You and Rafe weren’t dating — technically. But let’s be real, the tension was there.

It was in the way he always found a way to be next to you, the way his hand would brush yours ‘accidentally’ and the way he looked at you when he thought you weren’t paying attention.

Tonight, the Outer Banks carnival was packed. Bright lights, loud laughter, the smell of funnel cakes in the air.

Kooks stuck with kooks, Pogues with Pogues, but you and Rafe? You were somewhere in between, walking side by side, the heat of his body way too close for someone who was supposedly just a friend.

“You should win me something.” you said, nodding toward the game booths.

Rafe glanced over, eyes landing on the biggest prize in sight — a massive, ridiculous looking teddy bear. He pointed at it. “What, that one?”

You rolled your eyes. “Obviously.”

He scoffed, shoving his hands in his pockets. “That’s the hardest game here.”

You smirked. “So? Too hard for you?”

Rafe turned to you, tilting his head, a lazy smirk playing at his lips. “You think I can’t do it?”

“I think you talk a big game.” you teased, nudging him.

He let out a low chuckle, stepping in front of you like he had something to prove. “Maybe I just like showing off for you.”

Your stomach flipped. He was too smooth for his own good.

“Well,” you crossed your arms, “then show me, Cameron.”

Rafe cracked his knuckles like he was about to go to war. “Alright, princess. Watch and learn.”