Semi-edited

BEWARE OF ALL THE IMAGES UP AHEAD!

Thank you @ icedcoffe for the amazing cover! I love it <3 <3

Song on the side is...Wanna Be That Song by Brett Elderege. For some reason I am obsessed with this song. It is country but AMAZING! 

Happy Reading!!

"Yes mom we are coming home tomorrow." I rolled my eyes as I talked to my mom on the phone. It was Tuesday, the second day of winter break, and my mom was already hounding me about coming home and staying for the entire break.


We had about two weeks until Christmas and another two weeks until classes started once again. My plan for the break was to sleep and not do anything homework related, I think everyone agreed on that part. The joy of college is not having to go back to school a week later than everyone else.

"Yes, I'll see if Gage is coming too." Beside me Macey laughed but quickly covered her mouth at my glare. "Okay I'll see you tomorrow. Love you too. Bye." Once I hung up I sighed.

"I think my mom loves Gage more than me."

"Don't let your dad know he will go crazy. Remember that one time when one of Luke's friends said your mom was hot in front of him." I chuckled at the memory. The poor kid shit his pants and never came back over.

"You going to your parents tomorrow right?" I asked reaching for the cookie dough in her hands.

"Yeah. Mom wants me to spend the break under her roof." She rolled her eyes. Aunt Kacey is just like my mom.

"The christmas party is Friday so you can come over and get ready at my house." It was tradition for Macey and I to get ready together. One of the reasons may be for her to do my makeup but we have been going to this thing since we were little. Every year it is a different theme and the charity changes as well. One of the things I hated was seeing the snobby rude kids that were either the same age as me or older by a bit. They always thought they were better than everyone which was the worst.

Luke of course was expected to go the most because he was going to take over the business. According to my father and grandfather he needed to meet and know these people as he will have to deal with them when the time comes.

I did feel bad for my brother. The pressure of taking over a business that is so well-known and big isn't an easy thing to do. I got lucky with getting out and not having to deal with all of that. Thankfully though my father has slowly introduced him to it and not once pushed him to take over. It was Luke's decision.

"Gage is going right?" Macey asked not even glancing at me as she watched the tv.

"Yeah he is. I think he is nervous about it but he won't say it." Men and their manliness.

"I would be to if I was going into that lions den for the first time." I rolled my eyes at her wording but couldn't help agreeing. For a first timer it was a little intimidating being around such people. People that are probably the richest people in New York in one place.

Over the years I've learned to ignore the stares of jealous women and judging looks. If you let their stares and looks get to you the night will just end up being torture. Both Macey and I have learned that the hard way.

"Just don't tell him that, he can figured it out on his own."

"Can you believe this year?" Macey asked after a few minutes of silence.

"What about it?" I glanced over at her.

"We just finished our first semester of college, both of us are in love with two amazing guys-guys that never thought we would be with, and that we haven't gained any college weight." I laughed at the last part.

"You are right about that." I smiled but she was right. It was crazy how everything turned out. If you told me a few months ago I would be in love with someone other than Ethan, or that my best friend would be dating my brother, I would have laughed in your face.

"I for one never thought I would date Luke." We never really talked about her dating my brother and I was actually curious as to how it all happened.

"How did that happen anyways? For as long as I have known you two have never liked one another." I asked. I noticed a smile spread across her face. I never really noticed how happy my best friend was until now. She has always been a happy person but ever since she got with Luke she seems even happier. That is all I wanted for her, especially after some of her boyfriends.

Macey never said it or even showed it but she did get hurt when she broke up with past boyfriends. There was always something that happened that just crushed her time after time. I just hoped my dumb ass brother wouldn't do anything to hurt her.

"It was the same party you left with Gage. Luke asked me to dance and suddenly it all seemed to just click. I never saw your brother as anything other than an annoying tick you know. But he has a really sweet, romantic side." She practically swooned.

"You wouldn't think he could be so sweet but when he holds me I just-"

"Okay ew! No I don't need to hear that." I scrunched up my nose and covered my ears. "Gross." Even with my ears covered I could hear her laughing.

