Semi-Edited

***READ AUTHOR'S NOTE AT THE END! IMPORTANT!!!!!****

Love this cover sent to me! Thank you so much for it! I love it! <3 <3

Song above is...Say You Won't Let Go by James Arthur. I have been waiting for the perfect chapter for this song. It fits Cage so well and is their theme song. LISTEN TO IT!

"I love you too." Was all he said before his lips slammed hard against mine.

Gage's arms were wrapped under my butt as he lifted me up and started carrying me down the hallway. My legs were hooked around his waist and my mouth was attacking his.

The moment we both said 'I love you' I could have fainted if it wasn't for Gage's body pressed against mine. I never in a million years thought Gage Harper would tell me he is in love with me. Sure me yelling it at him while we were fighting wasn't the way I wanted to tell him those three important words but I wouldn't take it back now.

Gage led us towards his bedroom and how he managed for us not to hit anything I have no idea, especially since we were kissing. When we reached his room my back hit his door before he swung it open.

My mind was fuzzy as we continued on kissing. I loved the feeling of his body pressed so close to mine. Heat radiated off of his bare chest and my hands moved on their own as they ran along his muscular shoulders and back. I wanted to run my lips across his bare skin so bad.

Our kiss broke off as Gage suddenly let go of me. I bit back a yelp as I bounced back on his bed. His body immediately covered mine, pinning me down on the soft mattress. I grinned against his lips as he hovered above me making sure he didn't crush me with his weight.

My legs once again wrapped themselves around his waist and my hands now moved to his chest. I could feel the hard muscle under my fingers. Gage's own hands grabbed onto my sides as he slammed his lips back against me. He kissed me like he was starving. I kissed him back just as hard.

Feeling his firm body pressed against mine sent a tingle through me. Never has someone fit so perfectly with me. It was like Gage's body was a piece of a puzzle that fit mine.

I felt his hands move from my waist up my sides until they reached my breasts. His mouth left mine dipping to plant kisses along the side of my neck. I panted and closed my eyes feeling what he was doing. No one has ever kissed my neck like this before. Gage knew exactly what he was doing that is for sure.

His big hands cupped my breasts and I started to feel him grind his lower body in-between my legs. The jeans I had on did nothing to hid the obvious bulge in his sweats. I moaned out at his touch and the sound surprised me.


When I felt his hands move to pull up my shirt did I realize exactly what we were doing. I knew where this was going to lead and I wasn't sure if I was ready for that. I loved Gage but I sure if I wanted to get to that level just yet.

It was my first time and I didn't want to just give it up like it was nothing. I almost did that with my last boyfriend and I am glad I didn't. I didn't really love Quinton and my stupid self thought it in order to keep him I had to sleep with him. I did not want Gage to leave me or think of me as a prude if I don't sleep with him though.

Feeling his hands grip the bottom of my shirt and start to pull up I froze. No I couldn't continue. My hands were still on his chest so I pushed at him firmly and finally found my voice.

"Gage." I breathed out. Immediately his hands stopped and he pulled his head away from my neck.

"Are you okay?" He voice was once again husky and low. I opened my eyes to look at him and saw concern on his face. His eyes didn't seem as bloodshot anymore which I was glad.

"I-I can't do this." I shrunk into the bed as the words came out. I felt embarrassed about making Gage stop when he was clearly enjoying himself, I was too.

"Hey it is okay." Gage said softly. He brought his hand up to softly cup my jaw.

"I'm sorry I just...I've just never done this before." I trailed off, my cheeks flaming. My eyes closed and my hands came up to cover them in embarrassment for admitting I was a virgin to him. Gage was definitely not one. I know he has been with a lot of girls and I didn't mind but I was afraid I wouldn't be as good or that he really only wanted me for that and the moment he gets it he will dump me. That was my biggest fear.

"Carter." I felt the pressure of his body leave mine for a second before he grabbed my hands from my face and lowered them. "Carter that is nothing to be embarrassed about."

