Semi-edited!

Super cute cover sent to me! Thank you I freaking love it!! <3 <3

Song above is...Unbreakable by Jamie Scott. I may have used this but I love it! :)

READ AUTHOR'S NOTE AT THE END!! PLEASE! And check my Twitter!!!

Happy Reading!! :)

3 years later....

My hand moved across the canvas on their own. My fingers were stained with paint and lead from my pencils. Slowly the picture was coming more alive and looking exactly what I wanted it to be. Music played around me but I wasn't really listening, too focused on the canvas in front of me.


My hair was pulled back messily and my jeans had some more paint added to them. My butt was starting to ache from sitting here so long but I had no notion of getting up any time soon. I was in the zone and I needed to finish.

The sound of my cell phone ringing loudly and the stop of the music made me pause. Still looking at my painting in front of me I reached over and grabbed my phone. I swiped answer without even looking at the name on the screen.

"Hello?"

"Tell me exactly what you are wearing. If it sounds ugly you are changing." Macey said through the phone, not even bothering to say hello.

"Hello to you too Mace. What are you even talking about?" I asked, cradling the phone between my ear and shoulder. My fingers still moving across the paper.

"Please tell me you didn't forget!"


"Forget what?" I was barely listening honestly.

"Dinner tonight!

"Dinner?" I stopped what I was doing and sat up.

"Deep breaths Macey, deep breaths." She muttered to herself. "Yes! The dinner date, at 5:30 pm, we all agreed on doing for Ethan and your boyfriends promotion to CEO's."

"Shit, shit, shit! I forgot about that!" I jumped up from my seat and dropped my paint brush.

"You better hurry and get ready. Our reservations are in an hour and a half!." I barely heard the last part as I hung up and ran from the room.

How could I have forgotten about this? Macey and I have planned this for weeks now and of course here I go forgetting about it. Now I had an hour to get ready for dinner and make sure the present I got Gage is in m purse. 

My boyfriend and Ethan were made CEO's of their company G&G this past week, becoming two of the youngest people to do so. It had nothing to do with Ethan's father owning the place. They both worked hard these past 3 years that they deserved it. More than anyone else. Both guys worked harder than anyone else in that office.

I quickly ran to my bathroom and started the water, stripping out of my paint stained clothes. I have been so busy with the new business and getting some of my paintings done for the art exhibit in two weeks, that a lot of things have skipped my mind lately.

My shower was probably the quickest one I have ever taken. In less than 10 minutes my hair was washed and wrapped in a towel as I moved around the bedroom, trying to find something to wear. I didn't have to be dressed too fancy thank god.

I was so proud of Gage and what he has accomplished already, which just made this day even more important. Plus I had a small surprise for him tonight as well. Well not really small but I knew it was something he has wanted for years now. Our anniversary was coming up too so I wanted to give him something he will love. I just hope he will like it and not be mad at me.

Finally I found a dress that wasn't too fancy or too simple. I wasted no time I sliding it on and smoothing it down. I looked in the mirror and smiled at my reflection. Thankfully even three years after college I still looked the same. The only thing different was my hair was still short. Glancing at my bedside clock I noticed the time, making me groan and quickly go back to the bathroom.

Since it was only going to be our friends I didn't bother to get too made up. I just put enough to cover my bags and some to make look alive. I went with a red lipstick to match my red dress. With my hair straightener I quickly added some curls to my hair. 

Doing a once over I made sure I looked presentable before leaving the bathroom. I went into our bedroom and opened my jewelry box, lifting it up I grabbed the thick envelope I hid in there. This held all the information and keys for Gage's present. I stared down at the envelope getting slightly worried he would be mad at me for what I did. Sighing I grabbed my purse and placed it inside. I barely put it in my purse when I heard the front door open. A wide smile appeared on my face knowing my amazing boyfriend was home.

My feet quickly lead me out of the room and down the hallway until I reached the living room. I stood there watching Gage place his keys on the table beside the door, and loosening his tie. When he turned around and saw me I bit down on my bottom lip. Damn he still looked good in a suit.

