Chapter 20
Xena’s POV
“No.”
We arrived at a drive–in movie theater, the kind where you could order food while enjoying the film. Tonight’s feature was “2012.”
“Hope you like cheeseburgers,” Ryder said with a smile.
“I do, actually.” I wasn’t particularly picky about food, as long as it wasn’t something ridiculous like those Donut Burgers.
Ryder found a spot at the back of the parking lot. We got out and he pulled out a blanket and spread it over the surface to protect the paint job, then we climbed onto his hood.
“I bet you bring girls here all the time,” I couldn’t help asking, though I felt an odd twinge of discomfort, secretly hoping he would deny it.
“You’re the first. This is usually something I do alone.”
His answer surprised me, making my heart beat a little faster. “Then why bring me?”
“I just wanted to watch a movie,” Ryder shrugged, his tone so flat I couldn’t tell if he was
serious or joking.
Our food arrived as the movie started. I was really enjoying the film. My cheeseburger was
juicy and delicious, with burger juice dripping down my chin until Ryder had to hand me a
napkin.
“Charming,” he teased.
“I try,” I laughed as I wiped the juice away, feeling a subtle intimacy flowing between us.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Sure,” I replied, only half listening as most of my attention was on the movie.
“You mentioned earlier that you’re smarter than everyone else. What did you mean by
that?”
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Chapter 20
“Exactly what I said. I’m just smarter.” I answered casually.
“What’s your IQ?”
“That’s a secret only my mate gets to know.” I smiled. “I mean, it’s not a huge secret, but it
is a secret.”
“Hmm.” Ryder took a sip of his cola, not pressing further.
“Let’s just say I could have skipped high school altogether and gone straight to college.” I immediately regretted saying too much. I always felt conflicted when this topic came up- part of me wanted someone to understand my differences, while another part feared being
labeled a freak.
“Why are you so interested in me?” I tried changing the subject.
“I’m not particularly interested, just making conversation.”
“My life isn’t as exciting as you might think. What you see is what you get.” I shrugged.
“If you say so.” Ryder gave me a smile tinged with sadness.
“Besides, if Helen is your type, then I’m the opposite. We could be friends, but I don’t
think I’m feminine enough for your taste,” I said honestly.
“I never said I was interested in you that way.”
His response disappointed me a little–apparently he was just playing around with no real
feelings involved. “No, you didn’t, did you?”
“I guess that kiss at the club was just a spur of the moment thing,” I said, taking another big bite of my burger and pretending to watch the movie.
“Something like that.” Ryder’s eyes remained fixed on the screen, not looking at me.
My disappointment deepened. I didn’t want to push the issue further, so we watched the movie in silence. But damn it, I couldn’t stop thinking about that kiss. There was a strange chemistry between us, maybe just physical attraction, or maybe it was his mysterious aura. Ryder had that silent, brooding man vibe that was sexy as hell.
“I like this movie,” Ryder said, sliding off the hood and extending his hand to help me
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Chapter 20
down. I appreciated the assistance since my ribs were still sore.
“Me too, it’s a classic.” We got into the car and Ryder folded up the blanket. His phone vibrated, and he checked it.
“Everything okay?” I asked, noticing his mood shift.
“It’s fine,” he answered almost curtly.
He stepped on the gas, and we sped away from the parking lot. My mouth opened and closed several times before I finally just leaned back in my seat and stayed quiet.
Awkwardness and confusion spread through me, not understanding why the atmosphere had suddenly become so tense.
We reached my pack house in record time. Ryder leaned over to open my door, but didn’t
get out himself.
“Oh, um… thanks for dinner and the movie,” I said, feeling disappointed and confused.
“You’re welcome,” he replied, clearly angry about something.
I got out of the car, bewildered, and before I could even close the door, he hit the gas and quickly drove away.
How strange. Even though it wasn’t particularly late, no one was awake, so I didn’t have to deal with Luna Martha’s interference and easily made it back to my room.
After a difficult shower, I finally crawled into bed and quickly fell asleep.
“Blade… Blade?” I hazily heard a female voice calling my name.
“What the hell?” I opened one eye to see sunlight streaming painfully through the
curtains. I rubbed my eyes and saw Ama sitting on my bed.
“I came to spend the day with you,” she said, her tone hopeful.
“Where’s your mate?” I asked.
“I’m seeing him tonight. Ryder came home in a bad mood last night, and it’s still continuing this morning.”
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Chapter 20
“When did he get home?” I asked, remembering last night and feeling an inexplicable sense of loss. I didn’t understand why his mood had changed so suddenly, or why I cared so much. The date was supposed to be just a casual social activity between friends, but my heart uncontrollably wanted more.
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