"Are you sure?" I peeked up at him, slowly opening my eyes.

"Yes. If you did it with someone I would have to find him and kill him." I giggled at his words. His own lips spread in a smile.

"I'm sorry." I said once again.

"Don't be." He leaned down once more and placed a gentle kiss to my lips. The kiss was just a peck as he pushed off the bed and stood up.

"I am making your bed wet." I commented. I was so focused on Gage that I forgot I was soaked to the bone from the rain.

"Here lets get you something dry." While he turned towards his closet to find me something to wear I gazed at his bare muscular back. I watched as the muscles rippled, making my breath hitch in my throat. This boy was so hot.

"You can wear these." He came back to the side of the bed and held out the same pair of sweats that I borrowed a few weeks back. Grabbing those and a black t-shirt I stood up.

"I'll be right back." I stood on my toes and planted a kiss on his cheek before leaving the room to get changed. Not wanting to be gone long from him I quickly shed out of my wet clothes and laid them along the bathtub to dry. I used a brush on the counter to brush my hair and wiped my face before heading back to Gage. What makeup I had on was completely gone anyways from the rain so it didn't matter now.

Coming back into the room I saw Gage was laying down on his bed waiting for me. Seeing him stretched out like that shirtless made my mouth water. I mentally slapped myself for stopping what we were doing earlier.

"Come here." Gage beckoned me, patting the empty space beside him. Not needing to be told twice I crawled into his bed and laid down into his side. His arm came back to support my head as I snuggled against him. I placed my one hand on his chest while his went right for my hair. His warmth once again enveloped around like a cocoon.

The both of us were silent for a few minutes, our breathing the only thing heard in the room. I wanted to lay there and soak in Gage. I missed him a lot in the last three days, more than I have probably missed anyone.

"Aren't you suppose to be in class?" Gage broke the silence by asking. His hand was softly grazing my neck making me shiver in delight.

"I could ask you the same thing." I countered.

"Well I am hungover so I get an excuse."

"You really shouldn't drink on a Sunday night when you know you have class the next morning." I scolded him. "But I am here because of you so technically it is your fault I am missing my classes today."

"My fault?" Gage looked down at me. "How is my fault?"

"Because you big oaf you wouldn't answer my calls or texts."

I uh kind of turned off my phone yesterday..." He trailed off. Well that explained him not answering my calls and texts.

"Carter I am so sorry for yelling at you and saying the things I did. I was just so angry and I guess jealous that I couldn't think straight." Gage apologized. He softly grabbed my chin and tilted my head so I was looking right at him. "I am really sorry."

His brown eyes were now bright and I knew he meant what he said. I forgave him the moment it happened. I know Gage was just jealous and acted out because he wasn't sure what was happening.

"It is okay Gage. I get why you were mad and that is why I came over. I had to tell you that I don't love Ethan anymore. I think I stopped loving him months ago I just didn't know it."

"You don't know how good that is to hear princess." Gage pulled me even closer to his side. I laughed and shook my head.

My hand on its own now moved from his chest to softly trace his abs. I felt his tense and shiver under my touch making me smile. You do not know how long I waited to touch his abs and feel the hard muscle under my finger tips.

"Is this your first time touching abs, princess?" Gage teased me. Thank god he couldn't see how red my face already was.

"Just shush!"

"I'm not complaining." Stupid cheeky man. My fingers kept tracing over his 6 pack and I couldn't help but be amazed at how he had them. You had to be in great shape to get abs like these.

"This may be really personal Car but why did you not sleep with your old boyfriend?" Gage asked sounding curious. I looked up at him in surprise. "Your dad told me about some past boyfriend that he didn't like."

"I..." I trailed off. Did I really want to talk to Gage about this? It was super embarrassing anyways that I was a virgin and to talk about my ex.

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to." He quickly added. While it was embarrassing I didn't want to hide anything from him. And Gage deserved to know about my ex and it was bound to happen soon anyways.