We have been together 6 plus years now and every time I see him I still get butterflies. Gage Harper still makes me feel like the 18 year old I was when we first met.


"You are home." I breathed out, moving towards him. As I reached him I wrapped my arms around his neck as his came around my waist, and pressed my lips to his. I sighed against him. The two of us have been so busy I haven't seen much of him lately. He was busy with work and some big deal that him and Ethan were doing, that when he got home he would immediately pass out. I felt so bad that he was working so hard and he never complained.

I kissed him a little harder before we pulled away. Gage's grip on my waist was tight and with him staring down at me with heated eyes, I wanted to dragged him to our room and forget all about our dinner. I held myself back though knowing Macey would have a fit if we didn't show up.

"How was work?" I asked.

"Good. We actually landed that deal I was telling you about. The people were hard asses but we got them down."

"That is great!" I beamed up at him. "I knew you two have been working for that this past few weeks."

"So," Gage softly moved me a step back by my hips, his eyes looking me up and down. "Why are you dressed in a sexy little red dress?"

"We have reservations at Blue Hill with everyone in about 30 minutes."

"Did I miss something important?" I shook my head.

"No we just all wanted to go out together. Oh and you know celebrate you becoming a CEO." I shrugged like it wasn't a big deal.

"You have been planning this for a bit haven't you?"

"Yep, although most of it was Macey's idea." I reluctantly pull out of his hold. "Go freshen up while I finish getting ready, then we better get going."

"How about we skip it all and stay home." Gage reached for me and grabbed my hips, pulling me tight against him. I shook my head but I smiled. Whenever we had to go somewhere or do something Gage always tried to get out of it by 'seducing' me. Can't deny it worked most of the time....

"I don't know about you but I don't want to get yelled at by Macey. So go change or whatever then we will go." I grabbed his hands and pried them off of me. I turned around and headed back to our bedroom, shooting Gage a smile over my shoulder.

While Gage moved around the room, I slipped on a pair of black heels and made sure I had everything in my purse. Because it was nearing the end of September I grabbed a cute black cardigan just in case it got cold. Once I was ready I turned around to see Gage standing in front of the mirror, rolling the sleeves of his dress shirt up.

He had taken off his suit jacket so I had view of his back muscles through his white dress shirt. His shirt fit him so well that even just the slightest movement made his muscles ripple. I really was damn lucky he was all mine.

I bit down on my bottom lip as I watched him. Things have been great for us since college. Sure we fought occasionally like every single couple but nothing neither of us couldn't handle. Fighting comes with the territory.

"Are you going to continue standing there gawking at me?" Gage asked, breaking me out of my staring.

"I will gawk all I want!" I could feel my cheeks getting slightly pink. Even after all this time Gage still knows how to make me blush. "You are mine, I can gawk whenever I want."

"You make it sound like you own me?" He turned around and smirked at me.

"I do. You should know that by now."

"Well I don't mind being own by you."

"Good cause you aren't going anywhere." I grinned. "Now we better get going. We can't be late."

"Macey is always cock-blocking me." Gage muttered. Shaking my head I grabbed his arm and tugged me after me, out of the apartment.

The ride to the restaurant didn't take long. Of course Gage took the opportunity to try and feel me up on the car ride. After slapping his hand away ten times he finally got the hint and pouted the rest of the ride.

When we stepped through the front door of the restaurant we were immediately lead to a secluded table in the back. I saw Luke and Macey were already there but everyone else were still missing.

The moment Macey saw me she jumped up and pulled me into a hug. We haven't seen one another in a good two weeks. Both of us busy with work and our own lives now. While Mace and I hugged, Gage and Luke did their man handshake thing.

As soon as I pulled away from Macey I was pulled into another tight hug from my brother. I hugged him back and smiled. My brother was just like my dad when giving hugs. Warm and safe. Stepping back I took my seat next to Macey at the edge of the table Macey and Gage sat across from Luke. That way all the guys would be able to talk to one another.

