Ride With Me (Paige and Jace) novel Chapter 80

CHAPTER 49-1

Monday mornings rarely stayed quiet for long. By eight o’clock, Lawson Customs was already

humming with activity. Ben had two motorcycles on lifts, Mia was juggling phone calls while

updating the appointment calendar and I was halfway through replacing a clutch assembly on a

touring bike that had somehow survived two hundred thousand miles without falling apart.

“I’ve decided this motorcycle deserves a medal.” I muttered while loosening another stubborn bolt

and Ben looked over from the next service bay.

“I thought you were going to say retirement.” He said.

“That too, but medals are cheaper.” I said and he laughed and returned to work.

The garage had settled back into its familiar rhythm after the attempted kidnapping, although

there were small reminders that life wasn’t entirely normal. An Iron Viper motorcycle rolled slowly

past the front of the shop every hour or so, Derek stopped by under the excuse of needing fresh

brake pads that clearly did not need replacing and Hunter somehow found a reason to buy coffee

from the café across the street three times before lunch.

Nobody announced they were watching over me. They simply did and I appreciated the effort,

even if I pretended not to notice.

The bell above the office door chimed and Mia looked up from her desk.

“Morning. Welcome to Lawson Customs.” Mia said.

I wiped my hands on a clean rag before glancing toward the reception area and the smile

disappeared from my face.

Charlotte.

She stood in the doorway wearing an expensive cream colored dress that looked completely out

of place inside a motorcycle workshop. Designer sunglasses rested on top of perfectly styled hair and she held an oversized handbag that probably cost more than my first pickup truck.

She looked around with the same expression people usually reserved for public restrooms.

“Well, if it isn’t my favorite tax deduction.” I said calmly and Charlotte’s lips tightened.

“You always did have an odd sense of humor.” She said.

“I’ve been told it grows on people.” I said.

“I doubt that.” She said.

19

ORN |||

O

13

CHAPTER 49-1

“I didn’t say everyone.” I said.

Charo

Several customers waiting near the front counter looked up from their coffee, quietly sensing they were about to witness something interesting and Charlotte walked farther into the garage without

waiting for an invitation.

“I didn’t realize you were so… busy.” She said as I glanced around the workshop.

“That’s generally what happens when people like your work.” I said so she smiled politely.

“I’m sure the novelty will wear off.” She said.

“I was wondering why business felt unusually successful today.” I said and her eyes narrowed ever

so slightly.

“You seem very confident.” She said.

“I’ve got good mechanics.” I said and Ben looked up.

“I think she means herself.” Ben said.

“I was trying to sound humble.” I said.

“You almost managed it.” He said and I pointed a grease stained rag toward him.

“Don’t ruin my reputation.” I said.

A ripple of quiet laughter moved through the waiting customers and Charlotte heard it. Her smile became noticeably tighter and she looked toward the office.

“So this is where you spend your time now.” She said.

“Most people call it work.” I said.

“I suppose that’s one way of describing it.” She said.

“What would you call it?” I asked.

“A phase.” She said and I shrugged.

“I’ve had worse hobbies.” I said.

“You honestly expect everyone to believe this little fantasy lasts forever?” She said and I leaned casually against the workbench.

“You’d be surprised what happens when people stop trying to control your life.” I said and Charlotte folded her arms.

“I came because I was concerned.” She said and I blinked dramatically.

:::

10

ควอล

|||

O

r

CHAPTER 49-1

Clary

“Mia, did you hear that?” I asked making Mia looked up from her computer without missing a beat.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify