Chapter 38
Xena’s POV
“She was my girlfriend freshman year. She had some attitude problems, got into some trouble, so her parents took her away, Ryder explained, his green eyes locked on mine.
“I can’t keep beating up your ex–girlfriends. Who else should I be looking out for? I tore at the napkin on the table, avoiding his intense gaze.
“Why are you so calm about what she said?”
I sighed. Wren’s comments had stung, but they weren’t untrue.
“Well, the rumors about Logan and me aren’t exactly false. Besides, she told us Helen wants to cheat. Now we can prepare,” I said dismissively.
“She’s in a cell. How can she cheat?”
“Never underestimate a woman with a grudge.” I smiled slightly, crumpling the napkin and tossing it into the trash can by Ryder’s feet.
Yara approached with our drinks and a plate of sausages. I brought you some appetizers to try. They’re new on the menu. Let me know what you think!”
When the plate arrived, I saw several thick, deep red sausages with a slight sheen, their cut surfaces revealing coarse black pepper and red chili flakes. Simple white bread and pickles accompanied them.
“Thanks!” I cut into the first piece, and juices immediately seeped out, releasing a rich smoky aroma. The first bite offered a slight resistance from the casing before it burst in my mouth with a “pop.” The meat was coarse yet juicy, and the coarse grains of black pepper and chili immediately exploded on my tongue, sending a wave of heat straight to my head. I reached for a napkin.
“Damn, this is amazing, Ryder almost moaned as he finished his portion.
“No way!” After swallowing that bite, I gulped down half my tea. Ryder watched me with amusement. I could feel my cheeks burning and my lips swelling.
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“Can’t handle spice?” he asked playfully.
“Not at all. I’m such a baby. Even mild is too spicy for me!” My nose started running. Ryder laughed as I had to blow my nose and fan my face. I felt embarrassed.
“Seriously?”
“Absolutely.”
“Are you okay?” Yara asked, looking at my face.
I couldn’t answer, just drank water frantically. My tongue and cheeks remained in a
numbed state.
Ryder pulled the napkin holder from the next table and placed it in front of me. “These are really great,” he smiled at Yara.
“Wonderful!” Yara walked away, and Ryder grabbed another piece. I shook my head silently, wondering if his stomach was made of steel.
“Where’s that property located?” I asked.
“About an hour’s drive east.”
“That would make for a nice ride.” I leaned forward, gazing through the window. Spring sunlight bathed the distant fields, suddenly brightening my mood.
“Did you find a dress when you went shopping?” Ryder took a sip of water, his gaze fixed on me over the rim of his glass.
“Actually, I found two. One for my birthday, one for the dance.” I smirked.
“What’s that look for?”
“The birthday party is formal.”
“So…?”
“I have two dresses. One’s black, the other’s deep red,” I was deliberately teasing him.
“Let me guess, you’re planning to wear the red one for your birthday?”
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“Even Logan approved. I’ll make one hell of a statement.”
D
“Good girl.” The way he said it and the way he looked at me forced me to cross my legs. In that moment, a wave of heat spread from my chest throughout my body, and I could almost hear my heartbeat accelerating.
“Your food is here! Enjoy!” The aroma of food wafted toward us. I grabbed the regular
barbecue sauce and spread it on the meat before eating.
“No bread?” Ryder asked, looking at my plate.
“No, it’ll just fall out anyway.” I shrugged, enjoying the delicious food.
“Fair point.” Ryder took a few bites. “This is delicious.”
“Absolutely the best!” Smiling, I finished my barbecue and fried okra. While eating, I secretly observed Ryder’s profile, finding even his focused eating attractive.
“Need anything else?” Yara approached us.
“Just the check, please!” I said. Ryder nodded, but his mouth was still full of food.
“This one’s on the house!”
“No way! Let me pay!” I quickly protested, not wanting to take advantage.
“No way! Girl, you come here all the time. Enjoy your day!” She walked away before I
could protest again.
“Ready to go?” Ryder asked, pulling out his wallet.
“Yes, but I can pay,” I insisted.
“No. This was my idea, I’m paying.” Ryder left 50 dollars on the table. “Shall we?”
It was far more than a normal tip, even if they had charged us. The generous gesture was enough to warm my heart. “Thank you for doing that,” I said as we walked out.
“Even if they don’t charge us, working with Wren is headache enough. She deserves to be paid for that.” Ryder put on his helmet. I also geared up and started my motorcycle.
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“Ready?” I asked.
“Yes, ma’am,” Ryder replied, and we set off.
We rode along winding roads without talking. Ryder even chose the back roads to enjoy the scenery. Flowers bloomed, birds flew, and I felt incredibly free. My heart beat joyfully, and everything around me felt vibrant with life.
I didn’t realize Ryder had slowed down and was riding beside me instead of in front.
“Having fun?” he asked.
“Very much. I love this feeling. The wind in my hair, the fresh air. I feel free and happy,” I answered with a smile, my heart full of gratitude. In this moment, it was as if all my
worries had been blown away by the wind.
“Good.” Ryder returned to the front position, but he kept checking on me through his rearview mirror. I noticed his gaze, feeling a sweet flutter in my chest.
Ryder slowed his motorcycle and turned. Part of the road was gravel, but we only traveled
a short distance before he drove into a field.
After parking our motorcycles, I was able to appreciate the beautiful view before us. Once I removed my helmet, gloves, and jacket, I walked forward a few steps, wanting to take in
the scenery from all angles. Sunlight bathed the distant hills, a gentle breeze caressed my, cheeks, and in this moment, I felt a profound sense of peace and contentment.
The grassy field stretched out before us, dotted with wildflowers that swayed gently in the breeze. In the distance, rolling hills rose and fell like waves in a green ocean, with patches
of forest creating darker shadows along their contours. The sky above was a brilliant blue
with just a few wispy clouds.
I closed my eyes, tilting my face toward the sun, letting its warmth seep into my skin.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Ryder’s voice came from beside me. I hadn’t heard him approach.
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