Gage walked towards Nicole, his eyes locked onto hers. "Sorry to bother you," he said, his voice low and smooth.
Nicole smiled warmly, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "No problem; very few guests come to our house anyway, and we are neighbors, and it is our duty to help each other."
Gage's face broke out into a wide smile, and he sat down next to Nicole at the kitchen table. They both began to eat their breakfast, the silence between them comfortable and easy.
Nicole spoke up after a few minutes, her curiosity getting the better of her. "Did your stuff come?"
Gage nodded, his mouth full of food. "Yes, it came last night. I just have to arrange stuff in the house. I haven't arranged even a single item in the kitchen yet."
Nicole's eyes widened in surprise. "So where did you have dinner last night?"
Gage's grin was mischievous. "I neither eat nor sleep at night."
Nicole's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Why?"
Gage's expression turned serious. "This is my way of working."
Nicole's curiosity was piqued. "By the way, what work do you do?"
She took a sip of water from her glass, but as soon as Gage replied, the water spilled out of her mouth. "What? Are you really a writer?"
Gage laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Why is it hard to believe?"
Nicole's face was flushed with excitement. "Absolutely, I mean, you just look at yourself. After listening to a writer, we imagine a man who is simple, simple in clothes, glasses on his eyes, formal shoes, straightened straight hair, and you... you don't fit in this image at all. Muscle, wide chest, abs, sexy look, well-built body... and I've seen a writer doing gym for the first time."
Gage's laughter was deep and rich, and he shook his head. "Well, I am a bit different. What do you do?"
Nicole took another sip of water, but this time she managed to swallow it without spilling. "I work in Harrison Cop. I'm the assistant to the CEO there."
This time, it was Gage's turn to be surprised. Water spilled out of his mouth as he coughed, and Nicole looked at him in concern. "What happened?"
Gage wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "No, nothing. That company is a very well-known company."
Nicole nodded proudly. "Yes."
Gage's eyes narrowed slightly. "Then why didn't you go to the office?"
Nicole smiled. "My boss has gone on a private trip, and before leaving, he gave me leave for a few days."
Gage's face broke out into a wide smile. "Great, then you're free."
Nicole raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
Gage's eyes locked onto hers, his expression serious. "Will you help me arrange my stuff?"
Nicole's face softened, and she nodded. "Sure."
Gage's smile was warm and genuine. "Thank you."
****
Nicole smiled teasingly at Gage. "You haven't done anything till now except your gym."
Gage chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I like to go to the gym."
Nicole nodded, a hint of envy in her voice. "Me too, but I don't get time."
Gage's face lit up with a warm smile. "Well, you can use my home gym. I can help you with your workout."
Nicole's eyes widened in surprise, and she smiled gratefully. "Really? Thank you."
But then she turned back to the task at hand. "Let's start with the kitchen first."
Gage nodded, and together they dove into the task of unpacking and organizing his kitchen. The hours flew by as they worked together, their conversation flowing easily as they got to know each other better.
As the day wore on, they moved from room to room, transforming Gage's empty apartment into a warm and welcoming home. Nicole was impressed by Gage's taste in decor, and he was grateful for her keen eye for detail.
After many hours of hard work, they finally stepped back to admire their handiwork. Gage's apartment was now a beautifully decorated home, filled with warmth and character.
Nicole smiled, feeling a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. "It looks amazing," she said, her eyes shining with admiration.
Gage grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "We make a good team," he said, his voice low and smooth.
Nicole's heart skipped a beat as she met his gaze, feeling a spark of attraction between them. She smiled, feeling a sense of excitement and possibility. "Yes, we do."
Nicole let out a deep sigh, her eyes drooping with exhaustion. "I'm very tired, very hungry."
Gage smiled sympathetically. "Let's order pizza."
Nicole's face lit up with a smile. "Okay."
Gage pulled out his phone and dialed the number of a local pizzeria. As they waited for the pizza to arrive, they sat down on the couch, enjoying the warm and cozy atmosphere of the apartment.
Nicole gazed out the window, her eyes taking in the breathtaking view of the city. "The view of this part of the building is beautiful. See the setting sun from here?"
Gage smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Maybe I'm lucky."
Nicole laughed, a playful glint in her eye. "Yes, sure. You got a friend like me."
Gage chuckled, his deep laughter sending a warm feeling through Nicole's chest.
Just then, the doorbell rang, shrill and insistent. Nicole stood up, a smile on her face. "Maybe our pizza has arrived."
She walked towards the door, her heart feeling light and carefree. But as she opened the door, her smile faltered. Standing in the doorway, a sneer on his face, was her ex-boyfriend Jack.
Nicole's eyes narrowed, her heart sinking with a sense of dread. "Jack, what are you doing here?"
Jack's gaze slid past Nicole, his eyes locking onto Gage, who was standing behind her. "Ooh, looks like you're with a new boyfriend," he sneered, his voice dripping with malice.
Nicole's face flushed with anger. "Stop talking nonsense, Jack."
But Jack just laughed, his eyes glinting with amusement. "You're a stupid girl; you feel someone's love is controlling. How long to stay with it? Two months, four months, or six months?"
Gage stepped forward, his eyes flashing with anger. "Hey, do what you have come for and leave from here; otherwise, you will regret it."
But Jack just sneered at him. "Don't be fooled by this girl; she will just pass the time with you."
Nicole's anger boiled over, and she took a step forward, her eyes blazing. "Jack, go, or else I will call security."
Gage's voice was calm and steady, but there was a hint of steel in his tone. "I am enough for you; go."
Jack's sneer faltered, and he took a step back, his eyes darting nervously between Nicole and Gage. For a moment, he seemed to hesitate, but then he turned and slunk away, disappearing into the night.
Nicole let out a deep breath, her heart still racing with anger. But as she turned to Gage, she saw that he was watching her with a warm and concerned expression.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice low and gentle.
Nicole nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards him. "Yes, I'm fine. Thank you for standing up for me."
Gage smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Anytime," he said, his voice filled with warmth and sincerity.
***
Nicole trudged into the apartment, her feet heavy with the weight of her emotions. She flopped down onto the sofa, letting out a deep sigh as she buried her face in her hands. Gage, sensing her distress, walked towards her with the pizza in hand. He sat down beside her, his expression concerned."Hey, what's wrong?" he asked, setting the pizza box on the coffee table.Nicole lifted her head, her eyes welling up with tears. "Fuck relationships; I hate it," she muttered, her voice trembling with emotion. "It's all Mom's fault."Gage's expression softened, and he reached out to put a comforting arm around her shoulders. "Tell me what happened," he coaxed, his voice gentle.Nicole took a deep breath and launched into her story, telling Gage about her mom's relentless pressure to settle down, her own fears about losing her independence, and her frustration with the whole dating scene. Gage listened attentively, his eyes never leaving hers as he absorbed every word.When Nicole finally fini
Gage busied himself in the kitchen, expertly brewing a fresh pot of coffee. Nicole sat at the counter, watching him with interest. As he worked, she asked him a question, her voice casual."Have you ever done it with your girlfriend?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.Gage looked up, a hint of surprise on his face. "What?" he repeated, his voice low.Nicole's smile was mischievous. "Sex," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.Gage's expression turned thoughtful, and he nodded slowly. "Yes," he said, his voice measured. "Why, haven't you been with your boyfriend?"Nicole's laughter was sudden and unexpected. "No, I am not going to sleep with anyone like this," she said, her voice firm. "I want to do it with someone I feel comfortable with, someone I trust."Gage's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression intrigued. "Oh, so you're looking for someone special," he said, his voice low.Nicole shook her head, her hair rustling softly. "No, not at all," she said, her voice f
It was a cozy Saturday night, and Nicole was looking forward to a relaxing evening with her sister Ashley. They had planned to watch a horror movie together, but as they settled into the couch with their snacks, Ashley had other ideas.Ashley picked up the remote control and started browsing through the movie options. Nicole assumed she was searching for a scary movie, but instead, Ashley clicked on a rom-com."Which movie is it?" Nicole asked, eyeing the screen suspiciously.Ashley grinned mischievously. "Friends with Benefits!"Nicole's eyes widened in surprise. "What! Why did you play it?"Ashley shrugged, munching on her popcorn. "Because I want to see it!"Nicole frowned, feeling a bit disappointed. "But we had planned to watch a horror movie."Ashley waved her hand dismissively. "I know, I know. But I'm not in the mood for horror tonight. I want something light and fun."Nicole raised an eyebrow, teasing her sister. "You just want to watch Justin Timberlake, don't you?"Ashley g
