I wake up on Saturday morning to the sun shining through my window, feeling refreshed and ready to start the weekend. I decide to make myself a cup of coffee and enjoy the peaceful morning before beginning my day.

I step outside and soak up the warmth of the end of summer. I go over the other night when I kissed Gage during truth or dare. He entered my room that night, kissing my cheek as he whispered that he loved me. I can still feel the tingle of his lips against my skin. I opened my eyes and watched him walk away. It took everything in me not to run after him and tell him that I love him.

The front door opens, breaking me out of my thoughts, and Laura joins me, and we talk about outfits for tonight's mixer. The sound of Gage's truck catches my attention. Ace shouts, "Morning, hottie!" as they drive by. My eyes lock on Gage's, and he gives a little smile. But I can see the sadness in his eyes.

"You've been ignoring him all week," Laura starts. "Wasn't the sex good?" She teases.

"Being with Gage wasn't about the sex; granted, it was amazing." I start to laugh. "But just being in his arms made me feel safe. Something I've never had. He's honestly the perfect guy. Sweet, funny, smart, and athletic."

"And don't forget, stupid amounts of good looking," Laura adds.

"Yeah, that too." I smile as I take a sip of my coffee.

"So why not forgive him?" Concern covers her face as I sit there and try to figure out why I can't.

"When he left me alone, I was reminded of all the nights Levi did that to me. I couldn't stop my mind from thinking that he was with another girl."

"But Gage isn't Levi." She reminds me. I put my head back; she's right. He's nothing compared to him. I let a tear fall, trickling down my cheek. Laura gets up and comes toward me, wiping the tears. "Don't cry. Go take a shower, and let's go get our hair blown out for tonight." She smiles.

I nod and head to my room. I look at my nails, and they're still as perfect as the day I got them done. I hop into the shower and let the warm water soothe me.

My mind becomes sinister as I think of Gage's hands all over my body. I try to shake off the thought and focus on the task at hand, but my mind keeps wandering back to the memory of his touch. I quickly finish my shower and get dressed, hoping to distract myself with something else. I grab my keys and knock on Laura's door, telling her I'll be in the car waiting for her. I head outside and start the engine.

☾

I turn up the volume, and Enough by Charlieonafriday comes on. I lean my head back as the song flows through the air. Laura comes running out of the house and jumps in. As I pull out and drive down the road, Gage's truck comes into view. As we pass each other, our eyes lock, and all I want to do is stop this car and run into his arms. But I know that's not possible, not after what happened between us. I turn up the music and try to push the thought out of my mind, focusing on the road ahead.

I pull into the mall parking lot, and we head inside. I sit in the salon chair as the girl asks what I want done. "Just a blowout, please." She nods her head and proceeds to section my hair. As she works her magic, I close my eyes and relax, enjoying the sensation of someone else taking care of me for a change. When she's finished, I feel like a new person with bouncy, voluminous hair.

"Ready?" I ask Laura, and she nods. We pay and head out. The wind blows through my hair as I drive. The music turned up, and I drown out my thoughts.

☾

As I park in the driveway, I look around. Usually the guys are sitting outside doing something, but it's quiet. We head inside, and Laura shrieks as she jumps onto Ace's lap, who is sitting on our couch next to Gage and Keenan.

I run my fingers through my hair. "You girls look good," Ace states.

"Thanks, babe." Laura says. I nod and head to my room. I close the door, locking it behind me. I look at the clock and realise I only have so much time to get ready before heading out to this mixer. I rummage through my closet and pull out my oversized white hoodie, black little biker shorts, and my thigh high grey stiletto suede boots.

I turn up the music in my room, drowning out the noise from the living room. I head to my bathroom and start my makeup. Smokey eyes and dark lips complemented the attire I had picked out. I get dressed and slip on my boots. As my fingers craze my thighs, I think of Gage and how his touch would send my body into overdrive. A knock at the door jolts me out of my thoughts. I turn the music off and open the door to see Laura dressed in a mini black dress with black pumps.

"I need that perfume of yours; I ran out." I walk to my dresser and grab the one she likes, saying, "Here, take it. It's all yours." I hand the bottle to her.

"Thank you, "She sprays herself and throws the bottle in her purse. "Ready?" She asks,

"Yup." I walk out behind her, and all three guys stand up. They all look us both up and down, but I notice Gage doesn't take his eyes off of me.

"Holy shit!" Keenan says as he looks both of us up and down.

"You girls are gorgeous," Ace adds.

Gage's gaze doesn't leave mine as he says, "You're breathtaking." I feel my cheeks heat up at his words, and I quickly look away, trying to compose myself. "Thanks," I mumble. Keenan chuckles and says, "Don't be shy, girl. Own it!" Ace nods in agreement and adds, "Yeah, you should be proud of how beautiful you are."

I look over once more at Gage, and he lets out a little smile. My mind freezes, and my body instantly wants to move toward him to have his lips touch mine once again. But I fight the urge.

I grab my keys off the table and head out. Laura kisses Ace goodbye, and I roll my eyes as they all follow us out. I head to my car and try to start the engine, but all it does is stall.

No, not again. I look at the fuel gauge. It's almost full, so I don't understand. I get out of the car and slam the door shut.

I take a deep breath and try to calm myself down. I lean against the car and think about what could be causing the problem. Maybe it's the battery or the alternator. I know next to nothing about cars, but I can't afford to take it to a mechanic right now. I decide to try starting it again, but with no luck.

Ace sees my frustration and offers to drop us off. Gage walks toward me and says, "I'll check it out while you're gone." I smile at his gesture and hand him my keys. I sit in Ace's car and lean my head against the window as he drives.

As we drive, Ace tries to cheer me up by telling me stories about his own car troubles. It's nice to know I'm not alone, but it doesn't make me feel any better about my situation. We arrive at our destination, and I thank Ace for the ride.