The weekend away with your friends was not going the way you’d planned. You’d been hoping for a relaxing escape, and some moments with Rafe to try and figure out these new feelings you had for him. But it had been anything but relaxing. You felt like you were being torn in two different directions. Trying to balance your friendship with Topper and respecting the past you two shared, with the burgeoning relationship between you and Rafe.

Rafe had been a walking ball of jealousy since the moment all of you had arrived at the cottage. You could feel his eyes on you anytime you and Topper talked or joked around. Your inside jokes seemed to be a personal affront to Rafe. He didn’t seem to grasp that it wasn’t a competition. Your feelings for both were completely different.

Sliding the patio doors open, you stepped outside. As your eyes adjusted to the darkness, you searched for Rafe. Your eyes landed on him, seated on a lounge chair by the pool. Shaking your head, you made your way over to him, offering a reassuring smile as you sat down on the chair next to him.

“Hey, why’d you come outside, we were all going to watch a movie”

Rafe looks over at you, his blue eyes darkening to almost black as the jealousy he’s been feeling all night spreads like fire through his veins.

“I couldn’t watch you with him” he spits out.

“He’s my friend Rafe. That’s all it’s been between us for a long time. It’s different with you. I feel different with you”

He searches your eyes, looking for any hint of dishonesty. “And how do I make you feel, Princess?” His voice is gruff, but it sounds more hopeful.

“Alive. You make me feel alive”

Rafe dips his head, so that his face is just above yours, his hand coming up to rest against the back of your neck.

“Yeah?” He whispers, his gaze locked on your face. “ I make you feel alive, princess?”