"You asked!"

"Just...no."

"I am just glad he asked me to dance that night." She grinned at the memory.

"Even if he is my brother I will kill him if he hurts you."

"Wouldn't expect anything less." We smiled at one another before turning back to Supernatural on tv.

* * * * *

"All my babies under the same roof." Mom beamed and clapped her hands together as she moved around the living room. "And putting up christmas decorations together."

As normal Ethan's parents were not coming home for the holidays, as far I knew. His parents rarely came home to see their son and it pissed me off. He was their only son but they could care less. They of course only cared that he was going to take over the company one day.

Because this happens practically every year Ethan is always at our house. What my mom said is true. Ethan is her baby too, she basically raised him. It was just normal for him to be here. I think if he wasn't it would feel odd.

My dad wouldn't be home until later since it was only 2 o'clock in the afternoon. Mom wanted to have a big dinner with all of us, which meant she wanted to get us all fat. The boys were more than happy to eat everything my mom prepared.

Because the football season is now over they can now eat more fat food which they were excited about. The football team went 9-1 this season and they were going to a college bowl in the new year, they just weren't sure which one they were going to go to yet. The team is so good they were bowl bound anyways.

Mom waited until we were all home to put up christmas stuff, per tradition. Every year all of us put the tree up and other stuff around the house. Yesterday dad must have gotten all the christmas stuff down from the garage for us to do today. Boxes on top of boxes littered the living room and I had to weave through them to get anywhere.

"Okay tree first." Mom stated as she moved to open the box that held the fake christmas tree. We stopped buying real ones a few years ago after they became too expensive and too much of a hassle. All the needles on the floor and everything was just too much work.

Both boys went over and helped my mom lift the heavy tree out. While they got it out I went around trying to find the box that held the ornaments. My favorite part of decorating was putting the ornaments on the tree. It was always fun seeing the end result.

"So...mom when do we give you our christmas lists because I got some good stuff on there." Luke said as him and Ethan attached the pieces of the tree together.

"You can put it in the garbage like every years." My mom shot back. I stifled a laugh. Every year Luke tries to give my parents a list of what they should get him for christmas and every year my mom tells him the same thing. You would think he would learn by now.

We never did christmas lists like some families. It was better if it was a surprise rather than something you know you are going to get. My parents were all for surprises and making us wait until Christmas day to open presents.

"Damn every year." Luke said to Ethan while shaking his head.

"And this is new news to you?" I commented piling boxes of ornaments in my hands and heading in their direction.

"I thought it would work this year. I mean I passed all my classes, our football team went 9-1 and we were going to a bowl game,and I have been a very good boy this year."


"Okay ew. Don't say that again." I faked throwing up. I came to a stop beside Ethan who sent me the same look.

"How do you even know that we got you something this year?" Mom asked fanning out the branches on the tree.

"You wouldn't do that, especially not to your first born." When mom didn't say anything Luke looked at her. "Right? You bought my something right!" He actually looked like he was about to have a panic attack.

"Luke you do realize that Christmas is about giving and sharing, not about getting presents right? It is not all about you."

"Then who is it about?" He actually looked serious as he said that.

"Mom I think you brought home the wrong baby from the hospital."

"I think so." Luke sent her an appalled look to which she grinned.

"Please everyone knows I am mom's favorite and that you are the one that was swapped at birth."

"It is funny that you think you are mom's favorite. Everyone knows the youngest is the favorite and the best." I shot Luke a smug smile. We continued on bickering back and forth for a minute before I heard Ethan whisper to my mom.

"When are we going to tell them I am your favorite?"

"They'll figure it out sometime." Mom smiled and shrugged.

"Hey!" Both Luke and I said at the same time.

"What? He is the only one who doesn't make me want to pull my hair out." Ethan shot the both of us a triumph look to which we glared at him.

"Mom is delusional." Luke shook his head.

"She is just too excited to have us home so doesn't know what she is thinking."

"Don't worry mom we will get you better." Luke went over to my mom and pulled her into a tight hug. Mom looked over his shoulder at me with a weird look on her face.