"I met Quinton my junior year of high school. He was the 'it' guy in our grade with blonde hair, blue eyes, muscular, on the soccer team and really good, nice to everyone he met. Basically every girl wanted to be with him. Somehow he noticed me when there were tons of other girls prettier than I am."

"Hey you are beautiful." Gage interrupted and kissed the top of my head.

"Shush let me continue with the story. Anyways at the time I was head over heels in love with Ethan. At first I didn't accept his date offer until Macey convinced me I should and after he 'wooed' me for a few weeks.

"Somehow we just clicked and before I knew it we were boyfriend and girlfriend. We ended up dating for about a year I'd say until the middle of senior year. It was the day of his soccer championship game. We hadn't talked for about a week and I felt like he was slipping away from me so I thought it would be a good idea that for a present for winning the game we would sleep together. We were in love and blah, blah, blah." Just hearing out loud why I wanted to give my virginity up to him made me want to slap myself. How stupid was I?

"Anyways after they won the game I went to find him only to see him making out with the schools slut. Turns out he was seeing her behind my back, they were sleeping together and everything. We broke up and I never told anyone what really happened between us. According to my dad, brother and Ethan we just split up because we were going to different colleges and what not." I shrugged at the memory.

"That asshole. Why the hell would he cheat on you?" Gage sat up dragging me up with him. Glancing at his face I was amused to see his jaw clenched and he looked mad.

"Gage it was a long time ago. It doesn't even matter now."

"Still that is low." His arm wrapped around my waist and basically pulled me to his lap. "But I am glad you didn't sleep with him because you are all mine now." At the words of 'mine' I shivered. I liked hearing that I was Gage's.

"But why didn't you tell then the truth?" He asked.

"You've met them all. The moment they find out they will go and kill the poor guy. The guy plays for the mens national soccer league."

"That means nothing to me." I slapped his chest.

"But what about you. You never told me about any girlfriend you have had. You've had a girlfriend right?" I asked. I know he has slept with tons of girls but not once have I heard about a serious girlfriend.

"I've only had one girlfriend other than you."

"Tell me about her." I tilted my head to look at him. I gave him my puppy dog eyes hoping it would work.

"Fine. Her name was Jessica and I met her in high school as well. She was your typical cheerleader but she wasn't the nicest. She wanted to 'fix' me and be the one to tame the bad boy. Somehow I fell for her even though she was clearly using me for more popularity. I broke up with her after 7 months because I got sick of how she bragged to everyone about how I changed because of her and that she had me under her thumb." He shook his head at the memory. "She was a bitch."

"Sounds like it. I hate girls like that."

"You weren't a stuck up, rich, cheerleader type of girl?" Gage teased me.

"No I was the nerd type. I mean I was outgoing and having your brother be the golden boy of school, and who my parents are, everyone knew who I was. I mostly stuck with my books and tried to get good grades. I'm not coronated enough to do cheer or dance. Amy tried once to get Mace and I to try out but I couldn't even get the routine down."

"That is true you aren't exactly graceful." Gage chuckled.

"That is so mean!" I smacked his chest harder this time. "I am very graceful!"

"Whatever you say sweetheart." Hearing him call me another term of endearment I grinned.

For the next few minutes the both of us were quiet as we laid there. I kept my gaze on my fingers that were trailing along Gage's bare skin, while Gage played with my hair and occasionally ran his fingers over my neck. Just laying here with him was better than anything else. This was worth skipping my classes and getting soaked by the rain while possibly getting sick. Gage was worth it all.

"Was your mom mad I left thanksgiving early?" Gage suddenly asked out of the blue.

"No she was just curious why you left. But no she isn't mad at you or your grandma. Actually my mom wouldn't stop talking about Rose and how she wanted to invite her over for tea like they are 100 years old."

"I know my grandma would like that. With no one around anymore she gets pretty lonely although she won't admit that." His fingers traced some design along the base of my neck.

This seemed like the perfect gateway to ask the burning question I have been wanting to ask for months but I wasn't sure how to exactly phrase it to him.

