Ride With Me (Paige and Jace) novel Chapter 189

CHAPTER 112-T

Saturday afternoon arrived with clear skies, warm air, and absolutely no reason for anyone to stay indoors, so the Iron Vipers decided that a barbecue was exactly what everyone needed.

After the last few weeks, I wasn’t going to argue.

I woke beside Jace, and for once, I didn’t immediately reach for my phone to check whether something had happened overnight.

I showered, brushed my teeth, pulled my hair into a ponytail, and dressed in shorts and an old Lawson Customs shirt before heading downstairs.

Jace was already in the kitchen, and he was making coffee while Mason stood beside the refrigerator eating something straight from a container and I looked at him.

“Is that breakfast?” I asked and Mason nodded.

“Technically.” He said.

“What does technically mean?” I asked.

“It means I didn’t use a plate.” He said and I laughed as Jace shook his head.

“One day, you’re going to learn how to eat like a normal person.” Jace said but Mason shrugged.

“I don’t see the problem.” Mason said as I grabbed my coffee.

“The problem is that Emma is going to find out.” I said and Mason immediately put the container down.

“Then nobody saw anything.” He said and I laughed

“Too late.” I said.

The clubhouse was already preparing for the afternoon, because tables had been moved into the backyard, grills were being cleaned, and several families had brought chairs and blankets.

The children had apparently decided that the barbecue needed entertainment, and judging by the collection of water balloons sitting near the patio, I already knew where this was going so I pointed toward them.

“Who bought those?” I asked and Mason raised his hand.

“Not me.” Mason said and I looked at him.

“You just said that before I asked.” I said as he lowered his hand.

“Fair point.” He said and Emma walked outside carrying a tray of food.

“I told them not to start until everyone had eaten.” Emma said and the children looked disappointed.

One little boy whispered something to another child, and they both looked toward me so I narrowed my

eyes.

CHAPTER 194

“Don’t even think about it.” I said and they immediately looked innocent as Jace laughed.

You know they’re going to get you.” Jace said.

“I know.” I said.

“You can’t stop them.” He said.

“I can try.” I said and he smiled.

“Good luck.” He said.

The barbecue started around noon, and the backyard quickly filled with people. The smell of burgers and grilled chicken drifted through the air while music played from the speakers.

Mason stood at the grill and Derek kept stealing pieces of food whenever Mason turned around.

“I saw that.” Mason said and Derek looked innocent.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I said.

“You took another piece.” Mason said.

“I was checking the temperature.” Derek said.

“With your mouth?” Mason asked.

“It was necessary.” Derek said and everyone laughed.

I sat beside Emma while the children played football near the fence.

Diesel ran between them and every time the ball went too far, he chased after it and brought it back.

The afternoon felt almost normal. That mattered.

I had spent so much time looking over my shoulder that simply sitting outside and laughing felt like a luxury and Jace came over and handed me a plate.

“Eat.” He said and I smiled.

“You’re becoming bossy.” I said.

“I’m making sure you eat.” He said.

“I can feed myself.” I said.

“I know.” He said as he kissed my cheek.

“Eat anyway.” He added and I smiled.

“Fine.” I said.

For the next hour, everyone ate, talked, and laughed and then the children disappeared behind the clubhouse.

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