The image is not as sexual as it looks! 

Start Of Something Good by Daughtry on the side!

"I'm done." I panted out as I laid on the ground. I was covered in sweat, tired and bruised. Some pieces of my hair had escaped its ponytail and were plastered to my forehead. I knew I was going to be sore tomorrow no doubt. I stared up at the ceiling trying to catch my breath.

For the last hour or so Gage had kicked my butt. Sure he taught me some moves but it wasn't like I could do them as perfectly as him. Each and every time he would knock me flat on my ass or got me in some kind of hold I couldn't get out of. I did manage to hit him a few times but never once got him on the ground. It was impossible to do so even with Dylan encouraging me on the sideline.

My grunts and sometimes yelps drew attention to the few guys that were in the gym with us. They took interest in what Gage was teaching me and even let out a few sounds when I hit the floor hard. I knew Gage was going easy on me but it did not feel like it. Felt like I was getting hit with a bulldozer. I couldn't even imagine what it would be like in an actual fight with him, fists or no fists.

"Really you are done?" Gage asked standing above me looking down at my panting form. He wasn't even out of breath or had a drop of sweat on him.

"Yes. Some of us aren't robots." I said. My legs and are were spread as I laid there. I didn't care that I was currently laying down where people sweated and bled. I was tired and already sore.

"Come on a few more, you almost had it." He coaxed me. Lifting a tired arm I pointed at his face.

"No means no." My arm flopped back down too tired to keep up. "I'm just going to lay here for the rest of my life." I heard him chuckle which made my heart gallop in my chest. I haven't heard him laugh before and hearing it made me want to do anything to get him to laugh again.

A few minutes had passed when I felt a body laying down beside me. I tilted my head to see Gage laying on his back right next to him. He wasn't too close but close enough I could feel the heat coming off of him. I swear he was part werewolf or something. He didn't look an ounce out of breath or worked up. He still wore his jeans and t-shirt which was surprising that he could do that in them. I was dying in my t-shirt and shorts.

"I don't get how you do it." I said after a few minutes. My breathing was back to normal now.

"Takes practice." My head was still turned to look at him while he kept his eyes straight up. I was quiet for a little bit as I thought if I should ask him my question.

"How did you get started in all of this anyways? It isn't like underground fighting is well talked about." I finally asked. It was a question that had been eating at me all day. Gage didn't say a word for a while. Thinking he wouldn't answer I turned back around. I should know he wouldn't answer.

"I started when I was in high school." Was all Gage said. It wasn't my question but it was an answer at least. I was going to take his answer because who knew when he would ever answer again.

I stayed silent not wanting to ruin the peace that was settling around us. For once it seemed we were fine being around one anther without arguing. Neither of us spoke almost like we didn't want to ruin our moment of silence. Laying there I thought about the last hour with Gage. Sure he was 'fighting' me but he was surprisingly nice. He was patient in showing me some moves that I could get the hang of and helped me back up.

It was like a switch had been flipped on when we entered the fighting ring. Gage was nice and sarcastic making comments every few minutes. It was just so surprising I still didn't know what to make of it. As I laid there lost in thought my stomach made that moment to make growling noises.

"I'm hungry." I commented a second after.

"I couldn't tell." Gage shot back. I couldn't help but grin.

"So are we going to go eat now?"

"We?" He turned to look at me.

"Yes 'we' as in you and me. And probably Dylan." At that Dylan yelled 'yes' from across the room making me grin.

"Why would we even go to eat with you?" He sat up turning to look at me.

"Because I spent the last hour letting your pin me to the ground." I shot back at him.

"You did not 'let me' pin you to the ground." Gage scoffed at me. An idea popped into mind and before I could give it a second thought I sat up and launched myself at Gage.

My body collided with his knocking him back on the mat. My legs went to his sides trapping him down while my lower body hovered over hid abdomen. Next I placed my hands next to his head, hovering above him and trapping him below me. I smirked down at him as he stared up at me almost in shock that I attacked him.