"Don't ask me he is your son." I held my hands up and turned around. Behind me Luke kept telling mom she will be fine soon while I grabbed ornaments to put them on the tree.

After another minute the rest of them started helping me out. We all took different sides of the tree and put whatever we wanted to put on it. If it looked bad at least we could move it around and pick the best side. Something we also did each year.

We made small talk as we decorated. It felt nice to be home with my family and just relax. I didn't know how much I missed my mom until I was with her. I missed home too and just the feeling it had just being here.

Of course as we worked I couldn't help but wonder what Gage was up to. I knew he went to his grandma's for the break. At least I didn't have to worry about him being alone.

Every went home for the break. Dylan went home to his mothers but he did say he would spend more time at Gage's than anything. Amy was at her parents not that far from my house, although I expect her to be over quite a bit since Ethan is here.

I has only been a few hours and I already missed Gage. This morning we did see each other off but it wasn't like we were saying goodbye. I would be seeing him tomorrow and on Friday when the christmas party was at. It just felt weird knowing he was further away now then he was on campus.

"Carter." Mom said interrupting my thoughts.

"Yeah?" I peeked from around the tree at her.

"Remember this year you are doing the speech at the party." I instantly froze.

"What? I thought it was Luke's year!" I stared at her wide eyed. Every year my parents made one of us say a small speech in honor of the cause we support. I thought it was Luke's year so I haven't even thought about it. I hated doing it too since I hated speaking in front of people. Every time I stuttered through my speech before running off stage and hiding in a corner. This year would be no different.

"He went last year."

"Then what about Ethan?" I glanced over at him, trying to find a way to get out of it.

"He went the year before. Honey you will be fine."


"Mom I don't even have a speech ready and it is in 3 days!"

"I know you have done essays a day before it was due, I think you can do this."

"Maybe this year we don't do it. Maybe dad does it." She sent me a look.

"Your father always does the big speech."

"You..." I trailed off and sent her a small smile hoping she would just say she would do it.

"Carter no. You are doing it this year." Sending me a hard look I knew that was the end of the discussion.

Well shit.

* * * * *

For the next two days I struggled to come up with a speech. I didn't want it to sound too cold hearted or too funny, and I didn't want it to be long. No one liked long speeches anyways.

I have tried everything to get out of doing this. I asked my dad and even gave him the best puppy eyes I could do but all we replied was "Sorry hon, your mother already threatened me not to let you quit'. What kind of father is he?! I even tried to bribe Luke and Ethan to do it but neither budged. I think they secretly liked to see me squirm and get embarrassed.

"Princess you are freaking out too much about this."


"Gage I have to make a speech in front of tons of people! People who judge like crazy and who make no qualms of hiding their hate for you." I said through the phone as I stared down at the piece of paper in front of me.

"What charity are you supporting? Start with that first." Gage coached me through the phone. The both of us have been busy with our families and what not we have not seen each other since Tuesday and it was now Thursday afternoon. I was starting to have withdrawals.

Because I was so stressed about this I called him up hoping he would help or take my mind off of it. So far all it has done is make me miss him even more. I wanted him to come over to hang out but I knew if he came over I wouldn't get this done and it needed to get done today because the party was tomorrow.

"It is to help raise money for the children community center. The center is a place where any kid can go to read, play sports, be a safe haven. For kids on the streets it is a good way to keep them out of trouble and it is all volunteered staff. I even volunteered there over the summer when it first started." I said smiling.

Beside the fact that my dad paid for the land and the building of the place I volunteered on my own. My dad did tell us about it and it just made me want to do something. Plus I love kids so to help them out in anyway was great. They even had me paint a mural in the front entrance for everyone to see.

"Use that. Talk about your experience volunteering there and what the center does for the community. If you make it personal and meaningful people are more likely want to donate to help." At his advice I paused. That was actually a good idea. Making it more personal would make writing the speech easier as well as speaking. I could do that.

"That is a great idea Gage!" I exclaimed through the phone. The more I thought about it the more I liked the idea. "You are great, you know that?"