"Uh Gage?" I asked my voice soft.

"Hmm?" I paused trying to get the words right.

"What happened to your mom?" The question came out so quietly I almost thought Gage didn't hear me. I felt him tense a little bit under me, making me feel instantly bad for asking. I know his mom died and that it was a really sore subject for him.

"I'm sorry I shouldn't have asked that. Forget I said anything." I quickly said. I kept my gaze down so I wouldn't have to look at him.

"No Car it is okay. You do deserve to know more about my family. I've just...I've just never talked about it out loud to someone before."

"Gage I am here to listen, but I respect you if you don't want to tell me just yet. It is really okay." I moved so I was sitting up and looking down at him. His eyes were staring at something straight ahead so I gently reached down and touched his cheek. "Gage it is okay." He just nodded. I took that as my cue that he didn't want to talk about it just yet.

I moved back down onto my side and curled myself back into Gage's warm side. My fingers once again found his chest, it was like they couldn't get enough of him. I of course didn't mind feeling the hard muscle under my fingers and he didn't seem to mind either.

"Her name was Jocelyn. Gage said quietly. I was shocked that he actually answered that I didn't dare move a muscle. "I was 14 when she passed away from a drug over-dose." My eyes widened at that.

"I knew she was addicted to drugs but there was nothing I could do. I tried to get her clean but I was young so I couldn't do much. The person has to want to be clean in order to do it, she didn't want to be." His voice was low and quiet. If I wasn't right next to him I wouldn't have heard him.

"She use to be a good mom. When I was little she use to bake cookies all the time, pick me up from school and take me to get ice cream. She was happy. That all stopped when I was 9.


"You see I don't know my dad. He was always gone when I was little and when he would come home it was only for a day or so. My mom always said he had to go away on business trips that is why he wasn't around much. It wasn't until after my 9th birthday did I notice a change in my mom. I found her crying a lot and when I asked what was wrong she would tell me everything was okay.


"I stopped seeing my dad after that. He never came home, never called, nothing. When christmas came I thought he would at least send presents like he usually does but he didn't. It took me a while to realize he wasn't coming back. I don't even remember what he looks like now and I am glad."

"It was a few months after he stopped coming around did my mom change. She was always late picking me up from school, she lost a ton of weight, and forgot a lot of things.

"As time went on I had to become independent. I had to get myself up for school, make my own lunches, get on a bus that would bring me home. It got so bad after I turned 10 that I was stealing food to eat because my mom was forgetting to buy it.

"Once I was old enough to know what drugs were and what the white stuff near my moms bed was did I learn that my mom was a drug addict. I know my father is the one who caused her to succumb to it because she was fine before he left her.

"Anyways when I was 14 I came home from school and found her on the couch, cocaine in front of her and her not breathing. I called 911 and the next thing I knew they were pronouncing her dead from an over-dose and I was shipped off to my grandmothers."

Gage's voice was thick with emotion and it killed me to hear it. I hated him in pain and his mothers dead was clearly still very painful to talk or even think about. I can't imagine finding my own mother dead on the couch at 14. That had to be scaring.

"Oh Gage." I whispered.

"What was I suppose to do? Maybe if I tried harder she would be here." I sat up to look at him. His brown eyes were glassy but no tears fell.

I found myself swinging my leg over Gage and straddling his upper body. He wasn't even looking at me. I grabbed his cheeks with my hands and dipped my head down lower to his.

"Gage." My blue eyes met his brown ones when he finally looked right at me. "You better not be blaming yourself for that."


"Carter-"

"Gage don't even think about it. You were young and you didn't know. You did what you could. It was your mothers decision to do that, you hear me." I stared right at him.

"I am not going to tell you to never think about your mother or what happened because you shouldn't. What happened is what made you who you are and I love who you are. But you do not need to blame yourself for what she did. You are not going to sit here with me and have this guilt over something that you had no control over."