"Now who tackled who," I said my voice low as I leaned towards him. Seeing his face this close I could make out the slight bit of freckles that graced his nose. The bruises on his face were practically gone beside a small hue of yellow in certain spots. This close up he looked beautiful. That was weird to say about a guy but for some reason that was the word that popped into my mind. I noticed that his brown eyes were all brown. In fact they were a dark brown around the outside ring until you got to the pupil where golden flecks stood out. Only just now did I realize how pretty his eyes were. My fingers itched for a pencil so I could draw him.

I was so lost in his eyes that I didn't notice Gage hooking his arms around my waist until it was too late. A split second later my back hit the mat with Gage above me smirking. Now he was the one hovering above me with his arms on either side of my face, his strong legs keeping me in place.

"Now who tackled who," Gage shot my words back at me. I laid there gapping at him surprise at who smoothly he switched our positions and still in a daze of staring at his face. My blue eyes widened as he leaned his head down towards my face. Even if I could move I was frozen in place not knowing what to do. He was inches away from my face when he turned his head to the right towards my ear. His lips barely grazed my ear and his warm breath made a shiver run down my spine. I could smell mint and something else coming off of Gage. I found myself breathing in deeply trying to figure out what he smelled like.

"Don't play with fire, you will get burned." Gage whispered huskily in my ear. Before he pulled away I felt his teeth graze my earlobe before it was gone. I shuddered trying to get myself to breath again as he sat up and rolled off of me.

"Hey you two lets go! I'm starving!" Dylan yelled suddenly. I couldn't make myself move even when Gage stood up. My body felt like it was on fire and I felt all tingly. I knew my face was bright red from Gage doing what he just did. I didn't even think for a second that he would do something like that, nor thought that I would react like I was.

Inappropriate thoughts ran through my mind even when I tried to stop them. I could practically feel Gage's body against mine even though he wasn't on me. I gulped trying to get my thought together.

"You okay there?" Gage asked me smirking widely as he gazed down at me. Seeing his smirking face helped a little. I sat up narrowing my eyes at him.

"I'm fine," I bit out standing up. Ignoring everything that was going on in my head and with my body I pushed past Gage to leave the fighting ring. I did not want to be there anymore. I shook my head at myself as I walked towards my bag, my shoes in my hand. What was wrong with me? I questioned. I let myself almost drown in Gage's eyes and let him hover over me. The worst part is that I enjoyed it. I enjoyed that feeling of Gage's hard body pressed against mine, and I enjoyed the way his voice got low when he whispered in my ear. My body had turned into a gooey mess and I couldn't stop it. Even now when I wasn't near him my body felt all hot and bothered.

"So where do you want to go eat? I'm starving." Dylan asked coming up next to me.

"I-I don't care." I pathetically stuttered out. Carter stop. I told myself. It is all okay. You were just in the heat of the moment. Just forget about it. Seeing that Dylan was talking I forced myself to pay attention and push everything into a box at the back of my mind. I did not need to be stressing over something so stupid. Gage was just playing me like I played him, that is all. Nothing to worry myself about.

"Let's just go to the diner since it is so close and they have great hamburgers." I caught the last of Dylan's sentence.

"Sounds good." After I said that my stomach growled loudly. It sounded like I haven't eaten in forever, which was partly true. As I leaned down to slide my shoes on Gage brushed passed me to grab his things. I ignored him not really knowing what to say after what just happened. Just forget about it. The voice inside of my head hissed at me.

"Ready to go?" Dylan asked a few minutes later. I nodded swinging my bag onto my shoulder. Gage was standing off to the side ready as well. We were silent as we made our way out of the gym to the parking lot.

"Want me to met you two there? Or should we just take the same car?" Dylan offered as we stood beside Gage's jeep.

