Chapter 43....

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Semi-Edited

Thank you @QueenDisneyBiatch for the lovely cover! I love it!! <3

Song above is....Last Kiss by Lady Antebellum. Love this song!

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"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.

When we walked into the ballroom we were met with tons of people talking and bright lights. The room was decorated beautifully and it almost felt like a regular party, not a Christmas one.

Of course you had women dressed in the best gowns money could offer, expensive jewelry trying to show off they had money. This party was really a way for women to gossip and show off how rich their husbands are, and a way for the men to talk business. Definitely not a place for younger people to be in. But there is free food so there is that.

Beside me I watched Gage look around at everything soaking it all in. I could tell he already felt uncomfortable being here and I left bad making him come. This wasn't his scene.

"We can leave you know. You don't have to stay." I said tugging on his arm gently.

"Who else is going to shove you up on stage if I leave?" He teased, smiling down at me.

"Does this mean I won't be able to distract you so I don't have to go up?"

"No way in hell." He flashed his teeth at me. I groaned having all my attempts fail.

"Lets go to Luke and Macey." I muttered, and once again pulled him towards the side of the ballroom where they were.

"She keeps trying to get out of her speech isn't she?" Luke said the moment we came to a stop in front of them.

"This all would have been better if you just did it." Luke just rolled his eyes and ignored my comment.

"So Gage liking it so far?"


"Luke we just got here."

"First impression is everything, Carter."

"It is...very fancy." Macey and I laughed.

"This is how my parents fell in love actually." I said glancing around the place. I noticed my parents were moving slowly through the crowd, talking to people. They made the best looking couple honestly.

"Oh really?" Gage asked.

"Yeah. Apparently my dad made my mom take care of everything for a party similar to this one. She had to do everything and only in week. My dad was an ass to her of course about it all. Anyways my dad always says that night is the night he fell in love with her because of all the handwork and the red dress she wore." I grinned looking at my parents.

"And we always have to hear the damn story anytime there is a party for the company." Luke groaned.

"I think it is sweet." Macey said.

"Of course you do. You are a girl." Macey smacked the side of his head which earned a yelp from Luke.

"What the hell was that for?" He whined rubbing the spot she hit.

"For being rude." I grinned as they bickered back and forth, just like what they use to do.

"Do they do this often?" Gage asked with a raised eyebrow, staring at the couple.

"Yeah, regular occurrence usually. You get use to it." I waved them off. While they continued on bickering I glanced around trying to find Ethan. He took off the minute we got here making me wonder where he went off too. He was around somewhere.

"Okay, yeah, that shit is disgusting." Gage muttered next to me bringing my focus back to us. I glanced over at what he was talking about and found Luke and Macey caught in a tight lip lock.

"Thank the lord we aren't like that." I said scrunching up my nose. I would never get use to seeing my best friend and brother kiss. They pulled apart and Macey glared at us, clearing having heard what we just said.

"You guys are just as bad as we are." She said.

"No we aren't." I shook my head.

"Yes you are. You two are always staring at one another with doe eyes all the time, or making out. It is gross to watch."

"We do not!" I looked up at Gage than back to her. "We never kiss in-" I didn't get to finish as my dad's voice spoke loudly through out the room.

"Ladies and Gentlemen thank you for coming." My father started to speak.


"You so do." Macey said one final time because she knew I couldn't respond. Sticking my tongue out her maturely we all turned our attention to my dad.

He stood up on the little platform they had built for this, just tall enough to see out over at everyone. The room had filled up even more as the four of us were talking. At my father's voice everyone quieted down which just amazed me. Next to him on the platform was a row of items people could bid for and the highest bidder would win the prize and the money would be give to the community center. There were things from a trip to Paris to tickers to New York Giant's football games. And yes they even had jewelry and brand name bags for women to bid for as well.

My father thanked everyone for coming and talked about how this was a Christmas party and that he hoped everyone would give to the charity tonight. He mentioned peoples names who already donated.

