Chapter 6

Nicky's POV

Who does he think he is? Coming back to Boulder and then hitting on my girlfriend? Whatever, I love Lauren and if he can't deal with it then it's his problem. Not mine. I lay on my bed and still thought about it. Few minutes later I fell asleep.

I woke up early the next morning and got ready as fast as I could. I head downstairs and Austin, Max and Carter were already up. They were sitting by the table eating breakfast, eating blueberry pancakes. Max always makes us this kind of breakfast.

"Morning sleepy head," Austin teased.

"Morning party pooper," I teased back and smiled.

"Want some?" Carter offered.

"Pancakes? No. I need to talk to Lauren, so talk to you soon."

I dialed Lauren's number and placed the phone by my ear and wait.

"Morning, beautiful," I greeted.

"Hey, why'd you call so early?"

"I just want to tell you about my umm…talk with Carter," I answered.

"Oh? What about?"

"You. Yeah, mostly you," I explained.

"Well spill."

"He was um…trying to tell me that he's trying to win you back," I told him.

"It's not working. Hey, I gotta go, talk to you soon?"

"Sure, dinner tonight. At the lake house?"

"Yes. I…see you, bye."

We hung up. I think she's about to say the 'L' word to me but something stopped her. I wonder what that was about. Did Carter talk to her before I did?

Carter's POV

Blueberry pancakes was good, delicious. I should call Lauren after her bimbo boyfriend's done with the sweet loving talk. Nicky came back with a smile on his face, I'm guessing he said something to her and she's liked it? Could it be 'I love you'?

"Why so happy?" I asked with a hint of curiosity.

"Just talked to Lauren and everything is great."

"What happened between you two? Have you guys…you know?"

"What? What are you talking about Tucker?"

"You know exactly what I'm saying…" I knew exactly what he was implying.

"Maybe. Soon. Who knows?" he wasn't sure.

"Wow…Russo, way to go!" Max congratulated.

"Okay, dudes. Let's drop this," he begged.

His friends cared too much. I just care more than his so called best friends.

"Well, hate to break the happily ever after with the princess and prince's marriage but I got a phone call to make. If you loyal subjects would excuse me."

I walked off and dialed Lauren's number. Hoping she would pick up even if I am calling. She finally picked up.

"Carter."

"Beautiful, I was thinking if you want dinner tonight as an old former couple," I asked.

"I can't, I have dinner date with umm…Nicky," she told me.

"Russo? Well lunch then?"

"Can't either, sorry. I'm having lunch with Kaylie and Payson. You know my friends? My best friends? Why don't you try to have a guy's hang out with your new housemates?"

"Nah, I'll just go to Chloe."

"Chloe? Do you mean the store?"

"Yeah, to pick something out for a…friend."

"Well I say buy her a bag. It's a great season for bags."

"Noted."

She hung up and I did later. Bag? Great season? All right, she wants a bag I'll get her a bag. I headed back in and asked Austin for his car, "Can I borrow your car? I need to head to a store."

"Sure, here," Austin threw his car keys and gave me a nod.

I walked out and waved to them. I got into the cars and drove off to Chloe. When I got there the store was already opened and I parked Austin's car outside and head in. People were inside looking at the new bag arrivals. I agree, it's beautiful. They are all creative designs and it's all worth buying for her. But which one? I looked around and saw this one beautiful bag, white leather with gold handle. I looked at the price and it's expensive but it's worth it.

I picked it up and told the sales woman to wrap it up with gold paper and a silver ribbon. I told them to make sure they wrap it nice and neat. It's for a girl. My girl. Not Nicky's, but mine. When they're done I took it and headed to Lauren's. On the way there I passed Kaylie's. Should I stop by? Lauren's there. I can give it to her face to face. Maybe it's better off as a present by the door.

I arrived at Lauren's house and I placed the present by the door. I dropped the card into the bag and left. Time to head back to the lake house.

Lauren's POV

I got home after lunch with Payson and Kaylie. Wow, I'm stuffed. What is that? I saw something or some sort of bag by the door. I looked into it and there was a card and a present, maybe I'll open it inside. I opened the door and went straight to the living room before I unwrapped the present, with beautiful wrapping paper; I took the card and saw whom it was from.