"Of course I am. I mean you are dating me remember?" He teased through the phone. I shook my head but grinned.

"Thank you. That helps me a lot. What would I do without you." I said the last part quietly.

"You'd die."

"Well thank you. Glad to know that." I replied sarcastically.

"You are welcome." I could hear his grin through the phone.

"I wish you could come over. You can if you want to." I twirled my pen in my hand as I talked. It would be great if he could come over and hang out for a bit.

"I wish I could but Grandma is actually making me help her fix stuff around the house." Gage groaned.

"Aw look at you being a good grandson." I cooed.

"She is basically blackmailing me, I don't see how that is right."

"She is your grandma she can do whatever she wants. That includes blackmailing you to do stuff around the house."

"It is child abuse." He muttered.

"You are over 18 dufus, it isn't considered child abuse anymore."

"Same difference."

"I can see your grandma doing that though." I grinned.

"That's not a good thing Car! That means she could do it all the time to me!"

"Gage it isn't like you are being beat to death, you are just doing some work for a poor weak old lady."

"My gram is nothing but weak nor old. And she reminds me daily about that." I loved Gage's grandma. She was great and reminded me a lot of my own grandma. She didn't take shit and loved to tease you but you know she loves you a lot.

"Oh suck it up and help your poor grandma!"

"Thats the kind of thanks I get for helping you with your speech!?"

"Yep." My grin for wider over the phone. "Love you."

"Doesn't feel like it." I laughed out loud.

"Oh stop you know I love you. And thank you for the help again."

"No problem babe." I felt my heart soar at the term of endearment. "I better go before my grandma kills me. If you don't hear from me in a few hours my body will probably be in my gram's garden, kay?"

"Okay thanks for the heads up. I'll make sure to check there."

"Good luck with your speech you will nail it. I love you." Gage said.

"Love you too. Good luck with your grandma." Saying goodbye I ended the call. I grinned widely down at my phone. God I couldn't love him anymore. As I went to put my phone down on my desk my hand stopped as my screensaver came up.

A few weeks ago Gage stole my phone and took a picture of himself and put it as my home screensaver. I'm not even sure when he did it but it was probably my favorite picture of him. He rarely likes to get his photo taken so him voluntarily taking a 'selfie' and putting it on my phone for me to see daily, is very sweet of him. 

(Guys isn't this the cutest picture?!)

I grin at the picture and stop myself from calling Gage back. He had stuff to do and so did I. I would be seeing him tomorrow anyways for party so I can wait. I have self control...okay no I don't but I will try.


"Carter you can do this. Just write what comes to mind." I chanted to myself.

* * * * * *

It was finally the night of the christmas party. I have been waiting all week for this so I could see Gage again, but I was also dreading it because of my speech. Yesterday I had my parents look over the speech to make sure it sounded okay and practiced for a good hour or more, not wanting to mess it up.

I tried to get my mind off of it and just focus on the fact I will see Gage in a suit later on. One of the reasons I wasn't freaking out too bad about it was because I new Gage would be there to calm me down. I will also have Luke, Ethan, Amy and Macey there as well.

All I hoped for was that I don't fall on the way up to the mic and that I don't forget my speech and just stutter through it. More likely I will do one of those two things if not both. That is how I roll.

"Okay enough with the speech, get over here so I can do your makeup." Macey said interrupting me out of reading through my speech for the hundredth time.

"But-"

"You can go through it again after I am done. If we don't get started we will be late." She huffed placing her hands on her hips and glaring over at me. Sighing I knew I had to do what she said. Playing my notecards on the desk I went over to my vanity and sat down in front of Mace.

"Just hold still for 20 minutes and you will be good to go." She instructed. Not wanting to get on her bad side I did as she asked. You never say no to a girl who has your face in her hands. She could make you look like a clown or poke your eyes with eyeliner. So I wisely just sat there and there her work her magic.

"How has the break been so far?" She asked after a few minutes of silence.

"It has been good. You know other than miss my boyfriend, cry and beg to not speak at this event and eat my feelings...it has been good."

"Sounds very normal."

