Ride With Me (Paige and Jace) novel Chapter 100

CHAPTER 63-1

The morning started better than most mornings had lately, because the sun was shining through the workshop windows, the coffee machine was working, and the rare motorcycle sitting beneath the overhead lights looked like the beginning of something important.

I arrived before seven, as usual and after showering, brushing my teeth and pulling my hair into a loose ponytail, I headed downstairs with Diesel following close behind.

The garage smelled like coffee, oil and fresh rubber, and for once the familiar scent made me feel

completely at peace.

Ben was already there.

“You slept?” He asked as I looked at him.

“Why wouldn’t I?” I asked.

“You’ve got that look.” He said.

“What look?” I asked.

“The look you get when you’ve got a huge project.” He said and I smiled.

“I’ve been waiting for a project like this for years.” I said and he nodded toward the vintage

motorcycle.

“Then let’s make it perfect.” He said.

We spent the next hour photographing every part before we touched anything, because Oliver had

specifically requested that the restoration preserve as much original material as possible. I carefully documented the engine, frame, electrical system, suspension and paintwork while Ben

entered each component into the inventory.

Mia worked through the new schedule from her desk and she occasionally shouted questions toward the workshop whenever she needed clarification.

I

Everything felt normal and then my phone rang. The number wasn’t saved so I wiped my hands before answering.

“Hello?” I answered.

“Is this Paige Lawson?” He asked.

“Yes.” I said.

“This is Oliver Hayes.” He said and I immediately noticed the tension in his voice.

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CAMPTER 63 1

“Good morning.” I said.

“Lneed to speak with you.” He said.

“Of course.” I said.

“I’ll be at the garage shortly.” He said and the call ended so I lowered my phone and Ben looked

over.

“Everything alright?” He asked.

“I don’t know.” I said.

Twenty minutes later Oliver arrived.

He stepped through the front entrance carrying the same leather folder from our meeting, but this time his expression was serious.

He didn’t look at the motorcycle. He looked straight at me.

“Can we talk privately?” He asked.

“Sure.” I said so I led him into the office and closed the door and he placed the folder on the desk.

“I received some information about you.” He said and my stomach tightened.

“What kind of information?” I asked.

“Someone contacted me anonymously.” He said.

“About me?” I asked and he nodded.

“They claimed you aren’t qualified to restore my motorcycle.” He said and I stared at him for

several seconds.

“Who?” I asked.

“They wouldn’t identify themselves.” He said.

“What exactly did they say?” I asked so Oliver opened the folder.

“They claimed you’ve never handled a restoration of this scale, that Lawson Customs is too small

to complete the work properly and that your reputation is exaggerated.” He said and I almost

laughed. Almost. But instead I took a slow breath.

“Do you believe them?” I asked.

“I don’t know. That’s why I’m here.” He said and his honesty surprised me and I nodded.

“Fair enough.” I said.

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CHAPTER 63 )

I walked toward the filing cabinet and pulled out a thick portfolio.

“Then don’t take my word for it. Look.” I added as I placed it on the desk.

Oliver opened the first page. Photographs showed a classic motorcycle before and after

restoration.

“The blue Indian belongs to a collector in Ohio.” I said and I turned another page.

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