"So where are the other two?" I asked once I was seated.


"They should be here any second honestly. But you know Dylan he will be late than complain about us eating before him." Macey said rolling her eyes. Just as she finished talking the said person came bounding towards our table.

Dylan Stiles was still the exact same person he was when I met him 6 years ago. Still high energy, funny, protective. He was dressed in his normal grey washed jeans, a matching dark grey shirt, along with a black leather jacket. Everything screamed 'bad boy' even though he was anything but that.

"Car-bear!" Dylan practically yelled once he said hello to everyone else. He came up to me and yanked me out of my chair for a hug. He acted as if we hadn't just seen each other 3 days ago. I smiled at the nickname he still had for me after all this time.

"Hey." I hugged him back. Dylan was one of those people I do not know what I would do without him in my life. He just makes things better and fun when he's around.

"How's the job going?" I asked once he pulled away.

"Same old, same old." Was his reply as he moved to take a seat next to Gage, across from Luke.

To be honest I had no clue what Dylan wanted to do once he graduated college, and I don't think he knew either. One thing I didn't know about him was that he was great with computers. It was like his hidden talent. Whatever you needed done on your computer he could do it in a matter of minutes. He could even hack into the best system in seconds.

He somehow got a job at the best technology companies in New York and now he comes up with new ideas on how to make computers faster, new types of phones and laptops. In just a few years he has been able to take over the company and is now coming up with new ideas daily. I would not be surprised if he came up with a whole new computer system that everyone will soon use.

We all sat around talking for a few more minutes before Ethan finally showed up. He scrolled on in like he wasn't 30 minutes late and acted as if he didn't feel Macey's hard glare on him. You could tell he went home and showered because his hair was still slightly damp.

Even after 6 years Ethan Galloway still looked the exact same. Same dark hair that was in its normal messy style, bright blue/green eyes that made women swoon when he glanced at them. He was still very nice looking which made sense why every women turned their head to look at him as he passed by.

After hugging him and kissing him on the cheek I took my seat, Gage's hand coming to rest on my thigh. I rolled my eyes. It wasn't that Gage was still worried about me and Ethan, but it was a way for him to tell everyone-including me-that I was his. Men I tell you.

Gage and Ethan were fine now. With both of them working at the same place, it really made them be closer and bond more. They became somewhat like brothers. They didn't have the same relationship normal brothers probably did, or even the same relationship Ethan and my brother had, but they respected one another. They've come to terms that they are related and that they should just get along. And let me tell you it made things a lot easier between all of us.

"What took you so long?" Luke asked finally reaching for his menu so we could order.


"I had to change." Ethan shrugged but all of us knew better than that. As recently named 'Most Eligible Bachelor in New York', Ethan has taken it upon himself to sleep with every girl in New York. He wanted to live up to his new 'title' I suppose.

"Don't you want to settle down?" Luke asked.

"Why? I am only 26." Ethan shrugged. Next to him Dylan high-fived him. Before we could say more on the subject the waiter came over and took our order.

Both Dylan and Ethan were single. Things between Johanna and Dylan didn't work out. They dated up until a year ago when Anna decided she wanted to move. Dylan didn't want to leave New York and everything he knew behind. It broke Dylan's heart when Anna decided to still move without him. 4 years of dating disappeared as she moved to Florida, where they apparently have some of the best hospitals. It's been a year and Dylan still hasn't really moved on. I know Dylan is mad at her for throwing it all away but I knew he still loved her and wished her the best.

Ethan and Amy were a different story. They broke up on semi-good terms. Neither of them were really feeling it anymore. Amy wanted to travel and get away, while Ethan had to stay here and take over the family business. Neither would compromise. Amy wanted to get away from family and so she did. She took a job in Australia that specialized in Marine Biology. It's been about two years now that she left. I heard from her occasionally but she was busy living her life. Ethan decided that he wanted to be single for a while and now he is name an eligible bachelor. Every kind of saw it coming between the two. More and more they started to fight and neither seemed happy.

