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.

to the cart and purchase it," she instructed, heading toward the

betraying my anxiety. The question slipped out before I could stop it-a reflex

eyes. "Buy whatever you want. I want you to feel comfortable here.

home."

with such genuine affection and warmth. My mouth parted slightly as warmth rushed through me, mingled with a strange sense of unreality. When she left the room, I found myself staring

to it?" Ryder's question pulled me from my thoughts, my heart rate accelerating at

real conversation with his mother. Last time we talked, it hadn't gone well. I picked up the laptop and placed it on

never considered what kind of office design I wanted. I Googled professional office designs and clicked on images. There were so many styles it was hard to choose, each one representing a life I'd

to look like?" I asked Ryder, hoping his

I don't care," Ryder shrugged. I shot him a

colors," he muttered, almost

bubblegum pink... okay!" I

eyes but returned

attention-a dark slate

with touches of

The rug was predominantly white with gray patterns, and