chapter 10

Be my girlfriend.  Those words echoed around my head for the next whole week. All I could think about was Gage saying those three words to me and me agreeing to go along with it. My own response had surprised me as well as Gage when I agreed. I never even thought I'd do such a thing but after I found myself saying yes I didn't feel that bad about it. It was Gage's idea so I couldn't feel too ashamed.  It was now Friday of the next week and I was coming out of the art building. All week I had put myself into my Photography portfolio and my homework so I wouldn't think too much about the deal between Gage and I. I wouldn't really call it a deal but it kind of felt like one. We were fake dating to get Ethan back, but I wasn't sure what Gage was getting out of this. We haven't talked much since last Sunday so I wasn't sure how this was all going to work.  I haven't told anyone of our little agreement, not even Macey. That night I went home and told her everything about Ethan and Amy but nothing about Gage. I kept that little piece of information to myself for now.  I hadn't meant to tell Macey of Ethan and Amy because I knew they were going to the next day but the moment I saw my best friend I broke down. I cried once again over my crush and friend being together. She was just as shocked as I was, after her shock went away she got pissed, like really pissed. She paced around our apartment as she bad mouthed both Ethan and Amy. I was with her on some of the things she said but I couldn't bring myself to hate Amy that much. I couldn't blame her for wanting to be with Ethan.  I know Macey will be kind of mad when she hears about this thing with Gage but I didn't know how to tell her. Hey Mace I am going to fake date Gage, the same guy that use to hate my guts. Yep, not happening. I will have to tell her eventually but not right now, not until I know more about what we are going to do.  Heading across campus to 95 Degrees to get a coffee I definitely needed to get me through the rest of the day. The week had been hectic with school work and I was beyond glad it was the weekend. Tomorrow was Luke and Ethan's football game which was a home game, meaning Macey and I were going. My parents were coming home next weekend so we all knew that is where we were spending the weekend at.  The one thing I needed to do was talk to Gage but a small part of me almost didn't want to. What if he took back his deal? And why did that even matter anyways? I was still having an inner debate about this whole thing and why it even mattered to me in the first place.  It wasn't like I felt something towards Gage at all. I mean I was slowly starting to like him...as a friend; or at least that is what I am telling myself. I wasn't planning on falling for anyone anytime soon.  I had no idea where Macey was and I was pretty sure my brother was off at football practice. With no one to hang out with I guess now was the best time to find Gage and talk to him. Better to get it all figured out now and make sure we still wanted to do this.  While I was ordering I suddenly decided to grab Gage something as well. Might as well come baring gifts even though I had no clue what he liked. Going simple I just got him an ice coffee along with my usual frappuccino. What if he doesn't like coffee idiot? The small voice in my head asked. Than why did he get coffee ice cream! I shot back at it. Realizing that I was crazy for talking back to myself I pushed all negative thoughts aside as I got my drinks and headed for his apartment.  Carter just act cool. Don't go on stupid and embarrass yourself in front of him. Lets be honest here it is too late for that. Awkward is my middle name.  It didn't take me long to reach his place and before I knocked on his door I took a deep breath. It wasn't like we were really dating. This was just a friend deal. It is no big deal. Knocking I waiting impatiently for someone to answer. I didn't have to wait long for not even a minute later Gage opened the door. He didn't look surprised to see me.  My eyes took him in almost greedily. I swear whatever he wore he looked good in. He was in a pair of black fitted sweats, almost like those kind that soccer players wear, a thin white t-shirt encased his upper body. I swear I could make out his abs through it, which made my knees weak. His brown hair was messy like he got up not too long ago. It was so simple but it was enough to make me drool at the sight of him. Snapping myself out of my staring I thrusted the extra coffee towards him.  "I brought coffee." I said weakly. My voice sounded weird but I prayed he didn't notice. "I uh didn't know what you like so I just got a regular ice coffee. But if you don't like it you don't have to drink it. Or you can have mine instead if that is what you like." I rambled on. "What kind of coffee do you like, is it-"  "Princess." Gage cut me off a smile on his face. I blushed embarrassed at my rambling. "I like ice coffee. Thank you." He grabbed the cup from my hand and moved out of the way so I can enter.  Every time I come to his place I am always surprised with how clean it is. You would think it would be a complete mess like other guy places I have seen. Even Luke and Ethan's place was messier than this.  "So what are you doing here princess?" Gage asked as he went to go sit on the couch. I sat down on the edge of the couch and made sure not to touch Gage, if I did I wouldn't be able to concentrate. Now that I was here I couldn't think about what I wanted to say to him.  "Are you broken?" Gage waved a hand in front of my face.  "I'm perfectly fine." I slapped it away from me.  "Yeah keep telling yourself that." He grinned at me while taking a sip of his drink. Of course my eyes had to catch his every move.  "You are just jealous of me. It is okay to admit it." I said my eyes looking at everything but him.  "You wish." I smiled back at him feeling comfortable. Over the last few weeks being around Gage isn't as awkward or uncomfortable as it use to be. I felt almost like I was home when I was with him.  "So..." He trailed off. Gage silently sat there waiting for me to talk.  "I...um...I was wondering how this thing was going to work." I stuttered out. He just raised an eyebrow at me confused. "Us 'dating'. Like how is it going to work? Do we hang out all the time, do we do normal couple things?"  "Carter you are over-thinking this." As usual. "We are doing this to get Ethan back, to get him to see what he could have had."  "What do you get out of it? This isn't one sided." I asked looking at him. No deal was just one sided, plus Gage wasn't the type to just do this for me.  "I get to annoy the shit out of you whenever I want." He smirked at me. I wanted to make some kind of smart ass comment but nothing came to me other than a smile.  "Idiot." I nudged his shoulder.  "But seriously princess we will just go with it, okay?" Gage sent me a soft smile which I couldn't help but nod at. He was right we will just go with it, roll with the punches.  "Okay." I almost wanted to ask why he was really doing this for me but I couldn't bring myself to do so. If I ask I may get the answer I don't want.  We sat silently on the couch sipping our coffee while the tv showed some random show. There were so many things I wanted to say on the tip of my tongue but I held myself back. I liked that we were at that stage now where we weren't at each others throats and we didn't hate one another. At first Gage just got on my nerves to no end but after he 'saved' me from that party a few weeks ago things changed between us. Mutual agreement was made where we wouldn't be asses to one another.  "So no classes today?" I asked turning my head that was laying against the couch towards him.  "Had one this morning at 8 but that is it." As I stared at him I realized I knew nothing about Gage other than the basics.  "You have nothing else to do today do you?" I suddenly asked.  "No why?" He looked surprised at my change of subject.  "How about we spend the rest of the day getting to know one another. It would be a good way to actually show that we are 'dating." The look on Gage's face looked like he would rather die. "We won't talk about deep stuff more like, what if your favorite holiday type questions." As much as I would like to know more about Gage I would settle for the just the little things right now.  He just stared at me like I had grown 3 heads. Pulling out the big shots I put my hands together and sent him my best puppy dog eyes. I knew they would work because they always work on my dad and Luke.  "Fine." He muttered not even a minute later. I grinned as I won that round. No one can resist puppy dog eyes. "But no way in hell am I getting in touch with my 'feelings'." He put air quotes on the word feeling. I just rolled my eyes at him.  "Okay lets start." I clapped my hands together as I turned my body to face him, crossing my legs in front of me. "What is your favorite candy bar?" I asked.  "Seriously?" He sent me a dry look.  "It is a simple question, now answer it."  "Fine. I like snickers the best."  "Your turn." I gestured at him. I watched him roll his eyes but he did as I said.  "Favorite drink?"  "Water or coffee. I don't like soda that much."  This is what went on for a good 30 minutes. We went back and forth asking the stupidest questions about one another. While they were just simple, stupid questions I did learn quite a bit about Gage. For example his favorite holiday was Christmas, he didn't like orange juice, he had a small obsession with Sons Of Anarchy. While most would think this is pointless I was able to see a different side of Gage.  At first he was closed off and it was clear he didn't want to do this but after a little bit he got into it. He of course asked a few inappropriate questions which I refused to answer, which in turn he made fun of me for. But other than those awkward questions it was fun.  Getting to know Gage just a tad bit more made this deal slightly better. I wasn't breaking out as much as I was and I was even starting to be okay with it. It could honestly be worse, I could be in a fake relationship with someone else who is a freak or an ass. It wasn't like Gage wasn't an ass but he was tolerable. Something about him made me want to be around him and that just made this whole thing easier. Made me actually want to continue with this.  *****  "You are coming with us." I gritted out glaring at him.  "I am not!"  "Yes you are. You said yesterday that we should maybe do things together and well that is happening today." I put my hands on my hips staring straight at Gage.  "I didn't mean this Carter." Gage hissed at me, standing firm of not going.  We were currently facing off in the middle of Macey and I's apartment. Yesterday when Gage and I were getting to know one another he said soon we should go do things together, like a date. Side note I may have stopped breathing when he said that. But anyways he did say that yesterday and today we going to be that day. It was Saturday which meant it was Luke and Ethan's home football game.  I was trying to get Gage to come along with us but he wouldn't budge. This was practically his whole idea and now he wasn't even complying. I was getting a little mad at him but was trying to hold it in.  "Carter I don't think he is going to budge." Macey said from the couch as she watched us. Dylan was sitting next to her as well looking right at home. When Gage came over Dylan was right behind him so it was only logical that I invited him to come along. They can take the other two seats my parents usually sit in.  "Yes he is. Gage come on." He just shook his head at me like a 5 year old.  You are probably wondering why Macey isn't freaking out right now and that is because last night I told her about me and Gage. I told her about the deal between us and what we were going to do in the coming weeks. She of course freaked at first and basically went all mom on my ass but after a while she settled down. She was on board with this idea which was surprising but I didn't question it. That is why she is sitting there picking her nails while Gage and I argue.  "Why are you so difficult!" I practicality yelled. We had to leave in 15 minutes so we could get there in time and with Gage being difficult we may be late.  "Because I do not want to go. Don't you fucking understand!?" I narrowed my eyes at him.  "Do not swear at me. Gage Harper you are coming with me right now or so help me god." I pointed my finger at him and put on the most threatening glare I could do.  "Shit, dude I'd just go along with it. Woman are crazy." Dylan said from his chair while twirling his finger around his head. Both Mace and I snapped our heads in his direction. He shrunk back into the chair and held his hands up in surrender. Wise man. I turned back to look at Gage but I knew Dylan was making motions behind me.  "Princess I am not going. I am the head in this relationship." Gage said smugly crossing his arms across his muscular chest. Oh he thinks that doesn't he. I thought. I walked up to him until I was only inches away from him.  I could feel the heat radiating off of him. He is a werwolf god is he hot. I thought suddenly. Brushing the thought away I got back to what I was doing. Being this close to him I felt my chest brush against his and I heard his intake of breath.  "Sweetie," I said in a sickly sweet tone. I placed both of my hands on his hard chest as I leaned into him. Under my hand I could feel the erratic beating of his heart. "Men may be the head of the house, but women are always the neck. We make the head turn the way we want." I whispered to him.  With that I stepped away from him and turned on my heel walking towards my bedroom. Behind me Gage stood still trying to recover from what I did. I grinned in triumph as I headed to get my cellphone that was charging. Take that mister I-am-the-head-of-this-relationship.   Making sure I had everything I needed with me I left my room. I held two ticket bracelets in my hand as I came back to the living room. Just in case my parents forgot theres there were extra I kept. In this case it worked out well so Gage an Dylan could use them. Gage wanted to do this so he is coming whether he likes it or not.  "Okay ready to go everyone?" I asked as I entered the living room. I glanced around the room frowning slightly at seeing what both boys were wearing. While Macey and I were wearing school colors, me in my brothers jersey and surprising me Macey had one of my bothers as well. It was clearly a new one because the one I had from last year was a slight lighter blue than hers. I raised an eyebrow at her but didn't comment. Macey ignored me all together as she stood up. Letting her go I turned to the boys. Even though they were wearing no school colors I wasn't going to say anything. I was afraid that if I did Gage would use that as an excuse not to go.  "Boys these are for you. Wear them through the whole game. When it is over you can give them back because they are my parents, so we can't lose them." I handed each of them their bracelets. "Lets get going before we are late. The crowds are going to be crazy today." I knew they were going to be. The last two football games have been away ones and with the team still undefeated everyone was coming to watch.  Not even waiting for an answer from them I followed behind Macey, the boys trailing behind us. The entire time we walked to the stadium Gage had to grumble about coming along. Dylan on the other hand was beyond excited. He was like a 6 year old getting candy on Halloween. I wasn't sure if he had been to a football game before or not but he was acting like he never has. At least someone was excited. I thought. I knew Gage didn't want to come with us and I knew this wasn't his 'scene' but I think it will be good for him. Get out and do something else than fight. And I slightly hoped he would enjoy himself after being here for a little bit.  "Why are you wearing a jersey?" Gage suddenly asked next to me as we walked along the pathway.  "To support the team." I shrugged. I always wore my jersey.  "Who's number is that?" He asked and I sensed a different tone in his voice. Is he jealous? I silently wondered. Smirking I looked over at him.  "Wouldn't you like to know." I winked at him as I grabbed Macey's hand and walked ahead of him.  Thankfully it didn't take us long to get through security and into the stadium. Macey and I knew our way around better than anyone so as soon as we were through the gates we were steering the guys towards the directions of our seats. We had to weave our way through people and I even had to jump to the side into Gage to avoid getting splashed with beer. As predicted the place was packed.  In no time we were filling our way into our seats. The moment we got to our seats I noticed both boys were looking around in what looked like awe. We were right up front and did have the best tickets if I say so myself. Definitely a perk to having my parents.  The guys were not going to come out for another 5 minutes so we had time to just relax for a little bit. Our seating arrangements went Macey, Me, Gage, than Dylan. Us girls figured the two boys would rather sit by one another than separate, especially this being their first time and all.  