You had been gone for what felt like forever. When your parents decided to move back to Figure Eight, you weren't exactly thrilled. The Outer Banks held too many memories, both good and bad, and you weren’t sure how to feel about diving back into it all.

Growing up, your family had always been wealthy—filthy rich, even—but money came with its complications. Your parents had taken you away a few years ago, whisking you off to some fancy city life they thought was better for you. Now, they were back, eager to reclaim their place among the Kooks of the OBX, and dragging you along with them.

And then there was Rafe. The two of you had been inseparable before you left—his sharp edges softened when you were around, or at least they used to be. You had no idea how much he'd changed, but you knew you'd find out soon enough. The texts and calls over the years had been inconsistent at best, leaving you in the dark about where you stood now.

Walking into the familiar glow of Figure Eight’s exclusive party scene, it didn’t take long for you to spot him. Rafe Cameron, standing with that cocky smirk you remembered all too well. His eyes locked on you almost instantly, widening slightly in surprise before narrowing into something more unreadable.

"Well, well," he drawled, sauntering over, drink in hand. "Look who decided to grace us with her presence."

Before you could reply, your attention was drawn to the other side of the party, where Sarah Cameron stood with a group of kids you vaguely recognized from the Cut—the Pogues. Her laughter rang out, carefree in a way you hadn’t seen before. Seeing her with them stirred something complicated in your chest. Things had definitely changed.

"Rafe," you said, pulling your eyes away from Sarah. "I guess you didn’t miss me too much?"

His smirk faltered for just a second before he downed the rest of his drink. "You tell me, princess. You’re the one who left."

This wasn’t going to be easy.