The days went by, Gage and Nicole's meetings became less frequent. With Nicole back at work, her daily routine had changed, and Gage found himself spending more time alone at home. However, one thing remained constant - their evening coffee ritual. Every day, Gage would prepare two cups of coffee, and Nicole would join him after work. It had become a comforting part of their daily routine.But on this particular evening, Nicole didn't show up. Gage waited patiently, sipping his own coffee, but as the minutes ticked by, he began to feel a pang of concern. He checked his watch for what felt like the hundredth time, wondering if Nicole was running late or if something had come up.As the silence stretched on, Gage decided to take matters into his own hands. He got up from his couch and walked over to Nicole's apartment, ringing the doorbell. The door opened, and Ashley's bright smile greeted him."Hi, do you want anything?" Ashley asked, eyeing Gage with a hint of curiosity.Gage's eyes
She walked; Nicole's mind replayed the conversation over and over again. She couldn't believe her friends had actually suggested she might be a lesbian. It was hurtful and insulting, and Nicole couldn't help but wonder if her friends had ever really been friends at all.Nicole stumbled down the street, the cool night air did little to calm her down. She was drunk, having consumed a significant amount of vodka in a short span of time. Her words were slurring, and her steps were unsteady."Who do they think they are?" Nicole muttered to herself, her voice barely audible. "I'm not going to die a virgin... I'll prove it to them... I'm interested in boys... and I can sleep with them..."Nicole's thoughts were jumbled, and her sentences were fragmented. She was having trouble keeping her balance, and she stumbled several times as she walked."I want to lose my virginity... and I'll do it... I swear by... vodka..." Nicole slurred, holding up the bottle in a toast to herself.As she walked, N
Gage's lips crashed down on Nicole's; he wrapped his arms around her waist, lifting her off the ground. Nicole's hands instinctively went to his neck, her fingers wrapping around him as she deepened the kiss.Without breaking the kiss, Gage walked over to the table and gently set Nicole down on the edge. He pulled back slightly, his eyes locking onto hers as he grasped her legs and spread them apart.Nicole's eyes fluttered closed, her head tilting back as she let out a soft moan. Gage's hands roamed up her thighs, his touch sending shivers down her spine.As the tension between them built, Gage's lips claimed Nicole's once again, their kiss growing more passionate and intense.The kiss deepened; Nicole's hands moved to Gage's T-shirt, her fingers grasping the hem as she helped him pull it off. Gage's chest was revealed, his muscles defined in the dim light.Gage's hands moved to Nicole's back, his fingers deftly unhooking her bra. The straps slid down her shoulders, and Nicole felt a
Nicole's eyes fluttered open; she was met with Gage's piercing gaze. He was staring at her, his eyes burning with intensity. Nicole's cheeks flushed, and she bit her lower lip, feeling a flutter in her chest. Gage's eyes dropped to her lips, and he moved closer, his face inches from hers.Without a word, Gage's lips brushed against Nicole's, sparking a flame that had been simmering between them. Nicole's smile grew, and she leaned in, deepening the kiss.As they kissed, Nicole pulled back, her eyes locked onto Gage's. "We neither want to be in a relationship nor can suppress our needs," she whispered, her voice barely audible.Gage's eyes burned with intensity, his lips curling into a smile. "So what do you propose?" he asked, his voice low and husky.Nicole's smile grew wider, and she leaned in closer. "Friends with benefits, just sex without any relationship boundaries."Gage's eyes widened in surprise, but he didn't pull back. Instead, he deepened the kiss, his tongue exploring Nic