Hope you like it, beautiful. It's Chloe. Carter xx.

Carter? Of course. I unwrapped the present and it's a bag. White leather with gold handle. It's the latest Chloe bag. It must cost a lot but when did he buy it? Who cares? I got the latest Chloe bag! God, I love that guy. I mean…not that kind of love but I, you know, love him as an old friend. Nothing much, no big deal. I can't deal with this; I have to get ready for my date with my boyfriend, Nicky. My boyfriend.

I head to my room with the new present Carter bought for me, which I thank for. I opened my closet and took out my Jessica Barkley turquoise dress and Jimmy Choo sea blue wedges. I wonder what kind of hair? Nah, down with curls. It took a while to get everything together. I suddenly hear my phone ring. It's a text from Nicky. He's probably here. I should head down. I rushed down and saw the car waiting for me. Aww, Nicky.

He drove me to Salt where he reserved the table and we ordered our separate entrees and main courses but we would share a piece of chocolate cheesecake together for dessert. During the date we talk from one topic to another. We were jumping topics all night. What is it that he really wants to talk about?

"Hey, where did you get that new Chloe bag you were talking about?" he finally asked.

"Carter. He um…gave it to me."

"You didn't tell me that when you told me you got a new Chloe bag," he questioned.

"Sorry but I didn't want you to worry about it, it's just a bag."

"A really expensive bag. A bag that I would give you as a present."

"Did you take me to this date for a reason or what, Nicky?" I questioned him. Something is different on this date.

"I took you out because I love you."

Oh my god. He just said the word. The 'L' word. He said it first.

"You just said the word," I was really confused now.

"Yes and I mean it."

"So what about this date, Nicky," I asked.

"When you told me that Carter bought you that bag I realized that even though I don't want to admit it, we both are competing each other for you."

"Competing for me?"

"So I'm ending this competition by letting you choose," he told me.

"I choose?"

"But before that I just want to tell you that I love you and I mean it. I know you love me too but I know you're not ready to say it, but when you do I'll be all ears. If Carter win and you're the prize then congrats to him but I will always feel the same way."

"You're saying I have to choose?" I asked him again.

"Yeah, you don't have to answer it now but really I would love an answer."

"I've got an answer right here," I answered him, "Do you want an answer?"

"Go ahead."

"I don't need to choose because I'm dating the person I want to be."

"Me?"

"Who else you pig head," I smiled.

"I love you, Lauren."

Love me? "I love you, too," I admitted.

We drove to the lake house and went up to Nicky's room. Everyone was probably sleeping or is still out. But all I know is that we have the house to our self. We sat on Nicky's bed and we had a long stared at each other. I wonder if we are ready to do this. Carter lived here too. Carter also loves me too. But I chose Nicky. Nicky Russo.

"Ready to do this?" Nicky asked me.

"Yeah. I'm ready," I answered. He leaned towards me and I automatically responded. Our lips met halfway and our lips molded into one. He brushed his tongue across my lower lip and I allowed him access. He pressed me closer to him and I climbed onto his laps and straddled him. My fingers were twisted in his hair while he moved his hands towards my hips.

Our kiss deepened and he lay back onto the bed and I followed suit. My hands traveled down his chest and reached towards the buttons along his chemise. I slowly unbuttoned them one by one without breaking the kiss. He sat up and took off his chemise after I was done unbuttoning them and I traced my hands along his well-defined abs.

He lifted his hands towards my back and caught the zipper between his fingers. He slowly pulled it downwards and I shrugged out of my dress, kicking it onto the floor. He moved his lips towards the nape of my neck and I hooked my fingers into his belt buckle. I opened it and slowly pulled his pants off of him. I pulled back and looked deeply into his eyes. The corner of his mouths slowly pulled up into a smile and his eyes were sincere.

"I love you, Nicky," I breathed and attacked his lips once again.

Author's note: once again, SO SORRY FOR THE LATE UPDATE! promise i'll update daily from now until school starts (which is, sadly, next monday) :( so anyways, HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS CHAPTER!

please remember to UPDATE! xx