Rafe had noticed you when you’d walked into the club bar, he always noticed you. It was a hard habit to break. The trick was making sure that Topper and Kelce didn’t notice. He didn’t want to hear their opinions on how he needed to let you go, or their teasing about him being obsessed. One of them would inevitably bring up Sofia, which would piss him off more since they knew nothing of his dynamic with her. He’d heard it all before and didn’t give a shit. Because while his friends may think they knew best, neither of them had been in a relationship with you. They didn’t know how hard it was to get over you, how no other girl compared to you. And frankly, he had no interest in getting over you, and he knew you weren’t getting over him either.

The Sofia of it all looked bad, but only because everyone thought Rafe and her were in a real relationship. In reality the two of them were friends. They’d agreed to be in a shielding relationship, neither Rafe or Sofia were ready for a relationship and their arrangement had worked at keeping them both from getting back with their exes and getting hurt again. When you had broken up with Rafe, it had been the first time he’d realized he had a heart, because it broke in pieces. He’d needed the safety of a shielding relationship. But now it was different.

It had started innocently enough. He’d given you a ride home from the club one night. And then that had become a routine. You’d leave the club together and go on long drives, parking and just talking. He’d missed the easy banter he had with you, missed that the two of you could just sit in silence and not have it feel awkward. Things had progressed to the point where neither of you could deny the chemistry that still existed between the two of you. The last few times he’d driven you home had ended in steamy makeouts in your driveway. That part came easy. Neither of you were ready to address why you’d broken up yet. And that left him staring at you in public while trying to pretend he wasn’t.

He can’t help it. He hears your laugh as you lean against the opposite end of the bar. He loved your laugh. Loved the way your whole face lit up and the little snort you’d make. He was focusing on your lips, remembering how soft they’d felt against his the other night, when Topper interrupts his thoughts.

“Dude, you can’t be serious. You’re dating Sofia, while you’re completely still hung up on your ex. Get your shit together” Topper shakes his head, picking up his beer and taking a big swig. The judgement in his tone was clear. Rafe couldn’t give two shits.

“Shut up” Rafe growls at his friend. He didn’t bother listening to what came out of Topper’s mouth next, because you’d finally looked his way. He could feel the electric connection the two of you shared snapping into place. Your eyes roamed over his body appreciatively, and he couldn’t understand how just a look from you could unnerve him so much. He shifts in his stool, trying to get comfortable. You smile at him, and he feels a smirk spread across his face. This little secret between the two of you, made his heart beat a little faster.