Midsummers was everything you’d dreamed it would be.

Perfectly strung lights, fancy outfits, and that carefree, chaotic energy that only the Kooks could pull off.

You were having the time of your life, swaying in your dress, the champagne in your hand almost empty as you laughed with Kiara and twirled around the dance floor.

Your Pogue friends blended in shockingly well, considering they were crammed into suits you and Kie had picked out last minute.

The summer breeze was cool against your skin, and the vibe was right. Until you saw him.

Rafe Cameron.

He stood with Topper and Kelce, all three of them laughing like they owned the place. Rafe looked too good in his light blue suit and hair slicked back in that signature way of his.

He had that cocky grin on his face as he talked, drink in hand. You swore you weren’t staring—but you definitely were.

When his eyes met yours, your heart skipped. His gaze didn’t just meet yours—it lingered, trailing over you in a way that made your skin feel hot. He smirked, tipping his glass slightly toward you before winking.

You looked away quickly, cheeks flushed, but it was too late. The butterflies had already settled in your stomach.

Before you could think too much about it, he was walking toward you. Smooth, confident. Like he had all the time in the world.

Tall, annoyingly handsome, and looking at you like you were the most entertaining thing at the party.

His gaze trailed over your dress. “Didn’t think you’d show up. Figured you’d be with your little Pogue friends.”

“And yet, here I am,” you shot back, crossing your arms. “What’s your excuse? Run out of girls to bother?”

His smirk widened. “Touché.”

“You know,” he said, his voice low, “if you’re bored of this whole scene, you could always come hang out with me. Topper, Kelce, and I are headed out to the boat after this. Could be fun.”

Before you could respond, he flashed you one last wink and strolled off, leaving you standing there with a million thoughts racing through your head.