Ride With Me (Paige and Jace) novel Chapter 223

CHAPTER 129-1

By Saturday evening, twas standing in front of the bedroom mirror wondering why I had agreed to attend the town dance.

The annual fundraiser was held every year at the community center, and normally I found some excuse to avoid it, because crowded rooms, uncomfortable dresses, and small talk had never been high on my list of enjoyable activities.

This year was different. Emma had practically refused to accept no for an answer.

“You need to come.” She’d said that afternoon.

“I’ve got work.” I said.

“You always have work.” She said.

“I could organize the garage.” I said.

“On a Saturday night?” She asked.

“I could.” I said.

“You won’t.” She said.

She’d been right. Now I stood in front of the mirror wearing a dark blue dress that fell just below my knees, and I couldn’t remember the last time I’d dressed up properly.

I ran my fingers through my hair and checked my reflection again.

I looked different. Not unrecognizable, but different enough that I almost laughed.

The bedroom door opened, and Jace stepped inside.

He stopped and I looked at him through the mirror.

“What?” I asked.

He didn’t answer immediately. He was wearing a dark suit with a white shirt, and his hair was neatly styled instead of being shoved beneath a motorcycle helmet so I turned around.

“Jace?” I asked and he finally smiled.

“You look beautiful.” He said and I smiled.

“Thank you.” I said as he walked closer.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you dressed like this.” He said.

“Neither have I.” I said and he laughed softly.

“Are you nervous?” He asked.

“A little.” I said.

13

Chait

CHARTERIN

“You don’t need to be.” He said.

I know, but it’s been years since I’ve done something like this.” I said and he held out his hand.

“Then we’ll do it together. He said as I took his hand.

“Deal.” I said.

When we arrived at the community center, several Iron Vipers were already standing near the entrance, and the second Mason saw me, his eyes widened.

“Who are you, and what have you done with Paige?” He asked and I laughed.

“Very funny.” I said as Derek looked me over.

“I almost didn’t recognize you.” Derek said.

“That’s because you’re used to seeing me covered in grease.” I said.

“Usually you’re holding a wrench.” He said.

“Give me ten minutes.” I said and everyone laughed as Mason looked toward Jace.

“You’re in trouble tonight.” Mason said as Jace frowned.

“Why?” Jace asked.

“Because she’s going to have half the room staring at her.” Mason said as Jace glanced at me.

“I noticed.” Jace said.

Emma walked over wearing a long green dress, and she hugged me.

“You look gorgeous.” She said.

“So do you.” I said and she smiled.

“I knew you would.” She said.

“I almost changed back into jeans.” I said.

“I would have personally dragged you back here.” She said and I laughed.

“I believe you.” I said.

The room was already crowded, because tables filled the edges of the hall while a small stage had been set up near the front.

Music played through the speakers, and people were talking over one another while volunteers moved between tables carrying drinks and plates of food.

It felt strangely normal and that was what I liked about it.

For once, nobody was talking about Black Reapers. Nobody was talking about surveillance, vandalism, fires, or threats. People were simply enjoying their Saturday night and Jace took my hand.

2.3

CHAPTER 129

Come un.” He said.

“Where?” I asked.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify