Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 81

"You arranged all that?" My jaw literally dropped.

Ryder reached over, one finger gently pushing my chin up to close my mouth. "I'll have those lips parted again later. But I can only take partial credit. Logan had to handle the

rest."

"What do you mean by 'dismantle'?" A knot of anxiety tightened in my stomach.

"I'm sorry, but there's not much left to salvage. You're going to need a complete overhaul. Look at it as an opportunity to change the layout or anything else you've been wanting to

modify."

"Ryder, I don't have that kind of money. My father won't pay for it, and you can't just-"

"Wait until we get there. See how you feel."

His tone was gentle, indulgent even, like he was enjoying keeping me in suspense. It was infuriating and endearing all at once.

If it really needs a complete rebuild, that's going to cost a fortune. I don't want to owe anyone, especially not Ryder. If he pays to rebuild my shop, I'll give him my travel savings. Travel isn't that important anyway... shit.

When we pulled up to the shop, the yellow caution tape had already been removed. People were streaming in and out, carrying debris to a large dumpster parked outside.

"What the hell is happening?” I murmured, more to myself than to Ryder.

So many people... what are they doing here? Why would all these people come to help?

running toward me, a light sheen of sweat on her upper lip. Her curls bounced with each

was leaning

racing, a mix of anxiety and anticipation flooding

1/3

Chapter 81

glass, vacuuming, tearing out damaged drywall, and dismantling

"These are..."

single person here is someone you've hired before, or helped in

Here, take this." Penelope handed me a folded

a bank account statement. The balance read

My fingers trembled slightly as I stared

substantial amount to me.

all the work you did for the school and never got paid for. They've been giving

be better

all the people who had come to help, and

Each person who came over to greet me, to ask how I was

that I

me. Every person I

alone, unappreciated, but now... they're all here

being cared for,

out of my skin when Ryder placed his

and look," he said softly, giving me a gentle push

with the sharp scent of sweat

stripped down to the studs, the bathroom was completely gutted, and the floor

be done in a few hours," Penelope beamed. "What do