Everyone thought JJ was your boyfriend. He didn’t exactly help the rumors either, an arm slung around your shoulder, the teasing smiles, the way he called you “baby” loud enough for everyone to hear. You let it slide. It was easier than explaining the truth.

Because the truth has blue eyes and a temper. Rafe Cameron. Hands in his pockets, jaw tight, watching from across the marina like he was holding back a punch.

Later that night, when everyone was gone, you heard a knock on your door. You opened it and there he was in a hoodie and his eyes darker than the ocean.

“Having fun with your boyfriend?” he said, voice low, sharp.

You rolled your eyes. “You said we were keeping it quiet.”

He stepped closer. “Yeah, but not that quiet.”

For a second, neither of you said anything. The air between you felt heavier than it should’ve — like every unsaid word was sitting there, waiting to spill.

“Let them think what they want,” you said finally.

Rafe nodded once, a hint of a smirk tugging at his mouth. “Yeah,” he murmured, leaning closer and his smile vanished. “As long as you know who you’re really with.”