"My cars fine." Was all Gage said before he unlocked his car and moved to the drivers seat. Just as I took a step towards the passenger side Dylan shoved me to the side. I glared over at him while he just smirked opening the door and sliding inside. Shaking my head at Dylan I got in the back of the Jeep.

"Girls are suppose to be in the front." I muttered as I buckled my seatbelt.

"Why does it matter, your not even a girl." Gage said as he backed out.

"You are on my list." I gritted out. Here I thought Gage was going to still be nice to me, boy was I wrong. He was back to being his rude self. In a way I was glad though because him being nice and somewhat caring was too weird for me. This was familiar ground.

I stared out the window watching buildings blur past us as we headed to the diner to eat. Dylan and Gage talked about an upcoming fight but I didn't pay too much attention to them. The only thing on my mind at that moment was Ethan which was weird. Him and my brother told me to stay away from Gage and Dylan but here I was sitting in the car with said people. I spent the last few hours with Gage teaching me fighting moves. A small part of me was excited doing something my brother told me not to do, same thing with Ethan. They wanted me to be this good girl who did everything they say but I didn't want to. I wanted to do something for myself for once and damn it I am. I felt almost free being here with them.

"So Carter how do you know Ethan Galloway?" Dylan suddenly asked jerking me out of my thoughts. He turned in his seat to face me waiting for my answer. I could see Gage looking over at me for a split second before he looked back at the road.

"Is this a trick question?"

"No just wondering. Is he your boyfriend?" I wanted to laugh out loud at that. Even though I wanted him to be he would never be my boyfriend. 

"He's my brother's best friend and practically lived with us his entire life." I shrugged. 

"So he's not your boyfriend?" He asked again. I rolled my eyes at that and pushed aside the ache in my chest.

"No he isn't."

"It looked like he was to me the other night." Gage butted in.

"I wish." I muttered low so no one could hear.

"What?" Dylan raised an eyebrow at me.

"He's just protective of me as is my brother." I looked at Dylan. "On that note thanks a lot Dylan for what you did. After you left I got questioned about knowing the both of you."

"What I didn't do anything." He shot me an innocent look but I could see him hiding a smile.

"I call you daddy?! Really? In front of my brother?" I sent him a look.

"I was just joking but if you did want to call me that..." He trailed off sending me a suggestive look. I rolled my eyes at him and smacked the back of his head. 

"That will never happen."

"Ow! But know my offer will always stand." He winked before turning back in his seat. I didn't get a chance to say something in return for we pulled into the diner. I trailed after the two boys as we headed inside the diner. The place was packed just like it was the other day. We passed by a table where two little kids were fighting over what crayon to color their menu's with. I grinned at them before I heard Dylan hissing at me to follow. I hurried after him and slide in beside Gage picking up a menu. I was beyond hungry and smelling the food all around us made my stomach growl even louder.

"Keep that thing under control." Gage said giving me a glance.

"What it's not my fault. It has a mind of its own." I shrugged. I couldn't help it, my stomach was like it's own person.

"What can I get you to drink today?" The waitress suddenly asked as she came to our table. I noticed she only had her eyes on both Gage and Dylan, to her I did not exist. While Gage seemed oblivious to it Dylan was the opposite. He leaned towards the waitress and send her a wide smile. The only good thing I could say about this was it was good the waitress was our age instead of some old lady or a young girl.

They both told her their drink orders and I quickly had to say mine before she ran off. I hated when they did this. It happened a lot whenever I went to out to eat with Luke and Ethan. Girls flocked to them like no ones business and if I was with them I usually got ignored. Of course it was bound to happen tonight as well.

It didn't take the girl long before she was back to our table with our drinks. I rolled my eyes at her as I noticed she unbuttoned a few buttons of her shirt and pulled her boobs up slightly. I got a clear view since I was in the middle of the booth. Girls did not need to see other girls assets.

"And you?" She finally asked me as she impatiently tapped her pencil on her notepad. I couldn't help but send her a sweet smile.