"So instead you are going to take a deep breath, push it all into a box in the corner of your mind, and slowly let yourself get over this guilt you have. You are not going to get over it over night but one day you are going to say to yourself that it was not your fault your mother passed away."

"Now once you have pushed those thoughts away, you are going to kiss me and we are going to lay around together for the rest of the day not thinking about it. Okay?" My eyes burned into his hoping he understood that I was here for him.

"God I love you." His head came up and his lips met mine, just as I asked.

********

The rest of the afternoon Gage and I camped out in his room. We switched from making out to talking. We stayed off serious topics and stayed with the lighter ones. I didn't like the look in Gage's eye when he talked about his mother so I vowed to myself I would try everything to keep that look out of his eyes for the rest of my life if I can.

The day passed away pretty quickly and sooner than we thought it was after 3 o'clock. We hadn't really moved much but I didn't mind at all. I loved laying next to Gage and being wrapped in his arms. It just felt right.

We didn't make it passed making out and a few touches here and there. I just wasn't ready for that part just yet and Gage was sweet enough to respect that. He didn't want to push me into something I wasn't ready for yet. It just made me love him even more. I could see us sleeping together but I wanted that to be perfect instead of right after a screaming match.

"Babe you stay here I'll be back." Gage said bringing me out of my thoughts. He untangled himself from me and stood up. My eyes raked over his form as he moved around the bed towards the door.

"Where are you going?" I asked sitting up.

"I am going to make you something and bring it to you in bed. So stay there." He even put his hand out like I was a dog he was saying 'sit' to.

"Okay, okay." I put my hands up and leaned back against his headboard. "Just don't be gone too long." Gage sent me a wink before he left the room. I smiled after him feeling my heart grow even more. I was more than happy I decided to ditch the rest of my classes to come find Gage and to stay with him the rest of the day. We needed this.

I sighed happily as I sunk into his bed, waiting for him to come back with his surprise. I laid there for a good 10 minutes, glancing at the door every so often waiting for Gage to burst through. After another 5 minutes with no sight of him I got worried. What was taking him so long?

A few minutes later I couldn't take it anymore. I swung my legs off the bed and left the room to find him. Coming down the hallway I heard noises and padded softly towards the kitchen. I came to a stop at the end of the hallway seeing Gage.

He stood near the counter messing with a smoothie blender. From here I could see his face was scrunched up adorably as he tried to figure out how to work the thing. I had a nice view of him from where I stood. Him and his damn sweats. 

(I have been saving this picture for a long time. Now I can finally post it for you guys! *drools*)

"How does this damn thing work!" Gage muttered angrily. I couldn't help but grin. Although I didn't want to ruin his whole surprise it looked like he needed some help.

"Do you need some help?" I asked walking towards him.

"I thought I told you to stay in bed?" Gage turned to look at me.


"Sorry I was wondering what was taking you so long. But by all means continue, I am liking the view." I grinned at him cheekily.

"Since you ruined my whole surprise you aren't getting any of this." He gestured to his body.

"We will see about that." I smirked at him as I rounded the kitchen counter. "So you are trying to make a smoothie?"

"Yeah." He huffed out. "But the damn thing won't work."

"Well first you should have it plugged in." I grabbed the plug and waved it around. Shaking my head I plug it in. "And you need liquid. So milk or water depending on what you are making and ice or ice cream." I glanced around and noticed he had a mix of things-chocolate syrup, banana's, strawberries, oreos.

"What kind do you want to make?" I asked.

"I'm not sure, what do you want to make?" Seeing as he wasn't going to make the decision I grabbed the oreos, chocolate syrup and milk. Because we didn't have any ice cream we used ice instead.

"First you add the liquid then the ingredients." I instructed handed him the milk before the rest of the stuff. I leaned my hip against the counter as I watched him. When the milkshake started to blend I watched Gage smile. We kept adding more ice to make it thicker before it was finally done. I smiled watching Gage focus on putting the milkshake into cups for us.

