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.

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

1/3

Chapter 36

going?" Martha suddenly shrieked from the doorway. I mentally rolled my

answered nonchalantly while putting on my jacket.

leave her alone," Dad

yet," she complained to Dad,

the engine. Dad handed me my helmet, which I put on after shaking out my hair. Ryder passed me an earpiece

transparent visor of my helmet,

glimpse of Leonard and Samuel watching us from the training grounds. Thankfully, they didn't try to contact me through

look beautiful," Ryder said through the microphone. It felt good to be appreciated by such

teenager.

new riding pants I'm trying

the smile hidden beneath

look perfect on you." There was a gentleness in his tone I'd

at The Salt Lick?" he

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

control my tone to avoid sounding

that? Asking my dad to take me out today, and even

take