"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."

have enough on

he'd accepted my

"Something

lingering against his solid

the flooring," he

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

my mom

too much?" I worried

5

working. After clicking the purchase button, the 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 decorations

work. I could tell his mind was elsewhere, so I decided to leave

1/3

Chapter 163.

art suppifes," I said, heading

to come with you?"

fine. I'll only

to find you after six minutes." Ryder muttered, eyes returning to

that a promise?" I asked as I walked out. He

headed back down "You're

returned.

try again," I

my sketchpad, I froze. What should I

his father.

grief, and a faint twinge

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