Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

"Sure." Ryder stood up and walked over to sit beside me, his body heat immediately warming the space between us.

"Here are my inspiration pictures." I

the tab with the giraffe image.

"I like it. Surprised you picked this, though."

is eyebrow arched slightly, those green eyes studying me with curiosity.

"Why?" I asked, genuinely wondering what he'd expected

"Thought you'd go with something more like your shop's style."

"Oh, no. I don't want that vibe for the office." I flipped to the second tab, showing him paint colors and carpet samples.

"Looks good. What about the desk?"

"Keep an open mind," I warned as I flipped to the final tab. Ryder's expression shifted to surprise, but he didn't immediately comment. My stomach tightened, waiting for his reaction. Did he hate it? Was he just being polite?

"This is what you want?" he finally asked.

"Yeah, they need restoration work," I said with forced confidence, though the scope of the project made me nervous inside.

"They definitely need work, but if you can pull it off, they'll make great desks." Ryder's answer made the tension drain from my shoulders.

"You really want these? I could find something more modern if you prefer." I offered, still testing his reaction.

"No, I like what you picked. It'll just be a big project."

don't already have enough on

pleased he'd accepted my

"Something

against his solid chest for

forgot the flooring," he

Can't we use what's already there?" I asked, hoping to save some work and

mom

too much?" I

5

website showed the items would arrive Wednesday. His mother's membership clearly came with expedited shipping. A thrill ran through me at the thought of starting this

start there, and we can decide on

tell his mind

1/3

Chapter 163.

my art suppifes," I said, heading for

come with you?"

only be gone

you after six minutes." Ryder muttered,

promise?" I asked as I walked out. He flashed me a mock-evil smile before returning to his

and grabbed my art supplies, then headed back down "You're thirty seconds early," Ryder commented when

returned.

let me try again," I

my sketchpad, I froze. What should

thoughts drifted to Samuel and his father. A complex wave

and a faint twinge of