"I'll have the chicken tenders with fries as well as a vanilla milkshake." I handed her my menu. She wrinkled her nose at me turning to walk off, of course not before she glanced back at the two guys sitting next to me.

"You aren't going to be able to eat all of that." Gage commented.

"Why does everyone say that?" I asked throwing my hands in the air. "A girl can eat as much as she wants to." I huffed. Everyone always told me that or made a surprised face when I ordered so much food. It is not my fault I can eat a lot.

"I bet you she can." Dylan butted in leaning his forearms on the table. He was grinning across to Gage. Gage looked me up and down as if to judge if I could eat everything I just ordered. "15 bucks says she can."

"Okay fine. If she loses you owe me $15 which you will." Dylan rubbed his hands together as they made the bet. I shook my head at them. Gage was so going to lose. I could eat what I ordered no problem, especially with how hungry I was feeling. I literally could eat a horse I was that hungry.

"You guys do realize that I am sitting right here right?" I asked.

"How could we forget when you talk so much." Gage said as he turned to look at me.

"Oh good one. I need ice for that burn." I sarcastically said back. I could see a faint smile on Gage's face as he turned away from me. Inwardly I cheered, he finally made some kind of smile instead of a frown or a smirk.

"How are you liking your classes so far?" Dylan asked before silence could wrap around us.

"So far good. I'm really liking my art class even though it is only the second week." I smiled at him as I talked. I really was liking my art class and my photography one.

"What are you majoring in?"

"Well I want to major in both Art and Photography but I think I'll probably just stick with photography since there are a few more jobs out there for it." I shrugged. There weren't very many jobs for art students or even for photographers but I couldn't really see myself doing anything different. "How about you? I haven't even asked." I asked Dylan.

"I want to be an Architect." Dylan said proudly.

"Woah that's great!" I never really pictured him as someone do such a cool, smart thing. I totally stereotyped him but I thought it was great that he wants to be an Architect.

"How about you Gage?" I turned to him now.

"I don't know." Was his reply.

"You don't know? Aren't you in your second year?" I asked. I mean it wasn't uncommon for people to not know what they were going to go into until a few years into school but it was slightly odd that he didn't know.

"So?" He questioned looking at me while he played with the rim of his water glass.

"Oh well...you have plenty of time to figure it out." Even as I said that I had a sneaking feeling that he did know what he was going into, he just didn't want to tell me. I didn't want to push the topic so I let it slide.

A few minutes later our waitress came back over to our table with our food in her hands. I noticed both boys had gotten hamburgers but the moment I saw my chicken tenders I could only focus on them. I dove into my vanilla shake first as well as my fries, dipping it in the creamy milkshake. I wanted to moan as I finally tasted the amazing fries but I held back. That would beyond embarrassing, it was okay with Macey because we knew everything about one another and such but not with these two hot guys.

All of us were silent as we ate, enjoying finally eating. People around the diner chatted about things going on in their lives, little kids could be heard laughing about something, the clinks of plates echoed around. Peace seemed to surround the diner which I loved. In that moment I didn't feel like I was a bad sister for hanging out with Gage and Dylan. I didn't think about all the homework I have due this week. I didn't event think about how Macey or how my brother will react to me being out so late without telling them. In that moment I was just a girl eating at a diner with two guy friends.

*****

"Here is your 15 dollars."

"Yes! Thank you." I leaned back in the booth grinning as Gage handed Dylan $15 for he had lost the bet. I was able to eat everything I ordered plus a few more fries off of Dylan's plate. I watched as Dylan kissed the green paper looking it like it was his girlfriend or something.

"Thanks a lot." Gage grumbled to me.

"Hey." I lifted my hands up in surrender. "I didn't force you to make a bet about me."

"But you knew I was going to lose."

"Payback for knocking me on my ass back at the gym." I said smugly.

