Semi-Edited!

Not sure if I posted this banner before or not...but I love it! Thank you!! <3 <3

Song above is...Starving by Hailee Steinfeld! It fits so perfectly with this chapter! 

Enjoy!!

"Yes I'll be your girlfriend."

Before the words were out of my mouth Gage's lips were pressed against mine. His hand came up behind my head, pushing his fingers into my hair. It was like he was keeping hold of me so I wouldn't move away but I was not going anywhere.

My own lips moved in sync with his and when he started to kiss me harder I couldn't help but make a noise in the back of my throat. Kissing Gage for the second time was just as good as the first. His lips were soft yet firm against mine. It was clear he knew what he was doing and I was inwardly glad. I wasn't a pro at kissing so having him take lead was nice.

After a minute we pulled apart breathing heavily. Our foreheads rested against one another and my eyes stayed closed. I had to be dreaming right now. Having Gage ask me to be his girlfriend and then kissing me was making me feel like this wasn't real. For the past week or so I have wanted him to say those exact words and here he is saying them.

"You said yes." Gage breathed out.

"I did." I grinned opening my eyes and seeing him already looking at me. His eyes were practically glowing in the dark light.

"Do you know how long I have wanted to kiss you?" The sound of that made my heart swell and my grin widened. It was nice hearing that he has wanted to kiss me just as much as I have wanted to kiss him.

"Took you long enough." He grinned at me. Gage didn't even say anything else as he once again captured my lips with his. My hands moved to his hard chest, touching the hard muscle there. We pulled away grinning at one another. I felt practically giddy.

With no words to say to each other we laid back down on the bed. I was now pressed against Gage's side, warmth seeping through his clothing to mine. Nothing could wipe the smile off my face as I laid down with Gage staring up at the stars.

******

3 days has passed since Gage and I got together for real and they had to be the best three days ever. Every night Gage and I would talk on the phone for hours, slowly getting to really know one another. I was learning all about what he was like as a child, what sports he played in high school. He never talked much about his mother and I didn't want to push the topic.

We would meet up everyday after classes and either go to 95 Degree's to get something to eat telling each other about our day, or just hang out in his dorm studying and watching tv. Because we just got together we were taking things slow. We weren't going to rush into this like before. Gage respected my boundaries and I respected his. But if these three days have anything to show for our relationship I am not going to mind being with Gage.

As long as you don't factor in the stares from girls when they would see us enter class holding hands, or the stupid rumors going around that I was just sleeping with Gage to gain popularity. As long as I didn't think of that I was good.

Currently all of us were sitting outside on the benches that surrounded the lawn in the middle of campus. We were enjoying one of the last few days of nice weather before the cold came. With October nearing it's end and Novemeber begin we knew to prepare for the cold months ahead. And when I mean all of us I do mean all of us; Luke, Macey, Ethan, Amy, Dylan, Gage and Me. Luke has come to accept Gage and I together but I couldn't say the same for Ethan, he still made little comments here and there. All of our classes were over on Wednesday at this time so we decided to all get together.

"Dylan when are you going to introduce us to your girlfriend?" I asked taking a bite of my apple as I leaned back against Gage. I was in-between Gage's legs with my back pressed against his front and I have to say he made the most comfortable back chair.

"Woah wait!" Macey held up her hand. "Since when did this one get a girlfriend?" She looked over at Dylan who was glaring at me.

"She isn't my girlfriend." He gritted out.

"That is who you have been texting all day!" Macey exclaimed. I couldn't hold back a smile at the look Dylan sent Macey, who was totally unaffected by it. "They grow up so fast, don't they." She moved forward and pinched one of Dylan's cheeks before he could move away.

"Stop." He smacked her hand away.

"He's in denial." Gage whispered in my ear, making a shiver run down my spine. I tilted my head up to see him and nodded in agreement.

"He really is." With Gage's face so close to me I wanted to kiss him but with everyone around us I held back.

Feeling a set of eyes on me I moved my head back down, my eyes clashing with Ethan's blue/green ones. He was staring hard at us and if looks could kill Gage would be dead by now. I don't know what is up his butt but I ignored him. For once I wasn't even worried about what Ethan thought or felt right now. All thoughts about him were far back in my mind.

I tuned back into the conversation just as Luke grabbed Macey around the waist so she wouldn't lung at Dylan. I looked at them confused but shrugged it off.

"What is anybody doing this weekend?" Amy asked changing the subject away from Mace and Dylan.

"We have a game on Friday." Luke said, "but other than that no." Macey shook her head as well. I thought about it and shook my head either. No plans unless Gage wanted to do something. I moved my head to look up at Gage.

"We have plans." Gage said gruffly. He still wasn't use to being around everyone and I didn't blame him. It was just sweet that he was sitting here with me when he would rather be somewhere else. I raised my eyebrows at his words hearing about this for the first time.

"Ohh what are you guys doing?" Macey asked looking between us. I really wished Gage would answer because I was just as curious as Macey.

"Nothing." Gage kept his mouth closed on the subject not saying anything else about it. As much as I wanted to know I was excited about what he had planned. Wait, I hoped he meant me and him-we, not Dylan and him-we.

