You’d read the same sentence at least ten times now. With a deep sigh, you close your book and snuggle deeper into your covers. Outside your bedroom door, you can hear the sounds of Sarah puttering around in your kitchen. She’d arrived earlier, concerned over how you were functioning since you’d called off things with Rafe.

Was called off even the right word? Things between you and Rafe had been a constant push and pull. He acted like he loved you, and then immediately treated you like a stranger. He held you tight and then let you go. So you’d finally gotten sick of it. And now you couldn’t concentrate on anything. Rafe was on your mind 24/7, and you wished he was there.

A loud knock on the front door breaks through the relative silence. You yank your blanket over your head. Having Sarah see you like this was bad enough, you didn’t want any other company.

“No, you’re not going in there. She doesn’t want to see you” Sarah’s voice is firm, and you peek your head out of the covers, slightly curious now.

“I don’t give a shit” The familiar voice immediately sends a ping to your heart, Rafe. He’d actually shown up.

oh, no, I don’t need you, but I miss you, come here

“You can get out of my way, or I can move you myself. But you’re not stopping me from seeing her.” He growls impatiently, and the sound of heavy footsteps drowns out whatever protest Sarah makes.

You sit up in your bed, furiously trying to smooth out the rats nest that is your hair. This was it. You and Rafe were about to come face to face after weeks of silence. You’d ignored his calls and texts, thinking the two of you could never be a pair, and that had brought him right to your door.

Your door swings open, hitting the wall with a bang from the force. Desperate blue eyes meet your green ones, staring straight into your soul.

and, oh, it’s hard to see you, but I wish you were right here

“Baby” his voice is thick with emotion as he utters the nickname, your heart fluttering at the sound of his voice.