"Here is your check. Let me know if you need anything else." Our waitress said coming up to our table. She said the last part in like a purr but it didn't sound sexy at all, I wanted to puke at it. I reached in my bag and grabbed my wallet.

"So how much is it?" I asked already moving to take money out to pay. I glanced over at the bill and saw the girl had put her number in the corner with a heart. I barely had time to see the amount before it was pulled away.

"I got it." Gage said gruffly.

"What? No! I'll pay or at least pay for my half." I protested. I couldn't let him pay for my dinner, I'd feel like I owed him afterwards.

"I said I got it." I wanted to lung for it but as I made a move to he shot his hand in the air for the waitress to come get it. When she took it I raised an eyebrow at him.

"Why did you do that? I could have paid."

"I'm paying for Dylan's anyways so it doesn't matter."

"I forgot my wallet." Dylan said shrugging but the corner of his mouth was lifted up. I was going to ask why Dylan made the bet if he didn't have his wallet when Gage spoke again.

"Sure you did." He rolled his eyes at his best friend.

"At least let me get the tip." I offered. Gage nodded as he got his change back. I put down 7 dollars for a tip as we slid out of the booth. She wasn't that good of a waitress to receive a big tip. I bit back a grin as we exited the diner and headed for the car. I liked how nice Gage was being. Sure he wasn't being the nicest but I could tell he was trying. Paying for my meal was sweet of him to do. Before he hopped in the drivers seat I grabbed his arm stopping him.

"Thank you for dinner." I said sending him a small smile. I could tell he wasn't use to being thanked for he just nodded looking uncomfortable. I dropped my hand from his arm sliding into the back seat.

The ride back to campus Dylan told me a story about how he once pulled the fire alarm in high school setting off the sprinklers. I was laughing so hard at the story I had tears running down my face. When he mimicked the screams of girls who's hair got wet from the sprinklers I lost it. Dylan definitely knew how to tell a story. I even found Gage smiling through out the story. I may have imagined him laughing under his breath a few times.

When we did finally pull into the campus parking lot I felt sad to leave. I was having fun but I knew I better get home before Macey called my brother to go apeshit on me. I hadn't realized how much fun it was hanging out with Dylan and Gage, well mostly Dylan. Grabbing my things from the back seat I got out along with them.

"Well thank you for this afternoon." I said as I stood in front of the car. "I had fun surprisingly." I smiled at the both of them.

"I am for one glad Gage brought you along today." Dylan grinned stepping towards me and pulling me into a tight hug. Even though the hug was tight and I couldn't breathe I hugged him right back. I had a feeling Dylan and I were going to be great friends as time goes on.

"I am too." I mumbled into his shirt. Once he had let me go I turned to Gage. Suddenly I felt almost shy under his gaze. I remembered what he said in the library and how surprisingly nice he was to me.

"Thank you too Gage for...everything." I said looking up into his eyes. I hoped he knew what I meant about 'everything'. He really did make me feel better even if he didn't know it. Gage was able to take my mind of Ethan and my stupid idea of learning who to get a guy as well as using a guy to make him jealous. He may not like me all that much but he did do me a favor today.

"No problem princess" He sent me a small smile. A smile that made my stomach do flips. It wasn't a full blown smile but it was enough to make my heart sing.

"I better go." I gestured with my head to my dorm building that was only a little bit away. "I'll see you guys later?" I said well more like asked. They both nodded already taking a step back.

"Bye Car-bear." Dylan said. I grinned widely at the nickname. I sent them a small wave as I turned to head home.

The walk back to my dorm building I couldn't wipe off the smile on my face. Both of those boys may have rough edges but they were nice, even Gage. I knew it would take a little longer to make Gage like me as a friend but I felt great knowing I made him somewhat smile at me. This afternoon was pretty great. Sure I got knocked flat on my back for an hour straight I did learn a few things, and learned a little bit about both Dylan and Gage while we ate. It turned out a lot better than I thought it would.

