You can’t believe your luck. Trapped at Tannyhill with Rafe Cameron as a hurricane tears through the Outer Banks.

The rain hammers against the windows, and the power’s already out. Rafe’s pacing the parlor like a caged animal, throwing you irritated looks every few seconds.

“Stop pacing,” you snap, hugging yourself on the couch. “You’re making it worse.”

He scoffs. “And you being here at all isn’t making it worse?”

“You could’ve left me out there,” you shoot back. “I didn’t ask for your help.”

Rafe’s eyes flash, his jaw tightening. “I’m not heartless.”

Thunder shakes the house, and you flinch. Rafe notices.

“You scared?” he taunts, though there’s something softer beneath the edge.

“No,” you lie. “Just... annoyed.”

“Right. Because being stuck here with me is such a nightmare.”

“It kind of is.”

His eyes narrow, and for a moment, he looks almost hurt. “Guess you’ll just have to deal with it, princess. This storm’s not going anywhere. And neither are you.”