Chapter 36
Xena’s POV
I was feeling exceptionally good today, which might explain why I decided to blow–dry my hair. Though Ama was always trying to teach me how to use a curling iron, I still preferred my curling rod. After setting it down, I applied a light touch of makeup, just a simple black eyeliner–the only makeup I ever felt comfortable wearing.
Glancing at my watch, I had about thirty minutes to prepare. I sat at my desk and started working, but even though the task wasn’t complex, I found it difficult to concentrate with my mind completely occupied by thoughts of the upcoming date. After making three mistakes, I finally finished reconciling the accounts.
“Ryder is here,” Dad informed me through our mental link.
My heart rate instantly accelerated, and my breathing quickened. Calm down, X, don’t look too eager, I told myself. But the excitement bubbling within me was impossible to suppress, making my fingers tremble slightly.
“Give me a minute, I’ll be right down. Is my motorcycle out front?” I responded.
“I pushed it out myself and checked it over.”
“Thanks, Dad!” I quickly sent the account books and rushed to the bathroom to remove my curling rod. Looking at myself in the mirror, I silently thanked the Moon God for blessing me with a perfect hair day. My curls looked amazing, matching my excellent
mood.
Grabbing my lightweight riding jacket, I forced myself to walk out calmly, not wanting them to see how excited I actually was. Despite my efforts to hide it, I knew my eyes were probably sparkling with barely concealed excitement, and the corners of my mouth kept turning upward.
Fortunately, Ryder’s style complemented mine perfectly–he wore riding jeans and a T- shirt. His leather riding jacket rested on his motorcycle, and he already had his riding
gloves on.
“Here’s your helmet, gloves are inside,” Dad said, handing me the helmet with a smile as I approached.
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“Where do you think you’re going?” Martha suddenly shrieked from the doorway. I mentally rolled my eyes.
“Riding,” I answered nonchalantly while putting on my jacket. Ryder had already mounted his motorcycle.
“She can go, leave her alone,” Dad warned.
“She hasn’t submitted the account books yet,” she complained to Dad, sounding pathetic.
“Just sent them. Check your inbox.” I swiftly straddled my motorcycle and started the engine. Dad handed me my helmet, which I put on after shaking out my hair. Ryder passed me an earpiece so we could talk during the ride.
“Bye, Dad!” I decisively closed the transparent visor of my helmet, and we finally took off.
I caught a glimpse of Leonard and Samuel watching us from the training grounds. Thankfully, they didn’t try to contact me through our mental link.
“You look beautiful,” Ryder said through the microphone. It felt good to be appreciated by such a handsome man. But I tried to stay composed, not wanting to act like a lovesick
teenager.
“Thanks. These are new riding pants I’m trying out. They breathe well,” I replied, grateful
he couldn’t see the smile hidden beneath my helmet.
“They look perfect on you.” There was a gentleness in his tone I’d never heard before.
“How about lunch at The Salt Lick?” he suggested.
My stomach growled in response. I absolutely loved BBQ. The choice seemed too
coincidental–had he researched my preferences?
“Sounds good,” I replied, trying to control my tone to avoid sounding too excited.
“Your dad mentioned it was your favorite place,” Ryder admitted.
A terrible thought suddenly crossed my mind. “How did you manage that? Asking my dad to take me out today, and even about my favorite food?”
“Something like that. I asked if I could take you riding, said I needed to check out some
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potential new locations. He was happy to let you get some fresh air and gave me some suggestions, i think he knows you needed a fun day, and I happened to be able to provide
one
My heart sank, feeling like I’d been doused with cold water. So that was it just a pity invitation. I suddenly felt foolish for thinking this might be some kind of date. “So this is a pity invitation? 1 asked, unable to hide the disappointment in my voice.
“No! 1 genuinely wanted to spend the day with you. It just gave me an opportunity to ask. 1 figured you’d turn down a date invitation. Besides, your birthday is next week, so there’s no need to call it a date/
“Ah. That was wil 1 could manage in response, not knowing what else to say. His explanation left me confused yet hopeful. Was this a date or just a friendly ride? My thoughts were a jumbled mess, unable to sort through my feelings.
We didn’t speak for the rest of the journey, though it wasn’t far. Since we were on motorcycles, we shared a parking space, kyder dismounted faster than I did, so when I removed my helmet, I found him watching me. I had just finished fixing my hair and taken off my gloves and jacket when I realized he’d been staring at me the entire time.
His gaze made my skin burn like fire. It wasn’t just a casual look but a deep, appreciative stare that made my heart pound in my chest.
“Need help wiping that drool? I joked, trying to ease the sudden tension.
“You wish. He gave me a charming half–smile as I walked past him. I almost thought he might slap my backside, but he didn’t. I wasn’t sure if I wanted the flirtation. The cool air conditioning, felt particularly refreshing as we entered the restaurant.
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