It wasn't that late maybe around 7 or so but there weren't that many people out walking. It was pretty quite but I didn't mind for I was lost in my own thoughts anyways. I was still smiling as I made my way up the stairs and put the key in the door. The moment I shut the door and turned around I let out a yelp. Standing a few feet away from me was Macey. Her hands were on her hips and her green eyes narrowed right at me. She definitely was not happy at the moment.

"Where the hell have you been!?" I gulped staring at my best friend. If steam could come out of her ears it would have been. "I have left you tons of text messages and voicemails! I thought something had happened to you! I even almost called your brother to ask him where you were!" She yelled at me.

I wanted to face-palm at myself. This entire time I haven't checked my phone that was in my bag. I had actually forgotten to text Macey telling her I was going out with Gage and Dylan. It slipped my mind and now I wished I had text her from the look on her face.

"I"m sorry." I squeaked out.

"You better be sorry! You had me worried for hours. At first I thought you were at the library but when you did pick up after an hour I thought something was wrong." She let her hands drop from her sides letting me know she was slowly cooling off. I moved passed her to set my bags on the counter.

"I'm sorry Macey. I forgot to text you and kind of lost track of time." I apologized.

"Where were you?" She asked. I knew once I told her she would freak out but at least her anger would be gone. I took a deep breath before telling her.

"I was with Gage and Dylan." I watched as her eyes widened and her jaw fall open.

"What!?" She practically shrieked. Her hand latched out onto my wrist as she pulled me behind her to the couch. She wasted no time in shoving me down onto it and demanding I tell her everything.

The next 20 minutes I filled her in on everything from this morning to when they dropped me off. Macey only interrupted a few times to question something but mostly stayed silent until I was done. When I finished I leaned back against the couch, tired.

"Woah. That is just woah."

"I know."

"Good thing I didn't call your brother than." She said. I didn't even want to think what Luke would do if he knew I was out with people he didn't want me to.

"He would go crazy." We both nodded in agreement picturing the scene already. "Good thing we won't tell him." I said. We sat in silence for a minute before I stood up wanting to go change into my pjs.

"Don't think you are off the hook just yet Car. When you get back we are watching all of the shows I want to see." Macey said but I could tell she wasn't mad at me anymore, thank god. I smiled at her before leaving the room to change.

It didn't take me long to get in my pjs and by time I got back to the living room Mace already had treats on the coffee table waiting for us to watch our shows. As we watched the new show called Fuller House my thoughts kept drifting to Gage unconsciously. Although this time I didn't want to stop myself from doing so. I let myself think about him while paying half attention to the tv.

Gage why do you have to do this to me? 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I know! I am so sorry about the late update! I have been so busy lately again and I couldn't come up with a good idea for a chapter...so that is why this one kind of sucked. But this one is for all the #teamgage or #teamcage (Love the ship names you guys are coming up with) I'm loving Gage at the moment and I know most of you are as well but who knows maybe something will come up with Ethan *wink* *wink* 

As most of you already know by now my other book, A Year Agreement, is being published! I am so freaking excited!! That is also one of the reasons for a late update. I have been trying to get some of the things done that they need and so on and so forth. For some peoples questions; I don't know when the release date is just yet! I literally just signed the contract earlier this week so it will be a while. I'm not even at the editing faze yet. But THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT! You guys are incredible! <3 <3 <3 I will be keeping you up to date on the date and stuff so don't worry. 

Anyways hoped you liked it! I'm not sure when a next update will be...probably next sunday again or if I have time during the week. Thank you guys for reading! 

VOTE, COMMENT, AND IF YOU HAVEN'T READ 'A YEAR AGREEMENT' YET GO DO SO BEFORE I HAVE TO TAKE IT DOWN! But remember that 'AYA' is going to be a series! So the first book will change a little bit when it get published. 

<3 

-Ken