Chapter 4

Nicole's eyes went wide as she turned to Ashley, her face pale with worry. "If you have seen, then it means he must have seen too," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Ashley's grin faltered for a moment before she asked, "Who?"

Nicole closed her eyes, as if trying to block out the memory. "Our new neighbor. When I was giving him the key, it fell, and I had to pick it up. Maybe that's why he was smiling so much."

Ashley burst out laughing, her eyes shining with mirth. "You have welcomed him well, with your twin," she teased, chuckling at her own joke.

Nicole's face flushed with embarrassment, and she playfully hit Ashley on the arm. "Shut up!"

Just then, Nicole's mobile phone rang, shrill and insistent. Ashley's eyes went wide with worry as Nicole picked up the call.

"Mom's calling," Nicole mouthed to Ashley, who got nervous and whispered, "Don't tell Mom I'm here!"

Nicole nodded and answered the call. "Oh, Mom!"

Her mom's voice came through the phone, stern and commanding. "Nicole, tell me what was making you late to pick up the call."

Nicole hesitated for a moment before responding, "I was in the bathroom, Mom."

Ashley whispered, "No," in the background, and Nicole quickly added, "And Ashley is not here, Mom."

Her mom's voice was skeptical, but Nicole reassured her, "If she comes here, I will call you, promise."

Her mom's tone softened slightly, but she still sounded determined. "I've sent 10 boys' profiles on your mobile. Go on blind dates, choose a boy, and get married. All this you have to do from next week, so be ready."

Nicole protested, "Mom, next week my boss is returning from his trip, and I'll have a lot of work. I won't get time."

But her mom was firm. "I won't listen to anything. I won't let both of you remain single like this for your whole life."

Nicole tried to reason with her mom, but she was adamant. "But I don't have time," she said, her voice stern.

The call ended abruptly, leaving Nicole looking worried. Ashley asked, "What happened?"

But before Nicole could respond, there was a knock on the door. Both girls looked at each other, then at the door.

Gage stood in the doorway, a charming smile on his face. "Sorry to disturb, but I'm having some issues with my kitchen. There's a problem with the water pipes, and I'm not getting any water. Can I borrow some water from you until I get it fixed?"

Ashley welcomed him warmly. "Yes, sure! Consider it your home. We'll be more than happy to help you."

Nicole handed Gage a water bottle from the fridge, their fingers touching briefly as he took it from her. "Thank you for your kindness," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

Ashley's eyes sparkled with warmth as she extended her hand to Gage. "My name is Ashley, and this is my sister Nicole."

Gage's gaze shifted to Ashley, and he smiled politely as he shook her hand. But his eyes quickly returned to Nicole, and he said, "We've already met."

Nicole's face flushed with a soft pink hue as she smiled up at Gage, her eyes locking onto his. The air seemed to vibrate with a subtle tension as they exchanged a warm, gentle smile.

Ashley's eyes darted back and forth between her sister and Gage, a knowing glint in her eye. She could sense the chemistry between them, and she couldn't help but feel a little excited for her sister.

****

Ashley walked into the kitchen, her eyes scanning the room for signs of breakfast. "Nicole, is my breakfast ready soon or not? I'm getting late. It's your holiday, not mine," she said, her voice tinged with a hint of urgency.

Nicole, who was busy at the stove, called out, "Almost, come to the table!"

Ashley made her way to the kitchen table, her eyes fixed on the clock on the wall. She picked up a slice of toast and took a bite, but her gaze kept drifting back to the clock. Suddenly, she let out a little gasp. "Oh no, I'm late!"

She quickly grabbed her bag and headed for the door, her movements hurried. As she opened the door, she was surprised to see Gage standing in the hallway, a friendly smile on his face.

"Good morning," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

Ashley smiled back at him, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "Good morning!"

Gage hesitated for a moment before asking, "I needed milk; can I have some?"

Ashley's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Milk? But why?"

Gage chuckled. "For coffee. I'm desperate for a cup."

Ashley's face lit up with a warm smile. "Oh, coffee! Sure, why don't you have breakfast with us? You're welcome."

Gage's eyes widened in surprise, and he looked at Ashley as if to confirm the invitation. "Are you sure?"

Ashley nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely!"

Gage's face broke out into a wide smile. "Thank you!"

As Gage stepped into the apartment, Nicole looked up from the stove and smiled at him. Ashley, meanwhile, was getting ready to leave. "My sister will give you good company," she said, winking at Nicole.

Nicole's face flushed with a soft pink hue as she smiled at Gage. Ashley grinned at her sister, then turned to leave. "See you later, guys!" she called out, closing the door behind her.

The apartment was suddenly quiet, with only the sound of sizzling food coming from the stove. Gage and Nicole exchanged a warm smile, the tension between them palpable.