Ride With Me (Paige and Jace) novel Chapter 224

CHAPTER 129-2

“Sometimes it is.” He said and I laughed quietly

We moved together while the music played, and after a few minutes, I stopped thinking about everyone watching. I simply enjoyed being there with him.

When the song ended, another one started, and Jace didn’t let go.

“You promised one dance.” I said.

“I changed my mind.” He said.

“Convenient.” I said.

“I like having you this close.” He said and I smiled.

“I can live with that.” I said.

We danced through another song, and then another.

Eventually, Emma walked past and shook her head.

“Jace.” Emma said and he looked at her.

“What?” He asked.

“You’re completely distracted.” She said and he laughed.

“I’m dancing.” He said.

“You’re staring at Paige.” She said.

“She’s my old lady.” He said.

“That’s not the point.” She said and I laughed.

“Leave him alone.” I said and Emma grinned.

“I’m just enjoying this.” I added and Jace shook his head.

“You’re impossible.” Emma said.

“So I’ve been told.” He said and she walked away laughing.

I rested my head against Jace’s shoulder.

“This is nice.” He said.

“It is. I don’t think I’ve had a normal night in months.” I said.

“You deserve one.” He said and I looked up at him.

“So do you.” I said as he kissed my forehead.

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Then let’s enjoy it.” He said

Later, we sat at one of the tables with Emma, Mason, Derek, Mia, and several others.

Mason was telling ridiculous story about the time he’d tried to repair his own motorcycle after watching an online tutorial.

“YouTube made it look easy.” He insisted and Derek laughed.

“Because you watched the wrong video.” Derek said.

“I watched three.” Mason said.

“And somehow you still managed to make it worse.” Derek said as Mia covered her mouth while laughing and I shook my head.

“How did you even manage that?” I asked as Mason pointed at me.

“You’re supposed to be on my side.” Mason said.

“I’m a mechanic, not a miracle worker.” I said and everyone laughed again.

For a while, the conversation stayed completely ordinary.

We talked about the expansion at Lawson Customs, the construction delays, the new mechanics, and the ridiculous amount of work waiting for us and Emma asked about the new workshop.

“Are you excited?” She asked.

“Very,” I said.

“Even after someone vandalized the equipment?” She asked and I nodded.

“It made me angry, but it didn’t change what I want.” I said as Jace looked at me proudly.

“That’s why she’ll succeed.” Jace said and I smiled.

“Don’t put too much pressure on me.” I said.

“I’m not.” He said.

“You are.” I said.

“I’m just stating facts.” He said and I laughed.

After dinner, the band played something faster, and several people headed back onto the dance floor and Mason grabbed Emma’s hand.

“Come on.” Mason said and she laughed.

“You’re not getting away with that.” She said.

They joined the others, while Jace remained beside me.

“You want another dance?” He asked and I nodded.

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“Definitely I said so he stood and held out his hand and I took it.

We joined the crowd, and this time I didn’t feel nervous at all. I laughed when Jace spun me around, because he was much better at dancing than I’d expected.

“Where did you learn that?” asked.

“I have secrets.” He said.

“You’ve got a lot of those.” I said as his expression changed slightly.

I immediately knew what he was thinking. The secrets surrounding the club had become part of our lives, and even during a peaceful night, they were never completely forgotten so I squeezed his hand.

“Tonight isn’t about that.” I said and he looked at me.

“No.” He said.

“Tonight is just us.” I said and he smiled.

“Just us.” He said.

We continued dancing and for the first time in weeks, I wasn’t looking over my shoulder.

I wasn’t checking doors. I wasn’t wondering whether someone was watching the garage. I wasn’t thinking about Victor. I was simply Paige, standing in a crowded community hall with the man I loved.

When the song ended, Jace pulled me closer.

“I’m glad you came.” He said.

“So am I.” I said.

“You almost didn’t.” He said.

“I know.” I said and he smiled.

“I would have dragged you here.” He said.

“I believe you.” I said.

The band started another song, and we stayed on the dance floor.

Across the room, however, someone wasn’t dancing.

Charlotte stood near the back wall, holding a drink she hadn’t touched. Her eyes remained fixed on me and Jace.

I noticed her only because she turned slightly when someone walked past and our eyes met.

She didn’t smile and neither did I.

For several seconds, we simply stared at each other. Then Charlotte looked away and Jace noticed my expression.

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