The Outer Banks air was thick and buzzing with mosquitos, your patience running thin as you waited for Barry’s beat-up truck to finally rattle into view. When it did, you pushed off the tree, ready to get this over with—

“Seriously?” a familiar voice scoffed.

Your gaze snapped to Rafe Cameron climbing out from the other side of the truck, smirk plastered on his face. Of course. Because the universe just loved screwing with you.

“You’ve gotta be kidding me,” you muttered.

“This just got interesting,” Rafe grinned, eyes sweeping over you like he owned the damn woods. “What’s it been? A whole week since you last tried annoying me to death?”

“Missed me already?” you shot back, rolling your eyes.

Barry groaned, leaning against his truck. “Y’all flirtin’ or buyin’?” You both answered in unison. “Buy.”

Barry shook his head, half-amused. “This is better than cable.”

You reached for your cash just as Rafe did the same. Your fingers brushed for a split second, and you both snatched your hands back like you’d been burned.

“Jesus, Rafe. Desperate much?” you snorted.

“Desperate? You’re the one acting like you’ve got somewhere better to be,” he shot back. “Not like you have a life. Unless me ruining your night counts.”

“If you’re the worst part of my night, then I’m doing just fine,” you retorted, but your voice was a little tighter than you intended. His stare lingered, eyes sharper than usual, like he was looking for something.

Barry huffed, impatient. “Alright, lovebirds. One at a time or keep makin’ eyes at each other while I count my money.”

“Eyes?” you squeaked, heat flooding your cheeks.

Rafe’s chuckle was low, infuriating. “Relax, princess. I’ll go first. I’m sure your little stash can wait.”

You rolled your eyes so hard you nearly saw stars. “Just hurry up, Cameron. Some of us have lives to get back to.”

But Rafe took his sweet time, every slow movement deliberate. And the worst part? You knew he was doing it just to get under your skin. And, dammit, it was working.