Chapter 5

Gage walked towards Nicole, his eyes locked onto hers. "Sorry to bother you," he said, his voice low and smooth.

Nicole smiled warmly, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "No problem; very few guests come to our house anyway, and we are neighbors, and it is our duty to help each other."

Gage's face broke out into a wide smile, and he sat down next to Nicole at the kitchen table. They both began to eat their breakfast, the silence between them comfortable and easy.

Nicole spoke up after a few minutes, her curiosity getting the better of her. "Did your stuff come?"

Gage nodded, his mouth full of food. "Yes, it came last night. I just have to arrange stuff in the house. I haven't arranged even a single item in the kitchen yet."

Nicole's eyes widened in surprise. "So where did you have dinner last night?"

Gage's grin was mischievous. "I neither eat nor sleep at night."

Nicole's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Why?"

Gage's expression turned serious. "This is my way of working."

Nicole's curiosity was piqued. "By the way, what work do you do?"

She took a sip of water from her glass, but as soon as Gage replied, the water spilled out of her mouth. "What? Are you really a writer?"

Gage laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Why is it hard to believe?"

Nicole's face was flushed with excitement. "Absolutely, I mean, you just look at yourself. After listening to a writer, we imagine a man who is simple, simple in clothes, glasses on his eyes, formal shoes, straightened straight hair, and you... you don't fit in this image at all. Muscle, wide chest, abs, sexy look, well-built body... and I've seen a writer doing gym for the first time."

Gage's laughter was deep and rich, and he shook his head. "Well, I am a bit different. What do you do?"

Nicole took another sip of water, but this time she managed to swallow it without spilling. "I work in Harrison Cop. I'm the assistant to the CEO there."

This time, it was Gage's turn to be surprised. Water spilled out of his mouth as he coughed, and Nicole looked at him in concern. "What happened?"

Gage wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "No, nothing. That company is a very well-known company."

Nicole nodded proudly. "Yes."

Gage's eyes narrowed slightly. "Then why didn't you go to the office?"

Nicole smiled. "My boss has gone on a private trip, and before leaving, he gave me leave for a few days."

Gage's face broke out into a wide smile. "Great, then you're free."

Nicole raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

Gage's eyes locked onto hers, his expression serious. "Will you help me arrange my stuff?"

Nicole's face softened, and she nodded. "Sure."

Gage's smile was warm and genuine. "Thank you."

****

Nicole smiled teasingly at Gage. "You haven't done anything till now except your gym."

Gage chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I like to go to the gym."

Nicole nodded, a hint of envy in her voice. "Me too, but I don't get time."

Gage's face lit up with a warm smile. "Well, you can use my home gym. I can help you with your workout."

Nicole's eyes widened in surprise, and she smiled gratefully. "Really? Thank you."

But then she turned back to the task at hand. "Let's start with the kitchen first."

Gage nodded, and together they dove into the task of unpacking and organizing his kitchen. The hours flew by as they worked together, their conversation flowing easily as they got to know each other better.

As the day wore on, they moved from room to room, transforming Gage's empty apartment into a warm and welcoming home. Nicole was impressed by Gage's taste in decor, and he was grateful for her keen eye for detail.

After many hours of hard work, they finally stepped back to admire their handiwork. Gage's apartment was now a beautifully decorated home, filled with warmth and character.

Nicole smiled, feeling a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. "It looks amazing," she said, her eyes shining with admiration.

Gage grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "We make a good team," he said, his voice low and smooth.

Nicole's heart skipped a beat as she met his gaze, feeling a spark of attraction between them. She smiled, feeling a sense of excitement and possibility. "Yes, we do."

Nicole let out a deep sigh, her eyes drooping with exhaustion. "I'm very tired, very hungry."

Gage smiled sympathetically. "Let's order pizza."

Nicole's face lit up with a smile. "Okay."

Gage pulled out his phone and dialed the number of a local pizzeria. As they waited for the pizza to arrive, they sat down on the couch, enjoying the warm and cozy atmosphere of the apartment.

Nicole gazed out the window, her eyes taking in the breathtaking view of the city. "The view of this part of the building is beautiful. See the setting sun from here?"

Gage smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Maybe I'm lucky."

Nicole laughed, a playful glint in her eye. "Yes, sure. You got a friend like me."

Gage chuckled, his deep laughter sending a warm feeling through Nicole's chest.

Just then, the doorbell rang, shrill and insistent. Nicole stood up, a smile on her face. "Maybe our pizza has arrived."

She walked towards the door, her heart feeling light and carefree. But as she opened the door, her smile faltered. Standing in the doorway, a sneer on his face, was her ex-boyfriend Jack.

Nicole's eyes narrowed, her heart sinking with a sense of dread. "Jack, what are you doing here?"

Jack's gaze slid past Nicole, his eyes locking onto Gage, who was standing behind her. "Ooh, looks like you're with a new boyfriend," he sneered, his voice dripping with malice.

Nicole's face flushed with anger. "Stop talking nonsense, Jack."

But Jack just laughed, his eyes glinting with amusement. "You're a stupid girl; you feel someone's love is controlling. How long to stay with it? Two months, four months, or six months?"

Gage stepped forward, his eyes flashing with anger. "Hey, do what you have come for and leave from here; otherwise, you will regret it."

But Jack just sneered at him. "Don't be fooled by this girl; she will just pass the time with you."

Nicole's anger boiled over, and she took a step forward, her eyes blazing. "Jack, go, or else I will call security."

Gage's voice was calm and steady, but there was a hint of steel in his tone. "I am enough for you; go."

Jack's sneer faltered, and he took a step back, his eyes darting nervously between Nicole and Gage. For a moment, he seemed to hesitate, but then he turned and slunk away, disappearing into the night.

Nicole let out a deep breath, her heart still racing with anger. But as she turned to Gage, she saw that he was watching her with a warm and concerned expression.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice low and gentle.

Nicole nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards him. "Yes, I'm fine. Thank you for standing up for me."

Gage smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Anytime," he said, his voice filled with warmth and sincerity.

***