"For my life. I don't see why Luke couldn't do the speech I mean everyone loves him and he can speak in font of a crowd and not care, same with Ethan." I moaned.

"Car you have only had to speak I think 3 times since you have been going, the other times you bribe one of the guys to do it for you."

"There is a reason I don't do it."

"It isn't that bad. Just imagine everyone in their underwear." I shuddered at that.

"You do realize there are guys older than my dad there and women? No thank you."

"Okay not them but you can imagine your boyfriend in his underwear and you will be so distracted by that you won't even care." She said looking at me through the mirror.

"Gage in his underwear is definitely a good site to see."

"Wait! You have seen him in his underwear?" Macey's eyes got wide. "You have slept with him haven't you?!" My cheeks grew red at her words.

"I didn't know you had it in your Car! Wow and you didn't even tell me you had sex with Gage Harper."

"Macey no I didn't sleep with him!" I practically yelled and then quieted down not wanting anyone else to hear our conversation.

"You haven't slept with him yet?"

"No we haven't done anything like that. Well...I mean we almost did but we stopped because it was when we were fighting and I didn't want it to happened like that. Gage and I are just...not ready for that yet. Maybe soon but not right now." I shook my head. Trust me the idea of sleeping with Gage is very tempting but I just wanted to wait a little bit longer. Gage understands that and never pushes me to do things I am not comfortable with.

"Gage is too sweet to hurt me." I said.

"Who knew the bad boy could be so sweet." Macey commented.

"I know." I couldn't help but grin.

"Hey ladies. In here talking about me?" Ethan's head poked through the door and grinned at us.

"In your dreams Ethan." I shot back at him.

"It is okay to admit you guys were talking about how good looking I am, everyone does it." He came more into the room. I looked at him through the mirror and noticed he was already dressed. My eyes took in his black dress pants, white dress shirt under a fitted black suit jacket. He looked very handsome. 

Ethan will make a great CEO once he takes over from his parents. He may say he didn't want to take over one day but I knew he did. I knew he wanted to make his parents pride but keeping the business going and building it up even more. I know for a fact he will be a great CEO and make the business even better than his parents have done.

Looking at him now he looked every bit of one and he had the knack for it. He could talk to people and convince them to do anything. He was friendly yet can be firm when needed. He knows how big companies run and what not. Going to these parties was nothing for him.

I smiled at him but felt nothing. Nothing of what I use to feel came up as I looked at him. He was just my brothers friend and now mine. I didn't see him as anything else, which I was happy about.

"Ethan get out we are still trying to get ready!" Macey scolded him like he was a five year old.

"But I want to stay in here with you two and hear all the gossip." He said the last part in a high pitch voice.

"Get out or I will put makeup on you." Mace threatened. When Ethan didn't move she grabbed some lipstick from the counter and started for him. Upon seeing the bright lipstick in her hand and her getting near him, Ethan turned and booked it out of my room. I laughed loudly as my door slammed shut and Macey turned around with a triumphed grin.

"Now back to what we were doing." Shaking my head and grinning I turned back towards the mirror.

For the next 20-ish minutes I sat still for Macey. She did my makeup quickly but precisely before moving onto my hair. We made small talk as she worked. A few times I had to stop myself from falling asleep as she did my hair. Nothing better than getting your hair played with I tell you.

I was severely thankful for Macey at this moment. She kept my mind off of everything and she was making me look prettier than I have ever been. For just a moment I wasn't worried about anything and I was glad. I just wanted to get my speech done and enjoy the party with my boyfriend.

When Mace was finally done with my hair I went to put on my dress while she started to get ready. She only took minutes which is why I went first. I went to my closet and got the dress my mom had chosen for me. Because of finals and what not I didn't have time to get a dress but thankfully my mom chose one for me. I could always trust her taste.

Once I was in the bathroom I stripped out of my pjs I have been wearing all day. I decided that why should I wear regular clothes when later on I will just have to change. I wasn't doing anything all day so I might as well be comfortable because all night I will uncomfortable in the dress.