Nicole sat on the counter, and Gage turned to her, his eyes burning with intensity. He leaned in, his face inches from hers, and whispered, "I promise."Nicole's eyes locked onto his, and she whispered back, "I promise too."Their lips met in a passionate kiss, the tension between them palpable. They were so lost in the moment, their surroundings melted away, leaving only the two of them.As they kissed, Gage's hand slid under Nicole's T-shirt, his fingers caressing her breast. Nicole's grip on his face tightened, her fingers digging into his skin as she deepened the kiss.Gage's touch sent shivers down Nicole's spine, her body responding to his caress. She felt a surge of desire, her heart racing with excitement.The kiss grew more intense, their lips moving in perfect sync. Gage's hand continued to explore Nicole's body, his fingers tracing the curves of her breast.Nicole's breath caught, her body arching into Gage's touch.Just as Gage and Nicole were getting lost in their passion
The beautiful summer day, casting a warm glow over the lush green gardens where the wedding ceremony was taking place. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the soft chirping of birds could be heard in the distance.Nicole, looking stunning in her white wedding gown, stood at the entrance of the aisle, her father's hand holding hers. She took a deep breath, her eyes shining with happiness, as she prepared to walk down the aisle to meet her groom, Gage.She began her walk, all eyes turned to her, and a collective gasp of admiration filled the air. Nicole's father, beaming with pride, smiled at her, and she smiled back, her eyes sparkling with joy.As she made her way down the aisle, Nicole's gaze swept across the crowd, taking in the familiar faces of friends and family. Her eyes landed on Mr. Harrison, Gage's father, who was sitting in the front row, a huge smile spreading across his face.Nicole's heart swelled with affection as she looked at Mr. Harrison.
Nicole felt a wave of disappointment wash over her as she hung up the call with Mr. Harrison. She had been hoping that he would know where Gage was, that she could finally talk to him and make things right. But now, it seemed like she was back to square one.She walked over to a nearby bench and sat down, feeling defeated. She buried her face in her hands, trying to process her emotions. Why did she always have to make things so complicated? Why did she always have to push away the people she loved?As she sat there, Nicole's mind began to wander back to Gage.She suddenly remembered something that made her heart skip a beat. She quickly grabbed her bag and stood up, her mind racing with possibilities. Without hesitation, Nicole walked back into the airport.****The sun was setting over the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the small island that Gage owned. The island was a private sanctuary, a place where Gage could escape the chaos of the world and find solace in nature. And
The plane taxied down the runway; Nicole's mind was a whirlwind of emotions. Gage's words from the book kept echoing in her mind, reminding her of the depth of his love for her. She couldn't shake off the feeling that she was running away from something precious, something that could have been hers if only she had realized it sooner.The thought of Gage giving his heart to her, and now, unknowingly, giving her a part of himself through their baby, was almost too much to bear. Nicole felt a pang of guilt and regret, wondering how she could have been so blind to Gage's feelings.Suddenly, she stood up, her movements abrupt and decisive. The flight attendant, caught off guard, hurried over to her. "Ma'am, please sit down. We're about to take off."But Nicole didn't listen. She grabbed her bag and began to walk towards the exit, her eyes fixed on the door. The flight attendant tried to stop her, but Nicole pushed past her, determined to get off the plane."Ma'am, you can't just get off th
Nicole stepped down from the stairs, her eyes fixed on the floor as she made her way to the front door. Her dad, sister, and Lucas were all standing in the living room, watching her with a mix of sadness and understanding.Ashley walked towards her, concern etched on her face. "Nicole, do you really want to go?" she asked, her voice soft.Nicole nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. "I need to go, Ash," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Now that Mom is gone, this house just feels empty. I'm not used to being here without her. I need to get out of here and start fresh somewhere else."Her father, Henry, walked towards her, his eyes filled with compassion. "We understand, baby," he said, his voice gentle. "We'll miss you, but we understand that you need to do this."Nicole's eyes overflowed with tears as she hugged her father tightly. It was a moment of closure, a moment of healing, and Ashley couldn't help but feel a sense of joy seeing her sister and father reunited like
