Chapter 61
Xena’s POV
“What’s wrong?” Logan asked as I got out of the car.
“Barnaby canceled his appointment because of his grandmother. I wanted to drop off a sympathy basket.”
“I figured, so I brought one for you.” Logan handed me the basket. “Ryder.” Logan extended his hand to Ryder, who shook it firmly.
“Martha’s busy with something, so as much as I’d love to chat, you should probably get going.” Logan’s hand was already on my shoulder, gently pushing me forward.
I nodded and got back in the car.
“Thanks, Logan!” Ryder called out as he returned to the driver’s seat, rolling down his
window to wave at my brother.
I gave Ryder directions, and we easily found Barnaby’s place. There were already several
people inside.
My heart suddenly raced, a mix of grief and nervousness washing over me. Even though Barnaby and I were on good terms, I always felt uncomfortable showing up for occasions like this, especially with Ryder in tow. I didn’t want him to feel dragged into this
situation.
“If you don’t want to go in, I understand,” I told Ryder as I stepped out of the car.
“I’ll wait for you out here,” Ryder replied, leaning against his car as I walked toward the
house.
“Xena! You didn’t have to come! I’m so sorry.” Barnaby looked a mess.
“Don’t apologize.” I placed the basket on the table with the cards and was quickly pulled
into a conversation.
Every time I attended something like this, I never knew what to say. Death caught everyone off guard, and words of comfort always seemed inadequate. But I knew that
1/5
Chapter 61
being present was what mattered most, even if I just stood silently.
It took me fifteen minutes to break free. When I walked outside, I saw Ryder checking his
watch.
“X?” A small voice called from behind me. It was Barnaby’s daughter, only three years old. I crouched down as she ran toward me with all her might, throwing her little arms around
- me.
Seeing the tears in Vesper’s eyes made my heart clench painfully. Children often had a
harder time understanding the concept of death than adults did. She must be so confused
about why her grandmother was suddenly gone.
“Oh, Vesper. You’ll see her again,” I tried to comfort her.
Barnaby’s mate Mary came out to collect her. “Mommy!” Vesper cried out.
“I’m sorry, she’s been upset,” Mary said.
“Are you planting flowers?” I asked.
“Yes.”
“Vesper, maybe you can help mommy and daddy pick out a flower for grandma?” I
suggested, crouching down to her level and speaking softly.
Vesper nodded through her tears. “Okay.”
Children’s minds were easily redirected. Giving her a task, something she could do for her grandmother, would make her feel like she was helping rather than just experiencing the helpless loss.
“Thank you,” Mary said, and I waved goodbye as she took her child back inside.
Ryder opened the car door for me, and I slid in. In an instant, he was in the car too.
“Sorry that took longer than I expected.”
“It’s fine.” This time, I was the one who reached for his hand. He took it without
hesitation, sending butterflies fluttering in my stomach.
2/5
Chapter 61
We drove in silence. I watched storm clouds gathering in the distance, the wind picking up, tossing leaves and branches. I rolled down my window and stuck my hand out, feeling the wind rush between my fingers and through my hair. It felt amazing.
“Are we going to get rain today?” I asked.
“Not this early, I think,” Ryder murmured, glancing up at the sky.
When we reached the parking lot, I got out, unlocked the door, and tossed my keys on the counter. I set down my bag and phone and started gathering all the tools we’d need.
Outside, Ryder unloaded his Harley from his pickup and wheeled it into the shop. After he entered, I closed the door, flipping the sign to “CLOSED.”
“We can finish the rest of the modifications tonight.”
“Good.” Ryder pushed the bike to the customization area.
I took out a set of Öhlins black and gold shock absorbers from the tool cart and placed them nearby. Carefully, I began removing the original shocks. Outside, the wind howled and a light rain began to fall. Inside the dimly lit shop, the only sounds were the crisp clinking of wrenches against metal and Ryder’s occasional breathing.
“The suspension system is like a person’s spine,” I explained as I installed the new shock absorbers. “It not only bears weight but also transmits sensation. This system will let you feel every inch of terrain on a rugged mountain road without sending the vibrations straight to your bones.”
“I didn’t expect you to be so eloquent,” Ryder said, handing me a wrench. I rolled my eyes at him.
He chuckled softly. “Any good wheel hub brands you’d recommend? I’m thinking of upgrading.
Arlen Ness 10–Gauge?” I suggested. It was a West Coast brand with strong visual impact, though not really my taste.
“That’s too flashy,” he replied, making me smile involuntarily. Good boy, same as me.
“Performance Machine Luxe? It’s understated but track–tested,” I recommended my
Chapter 61
personal favorite.
“Sounds good,” he nodded.
“That’ll take about three weeks to order. Payment method same as before.”
“Are you going to charge me for what you’re doing?” he asked after a moment of silence, suddenly bending down close to my ear.
His question surprised me, but the dim atmosphere was making my heart race. DAMN,
this was perfect for flirting. “Maybe… but not with money.” I pushed him away.
“What does the princess want, then?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Hmm, any suggestions?”
“I don’t know what you want. A date? A back massage?”
“I was thinking of something more… thrilling.”
“Oh? Like what?”
“Midnight motorcycle ride.”
“I think I can handle that. Let me arrange it.” Ryder agreed more easily than I’d expected.
My heart pounded wildly in my chest. I’d thought he might refuse or make excuses, but his quick agreement excited me. A midnight ride was something I’d always wanted to try but never found the right person to do it with. Sharing this first with Ryder seemed both dangerous and perfect.
“Really? That’s great.”
“Did you think I’d say no?” he asked, his green eyes twinkling with amusement in the dim light.
4/5
