The sun shone on the Outer Banks, casting golden light over the waves. You struggled to wax your new board, frustration mounting.

Suddenly, Rafe Cameron’s smug voice interrupted. “A pogue with a fancy board and no clue how to use it,” he drawled, smirking.

You glanced up, narrowing your eyes. “Didn’t know the Kook Prince was patrolling the beach today. What, country club too boring?”

He laughed, kneeling beside you. “You’re gonna mess it up if you keep doing it like that,” he said, reaching for the wax.

You instinctively slapped his hand away, but he raised an eyebrow. “Relax, I’m not trying to poison it. Trust me or don’t—I really don’t care.”

Reluctantly, you handed it over. “Fine. Show me how the royal family does it.”

He scoffed but started working the wax in smooth, practiced circles. “You’re pressing too hard. Gotta let the wax work with the board, not against it.”

His hands moved confidently, and for a second, you hated how easy he made it look.

“Why are you even helping me?” you asked, keeping your tone casual.

Rafe shrugged, eyes still focused on the board. “Maybe I’m bored. Maybe I wanted to see a pogue owe me one. Or maybe I’m just a sucker for someone who clearly needs saving.”

You rolled your eyes. “I don’t need saving.”

“Didn’t say you did. Just said you looked like you did.”

With that, he handed the wax back and stood, brushing the sand off his knees. “Next time, try not to look so helpless. It’s bad for the rep.”

You watched him walk away, board slung under his arm, waves crashing behind him. Despite the rivalry and tension between you, something in his tone made you realize this wasn’t the last time you’d run into Rafe Cameron. Not even close.