. I'm

"What's your IQ?"

mate gets to know." I smiled. "I mean,

is a secret."

took a sip of his cola, not

say I could have skipped high school altogether and gone straight to college." I immediately regretted saying too much. I always felt conflicted when this topic came up- part

labeled a freak.

so interested in me?" I tried changing the

interested, just making

as exciting as you might think. What you

"If

so." Ryder gave me

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

feminine enough for your taste," I said

never said I was interested in you that

me a little-apparently he was just playing around with no

you didn't,

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

Ryder's eyes remained fixed on the screen, not

me.

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

sliding off

me

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Chapter 20

the assistance since my

We got into the car and Ryder folded up the blanket. His

okay?" I asked,

fine," he answered

parking lot. My mouth opened and closed several times before I finally

quiet.

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