The evening air is warm, thick with the scent of salt and magnolia, as Rafe leads you out of the house, his hand firm yet careful against the small of your back. He’s been acting strange all day. Edgy but excited, that usual cocky smirk flickering between something softer, something more nervous.

“You trust me, right?” he asks, glancing down at you as you step onto the gravel driveway.

You wanted to roll your eyes. “No, I just let random guys blindfold me and lead me outside for fun.”

Rafe chuckles, shaking his head. “Smartass.” he mutters, but there’s affection in it. He slows down, guiding you a few more steps before stopping. “Okay, you ready?”

Before you can answer, he reaches up, tugging the blindfold free. The world bursts back into focus, and your breath catches in your throat.

Sitting in front of you, gleaming under the golden porch lights, is a brand-new car. Not just any car, your car. Sleek, classic, something straight out of a dream. The keys dangle from Rafe’s fingers, his grin widening as he watches your reaction.

“Happy graduation, sweetheart.” he says, his voice low and pleased.

You blink, still trying to process. “Rafe, are you serious?”

“Do I look like I’m joking?” He tosses the keys to you, and you catch them with shaking hands. “Figured you deserved something nice. Something that fits you.” His eyes drag over you, warm, proud. “Go on, get in.”

Heart pounding, you slide into the driver’s seat, the leather smooth beneath your fingers. The door shuts with a satisfying click, and then Rafe is leaning down into the open window, one arm resting on the frame as he watches you with that lazy, pleased smirk.

“You like it?”