He squeezed me around the waist almost like he knew I was overthinking. I squeezed his leg in return and snuggled back into him. At first I thought things would be slightly awkward between us now that we were dating for real but so far it hasn't. Sure it has only been 3 days but it feels like I have known Gage a life time. It just felt right for some reason.

I still wasn't sure how to act or what to do around him. Having only ever been in one serious relationship I was still new to all of this. I didn't want to move too fast with him and freak him out, or go too slow where we aren't really going anywhere. As much as I have learned about Gage I haven't heard if he has ever been in a serious relationship or a relationship at all. This may be all new to him too.

It was now nearing 5 o'clock and my stomach was growing uncontrollably. Having skipped lunch today I was beyond starving. Embarrassingly enough Gage could feel the rumble of my stomach with his hands across my middle section.

"Want to get something to eat?" He asked softly so only I could hear. Smiling I nodded. Reluctantly I moved out of his hold and went to grab my bag.

"Hey guys we are going to go." Everyone's conversations stopped to look at Gage and I.

"Where are you going?" Ethan asked a weird tone to his voice.

"None of your business." Gage snapped at him as he stood up. All of the sudden you could feel the tension start to rise. All day Gage has been ignoring his little jabs so he was bound to finally snap.

"Don't talk to me like that Harper!" Ethan growled moving to stand up.

"What we do is none of your business."

"It is my business when it comes to Carter."

"She isn't yours Galloway." Gage hissed clenching his hands at his sides. Not wanting either of them to fight I quickly moved in-between them, placing a hand to Gage's chest.

"Gage lets go." I said softly. He looked down at me his eyes softening a little. With his jaw clenched he slowly nodded.

"I'll see you guys later." I said giving my brother, and Macey a small smile. Amy was busy holding Ethan back as well. Not even sparing Ethan a glance I grabbed Gage's hand and tugged him after me. Passing by Dylan I noticed he was standing now to and had a hard look on his face. No doubt he would have jumped in if things got too ugly. Squeezing his arm as we pass I lead Gage away from everyone.

"That was...interesting." I said a few minutes later as we continued on walking. Gage calmed down some more but was still holding onto my hand firmly.

"He isn't your fucking keeper. Nothing you do with me should matter to him." He grunted. "He lost his shot with you." Gage said the last part quietly but I still heard him.

I rolled my eyes, "Ethan has never liked me. He just thinks he has to be my brother at times." He muttered something I couldn't quite hear but I didn't press it.

"Lets just get something to eat."

*****

The rest of the week flew by in a flurry of homework, studying, and just hanging out with Gage. Midterms were getting closer and closer which made me even more nervous. I literally spent my time studying and being with Gage. Most of the time we hung out we'd do homework together or just sit at either of our dorms and watch tv.

Because I was so busy the rest of the week I completely forgot about my date with Gage. The day Ethan and Gage almost got in a fight is the day Gage asked me out on a date this Saturday. When he asked me his cheeks had turned slightly pink letting me know he hasn't asked a lot of girls out before, thankfully.

I had no clue what these date was going to be and I would be completely fine if we even went to dinner and movie; I am fine with simple. I tried to tell Gage that we didn't have to do anything big big everything I said he waved off. He clearly had his mind set on something.

So here I was getting water splashed in my face with Macey demanding I get up.

"What the hell!" I glared at her wiping my face. Thank the lord she only had half a glass.

"Carter get up right now. You need to shower and get dressed, Gage will be here soon." At the mention of Gage I sat up straighter.

"What do you mean he will be here soon?"

"For your date duh! I was asked to make sure you are ready on time. So get your ass up and in that shower." I started to say something but she stopped me. "I won't hesitate to throw more water on you."

"Fine I'm up." I pushed the covers away and slowly got up stretching. "Who made her the boss of everything." I mutter softly as I moved past her to head to the bathroom.

"You are lucky I am in a good mood or else I would slap you." She called after me. Shaking my head but smiling I closed the door and got ready to get in the shower. Did what Macey asked of me and about 10 minutes later I was out of the shower heading back to my room, bracing myself for the mess that Macey no doubt made.

Opening the door my assumptions were right. My room looked like a hurricane went through it. Everything I owned was thrown on my bed and the floor.

"Macey!" I exclaimed clenching the towel around me as I moved deeper in the room.

"I found an outfit for you!" She yelled at me as she stood in a mountain of clothes.

"How...just...I can't with you."

"You need to get dressed and get your makeup done." She rattled off making her way towards me.

"It isn't that big of a deal."

"Isn't that big of a deal? Carter this is your first REAL date with Gage!"

"No it-" I paused thinking about it. Sure we have hung out this week and I took Gage to the Astronomy Museum but that didn't really count. The 'date' was part of the bet and he didn't ask me to be his girlfriend until afterwards so....

"Crap! This is our first real date!" I yelled. Now I was freaking out! How could I have forgotten this was our first date.

"That is why I am here to help you. I got the outfit picked out and I will do your makeup perfectly." She shoved a pile of clothing into my arms. "Get changed."

