The Navy called it team building. You called it a mistake.

Paired off for a survival drill in the middle of nowhere, you and Jake Seresin had been dropped in with nothing but a compass, a canteen, and each other. Which, frankly, was worse than being stranded alone.

He walked ahead, sleeves rolled up, compass in hand, acting like he owned the forest. “Y’know, sunshine,” he drawled without looking back, “if you’re tryin’ to keep up, you might wanna pick up the pace.”

You narrowed your eyes, brushing past him. “Maybe if you actually knew where you were going, I wouldn’t have to.”

That earned you a low chuckle. “Feisty. Remind me why they paired us again?”

“Because the universe hates me,” you muttered.

Jake grinned. “Nah. It’s because I make you better. Admit it.”

“Better at tolerating idiots, maybe.”

He glanced at you over his shoulder, eyes sparkling. “You’re welcome, darlin’.”

The hours dragged, the heat rising, tempers simmering just below the surface. Every time he smirked, you wanted to wipe it off his face. Every time he laughed, you hated that it made your pulse jump.

By late afternoon, you stopped by a stream to refill the canteen. Kneeling, you caught your reflection in the water—and Jake’s behind you. His shirt was half unbuttoned, dog tags glinting as he leaned down beside you.

“Didn’t take you for the quiet type,” he said softly, voice dipping lower than usual.

“Didn’t take you for the helpful type,” you shot back, though it came out less sharp than you wanted.

“Depends who I’m helpin’,” he murmured, handing you the canteen. His fingers brushed yours—barely there, but enough.

You swallowed hard. “You do that on purpose?”

He tilted his head, that lazy grin returning. “What, this?” He brushed your hand again, deliberate this time.

You exhaled slowly. “You’re impossible.”

“And yet,” he said, stepping closer, “you’re still here.”

The silence that followed wasn’t comfortable, but it wasn’t hostile either. It was charged, thick enough to feel. Jake’s gaze lingered on your mouth for a second too long before he turned away with a smirk that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“Come on, sunshine. Let’s get movin’. Wouldn’t wanna be stuck with me after dark, right?”

You caught up to him, bumping his shoulder as you passed. “You say that like it’s a threat.”

“Oh, darlin’,” he said, laughing under his breath, “I think we both know it is.”