It was never a secret that Rafe had a thing for you, but somehow you always managed to keep your distance from him. But that was about to change—sooner than you expected.

Summer break had just started, and finally, you were free from the stress and annoyance of school. But unfortunately, your dad had other plans. The Camerons had a lot of business to take care of this summer, which meant it would be hard for them to always look after their little daughter. And of course, when your dad heard they were looking for a babysitter, he immediately suggested you.

You wanted to avoid it at all costs, but your dad was just as stubborn as you.

So here you were, Friday evening, sitting at the kitchen island with Viola, painting little animals while your friends were probably out partying somewhere.

“Can we play hide and seek?” she asked after a moment, looking up at you with her big, wide blue eyes. You couldn’t help but smile and nod. “Okay, I’ll count and you hide,” she said confidently. “The other kids at daycare say I’m the best seeker.”

You barely responded and got up from your seat, walking away from the kitchen as Viola started counting loudly down from forty.

You wandered through the house, down the hallway, and up the stairs. You stopped in front of a door—Rafe’s room. Was it really smart to hide there? But it was Friday night, and what were the chances Rafe was home anyway? You opened the door quietly and slipped inside. To your surprise, the room was empty.

You hesitated a moment, then decided to hide under the bed. There, you lay still, hearing Viola’s light footsteps as she searched for you downstairs.

Suddenly, the footsteps grew heavier, closer. The door opened, and you recognized the feet that entered—it wasn’t Viola.

It was Rafe.

Quickly, you pulled your feet closer, hoping he hadn’t noticed you lying under his bed. That would only cause trouble—but it was already too late.

Without warning, you felt a strong tug on your feet, pulling you out from under the bed with a jerk.

“Well, shit, look who it is,” he said with his signature smirk. “Didn’t think my night would get any better.”

His eyes roamed over you, unapologetically bold.

You swallowed hard. “I was just playing hide and seek with your sister—”

You didn’t get to finish.

“Shhh,” he cut you off, leaning down and pressing a finger softly against your lips. “I think you’re done playing with her. Now it’s my turn.”

Before you could react, he lifted you effortlessly and laid you down on the bed. No. This couldn’t be happening.

You started to sit up, but he leaned over you, pressing his weight down so you couldn’t move.

He closed his eyes briefly, a low growl escaping as he pressed closer. The heat between you was electric—he felt like pure fire.

God, Rafe felt like he’d taken ten packs of viagra.

His lips traced your jaw slowly, teasing, whispering, “Do you feel what you do to me, {{user}}?”

You tried to speak, but his lips found your neck, and you gasped for breath.

And for a moment, you weren’t sure if you wanted him to stop.