"You clean this up." I gestured to my room as I walked back out to get changed. Trying hard not to over think this date with Gage I quickly got changed. I had no clue when he would get here but seeing that it was almost 10 o'clock I figured it would be very soon.

The outfit Mace picked out for me was simple yet so me. I was once again glad my best friend had styling skills like her mother. I wiggled on the black skinny jeans that hugged my legs tightly. Little rips decorated the knees making them look kind of worn. Next I slide on a black and white stripped long sleeve shirt that stuck to what little curves I had. Once I was done I left the bathroom knowing there was more to the outfit that Macey picked out. 

The second I walked into my room she grabbed me by my arm and plopped my right down in front of my small vanity mirror. She wasted no time in quickly doing my hair and makeup. I wasn't going to complain at all to her so I sat there silently as she worked. While she did her magic on me I thought about what Gage had planned. Because it was still early in the mooring on a Saturday it had to be something different than I thought. No denying the fact that I was giddy about going out with Gage and doing something great. I also had a small suspicion that Macey had a say in this date.

In no time at all Macey was stepping away from me with a grin on her face. I finally looked at my reflection, a wide smile taking over my features. She added very little makeup to my face but enough around the eyes to make the blue pop out a little more, and some nude lipstick. My hair was in soft ringlets framing my face. Simple and cute.

"I'm amazing I know!" She grinned. "But anyways finish getting dressed because Gage will be here any moment. On your bed is your shoes, jacket and bag." With a nod I went over to my bed and pulled on some grayish boots that I had no idea I even owned, the jacket I was just going to hold until I needed it. I was putting stuff in the bag and reached for some money when Macey smacked my hand.

"Ow! What was that for?" I pulled my hand back.

"No money."

"What?"

"I have strict instructions saying you are not allowed to bring any money." I knew from her firm tone that questioning it wasn't going to work so instead I kept my mouth shut. Just as I put the shoulder bag on three loud knocks came from the living room.

I shot wide eyes at Macey who just grabbed my arm and basically pulled me out of my room to the front door. She even opened the door for me as I stood there like an idiot. Seeing Gage standing there I relaxed just a little bit. He calmed my fears slightly.

"Hey." He breathed out.

"Hey." I couldn't help but smile at him.

"Okay enough staring deeply into each others eyes." Macey interrupted us. I rolled my eyes at her.

"Ready to go?"

"Yeah." I nodded.

Saying a quick goodbye to Mace and a quiet thank you for helping me I was out the door with Gage. He wasted no time in grabbing my hand and lacing it with his. A stupid grin was plastered on my face and there was nothing anyone could do to get it off.

"So where are we going?" I asked as we left the dorm building, Gage leading me in the direction of the parking lot.

"It is a secret." Small flashback to me saying the exact same thing to him when I took him to the astronomy museum.

"You are lucky I don't mind surprises." I muttered to him.

As we walked I checked Gage out from the corner of my eye. As per usual he looked very handsome. His white t-shirt and blue pull over made his shoulders look bigger than before. Just looking at him made me want to kiss the crap out of him. This hot guy beside me was all mine. Yes ALL mine! 

(Okay no clue who this guys is but DAMNNN! Also Gage would look great in this, just saying)

In no time we were in his car and driving to who knows where. I was trying so hard not to ask Gage again where we were going and instead turned up the radio. When I heard the new song start to play I turned up louder turning to Gage.

"You have to sing with me!"

"Hell no." He shook his head at me.

"Come on! You have to know this song!" When he didn't budge I decided to sing first.

I know it breaks your heart

Move to the city in a broke down car

And four years, no call

Now, you are looking pretty in a hotel bar

And, I can't stop

No, I can't stop!

I belted out turning in my chair to face Gage head on. When he made no move to sing the chorus I did it for him.

So baby pull me closer in the backseat of your Rover

That I know you can't afford

Bite that tattoo on your shoulder

Pull the sheets right off the corner

Of the mattress that you stole

From your roommate back in Boulder

We ain't ever getting older!

As I sang I forgot I was totally embarrassing myself in front of Gage, instead I pretended that I was at my own concert singing the words. My hands moved on their own as I sang. While I was having my own music video/dance party Gage glanced at me from time to time but made sure we didn't crash the car.

"Those are some moves you got there." Gage said as the song came to an end. Now remembering he was in the car with me my cheeks flamed up.

"You just wish your moves were as great as mine." I flipped my hair over my shoulder trying to calm my cheeks down.

"Pretty impressive for being in a car I must say." Taking a peek in his direction I noticed him smiling at me which made me feel slightly better.

"I'm super talented what can I say." I said shrugging.

"Super terrible."

"Hey!" I smacked his arm. "Don't be jealous of my moves and my singing voice!"

"Jealous of a sound that makes a whale dying sound pleasant? Nope."

"I'd like to see you do better."

"I don't sing princess."

"Well then how do you know I'm not better than you?" I asked crossing my are across my chest.

"Dylan sounds better than you and he sounds like a cat screaming while being dragged across town." He deadpanned.

"Like you can do better. Sing!"

"Oh look at that we