While he talked my eyes traveled the floor and I noticed Aunt Kacey and Uncle Nick were here, standing by my mom. I even recognized a few people that worked for my father or who I had met in pervious years. I only hoped no one would come up and talk to me like they usually do, it is always so awkward.

I wasn't listening as my father started to talk a little bit of the charity. I knew my turn to speak was coming up. I glanced over at Gage who was staring at my father and listening. I looked over his side profile and smiled softly to myself.

I couldn't tell you how much it meant that he came here with me. I know this isn't his scene and he would rather be somewhere else but he is here. He is here in an awkward situation and here to help me as well. I don't think I have thanked him just yet for being here but I will. I need him to know how much I really appreciate him doing this.

My love for him has grown. I never thought the rude buy that ran into me the first night I moved onto campus would end up being my boyfriend. End up being the guy that would get me over a stupid crush, the guy who would teach me to let go of things, the guy who has stolen my heart.

I was too busy staring my boyfriend to notice my father calling my name. It wasn't until I felt a nudge on my arm that I came back to earth.

"Your turn." Gage whispered down at me. His words sunk in and my eyes widened. "You will be fine. Just look right at me okay?" He stared down into my eyes intensely. Taking a deep breath I nodded at him.

Leaning down he placed a small kiss to my forehead. Smiling at him I moved past him and headed for the platform with my father. I could feel peoples eyes on me as I walked. I had to grab the end of my dress so I wouldn't trip and make a fool of myself.

When I finally reached my dad he gave me an encouraging smile. Giving me a kiss on my cheek he moved off to the side and let me take the mic. When I looked out I gulped at all the eyes staring back at me. A bright light hit my face and I had to hold back the urge to cover my face. Being in the spotlight is not for me.

"Uh...Hi everyone." I stuttered out like a loser. Mentally I slapped myself. Great way to start it off.

"I am here to tell you a bit about this charity and why you should donate." My fingers played with my note cards that somehow ended up in my hands. I nervously glanced around the crowd. I could tell most wanted me to be done talking and others had sympathy looks on their faces.

I face was turning red and I knew I was making a fool out of myself by just standing here not saying anything. My eyes kept looking through the crowd until I met a pair of familiar brown eyes. Gage sent me a breath taking smile and it calmed me down a little. He made a motion with his head and I found myself nodding.

"I have had the privilege of being able to volunteer at the Children's Community Center. Because of my father I learned about it and decided that I should lend my help in getting it started. The moment I stepped through the front doors I was met with amazing people and an atmosphere that immediately felt like home. The people that volunteer there time and effort to make the place the best it can be for kids are the ones we should be thanking. Without them kids in troubled situations would not have a place to go, a safe haven." I said.

As I went on I found myself not using the note cards I had made. I kept my eyes on Gage who was standing there smiling. The more I talked the more comfortable I found myself getting. My words were coming out better and I wasn't stuttering anymore.

"Because I have seen first hand how great this community center is for children. Everyone needs a place they can go and be safe, where they can be themselves and be looked after. A place to realize that things do get better. We all encourage you to help donate to keep the center going and to get more volunteers to help. Anything big or small will help. I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and enjoy your night."


I sent everyone a smile before stepping back. Once I heard the claps of people I let out a sigh of relief. I got through that without too much mistakes and it was finally over! I couldn't be more happy that it was over.

"Good job sweetie." My dad pull me into a tight hug and placed a kiss on top of my head. I hugged him back as we got off the platform. We were met with my mom, Aunt Kay, Uncle Nick, and my four loser of a friends.

"You did great honey." Mom grinned and hugged me. I smiled at her and at the other compliments Kacey and Nick gave me. I politely said thank you but the one person I wanted to see was standing off to the side. Moving past everyone I went straight for Gage. I wasted no time as I basically launched myself at him.