I wasn't a huge fan of dresses. I wore them when I had to or if I had a cute one I found but normally they just weren't for me. I was more of a jeans and t-shirt type of girl, maybe a few skirts here and there.

Pulling the dress from the plastic it was in I gazed at it. It was really beautiful, simple but beautiful. It fit my personality perfect which I loved and appreciated. It was perfect for a christmas party like this. Not too flashy and short, but not too elegant and prom-y.

Thankfully I could slide it on by stepping into it instead of pulling it on over my head. I didn't want to ruin my makeup or hair. I stepped into the dress and pulled it up past my hips until it came to my chest. Even though I needed the back zipped up it fit me perfectly.

The silvery sparkle chest fit tight around my chest so it would fall at all tonight even if I danced. The bottom half flowed out and swished around my feet. The black and silver went great together and wasn't too dark. Holding it up I gazed at my refection in the bathroom mirror.

(Carter's dress. Gorgeous!)

My brown hair was curled in soft waves and hung over my left shoulder. My soft eyeshadow and pale pink lipstick went well with my dress and wasn't too eye-catching. All I needed was a few accessories and I would be all ready. Leaving the bathroom I headed for Macey to help zip up my dress.

"Hey Mace can you-" I started to say as I got out of the bathroom only to stop. Standing in the middle of my room wasn't Macey instead it was Ethan. He was standing there with his hands in his dress pockets looking around. My room hadn't changed much from when I was younger but he was looking around as if he has never seen my bedroom before.

"Hey." I said which turned his attention to me.

"Sorry I just came to see if you were ready." His blue eyes looked me up and down. "Macey went to help Luke with his tie."

"Yeah I am about. Can you help me zip up?" I turned around and bared my back to him. The zipper reached about the middle of my back so I wasn't baring too much at him.

I heard his feet move across my carpet until he was behind me. His warm breath fanned against my bare back and neck. I clenched the front of my dress tightly as I waited for him to zip me up.

Just when I thought he wasn't going to I felt the tip of his finger run down my back until he grasped the zipper in his hand. I couldn't help but inhale deeply at his touch. For years I wanted to feel him against me. Feel anything really and now that he was touching me I couldn't stop my shivering.

He slowly, agonizingly, moved the zipper up until my dress was finally secure. Behind me I could feel his warm body inches from me and I felt my cheeks heat up. I suddenly felt his fingers at the base of my neck. He was softly trailing along the bare skin.

My body wanted to lean back into touch and his name was at the tip of my tongue but....it wasn't his name I was about to say. It was Gage's. Shaking my head I stepped away from him and cleared my throat.

"Thank you." Not looking at him I moved to my vanity to grab a necklace and a bracelet to go with my dress.

What was that?! I mentally yelled at myself. Ethan has never touched me like that! For so long I imagined the day he would and when he finally did I wasn't thinking of him. No I was thinking of Gage. I had actually thought it was Gage who was trailing his fingers along my skin. That is what surprised me the most.

I took my time putting on my necklace and bracelet. I needed a moment with my thoughts. When I couldn't stall any longer I finally turned around, only to see Ethan in the same spot. His jaw was clenched and he was staring at me with some unknown look in his eyes.

"Carter I-" He started to say but a yelled interrupted him.

"Carter, Gage is here!" Mom yelled from down the hallway. At the mention of Gage my heart sped up and a grin spread across my face. For a split second I forgot Ethan was in the room.

"Carter I need to talk to you." He said coming towards me. Him coming towards me made me shake my head and the smile on my face fell. No way could Gage ever know Ethan came in here, let alone touched me. His touch wasn't anything anyways but I did not want Gage thinking something happened. Because nothing did.

"Ethan we need to go." I said and I was surprised at how calm my voice was. My insides were anything but.

"But..."

"We can talk later kay?" Sending him a small smile I grabbed my clutch on the vanity before brushing past him to the door.

I left Ethan standing in my room as I headed to see Gage. Just the thought of seeing him made my heart sputter and my smile grow larger. It has felt like a lifetime since I last saw him even though it has only been 3 days.

