Chapter 12

Nicole's eyes fluttered open; she was met with Gage's piercing gaze. He was staring at her, his eyes burning with intensity. Nicole's cheeks flushed, and she bit her lower lip, feeling a flutter in her chest. Gage's eyes dropped to her lips, and he moved closer, his face inches from hers.

Without a word, Gage's lips brushed against Nicole's, sparking a flame that had been simmering between them. Nicole's smile grew, and she leaned in, deepening the kiss.

As they kissed, Nicole pulled back, her eyes locked onto Gage's. "We neither want to be in a relationship nor can suppress our needs," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Gage's eyes burned with intensity, his lips curling into a smile. "So what do you propose?" he asked, his voice low and husky.

Nicole's smile grew wider, and she leaned in closer. "Friends with benefits, just sex without any relationship boundaries."

Gage's eyes widened in surprise, but he didn't pull back. Instead, he deepened the kiss, his tongue exploring Nicole's mouth. "Seriously?" he whispered, his lips brushing against Nicole's.

Nicole nodded, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Yes, seriously."

They kissed, and Gage's hands roamed over Nicole's body, his fingers tracing the contours of her curves. Nicole's hands were just as busy, her fingers exploring Gage's chest and abs.

"I like your lips," Gage whispered, his lips brushing against Nicole's.

Nicole smiled, her eyes locked onto Gage's. "I like your eyes."

Gage's gaze roamed over Nicole's body, his eyes lingering on her breasts. "Your breasts," he whispered, his voice low and sensual.

Nicole's smile grew wider, and she leaned in closer, her lips touching Gage's. "Your wide chest, and abs too."

As they kissed, Nicole pulled back slightly, her eyes locked onto Gage's. "There are some rules, though," she whispered.

They lay there, the air was charged with tension, the passion between them simmering just below the surface. The whispered promises and rules seemed to fade into the background as desire once again took hold.

Gage's eyes locked onto Nicole's, the intensity between them palpable. Without a word, he reached out, his hand tracing the curve of her neck, his fingers sending shivers down her spine.

Nicole's breath caught, her eyes fluttering closed as she felt the familiar spark of attraction ignite within her. She leaned into Gage's touch, her body responding to his caress.

Gage's lips brushed against Nicole's, the kiss soft and gentle at first but quickly deepening into something more passionate, more all-consuming. The room around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in the desire that threatened to overwhelm them.

As they kissed, their bodies seemed to move in perfect sync, their hands exploring each other's curves, their fingers intertwining. The passion between them built, a slow-burning fire that threatened to consume them whole.

In that moment, nothing else mattered. The rules, the boundaries, the fears—all were forgotten in the face of the overwhelming desire that drove them together.

Gage stood in the kitchen, his back to the counter as he expertly brewed a fresh pot of coffee. The aroma filled the air, enticing and rich. He hummed to himself, lost in thought, as he waited for the coffee to finish. He was wearing only a pair of sweatpants, his chest bare and chiseled in the morning light.

Just then, Nicole emerged from the bedroom, her hair mussed and her eyes still sleepy. She was wearing one of Gage's oversized T-shirts, the fabric loose and comfortable on her petite frame. The shirt was a faded gray, with a slight tear on the hem, giving it a worn, relaxed look.

Gage's eyes snapped towards Nicole as she entered the kitchen. He couldn't help but smile as he took in the sight of her wearing his shirt. The memories of the previous night came flooding back, and he felt a surge of desire.

"You look nice," Gage said, his voice low and husky.

Nicole walked towards him, a hint of a smile on her lips. "I couldn't find my clothes," she explained, "so I wore this."

"You look more sexy in my T-shirt," he said.

Nicole's smile grew wider, and she walked closer to Gage. He handed her a cup of steaming coffee, and she took it, her fingers brushing against his.

As she took a sip of the coffee, Gage couldn't help but notice the way the morning light danced across her face. She looked radiant, her skin glowing with a soft, golden light.

Nicole hopped up onto the kitchen counter, her legs swinging gently as she sipped her coffee. Gage leaned against the counter, his eyes never leaving hers. The air was charged with a subtle tension, the proximity of their bodies making the space between them feel electric.

They stood there, sipping their coffee and enjoying the comfortable silence; Nicole suddenly spoke up, her voice taking on a more serious tone. "There will be some rules," she said, her eyes locked onto Gage's.

Gage raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What kind of rules?" he asked, his voice low and curious.

Nicole took a deep breath before launching into a list of dos and don'ts. "No emotional attachment or love," she said, her voice firm.

Gage nodded, his expression neutral. "Okay," he agreed.

Nicole continued, her voice steady. "We will not control each other's life," she said, her eyes flashing with a hint of warning.

Gage nodded again, his voice a low rumble. "Yes," he agreed.

Nicole's next rule was the most explicit. "Only and only sex, nothing else," she said, her voice clear and concise.

Gage's eyes lit up with excitement, and he grinned, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "Great," he said, his tone dripping with anticipation.

But Nicole wasn't finished yet. She had one more rule, one that was crucial to their arrangement. "What if we fall in love?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of vulnerability.

Gage's grin faltered, and he looked at Nicole, his eyes searching. But Nicole's expression was resolute, her voice firm. "It can't happen," she said, shaking her head. "I never saw you that way, and if it happens, then one will not force the other."

Gage's eyes lingered on Nicole's face, his expression thoughtful. But after a moment, he nodded, his voice low and husky. "I agree," he said, his eyes locked onto Nicole's.

Nicole's face relaxed, and she smiled, her eyes sparkling with relief. "Good," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "It will be our secret," she added, her eyes glinting with a hint of mischief.

Gage's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, his voice low and conspiratorial. "Our little secret," he agreed, his eyes locked onto Nicole's.

****