My arms wrapped around his neck as his arms came around my waist, twirling me around. I grinned and the moment he set my feet on the ground I pressed my lips to his. I just loved the feeling of his lips pressed to mine.

"Thank you." I whispered against his mouth a minute later.

"You did all the work, I just helped a bit." He looked into my eyes as we pulled away.

"Nope you are still getting credit for this. Because of you I didn't make a complete and utter fool out of myself."

"Damn it I owe Ethan 50 bucks!" Luke butted into our conversations. I turned and glared at him.

"You made a bet with Ethan that I would fall and embarrass myself!?" I seethed at him. What the hell is wrong with my family and placing bets?!

"I had to go with the odds Car. But hey at least you didn't." He tried to point out but it did nothing to help the situation.

"When we get home you are dead." I said through clenched teeth. "Sleep with your eyes open Luke." His eyes widened and he gulped. I've done enough things to him while he has slept that he knows my threat is good.

"I think there are people that want to talk to us. Come on Mace." Luke said before grabbing Macey and quickly walking off in a different direction than us. I grinned evilly at his back as he walked off.

"I am so glad I am not on the receiving end of that stare." Gage said next to me.

"My family has a gambling issue." I took deep breath and pushed the thoughts of torturing Luke later into the back of my mind.

"They've placed bets to see if you'd embarrass yourself before?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Among other things." I waved it off. "They've been doing it since we were born. Apparently everyone in my family placed a bet on my mom being pregnant with Luke."

"That is not weird at all."

"My family is weird...good luck." I shot him a grin.

"I'm not sure if this is what I signed up for." Gage teased grabbing me by my waist against and pulling me flush against him.

"You're a little late to back out now mister. You are stuck with us." My arms once again found themselves wrapped around his neck. He scrunched up his face as if he was deep in thought before he answered.

"I guess I better get use to it." When he grinned down at me I felt my heart stop. His smile was breath-taking. It was something I would never get tired of and I hope I never did. I hoped I would forever see it being directed towards me. I just loved knowing I was the one who made him smile like that.

"Good." I leaned in for another kiss. My lips barely grazed his before a familiar, high pitched, voice interrupted us.

"Who do you have here Carter?" I would remember that voice from anywhere. Celeste Mathers. Aka Rich spoiled slut from the East Side. Her father was a very successful lawyer and her mother was a well known doctor. The only reason she was ever invited to this party was because her father represented a bunch of people here. If anything happened to your business or got a lawsuit thrown at you, you call Mr. Mathers up and he will take care of it immediately.

Every year Celeste comes to this party and has to act like the bitch she is. She has to always say something to Macey and I and when we don't respond she talks even louder to gain attention. She never got it through her pea sized brain that this was my family's party and that if we wanted we could get her ass uninvited. I never said anything because I didn't want to cause any problems. We all know she will just go crying to her father, but everyone knew he rarely paid any attention to her.

Because her father is so busy and her mother as well at the hospital they were never around. I think that is why she is the way she is. To make up for not being around they always buy her these expensive gifts and when she complains about not having any clothes they give her more money to buy what she wants. In a way I almost feel bad for her.

"You never told us you had a boyfriend." She said again. I held back a groan and closed my eyes trying hard not to say anything. I pulled away from Gage to see her standing to the side of us, her two clones next to her. Her 'friends' were also daughters of some big business men in the room and I never bothered to really know who they are. They follow Celeste around like puppy dogs which is sad and pathetic if you ask me.

"Celeste, I didn't know you would be here this year." I said as politely as I could. I grabbed Gage's hand and squeezed it tight. I could tell he was confused as to who she was and the two girls behind her, and why I wasn't comfortable. I clenched onto his hand wanting to remind myself that he is mine and that he won't leave me for her or anyone for that matter.

"Of course silly. I can't miss the party of the year or your speech." I clenched my jaw. While she sounded nice to others I could detect the hidden meaning under the words. It was girl code. In order to be a girl you have to know hidden messages, secret jabs that are disguised as nice, different tones.

