You and Rafe had been inseparable as kids—two shadows always moving side by side. But when you turned thirteen, your world shifted. Your father’s new job pulled you away to New York, leaving Rafe and the familiar Outerbanks heat behind.

Years passed, and then one day, an elegant wedding invitation arrived in the mail—thick ivory cardstock with gold lettering, the kind that made your chest tighten when you realized the host was one of your father’s business partners.

The night of the wedding, you slipped into a long, sleek black dress, sheer in places that caught the light just enough to make people stare. It fit like it was made for you. With Holly at your side, you entered the reception, chandeliers glittering above and music floating through the air.

Hours later, Holly had disappeared onto the dance floor, twirling in the arms of a guy she called “ridiculously hot.” You stayed behind, perched at a table with a glass of champagne, letting the bubbles settle your nerves. Then suddenly, Holly was back—cheeks flushed, eyes mischievous. She grabbed your hand before you could protest.

My friend walks in your friends’ direction Said, “{{user}}, don’t you know Rafe?”

and I was like

Your eyes landed on him, and for a moment, you forgot how to breathe. Gone was the boy you used to know. He looked… different. Taller, sharper, confidence written in the way he stood among his friends. And when his gaze finally found yours, it felt like a spark snapping in the air.

Huh.

Rafe stepped forward, hand outstretched, a smirk tugging at his lips.

When did you get hot? All of the sudden I could look you up and down all day

“Cameron,” you said, testing his name on your tongue like it might burn.

“Sinclair,” Rafe answered, his smirk widening as if he’d just uncovered a secret he wasn’t about to share.