Conversation between all six of us was easy. Even if we don't spend every waking second with one another, every time we got together it felt like old times. Instead of talking about grades and mean professors, we talked about work and deadlines. Growing up was so fun....note the sarcasm.

"So Car, how's the gallery coming?" Ethan asked after a bit.

"It is going good. I mean I still have a lot to do to be ready in two weeks but I'm excited." I smiled.

"Still cannot believe my sister is going to have her own art gallery show."

"Its not that big of a deal." I waved him off.

"Yes it is. Your stuff is incredible Car." Macey patted my hand on the table. A chorus of 'yes' came, making me blush.

"Of course all of us will be there." Gage said, his hand squeezing my thigh reassuringly. I smiled up at him.

"Now onto more important things." Dylan interrupted. "So yesterday this girl came up to me and little dry humped my leg! Being such a nice person I am, I helped her out."

"You helped her out?" Gage asked, raising an eyebrow. "How?"

"We went to the closet." Dylan smirked and wiggled his eyebrows. I grabbed a piece of my bread and threw it at him.

"Gross!"

We all threw pieces of bread at him while Dylan asked what he did wrong? I grinned and shook my head at him. Just like old times.

* * * * * * * 

Dinner flew by. I haven't laughed that much in a while and it felt nice hanging out with everyone. It was nearing 7:30 which meant we have been here a good two hours. While it was still early and all of us could go out and do something else, I already had plans for Gage and I. Plus I'd be seeing everyone soon anyways.

We all paid a while ago and with it getting later and later I knew it was time for us to leave. When there was a lull of silence I spoke up.

"Hey guys. I am sorry but Gage and I have to be going."

"We do?" Gage looked at me in surprise.

"Yeah." The only person here that knew what was going on was Dylan. Out of everyone I went to him for help. I wanted his opinion and he came with me to make sure it would work. I could have told the others but I wanted this to be a secret; something that didn't work well in our group. I was actually surprised Dylan was able to keep this a secret from Gage. The others would find out soon anyways.

"You two better get going then." Dylan said, a sly look on his face. Standing up I started my goodbyes. Macey of course demanded to know tomorrow what was going on, no surprise there. Luke and Ethan just said goodnight. When I got to Dylan he whispered in my ear.


"Let me know what he thinks. And don't forget to give me all the credit." I laughed as I hugged him.

"I'll see you later." I said as I pulled away. Gage laced our hands together as we said goodbye one last time. When we got outside and headed for the car did Gage finally talk.

"So why did we leave? Planning on doing something dirty to me in the car?" He winked at me.

"No, and get that idea out of your head. We've been through this we aren't doing it in the car." Reaching the Jeep I held my hand out.

"Keys."

"Why?" He looked at me suspiciously. I could tell he was starting to really wonder what is going on.

"I'm not going to do anything bad or leave you somewhere; although that idea is appealing. Just give me the keys." After looking at me for a good minute he finally dropped them into my palm.

"Thank you." I went over to the drivers side and slide in. It would just be easier for me to drive us where we need to go instead of giving Gage directions.

"Not going to tell me where we are going, are you?" He asked.

"Nope. It is a surprise."

"You know I am not a huge fan surprises babe."

"You'll like this one I promise." I hope. I finished silently.

We were quiet as I drove. It didn't take long to reach the place as it was about 15 minutes from our apartment. Because it was dark out you couldn't really see where we were and for that I was glad. It made the surprise that much easier.

"Where are we? Wait are we at some underground sex club?" Gage turned to me, his eyes wide. The lights from the dashboard lighting up his face. "Because babe, I'm not really into others seeing me naked. I mean if you want to do it I don't mind but-" I placed a hand over his mouth.

"Dylan has rubbed off on you. We are not at a sex club." I pulled my hand away from him after I spoke. "Just trust me." Grabbing my purse that held the keys I turned the car off and got out. As we walked towards the dark, empty building I moved closer to Gage. We were in an okay part of town but with it being so dark you didn't know what could happen. Gage wrapped an arm around my waist, holding me close as we walked.