"Well glad you can make it."

"Who is this? He is very handsome, good catch Carter." The way she was looking at Gage was like she was looking at a piece of meat she couldn't wait to sink her fangs into. I hated it. I could be the only one to look at him like that.

"My boyfriend. Now excuse us we need to go see my parents." I pulled on Gage's hand and started to push past her but her two clones stepped in my path. I exhaled through my nose loudly. From the corner of my eye I watched Celeste move closer to Gage and place a well manicure hand on his arm.

"Sorry about my manners. I am Celeste Mathers." She fluttered her eye lashes at him and grinned a fake smile. She also pushed her fake ass chest out, her dress doing little to cover her.

"Gage" He grunted out and glared at her hand on his arm, clearly not please with her touching him. Inside I was grinning widely. "You take your hands off of me now." His tone was harsh, the same tone he did when he first met me. This time I was glad he was using it.

"It would be very rude of me not to give you a tour of the place." She almost pouted at him.

"I think my girlfriend is more than capable to do that for me. Considering this is her parents party."

"I know all the rooms though Gage. I bet your little girlfriend doesn't." I did not miss that jab at me. Yes she knows all the rooms because she has fucked in each other them! I mentally yelled at myself. "I can show you a good time." She leaned in close to him. This time I lost it. Over the years I had put up with a lot of her shit and I can handle the jabs at me but not her flirting with my man.

"Listen here bitch." I pushed Gage to the side and stood right in front of her. "He is Mine. I know you spread your legs for just anyone but he wouldn't touch you with a ten foot pole, he has some class. Because you have fake tits and daddy issues doesn't mean you can just push yourself onto other who clearly dislike you. Now I would back away before I cause a scene and make it that you won't EVER be invited to this party again. Trust me I can do it and I can make your life hell. There is a hierarchy here and I am higher than you are. In my eyes you are low class so I wouldn't test me." I growled at her, my face now inches from hers. Her expression was priceless.

Not bothering on sticking around I shoved past her and dragged Gage behind me. I was still fuming as we walked away and headed in a different direction. I weaved past people, my grip still tight around Gage's hand. It wasn't until we were on the other side of the room did I stop.

"Woah that was.... fucking hot." Gage breathed as we stopped walking. I turned around and raised an eyebrow at him. "Who knew my girlfriend was such a firecracker." He grinned grabbing my hips.

"She's always been such a bitch to me through the years and man did it feel good to finally say something." I huffed. "And she can't touch what is mine."


"Yours?" He questioned looking at me amused.

"Yes. She didn't even get the hint you don't like her and she still touched you." I shook my head feeling myself getting angry at the whole thing again.

"Got to say it is hot you saying I am yours."

"Really? Is that all you can think about?" I smacked his arm.

"I'm sorry but when a hot girl labels you as hers and gets possessive it is kind of a turn on."

"I'm not possessive." I said but even I didn't believe that. Seeing someone touching him made me see red and I could not even fathom the thought of him being with anyone else that isn't me.


"I think it is cute. You are like an angry chipmunk."

"I am more scary than a chipmunk!" I defended.

"Whatever you say babe." He kissed my forehead. I wanted to pout about it but hearing that he liked me anyways I didn't care.

"I just don't like her." I mumbled pulling him into a hug.

"I don't think she will bug you again. And if not you can go all chipmunk on her ass." I heard the teasing in his voice which made me smile. He knew how to calm me down.

"Now..." He pulled back and took a step backwards from me. I was confused until he held out his hand for me. "May I have this dance?" A huge grin spread across my face.

"Of course." Placing my hand in his I let him lead me to the dance floor where other couples were swaying to the music.

"Since when do you know how to dance?" I asked as we moved to an empty space. I expected him to just wrap his arms around my waist but instead he grabbed my right hand

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