Ride With Me (Paige and Jace) novel Chapter 71

CHAPTER 43-1

Monday morning arrived with the familiar smell of fresh coffee, motor oil, and rubber, although something felt noticeably different the moment I unlocked the front door of Lawson Customs.

The garage looked exactly the same and the lifts stood where they always had. My toolbox sat beneath the front window and Ben arrived carrying another breakfast burrito that would probably disappear before eight o’clock.

Nothing had changed. Except the people so I rolled up the main workshop door and stepped

outside to enjoy the cool morning air before another busy day began.

The deep rumble of motorcycles echoed from the street a few moments later.

The Iron Vipers.

Jace rode in first, followed by Derek, Cole, Hunter, Mason, and several other members. Normally

Hunter would have shouted some ridiculous greeting before his motorcycle even stopped but this morning everyone simply parked, climbed off their bikes and walked toward me.

Derek reached me first and he stopped a few feet away and rubbed the back of his neck.

“I owe you an apology.” Derek said as I folded my arms with a small smile.

“That sounds serious.” I said.

“It is.” He said and he took a slow breath.

“I underestimated you.” He said.

“I noticed.” I said.

“I figured you did. I looked at you and saw a mechanic who happened to be dating our president.” He said as his expression remained completely sincere.

“I am a mechanic.” I said.

“You are. But that wasn’t all you were, and I didn’t bother looking any deeper.” He said but I just shrugged lightly.

“You weren’t the only one.” I said.

“No. But I plan on being the last. No more underestimating Paige Lawson.” He said as a faint smile crossed his face as he held out his hand and I looked at his hand for a moment before shaking it.

“No hard feelings.” I said.

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“There aren’t?” He asked.

There never were.” I said and he smiled.

I’m glad.” He said.

The conversation lasted less than a minute, but somehow it carried more weight than a long speech ever could. Respect wasn’t always loud but sometimes it was simply admitting you had

been wrong.

The rest of the club drifted into the garage as customers slowly began arriving for their appointments. Something else became obvious before long but nobody hovered over me anymore or quietly tried to position themselves between me and the front door.

The protectiveness hadn’t disappeared, it had simply changed. Instead of treating me like someone who needed constant rescuing and they treated me like someone capable of standing

beside them.

The difference was subtle. It mattered more than they probably realized and Hunter wandered into the workshop carrying two boxes of donuts.

“I brought peace offerings.” Hunter said as Ben immediately reached for one and Hunter slapped

his hand away.

“Employees wait.” Hunter snapped.

“I am an employee.” Ben said.

“Exactly.” Hunter said and Ben looked at me.

“Can I fire him?” Ben asked.

“I’m considering it.” I said and Hunter finally handed over the box.

“I still outrank him.” Hunter said and Ben took a bite of a glazed donut.

“I don’t think donuts come with rank.” I said.

“They absolutely do.” Hunter said.

I rolled my eyes while tightening a bolt on the motorcycle sitting in front of me.

“You two sound like children.” I said.

“We’re entertaining children.” Hunter said.

“You’ve got a point.” I said.

Hunter leaned against the workbench while watching me finish the repair.

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CHAPTER 43 1

“So…” Hunter said and I glanced up.

“So?” I asked.

+25 Pomp

“You think you’d ever teach me some of that self defense stuff?” Hunter asked and I pretended to

think about it.

“Hmm. I’ll make a deal with you.” I said and he waited expectantly.

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