Ride With Me (Paige and Jace) novel Chapter 91

CHAPTER 56 2

CHAPTER 56-2

I have to find embarrassing stories about you.” He said.

“You’ll have to ask Uncle Will.” I said and his smile softened.

“I wish I could.” He said.

Crum

The conversation faded naturally after that. When we finally headed upstairs, I realized I wasn’t nervous. I wasn’t wondering whether I belonged. I simply followed him down the hallway as though I’d done it a hundred times before.

Jace opened the bedroom door and stepped aside, letting me walk in first. I set my overnight bag on the chair near the window while he quietly closed the door behind us. Neither of us rushed the moment, because after everything we had been through during the past few weeks, the peaceful silence felt like a gift.

He crossed the room and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

“You’ve had a big day.” He said softly.

“So have you.” I said.

His hand lingered against my cheek, warm and steady and I leaned into the touch before I even

realized I was doing it. A small smile appeared on his face and somehow that simple expression

made my heart race more than any grand declaration ever could.

“I like seeing you smile.” He admitted.

“I’ve been doing it a lot more lately.” I said.

“I’ve noticed.” He said.

I slipped my arms around his waist and he wrapped me in an embrace that felt strong without ever feeling restrictive. We stood there for several quiet moments, listening to each other’s breathing while the rest of the world seemed to disappear beyond the bedroom walls.

When I finally looked up, our eyes met and he kissed me slowly. There was no urgency and no

pressure. Just warmth, affection and the quiet certainty that we were exactly where we wanted to

When we finally pulled apart, I rested my forehead against his.

“I think this is my favorite place.” I whispered and he smiled.

“I was hoping you’d say that.” He said.

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CHAPTER 56 2

His fingers found mine as we climbed into bed and he kept hold of my hand until sleep quietly

claimed us both.

The next morning sunlight filtered through the curtains and the smell of fresh coffee reached the

bedroom before either of us spoke. Jace stretched and smiled.

“I was thinking pancakes.” He said.

“I was thinking coffee first.” I said.

“That’s probably smarter.” He said.

Twenty minutes later we stood side by side in the clubhouse kitchen. He mixed pancake batter

while I cooked bacon and somehow we managed to work around each other without getting in the

other’s way.

It felt effortless. At one point we both reached for the same spatula and he laughed.

“I’ll let the professional handle breakfast.” He said.

“I’m glad you’ve accepted my superiority.” I said.

“I’m choosing my battles.” He said and Emma wandered in halfway through cooking and looked

from me to Jace before smiling knowingly.

“You two look suspiciously domestic.” She said as I looked down at the frying pan.

“We’re making breakfast.” I said.

“I know. You also moved around each other without speaking once.” She said as she grinned and

Jace shrugged.

“We’ve had practice.” Jace said.

Emma laughed as she poured herself a coffee. Watching everyone gather around the table a few minutes later, passing plates, teasing each other and arguing over who had stolen the last piece of

bacon, something settled quietly inside me.

Months ago, mornings had begun alone above the garage with only Uncle Will’s memories for company. Now they began with laughter, coffee and people who made room for me without asking me to become someone else first.

I wasn’t replacing my old home. I was building a new one.

Later that morning I drove back to Lawson Customs with a full stomach and an unexpectedly light

heart.

I unlocked the front office, switched on the workshop lights and smiled as Ben greeted Diesel like

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