Reaching the front door of the building we came to a stop. I watched Gage look around. I was growing more nervous as the seconds went by.

"I don't want you to be mad at me okay?" I said breaking the silence.

"What would I be mad about?"

"I wanted to get you something for all the hard work you have been doing and the fact that we are about to celebrate out 6 year anniversary."

"Carter you are slightly scaring me here. What is going on?" Knowing he wouldn't last much longer I opened my purse and took out the envelope. Avoiding Gage's gaze, I took the keys out and went to the front door.

"Carter you can't just break in." Gage said grabbing my arm. I shook my head. I inserted the key and pushed the door open.

"Just follow me." Not giving him time to answer I grabbed his hand and pulled him after me. Using my phones flashlight I lead us down the hallway a bit until the room opened up.

"Stay right here." I instructed Gage. When I was sure he wasn't going to move I quickly walked over to the side walk. Reaching the light switches I took a deep breath. Please don't be mad. I crossed my fingers and turned on the lights, one by one.

The open lit up slowly until you could make out where we were exactly. Gage was completely quiet as I walked back towards him. I looked around the old empty gym, taking in the punching bags that were still hanging up, an old boxing ring off to the side. The place was still in great shape even though it needed some things fixed.

"Why are we in an empty gym?" Gage finally asked. I played with my fingers. "Seriously Carter, why are we here?" He turned to face me.

"We are at your gym." I said finally. I stood still waiting for his reaction.

"What?"

"I bought the gym." I held the keys up for him.

"You...bought this gym?"

"Yeah. I mean this is your present. I know for a while now you have been wanting to open up your own gym and help kids get off the streets and let this become a safe haven for them; like the one when you were kid."

"You bought this gym for me."

"I did. I know this has been a dream for you for a while now and I thought why not get started on it. I probably should have ask you first if you still wanted to do this but I wanted to surprise you. I came here with Dylan and he said this would be perfect and that he would be glad to help out, you know.

"I know the place needs some help though but my dad knows someone that could help us. We could in a few months get this up and running. You could split your time between the company and this." I kept rambling on. Gage wasn't saying anything and it was making me even more nervous that he hated it.

"I am sorry I shouldn't have done it. I should have asked you first. We can sell it though if you don't want to do it. That is okay I don't care. I-"

"Princess." Gage finally spoke.


"Please don't be mad." I peeked up at him through my lashes.

"Princess." Gage was suddenly right in front of me, his hand softly grabbed my chin and tilting my head all the way up so we were eye to eye. "I can never be mad at you."

"So you aren't upset I bought this place without telling you?" He sent me a small smile.

"No. In fact am very happy and...surprised. I didn't think this would actually happen. I have to say it is the best gift I have ever gotten. Well beside you." A smile was growing on my face and soon I was full blown grinning.

"So are we really going to fix this place up and start it?" Gage's thumb moved from chin to rub my cheek. The way he was staring down at me made my knees weak.


"I think we are." Beyond happy that he liked my gift I practically flew myself at him. I wrapped my arms around his neck and my legs went around his waist. I slammed my lips against his. I felt Gage's hands grab my ass and suddenly we were moving.

I hung on tight to him as he moved us. My lips were basically attacking his. When I felt my back hit the wall I gasped.

"You are incredible." Gage murmured against my lips. His mouth trailed down from my lips to my neck. My fingers grabbed his hair and softly tugged as he trailed his lips down the side of my neck to the base of my throat. I didn't know that part of the body could feel so good until Gage came along.

He kissed down to the valley of my breasts that the dress didn't cover. I leaned my head back against the wall and panted heavily. Getting impatient I yanked him back up by his hair so his lips were once again pressed to mine.

While our tongues battled, Gage once again grabbed me and moved us. Our kiss broke as Gage softly lowered me down onto a bouncy surface. Opening my eyes and looking around I noticed he laid me down in the boxing ring the gym had. When I said this place needed some work I meant it. The boxing ring didn't have any rope, so it was an open ring.