"Bon appetite." He even did a small bow as he handed me a cup. We clinked our glasses and took a sip. The look on Gage's face let me know he was surprised at how good it tasted.

"Man I can cook." Gage grinned. I shook my head at him before leaving the kitchen and heading for the couch.

"You are so weird."

"But you love me." He sat down beside me and nudged my shoulder, grinning wolfishly at me.


"Sadly." I grinned back.

******

Gage's POV

Thanksgiving day....

"Why did you make us leave so early?" Grandma asked as I drove us home. I didn't answer her, my hands clenching the steering wheel tightly.


"Gage."

"I just wanted to okay?" I bit out staring ahead of us.

"Want to talk about what happened between you and Carter?" She spoke after a minute.


"No." She must have gotten from my tone that I didn't want to talk about it. I didn't even want to think about it. My girlfriend still being in love with her crush is not a good thought. Just even thinking about Ethan touching my girl made my blood boil. The bastard has years to see her feeling towards him and to date her. He had his chance and he blew it.

When we pulled into my grandma's driveway I sat there for a minute trying to decide if I should just stay here or go back to my apartment. Thinking that maybe Carter will try and find me I decided to stay the night here with my grandma. I needed some time to think. Seeing Carter wouldn't help right now. I know the moment I see her baby blue doe eyes I would be a goner.

Turning off the car I headed inside with my grandma. I could feel her eyes on me but I ignored it.

"I'm staying the night here Gram." I muttered before going to my old room. I knew my grandma wanted to say more to me but she knew I needed some time so she said goodnight and let me walk off.

My old room looked exactly the same. Before I met Carter I would spend at least one or two nights here to be with Gram so the room still held some of my clothes, books, and random things I never took to college with me.

My door slammed shut behind me as I stalked into my bedroom. I was still angry. All I can see is Ethan picking Carter up, twirling her around and then kissing her. Well he kissed her cheek but still he shouldn't have done that. To top it all off Carter just smiled at him and laughed.

I loved to hear her laugh but not because of Ethan. I am usually not too possessive but over Carter I am, especially when Galloway is in the picture. All day he had to be close to her or say something to make her laugh. At first I wrote it off as him being friendly but after he kept doing it and purposely rubbing his arm against her I got angry. I kept it at bay and only glared at him but seeing him kiss her cheek I lost it.

I probably shouldn't have yelled and accused Carter of some things but right now I was too angry to care. But it did not help she didn't deny it either! I didn't want to lose Carter but it almost felt like I was. After hearing that guy at the halloween party talk about Car and Ethan being made for each other, the words have stuck in my head.

For weeks now I haven't been able to get the words out of my head and it was driving me nuts. What if she really did still love Galloway? What if she left me for him? I couldn't even fathom the thought of that.

Over the last few months I have fallen for Carter harder than I have for anyone else. I don't do relationships, or rather I didn't until she came along. She makes me want to be the best boyfriend. She makes me want to actually be sweet, something I normally am not. I just find myself being a different person around her and you know what....I liked it. I liked they way I felt around her. That is why I don't want her to leave me.

I let out a frustrated huff as I fell on my bed. I stared up at the ceiling just replaying the entire day in my head. Everything was going great but of course things had to go bad. It was bound to happen. I'm not sure where this left us but all I knew is I needed some time. Time to think.

*****

Over the next few days I avoided Carter. Every time she called or texted I declined or didn't answer. I was still angry about it all so I eventually ended up turning off my phone, annoyed at all the calling.


I stayed with my grandma until Sunday when I went back to the apartment. Grandma did try to talk to me a few times telling me I needed to hear Carter out but I wasn't listening. I didn't want to hear her out. I didn't want to hear her tell me she still loved Ethan and probably always would. I was not going to be some second choice to her. I was not going to be used again by a girl.

What has gotten me through the last two days was alcohol and fighting. I spent my nights fighting then afterwards getting a body of whiskey to drown my sorrows in. Not wanting to face reality I got drunk and passed out.

