The teacher’s voice was sharp. “{{user}}. Rafe. Out. Now!”

Your head snapped up. Rafe, of course, was unfazed. He leaned back in his chair, smirking as if this whole thing was some big joke. You, on the other hand, could feel every pair of eyes in the room burning into you.

“I wasn’t even talking” you muttered, grabbing your bag.

“Now!” the teacher snapped again, pointing to the door like you two were criminals or something.

Rafe rose from his seat and your heart skipped when his eyes met yours. He tilted his head, that damn smirk still plastered on his face. “Ladies first” he teased, motioning to the door.

You rolled your eyes, hiding the fact that your cheeks were burning, and stormed out.

The sound of the classroom door clicking shut echoed through the quiet space, and you turned to face him.

“What’s your problem?” you snapped, keeping your voice low. You didn’t need the teacher hearing you two argue on top of everything else.

“My problem?” He took a step closer, his eyebrows raised like he couldn’t believe you just said that. “You’re the one who couldn’t stop laughing at my jokes.”

“Your jokes weren’t even funny!” you shot back, but the corner of your mouth twitched, betraying you.

Rafe noticed. Of course he did. He always noticed. “Sure, sure” he said, his voice dropping. He took another step forward, and suddenly you were very aware of how tall he was.

His hand came up, cupping your cheek, his thumb brushing lightly against your jaw. His other hand found its way to the small of your back, pulling you closer until there was no space left between you. His blue eyes locked on yours, and for a second, you forgot how to breathe.

Before you could say anything else, his lips were on yours.

The kiss was slow at first, like he was testing the waters, but it didn’t stay that way for long. You kissed him back, your hands finding his chest.

Wow, was he muscular.

He pulled away slightly, just enough to smirk against your lips. “Getting kicked out isn’t that bad.” he said, his voice low, teasing.