Coming to a stop at the top of the stairs I took a deep breath. Don't fall. I told myself. Placing a hand on the railing and one holding my dress up, I headed downstairs. I felt like a princess for a minute. Like I was in What A Girl Wants and everyone was down at the bottom waiting for me.

My heels clicked on the hardwood as I came down. The moment I came into view so did everyone standing at the bottom. My eyes briefly glanced over at my parents, Luke and Macey, but they immediately went to the guy standing there with his hands in his pockets waiting for me. Gage.

When he noticed him I watched as his brown eyes widened before a smile spread across his face. Before any of us could blink he was moving towards me. The second my foot touched the ground he had his hand held out for me.

"You look beautiful." He breathed out staring at me. He was staring into my eyes not at my body. That little thing made my heart grow even more in my chest. My own eyes didn't stay on his though, they moved down to his body.

I held back a groan in my throat at how hot he looked in a suit. Having never seen him in one before my imagination may have taken control over how he would look but what he looked like made my imagination look dull. My mouth went dry.

The black dress pants looked nice on him. A white button up shirt was glued to his muscular upper body and the suit jacket hugged his arms. I wanted to run my hands down them to feel the muscle I knew was there. He had on a perfect made skinny black tie. I knew his grandma had helped him with it which made me smile. His brown hair was styled back and to the side, making him look absolutely dashing. 

(What Gage looks like. Couldn't find a good picture of Diego in a suit so this will have to do) 

"You don't look too bad yourself mister." I breathed out coming back to look into his eyes. He grinned down at me, his hand warm in mine. I forgot about everyone around us as I stared into his eyes. For the rest of my life I will always love brown eyes, his brown eyes.

"Ethan time to go!" My mom's yelled broke my gaze. Glancing to my side I saw my father practically glaring at Gage and I. Ducking my head I moved away from the staircase and tugged Gage over by Macey and Luke.

Because Macey had left before I was done I didn't get a chance to see her outfit. She looked stunning. The burgundy red color suited her skin color perfectly and it fit with the christmas-y theme as well. The fabric hugged her thin body. Next to her Luke looked just as good in his black and white suit. 

(Luke and Macey) 

Of course my mother and fathered looked great. My mom wore a black dress similar to mine with silver and black. She looked amazing for being 43. My father looked just as handsome in his own grey colored suit. I liked that he went with a different color. Showed that he was the CEO of the company. 

(Layla and Ashton-Had to add them! Couple Goals!)

Double checking my clutch to make sure I had my notes I looked up just in time to see Ethan coming down the stairs. He looked like he was thinking hard about something but I didn't pay it any attention, not when Gage wrapped his arm around my waist.

"Everyone ready?" My mom asked looking at each other us. One by one we all nodded. "Okay out we go. The limo is outside waiting for you 5. Your father and I are taking another."

As we started to trickle out the front door I looked at Ethan and wondered for the first time where Amy was.

"Hey Ethan where is Amy?" I asked before he left through the door.

"She said she would meet us there. Something about family problems." He looked over at Gage. It wasn't a normal glance either, it was like he was checking to see something about Gage. Raising an eyebrow I decided not to say anything as he turned and walked off. Now it was only Gage and I.

I started for the door only to be pulled back into a hard chest. I turned around in Gage's hold and smiled up at him.

"Before we leave I need to do something." Gage whispered.

"And what is that?" I asked my eyes searching his face.

He didn't answer as his head dipped down and his lips touched mine. Not having kissed him for a few days I immediately pressed my lips harder against his and practically molded my body against his. His hands came up to cup my face as he kissed me. His lips were soft and firm, when I tried to make the kiss harder he put a stop to it and kissed at his own pace. It was like he was making up for lost time and didn't want to rush it.

Eventually pulled away, it was really only a minute later but it felt like forever. I beamed up at him as we pulled apart. My breathing was heavy and my lips were tingling. I probably ruined my lipstick but I didn't care; I knew Macey packed it in my clutch anyways.

"I have been dying to do that since you left." He breathed.

"I am glad you did." All I wanted to do was grab him and kiss him again but I knew we had my family waiting for us. I did not want my dad to come get us and find us kissing. Talk about awkward.