It was now Sunday night and I was at some bar near campus. I was sitting in a secluded corner nursing my beer with three empty shot glasses in front of me. I was feeling kind of buzzed but not enough for me. I wanted to not think about Carter. It wasn't working of course. I kept seeing her beautiful face in my mind.

I kept seeing her bright contagious smile, the way her nose scrunched up when she was in thought, the way her eyes would narrow at me when I said something stupid or mean. Everywhere I looked I saw her and it was driving me nuts. My heart was telling me to go and find her or atleast call her back but my mind was telling me something else. Apparently I was listening to my mind today.

"Hey." A female voice breathed out. From the corner of my eye I watched the girl lean against the counter and lean towards me. She was wearing a small tight dress that did little to hide her body. Her bright red hair fanned down her back but when I looked at her all I could do was compare her to Carter.

She didn't have the same beautiful alluring blue eyes. She didn't have that brown hair that was soft and made me want to run my fingers through it. She didn't have the adorable freckles on the bridge of her nose she got from being in the sun too long. This girl was not my Carter.

"Hi." I grunted out and took another sip of my beer.

"What are you doing here all alone?" The girl asked. Wasn't going to lie she had the sultry voice and look down that is for sure. But it did nothing on me, not anymore.

"Drinking. Alone." I made sure to emphasis on the word 'alone' so she knew I wanted to be just that.

"Well then let me keep you company." She grinned as she pulled out the empty seat next to mine. She waved down the waiter and ordered some cocktail. I ignored her presence hoping she would just go away. No such luck.

"Why are you drinking alone?" She asked putting her arm on the counter and looking over at me.

"Just needed to think." I responded, keeping my eyes straight ahead.

"Probably why most people come to a bar to drink." I could tell she wasn't going to leave so I decided to stop this before anything began.

"Look you seem like a nice girl and you are pretty but I have a girlfriend. I'm not interested in anyone else but her." Better do it now before she thinks I am leading her on.

"I figured. You are too cute not to have one." She shrugged. She didn't even seem bothered by the fact I shot her down. "I came over because you looked sad and lonely." I glanced at her surprised by her words. "Honest."

"Well I am fine."

"Yeah because you look and sound fine. You wouldn't be drinking if you were." I didn't bother to respond. "The best thing to do is go and talk to your girlfriend." My head snapped in her direction at her words.

"It doesn't take a genius to know you are here because you are fighting with your girl. You should go and talk to her."

"I don't want to. Not yet." I said the last part quietly.

"Have you never seen Friends?" At the mention of Friends I thought of Carter. It was her favorite tv show and every time it was on she made us watch it, so yeah I have seen it. "This is the part where you go and find the girl before you do something stupid and fuck it all up."

"I wouldn't fuck it up. I love her too much to do that." I muttered not even aware of what I was saying. The words didn't register in my brain.

"Stay and drink some more if you want but make sure not to do anything stupid, you will hate yourself for it. Just some advice from someone who was in the same position." With that she grabbed her drink and stood up. I watched her walk away letting her words sink in.

I would never do anything like what she is implying. I wouldn't cheat on Carter even if I was drunk. Just not who I am. But the girl was probably right. I need to talk to Carter soon before this goes too far and something ends up wrong.

I sat there drinking for a few more hours before I got up to leave. I was pretty much plastered at this point but I had planned ahead. I already had an Uber ready to pick me up out front and take me back to my apartment.

Stumbling out of the bar I headed for the car that was parked right up front. I mumbled out the address before I slumped back into the seat, letting my buzz take over.


My mind was fogging and I was glad it was. For just a moment I wasn't thinking of Carter. I knew we had to talk tomorrow and that I had to apologize but just for a moment my mind was blank.

When the Uber pulled onto campus I handed him money, not even sure if I paid enough, before stumbling out of the car and heading home. I wasn't too drunk that I didn't know where I was going or that I couldn't walk. I stumbled a bit but nothing too serious.

