"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."

already have enough on my plate?" I

pleased he'd

"Something like

I playfully pushed him, my hand lingering against his solid chest for a moment longer

forgot the flooring," he pointed

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

mom when

spending too much?" I worried

5

to his desk to continue working. After clicking the purchase button, the website showed the items would arrive Wednesday.

there, and we can

mind was elsewhere, so I decided to leave him to it and start my

1/3

Chapter 163.

going to get my art suppifes," I said, heading

come with you?" Ryder

I'll only be gone

after six minutes." Ryder

I asked as I walked out. He flashed me a mock-evil smile before

supplies, then headed back down

returned.

let me try again," I

I

Samuel and his

grief, and a faint

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