Ride With Me (Paige and Jace) novel Chapter 176

CHAPTER 105-2

“Because I don’t want anyone holding something over me later.” I said as his expression changed.

“I would never do that.” He said.

“I can’t take that chance.” I said and Charles was silent so i softened my voice.

“I appreciate the offer.” I said and he looked at me.

“But?” He asked.

“But I have to say no.” I said and he nodded.

“All right.” He said.

For a moment, I thought he might argue again. Instead, he placed the business card on the counter.

“If you change your mind, call me.” He said but I didn’t pick it up.

“Thank you.” I said.

He turned toward the door but then he stopped.

“You really have built something here.” He said and I looked at him.

“Yes.” I said.

“You should be proud.” He said as he walked outside.

I watched him leave through the front window until his car disappeared down the street and Mia waited several seconds before speaking.

“That was strange.” Mia said and I nodded.

“Very.” I said as she picked up the business card.

“He’s offering money.” She said.

“I know.” I said.

“Serious money.” She said.

“I know.” I said and she looked at me.

“And you turned it down.” She said.

“Yes.” I said and Mia stared at the card.

“I almost believed him.” She said as I looked at her.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“He sounded sincere.” She said and I sighed.

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“That’s what worries me.” I said.

“Do you think he was lying?” She asked.

“I don’t know.” I said

“Then why refuse?” She asked.

“Because I don’t know.” I said and Mia nodded slowly.

“Fair enough.” She said.

I picked up the card and studied it before placing it in the drawer.

“I’m not going to accuse him of anything. But I don’t trust him.” I said.

“No. Neither do I.” She said and she nodded.

The morning continued, but Charles’s visit stayed in my mind.

+25 Points

I worked on a motorcycle, replaced a damaged brake line, answered customer questions, and helped Ben organize parts, but every so often, I caught myself thinking about the offer.

He could have made the expansion easier. He could have helped with renovations. He could have offered equipment or connections.

But accepting his money would have created a connection I wasn’t comfortable with.

I didn’t want Lawson Customs owing anyone. Especially Charles.

Around lunchtime, Jace walked through the front door and he smiled when he saw me.

“How’s my favourite mechanic?” He asked.

“Busy.” I said.

“That’s good.” He said as he kissed my forehead.

“Everything okay?” He asked and I hesitated.

“Charles came by.” I said as Jace’s smile disappeared.

“What did he want?” Jace asked.

“To congratulate me.” I said.

“And?” He asked.

“He offered to invest in the expansion.” I said as Jace stared at me.

“You said no.” He said.

“Immediately.” I said and his expression softened.

“Good.” He said.

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“wasn’t sure whether I was being too suspicious” I said.

“You’re not.” He said.

“He sounded sincere.” said and Jace looked toward the door.

“That doesn’t mean anything.” He said.

“I know.” I said as he took/my hand.

“You did the right thing.” He assured me and I smiled.

“That’s what Mia said.” I said.

“Then we’re all in agreement.” He said and I laughed.

+25 Paints

For the rest of the afternoon, things returned to normal. Customers arrived. Repairs were completed. Mia handled paperwork and Ben finished an engine rebuild.

By closing time, I was tired enough that I wanted nothing more than a shower and bed.

I locked the front door, checked the workshop, turned off the lights, and walked toward the parking lot.

My phone started ringing and I glanced at the screen.

My mother.

Victoria.

I stopped walking and for several seconds, I simply stared at her name.

“Hi, Mom.” I answered and her voice was quiet.

“Paige, are you alone?” She asked as my stomach tightened.

“Yes.” I said.

“Good.” She said.

“Why?” I asked.

“I need to tell you something.” She said and I looked toward Lawson Customs.

“What happened?” I asked.

“I can’t explain over the phone.” She said.

“Then tell me now.” I demanded.

“I need you to meet me.” She said.

“About Charlotte?” I asked.

“No.” She said.

“Uncle Will?” I asked.

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CHAPTER 105.

“Partly.” She said and my heart begärrpounding.

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