Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 162

Xena's POV

"I actually prefer this room," I said, scanning the space with a critical eye. "Having a private bathroom would be convenient."

Luna Kestrel's face lit up with excitement as she clapped her hands together. "Perfect! I have a team that just finished renovating a house and is ready to start their next project. We could have them begin work here today. We just need to decide on flooring and paint. If you can decide what you want today, I'll make sure it gets lered. And let me know what kind of desk you'd like."

I opened my mouth to respond, but my thoughts tangled together. Before I could organize them into something coherent, Ryder jumped in.

"I was planning to work in Dad's office today since he has other matters to handle,” he explained to his mother. The relief I felt at his intervention was embarrassing. Why did simple conversations with his family make me so nervous?

"That works perfectly!" Luna Kestrel glanced at her watch. "I'll let you use my laptop so you can select and purchase what you want."

"Sounds good," Ryder replied with an easy smile that made my stomach flutter.

We followed her to the office, where Ryder settled into his father's chair while Luna Kestrel placed her laptop on the coffee table.

cart and purchase it,"

could stop it-a reflex from years of watching every penny, of being made to feel

me with a gentle smile that reached her eyes. "Buy whatever you want. I want you to feel comfortable here.

home."

and warmth. My mouth parted slightly as warmth rushed through me, mingled with

question pulled me from my thoughts, my heart

I'd had maybe one real conversation with his mother. Last time we

Googled professional office designs and clicked on images. There were so many styles

it to look like?" I asked Ryder, hoping his answer might

I don't care," Ryder shrugged. I shot him a glare before turning back to the

bright colors," he muttered, almost as an

pink... okay!" I

his eyes but

caught my attention-a dark slate color with

accents with touches of cream

with gray patterns, and