You couldn’t help it, you were a jealous person. It was something you didn’t like about yourself. And it had only bloomed and grown stronger once you started dating Rafe. Maybe it was insecurity. Maybe it was the way he was so loving and attentive when the two of you were alone, but in public he almost acted like the two of you weren’t a couple. It made you feel unsteady, like you were on borrowed time and sooner than later he was going to dump you for some Kook girl. The kind of girl his friends would approve of.

Tonight, you’d watched him talk to some blonde cougar who was most definitely flirting with him. Your self doubt flared when you’d walked over and he’d introduced as you as his friend. Again. Why was he so careless with your feelings in public? When the word friend left his lips, your stomach had dropped. But you’d pasted a nonchalant look on your face, like his words hadn’t just pierced your heart and made you once again question what you were getting out of this relationship. You’d asked who the woman was, and he’d dismissed her as the biggest cougar on the island, which had settled some of your doubts. But then he’d opened his mouth.

“What, are you jealous?” He asks with a smirk on his face, clearly amused.

“Should I be….friend?” You tilt your head to the side, eyeing his reaction.

“I mean, depends on what she’s offering.” He takes a swig from his drink, smirking. You halfheartedly hit his bicep, the annoyance starting to grow. He must pick up that you’re not thrilled with him, because he quickly backtracks.

“Hey I’m joking, I’m joking.” He says, pulling you into his body for a reassuring hug. Your voice sounds wary as you speak into his chest.

“I hate you.” You don’t, don’t think you ever could, but there are times like this where you don’t like him very much. Where you wished you didn’t have to worry when he talked to other women. You wanted to feel secure in your relationship, but that was something he didn’t seem able to provide.

“I’m joking.” He repeats, his voice still amused.