You let out a tired huff as you wiped down the counters, cleaning up after customers. You were beyond exhausted.

The sun was setting, casting a yellow, orange glow onto everything it touched. Making every feature it marked on you enhance even more. From your hair, to your eyes, to your lips, to your everything. Rafe couldn’t tear his eyes away from you.

He walked in the place like he owned it. The usual cocky charm he held. It drove you up the wall. You couldn’t stand the way he always made you feel little as a pogue. Just his presence alone was enough to bruise your ego.

Rafe seated himself in a seat, but it was strange because he would usually bring Topper and Kelce with him. This time, he was alone. It was a change. It was also a chance for him to be more vulnerable with you.

You sighed as you took the notepad out of your apron, already beginning to approach the intimidating man.

You didn’t miss the way Rafe’s eyes flickered down your form, silently soaking up every inch of you. Admiring you. The look where he thought he was being subtle, but he really wasn’t.

His smile grew as you finally got to his table, leaning back in his chair comfortably as he manspreaded. “Hey, sweetness,” the nickname rolling off his tongue with the taste of familiarity, belonging. “Missed you.”

The deepness in his eyes drew you closer, the feeling of your stomach turning under his stare. You tensed. “Rafe,” you greeted unamused. “The usual, or are you trying something new?”

“Can I try you?” he answered smoothly.

You blinked, not answering him.

Rafe could sense how tense you were, so he gently took one of your hands, pressing a soft kiss to the back of it. “Relax, pretty. ‘m just joking,” he reassured with a lazy grin. “The usual, please.”

You silently jot down his order. “Coming right up.” you shot him an obvious forced smile before turning around to leave. But then Rafe spoke up, causing you to freeze in your tracks.

“You can pretend all you want, but what we have is real. I know you know that.”