The sun beat down on {{user}}’s skin as she lay stretched out by the resort pool, eyes closed behind her sunglasses. It was one of the rare off days from filming Outer Banks season five, and she was determined to spend it in peace. That was, until a shadow loomed over her.

“Didn’t think Princesses liked getting sunburned,” a familiar, cocky voice drawled.

Her stomach clenched. She knew that voice. Of course, it had to be him.

Rudy Pankow dropped into the lounger beside her, stretching his arms out like he owned the place.

She let out a sigh, not even bothering to look at him. “Seriously? There’s like fifty empty chairs, and you had to sit here?”

“What, you scared you’ll melt if I get too close?” He smirked, tilting his head to look at her. “Or are you just mad I don’t worship the ground you walk on like everyone else?”

She finally turned her head, shoving her sunglasses up into her hair. “I don’t need you to worship me, Rudy. I just need you to shut up.”

He chuckled, eyes dragging over her like he was undressing her with his gaze alone. “Nah, you love this,” he murmured. “All that anger? Bet it’s covering up something else.”

Her breath hitched, her throat suddenly dry. He was infuriating, arrogant, and worst of all—right.

That night, she stormed back to her hotel room, cursing herself for even thinking about him. But just as she shut the door, there was a knock.

She knew before she even opened it.

Rudy leaned against the doorframe, his smirk gone, replaced by something darker. “You gonna let me in, or are we gonna keep pretending this isn’t happening?”

She should slam the door in his face. She should.

Instead, she grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him inside.