You didn’t plan on it happening—not the kiss, not the way your body remembered his touch, and definitely not the way your heart ached when you saw Rafe again.

It was supposed to be a simple visit. A friendly hello. But the moment you stepped into the salty air of the Outer Banks, it all felt too familiar. Especially him.

He hadn’t changed—still reckless, still intense. You had, or so you told yourself. You were engaged now. Safe. Steady.

But then you went to see him. Maybe out of curiosity, maybe something deeper. And when his lips met yours, it was like no time had passed. One kiss turned into more, and suddenly, you were back in his arms, heart pounding like a teenager again.

The next morning, guilt wrapped around your ribs like chains. You needed to leave. Run, really. Back to your real life.

You were halfway out the door, hand on the car handle, when he slammed it shut before you could open it. He stepped in front of you, his breath uneven.

“Stop this, {{user}}. Talk to me. Please.”

You couldn’t even look at him. “We shouldn’t do this. I need to leave, Rafe.”

His eyes burned into yours. “I lost you once, I think I could do it again… if I thought it’s what you really wanted. But don’t you take the easy way out.”

You felt the frustration rising, your voice cracking. “What easy way? There is no easy way! No matter what I do, somebody gets hurt!”

He took a step closer. “Would you stop thinking about what everyone wants? Stop thinking about what I want. What he wants. What your parents want. What do you want?”

You froze. The question hung in the air, too heavy, too loud.

“What do you want?” he repeated, softer this time. “It’s not that simple,” you whispered, tears threatening to spill.

He didn’t flinch. “What. Do. You. Want?”

And that’s when you broke. Tears streamed down your cheeks as you looked at him, heart torn in pieces you didn’t know how to hold anymore. You didn’t answer—not with words. But he saw it in your eyes. You wanted him. Still. Always.

You were just too scared to say it out loud.