I looked back to Gage and found him staring down at me, his eyes dark. His brown eyes traveled from head to toe, taking their own sweet time. I noticed he paused on my breasts that were moving rapidly up and down, and the to my open legs. My dress had risen a bit to expose my thigh.

I sucked my bottom lip into my mouth as I stared right back at him. He looked very intimidating standing there in his suit. Dark hair ruffled from my fingers. Jaw clenched as he looked me up and down. I felt so wanted and beautiful under his gaze.

He grabbed my legs and spread them more open so he could stand in-between them. I moved up onto my forearms so I could look at him better. Slowly his hands worked their way up my thighs, dragging my dress up with them. My breathing was getting heavier as his hands moved up me. When he reached my chest I was panting and trying hard not to grab him and rip his shirt off.

Gesturing for me to sit up I. My hips moving closer to his. His hands went back down to the hem of my dress. He started inching it up, pulling it up above my hips. Since my dress didn't have a zipper it had to be taken off over the head. Smirking I raised my arms up above my head. I stare Gage right in the eyes as he pulled my dress all the way off and throwing it off to the side.

Bringing my hands back down I leaned back on my palms, sitting there in my red bra and panties. I felt my body heat up as Gage's hungry eyes devoured me. I still felt embarrassed being naked in front of Gage.

"Beautiful. And all mine." He licked his lips staring down at me. My cheeks turned the same color as my bra and panties. Not wanting to be the only one who was half naked I sat all the way up and reached for Gage's shirt.

I slowly unbuttoned his white dress shirt. I wanted to tease him a bit so when his stomach came into view, my fingers would gently brush against the naked flesh. I was rewarded with a shudder. Biting on my lip I undid the last button and pushed the material off of him.

Trailing my fingers down his chest and down the edges of his 6-pack, I made my way to his dress pants. Feeling his stomach tense under my tough I smirked up at him. Good to know I affected him as much he did to me. Grasping his belt I undid it, before unbuttoning them. Pushing them off of him I let him finish the rest while my hands moved back up his muscular stomach to his chest.

Each of us only dressed in our underwear we stared at one another. Grabbing Gage's shoulders I pulled him on top of me. His hands went next to my head as he hovered over me. Beaming I wrapped my legs around his waist.

Neither of us needed to say anything. Our lips met once again and our bodies ground against one another. Just like with everything else, we fit together perfectly. Moaning from Gage's touch I let myself become lost in him. 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Don't shoot me for the long wait! I am so sorry about not updating for a while! I literally have not been wanting to write these last few chapters but this weekend I pushed through and wrote. And boy am I glad I did. Now I know exactly what I want to happen next chapter :)

As you know THERE IS ONE CHAPTER LEFT! Yep one chapter left but there will be plenty of bonus chapters afterwards too. Don't you worry guys I got you covered ;) I have a question I am going to ask on Twitter right now so head over there and answer it for me please!!! For those that don't have a twitter I will post the question tomorrow on my profile and Snapchat so you guys can answer as well. But if you do have a Twitter make sure to follow me at Kendoll350. I always reply!

So....Who saw Amy and Ethan breaking up? Are you happy? 

Did you see Dylan and Johanna breaking up to? Do you feel bad for Dylan? Who should he end up with? 

And for all my Cage lovers out there....THEY ARE STILL TOGETHER! YAY! As a lot of you know I didn't plan on having Gage be the one to end up with Carter or have him have a big part either. It was suppose to be Ethan but after introducing Gage I had to keep him. He is too sweet, cute, and hot! 

And of course Luke and Macey are still together! Aren't they like the cutest ever!?!

Anyways I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! I am hoping to get the final one up next week!! Then I will be focusing on "The Hidden Shadow". For those that have read the first two chapters...what do you think? Like Jessie already? Don't worry it picks up after next chapter :) Thank you guys for reading that book too!!

I hope you guys had a great weekend! Love you guys so much!!! 

<3 <3 <3 <3

-Ken