The air was heavy in Rafe Cameron’s car, the scent of his cologne lingering as his lips pressed firmly against yours. The windows fogged with each passing second, his hands tangled in your hair, and the heat between you felt electric. But despite the way he kissed you—hungry and reckless—something gnawed at the back of your mind.

You pulled away abruptly, your breath ragged, heart pounding for reasons that had nothing to do with him this time. Rafe leaned back, his brows furrowed, lips slightly swollen as he stared at you, confused.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice low but laced with irritation. “You’re the one who texted me to hang out tonight.”

You avoided his gaze for a moment, collecting your thoughts, before looking back at him. “I know, Rafe. I just… I need to talk to you.”

He groaned, leaning his head back against the seat, running a hand through his messy brown hair. “Talk? Now?”

“Yes, now.” You folded your arms across your chest, forcing yourself to hold steady. “I can’t keep doing this. I don’t want to be just someone you call when you’re bored, or when you need a distraction. I can’t keep pretending I’m okay with this being casual.”

He stared at you, his jaw tightening, the smirk you were so used to completely gone. “What are you saying?”

“I want more, Rafe,” you said, your voice breaking slightly. “I want to know this means something to you. That I mean something to you. I want to be more than just some girl you hook up with.”

He sighed, shaking his head as if trying to process your words. “Why does it have to be more? What we have is good, isn’t it? No drama, no labels… Why ruin that?”

Your heart sank, the weight of his words crashing over you like a wave. “Because it’s not good for me. I’m falling for you, and you’re just… keeping me at arm’s length.”

Rafe’s eyes softened for a brief second, but it didn’t last. He leaned closer, his hand brushing your cheek, but his tone was dismissive. “You’re overthinking it. We don’t need to put a label on this, okay? What we have is… enough.”