"We better go." He nodded, lacing his hand with him he moved to the door and tugged me after him. I followed behind him as he walked to the car, beaming from ear to ear.

When we got in the car Macey wiggled her eyebrows at me to which I stuck my tongue out at her. I was suddenly glad my parents were in another car because they would have said something. Ethan was sitting next to Luke and Macey doing something on his phone, while Luke started to talk to Gage.

The entire car ride to the hotel where the party was being held we all gabbed, just random things to make the time go bye. The closer and closer we got the more nervous I got but with Gage's hand in mine I was doing okay. I was actually kind of worried about him. I just hoped none of this would freak him out too bad and that no one would say anything rude to him.

Our car pulled up after my parents. We sat there silently watching as they got out of the car, cameras flashing. My parents smiled at one another and my father held onto my mothers waist as they made their way through the crowd of people with cameras.

This was a usual scene at things like this. Because of how well known both my parents are the newspapers and tv news couldn't pass up a chance to be at a party thrown by them and have tons of New York's most Elite appear. It was perfect way for them to get their stories.

Next to me I felt Gage tense just a bit and his hold on my hand tighten. Even me, who has does this enough times, I am still freaked and nervous about it all. It is not everyday you have camera's snapping your photo and yelling things at you.

"Don't worry you will be fine. Just stay near me and you will be good." I said quietly to Gage as our car drove up. He didn't make any move that he heard me as the door opened and out went Luke and Macey, hand in hand.

"Gage." I grabbed his chin and turned his head to me. His brown eyes met mine. "Take a deep breath. Just hold onto my hand and ignore them. We will just walk right through." He finally nodded and squeezed my hand.

Once Ethan had left it was our turn. Giving him an encouraging smile he smiled back. He took a deep breath and moved out the car. The moment we stepped out camera's flashed intensely. I blinked my eyes rapidly trying to get use to the flashing.

With our hands clasped tightly we quickly walked past the crowd. Thankfully a second later we entered the hotel and was out of view of the camera's. Both of us breathed out in relief.

The party was held in one of the best hotels in New York City. It was always in the same ballroom and it was by far the prettiest. Big glass chandelier, beautiful cream colored walls that fit so well with the white tile floor.

We slowly made our way towards the ballroom that wasn't too far from the entrance. People dressed in beautiful gowns and suits moved around us, heading to the party. I noticed up ahead Luke, Macey, and Ethan just walked through the doors leading to the ballroom.

A second later we came to a stop right in front of open doors, people were already talking to one another and laughing.

"You aren't throwing me to the wolves right?" Gage asked looking over at me.

"No...maybe. You'll just have to see for yourself." I grinned.

"You are lucky I love you."

"Good now come on." Sending him one last smile I lead him into the ballroom. 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hey guys! I want to apologize for the VERY late update of this chapter. I have had a hard time this last week or so writing. I just couldn't seem to, but now I was finally able to write! Thank the lord! I hope you guys enjoy this chapter! I wanted next chapter to be the party by itself. A lot of stuff is coming so hold onto your seat belts and phones! :)

**I have decided that this story will have more than 10 more chapters. I want to continue this story into the new year so we can enter it in the Watty's again. So look forward to some more chapters :)

ALSO! Remember The Fiction Awards are still going! We have until DECEMBER 11TH to vote. Right now we are falling behind but I know we can do it. The top 3 people will win so that is all we have to do. I will post the link once again on my profile so go there and it will take you right to the page. Remember VOTING IS UNLIMITED AND YOU CAN NOW VOTE ONLINE! You don't have to be on the app anymore because you can vote right next to the name online. So make sure you vote using (+1) next to my name in both categories: Best Romance Story and Best Overall Account. I REALLY HOPE WE WIN THIS YEAR!! Thank you guys so much for voting. I LOVE YOU! <3 <3 

I also want to thank you guys for the 55 THOUSAND FOLLOWERS! You guys are simply the best fans in the world. I literally don't know where i would be without you guys. I want to hug you all so bad and meet you! Maybe one day we can meet :)

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-Ken