Nicole stepped up to the microphone, her eyes scanning the crowd of mourners gathered to pay their respects to her mother. She took a deep breath and began to speak, her voice calm and steady."My mom was an incredible woman," she started, her words echoing through the silence. "She was a great wife, a great mom, and a great person. She had every opportunity to leave us, to start a new life after our dad left. But she chose to stay with us, to raise us on her own, and to give us the best life possible."Nicole's voice cracked slightly as she spoke, but she continued, her words pouring out from the heart."As a daughter, I have to admit that I failed my mom. I never understood her, I never appreciated her sacrifices, and I never thanked her enough for everything she did for me. She always put Ashley and me first, always prioritizing our needs above her own. And yet, I repaid her by being selfish, by running away from her when she needed me most."Nicole's tears began to fall, streaming
The doctor emerged from the room; Nicole and her father stood up, their hearts racing with anticipation. They walked towards the doctor, their eyes fixed on his face, searching for any sign of hope.But the doctor's expression was grim, his eyes cast downward. He seemed to be struggling to find the words to say."Doctor?" Nicole asked, her voice trembling with anxiety. "What's going on? How's my mom?"The doctor didn't respond, his silence hanging in the air like a heavy weight."Doctor, please," Nicole asked again, her voice growing more urgent. "Tell me what's going on. Is my mom okay?"The doctor still didn't respond, his eyes fixed on the floor.Nicole's anxiety turned to desperation, and she reached out and grabbed the doctor's collar, her hands shaking with fear."Tell me!" she demanded, her voice hoarse with emotion. "What's going on with my mom?"Her father intervened, gently prying Nicole's hands off the doctor's collar."Nicole, honey, stop," he said, his voice calm and soot
Nicole drove to the hospital; she couldn't help but think about the events of the past few days. Ashley and Lucas had just left for their honeymoon, and despite Ashley's initial hesitation to leave her mother's side, Nicole had assured her that she would take care of their mom. Nicole had reminded Ashley that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and that she should go and enjoy her honeymoon with Lucas.Now, as Nicole drove to the hospital, she was filled with a mix of emotions. She was worried about her mother's health, which seemed to be deteriorating by the day. She was also thinking about Gage and the secret she was keeping from him. She was happy to be carrying his child, but she was also consumed by guilt for not telling him about the pregnancy.As she thought about Gage, Nicole's mind was filled with conflicting emotions. A part of her wanted to reach out to him, to tell him about the baby, and to see if they could work things out. But another part of her was hesitant, fea
Nicole took a deep breath and began to explain the situation to Ashley. "Ash, you know how Gage and I were in a friends with benefits agreement? Well, things got complicated. Gage fell for me, and I...I couldn't deny that there was something between us. Something that I couldn't connect with Jack."Ashley's eyes widened in surprise, but Nicole continued. "I know it's not fully Jack's fault that he didn't trust me. I never let him get close to me, not really. But with Gage...it was different. His touch, his kiss... it melted me, Ash. I couldn't deny it, no matter how hard I tried."Nicole's voice cracked as she remembered the pain she had felt. "And then Jack broke up with me, which hurt me, Ash. He said things that cut deep, and I realized that I deserved better. That's why I agreed to go to Paris, to get away from all this mess."Ashley's expression softened, and she reached out to take Nicole's hand. "But now...now you're pregnant with Gage's child," she said gently.Nicole nodded,
Ashley stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her wedding veil as Nicole sat on the bed, watching her with a warm smile."You look beautiful, Ash," Nicole said, her eyes shining with happiness.Ashley turned to her, her face radiant with excitement. "Thanks, Nic. I'm so nervous. What if I trip on my dress? What if Lucas forgets his vows?"Nicole laughed, getting up from the bed to give Ashley a reassuring hug. "You'll be fine, Ash. You've been preparing for this day for months. And Lucas loves you; he'll never forget his vows."Just then, there was a knock on the door. Nicole walked over to answer it, expecting it to be one of the wedding planners or maybe Lucas himself.But when she opened the door, she was shocked to see Gage standing there, looking handsome but somber in his suit. They stared at each other for a moment, the tension between them palpable.Nicole's heart was racing as she tried to process why Gage was here. They hadn't spoken since she slapped him, and she had been