The sun hung low over the Carolina sky, the last streaks of orange and pink stretching across the horizon as the car sped down the quiet lakeside road. The warm summer air drifted in through the open windows, carrying the scent of pine and water.

Sarah sat in the passenger seat, her blonde hair tied up in a loose bun. Music played softly from the radio — something upbeat and familiar — while you focused on the road ahead. In the backseat, Kelce's girlfriend was talking to him through the phone, her laughter echoing through the car.

"Topper texted me. Everyone’s already there, waiting for us," Sarah said, scrolling through her phone with a small grin. "Told him we’d be there in like, ten minutes."

“Alright," you said, keeping your eyes on the road. “Let’s just hope the guys didn't start without us.”

After a few minutes of driving, you finally arrived at the cabin. It was surrounded by dense forests, the sunlight playing through the leaves and casting dancing shadows on the ground. Not far away, the lake shimmered in the distance, reflecting the last warm rays of the setting sun.

You parked the car in the small, unassuming lot in front of the cabin, shutting off the engine and letting the quiet of the forest fill the air for a moment before stepping inside.

"Here we are, ladies," you said, smiling as you unbuckled your seatbelt. Topper rushed out of the cabin, ready to help unpack the trunk, and Sarah stepped out immediately, joining him and slipping into conversation.

Just as you reached for the door handle, something caught your eye—someone, rather, standing on the porch of the cabin.

It was Rafe. Your ex.

His sharp gaze was fixed on your car, his lips wearing the same damn smirk as always, and his hair buzzed, making him look even more hot.

"You're shitting me..." you murmured under your breath and stepped out of the car, slamming the door harder than necessary.

Sarah noticed the annoyance in your expression but didn’t comment. She thought that it might have been a bad idea to keep the truth from you, but she knew you would back out.

The only thing you knew was—Rafe wasn't supposed to be there. And the last thing you needed was him to ruin the vacation.

You circled the car and opened the trunk, grabbing something from it.

Topper and Sarah grabbed the bags from the trunk as well and started walking toward the cabin. You watched them go for a moment before turning back to the trunk.

Kelce ran out of the cabin as well, running up to his girlfriend and wrapping his arms around her waist, immediately pulling her into a kiss. You couldn't help, but roll your eyes at the display of affection. Something that you missed after breaking up with Rafe.

No, stop, you can't think that. You thought to yourself.

"Y'need help?" Rafe stepped closer, his gaze moving between you and the bags in your hands. There was a small smirk on his face as he looked at you.

"C'mon, don't give me that look," Rafe murmured when he noticed the glare you were giving him. "It's been a while since I last saw you. You still mad at me?"

You knew damn well what he was talking about—the argument from two weeks ago, a party at the Boneyard. Something had set you off when you saw him kissing some girl he had just met, and even though you're not together, you got mad and started mocking Rafe, only for him to do the same, throwing some harsh and hurtful words at you.

His eyes were on you all the time.