I am usually not one to get drunk and I knew the hangover was going to be a bitch in the morning. As I continued on walking my moment of peace was gone. My mind once again starting thinking of Carter. I wondered what she was doing right now. Bet she is fucking Galloway. An annoying voice said in my mind. I tried to push the thought away but it lingered. Maybe she is at home waiting for me to call her. Maybe I should call her.

Immediately I shook my head at the thought. Calling her right now like this would not do us any good. I would probably say something I regretted and get in even more trouble. I didn't need Carter to hate me any more than she probably does right now.

So no I was not going to do anything. I was going to go home, pass out, and deal with it all tomorrow sometime.

Thankfully it didn't take me too long to get back to my apartment. I slowly made my way up the stairs. Trying to unlock the door proved somewhat difficult but after a few minutes I finally got the key in and walked in. I could feel my eyes getting heavy and my body felt tired. I felt like I have been in a car accident. The last two nights I have not slept worth shit and it was now catching up with me. I had no clue what time it was anyways.

Not even noticing if Dylan was here I stumbled to my room, kicking my shoes off in the process. My shoulder banged against the doorway of my room almost knocking me off balance.

Seeing my bed in front of me I sighed. Sleep. I quickly stripped out of my jeans and t-shirt before collapsing on my bed. As my started to close the last thing I thought before passing out was Carter.

I love you princess. 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hey guys I finally updated!! I know it has been over a week. This week has been hectic and then my mom has been using my laptop so I haven't been able to write at all.

While this chapter was somewhat of a filler you FINALLY learned what happened to Gage's mom. It is slightly disturbing in a way and you can't help but feel bad for young Gage. I sugar-coated it a bit because I didn't want Gage to have to relive that part anymore than he has to already. You also got to see a bit of his perspective after he left Carter's house. ALSO I know you guys wanted SMUT to happen between them I decided against it. It doesn't fit their relationship and it is her first time. She shouldn't sleep with Gage after a huge fight like that. Plus this means Gage gets to make it very special for her and what not. Can't wait for that chapter, I probably though won't go too graphic for that scene. 

NOW THIS IS IMPORTANT! I am thinking this book has about 10 more chapters left. I think 50 chapters is perfect for this book and if I continue this on for more it will just drag it out. This gives me (us) 10 more chapters to have more drama then to resolve it all. I do not want to drag this out and let it become repetitive, I hate that. But the 10 chapters does NOT MEAN there won't be bonus chapters, one-shot, different pov, etc.

ALSO IF YOU DID NOT KNOW THE FINAL BOOK OF 'A YEAR AGREEMENT' SERIES IS NOW OUT FOR PURCHASE!! IT IS CALLED 'ACCIDENTAL LOVE'. For some odd reason Amazon put it up earlier than the release date so if you want a Paperback copy you can head over to Amazon right now and order a copy. If you want Kindle it is also available BUT it won't go on your device until the 15th (I don't know why). For Paperback it is really good priced right now and has international shipping as well. If you have waited for all three to come out before buying you can now buy all three. The final book does have a bonus scene as well. GO TO MY PROFILE FOR A LINK STRAIGHT TO THE BOOK. 

I want to thank you guys for going out and buying them! You guys are incredible for supporting me like you have been! A Year Agreement has become my baby and I am so proud to have it published and out for people to read. I can't wait to see how many people have bought it next month when I get the invoice. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! If you do buy it let me know so I can personally thank you. Send me pics on Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram too!!

If you have also checked out my Twitter and Snapchat you know there is a HUGE SURPRISE tomorrow I will be announcing! I am so excited about it so make sure that you are following me on HERE, SNAPCHAT, AND TWITTER! Tomorrow afternoon/night I will be announcing it and I know you guys will love it!! <3

Anyways! I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Sorry for the lateness of if but I ma hoping to update again this weekend! 

VOTE, COMMENT, BE SAFE! Things are terrible here in the US already after the election to PLEASE be safe! Don't hate on anyone and just spread love. We don't need anymore hate!!!!

<3 <3 <3

-Ken