While Macey leaned around me to talk to the guys I couldn't help but wonder what is going to happen in a few minutes. Like every game both Ethan and Luke would come up and we'd do our rituals but what now with Ethan? I mean he was dating Amy so would that make it awkward now, or does it even matter? He doesn't know of my feelings so the only way for it to be awkward is for me to do it. I did not want to break our ritual at all, it was something we have done for years and without it I don't know what would happen. It wasn't like the world was going to end if me and Ethan didn't do our handshake but it almost felt like it would. I did not want to be the cause of them loosing the game over something stupid. Call my superstitious but it has rubbed off on me from the whole team. If someone did something and they won they instantly thought it was the cause of their win, so they kept doing it. Same goes for the rituals between us.  Sighing I shoved all of my negative thoughts into a little box in the corner of my mind. I would not think of those things right now. I was going to do what we normally do and act like nothing is wrong. I have had years of practice around Ethan so it shouldn't even matter. Plus it was a big day today for them, no one could cause that to go wrong.  5 minutes later the announcer yelled out our school name making the entire stadium stand up screaming at the top of their lungs. Along side them Macey and I stood up, clamping our hands around our mouths and screaming. From the corner of my eye I saw Gage and Dylan glance at one another in surprise at us, both still seated. I rolled my eyes at them then focused on the field.  As normal here came number 16 and 17 heading our way. I couldn't help but admire the way Ethan looked in his uniform. I know I shouldn't have but it was a habit, and who doesn't like the look of a guy in a football uniform? A huge fat grin was plastered on my face as they came to a stop below us.  Leaning down I extended my arm out towards Luke. I could feel a presence behind me but ignored it. Luke and our hands moved in our secret hand shake. To anyone else they would be confused but we knew what it meant.  "Good luck." I grinned at my brother. He smiled back and moved onto Macey. Moving into his place was Ethan. My heart skipped a beat for a second before it settled down. That was new. I thought. Normally my pulse would race for hours after glancing at him.  The grin on my face didn't disappear though as we reached out for one another. Our hands interlocked along with our pinkies and index fingers. Ethan smiled up at me through his helmet, his white teeth flashing.  "Kick their asses!" I yelled over the loud cheering. Giving me a nod he let go of my hand and stepped back. Luke and Ethan clapped each other on the shoulder and gave Mace and I one last smile before running off. I looked over at Macey who was suddenly bright red in the face. What is up with her? I wondered. I watched her eyes follow my brother making them widen. Were they? No they can't be! I mentally shouted to myself. I stared at Macey with wide eyes but she didn't say anything. I am just imaging it. Nothing is going on. Just relax.  Still suspicious I sat down trying to get my head not to explode. The moment I sat down I of course heard some girls behind me talking to each other asking how we knew two of the most popular players. I even heard one girl ask why I had a jersey number 17. I almost laughed out loud at their insinuation, that was just plain gross.  "It is your brothers jersey." Gage commented when we sat back down. My lips tilted up as I glanced over at him.  "Nothing gets by you doesn't it." I retorted. Gage glared at me but didn't say anything else.  "What was that?" Dylan asked leaning around Gage to look at Mace and I.  "It is a thing we do." Macey answered shrugging. For a split second I had forgotten they were here.  "A thing?" Dylan asked with a raised eyebrow.  "We do it every game." I simply said feeling Gage's heated stare on the side of my face. Ignoring him I focused on the game as the opponent kicked off.  20 minutes into the game I noticed how into it both Dylan and Gage were. Their eyes were glued to the field making me laugh under my breath. To think Gage didn't want to come along.  While he was intently watching that game I studied him. I could only see half of his face but man was it a nice one. I had a feeling this whole deal with him is going to turn out differently than I thought. I mean it wasn't like I was starting to get feelings for him, not at all. I was still hung up on Ethan and we were doing this because of him. While all of that was true a small part of me was telling me otherwise.  The feeling was telling me that maybe on some level I said yes to Gage because I had some sort of feelings towards him. Sure I can see myself falling for him if I wanted to but I wasn't. It was too soon anyways. I have only known him for a month and we barely, just barely, started this whole thing. I can't deny though the warm feeling I got or the fact that I felt at home when I was with him.  This was all just starting but deep down I knew that after this moment things were going to change. I knew that being around Gage was going to change me in ways I didn't even know, and it scared me but intrigued me at the same time. Everything about Gage did that to me and I could not stop it or rather I did not want to stop it. For once I wanted to do things different, things that I normally would not do. Those thoughts alone scared me but when Gage glanced over at me and sent me a smile I knew right then I would not mind one bit if things changed.