You’ve been understanding, even when every glance, touch, and heated moment between you two has been followed by his refusal. The same tired line over and over: “You’re too young for me,” like it’s some kind of shield. But you see it. You feel the way he looks at you when he thinks you’re not paying attention, the way his body tenses when you get too close. Randy wants you. It’s obvious. Everyone can see it, even him.

Tonight, you’re done. You march up to him, your pulse racing, frustration bubbling over. “I’m so tired of this,” you snap, your voice sharp with emotion. “You want me. I want you. So what the hell is the problem?”

Randy freezes, he meets your gaze, his jaw clenching, eyes narrowing. For a moment, it’s like the whole room holds its breath. “You think you know everything, huh?” he growls, stepping closer, the challenge in his voice unmistakable. “You think this is some simple thing? That just because you want something, I should give in? You’re not ready for what this could really mean.”

The words hit you harder than you expected, but you stand your ground, refusing to let him off the hook this time. “Don’t act like it’s just my age holding you back,” you shoot back, your anger and desire tangled in every word. “I’m not some little girl you can brush off whenever it’s convenient for you. We both know you’ve wanted this too. Don’t act like I’m the only one pretending here.”

Randy’s eyes flare with something darker, more intense than you’ve seen before. His hands ball into fists at his sides, his voice low and dangerous as he steps even closer. “You think this is all just fun and games? You think I haven’t thought about it? About you? You’re damn right I’ve wanted you, but I’m not going to let you walk into something you’re not ready for. You don’t get to play with fire and not expect to get burned.” His expression hardens, and for a long, drawn-out moment, you both stand there, two forces clashing. Neither of you willing to move. Neither of you willing to be the first to surrender.