Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 36

Xena's POV

I was feeling exceptionally good today, which might explain why I decided to blow-dry my hair. Though Ama was always trying to teach me how to use a curling iron, I still preferred my curling rod. After setting it down, I applied a light touch of makeup, just a simple black eyeliner-the only makeup I ever felt comfortable wearing.

Glancing at my watch, I had about thirty minutes to prepare. I sat at my desk and started working, but even though the task wasn't complex, I found it difficult to concentrate with my mind completely occupied by thoughts of the upcoming date. After making three mistakes, I finally finished reconciling the accounts.

"Ryder is here," Dad informed me through our mental link.

My heart rate instantly accelerated, and my breathing quickened. Calm down, X, don't look too eager, I told myself. But the excitement bubbling within me was impossible to suppress, making my fingers tremble slightly.

"Give me a minute, I'll be right down. Is my motorcycle out front?" I responded.

"I pushed it out myself and checked it over."

"Thanks, Dad!” I quickly sent the account books and rushed to the bathroom to remove my curling rod. Looking at myself in the mirror, I silently thanked the Moon God for blessing me with a perfect hair day. My curls looked amazing, matching my excellent

mood.

Grabbing my lightweight riding jacket, I forced myself to walk out calmly, not wanting them to see how excited I actually was. Despite my efforts to hide it, I knew my eyes were probably sparkling with barely concealed excitement, and the corners of my mouth kept turning upward.

Fortunately, Ryder's style complemented mine perfectly-he wore riding jeans and a T-shirt. His leather riding jacket rested on his motorcycle, and he already had his riding

gloves on.

gloves are inside," Dad said, handing me the helmet with a smile as I

1/3

Chapter 36

you're going?" Martha suddenly shrieked from

putting on my jacket.

leave her alone,"

the account books yet," she

Check your inbox." I swiftly straddled my motorcycle and started the engine. Dad handed me my helmet, which I put on after shaking out my hair. Ryder passed me an earpiece so we could talk during the

decisively closed the transparent visor of

a glimpse of Leonard and Samuel watching us from the training grounds. Thankfully, they didn't try

look beautiful," Ryder said through the microphone. It felt good to be appreciated by such a handsome man. But I tried to stay composed, not wanting to

teenager.

are new riding pants I'm trying out. They breathe well," I

the smile hidden

was a gentleness in his tone I'd never

about lunch at The Salt Lick?" he

response. I absolutely loved BBQ. The choice seemed too coincidental-had he researched my

sounding too excited. "Your dad mentioned it was your favorite place,"

you manage that? Asking my dad to take me out today,

like that. I asked if I could take you riding, said I needed