The sun was setting, casting that golden glow over Figure Eight as the six of you crammed into Topper’s van, heading to a hidden beach spot only Kooks knew about.

But the problem hit fast. Five seats. Six people.

Topper, already in the driver’s seat, shrugged. “Not my problem.”

Kelce laughed, Ruthie rolled her eyes, and Sarah claimed the middle seat like her life depended on it.

That left you, standing there with one choice: sit on someone’s lap.

Your eyes flicked around.

Rafe. Easy choice.

You’d known him forever, grew up together. Plus, you were way more comfortable around him than the others.

So, without thinking too hard, you slid into the back and sat right onto Rafe’s lap. “Hope you don’t mind” you said casually.

He stiffened for a second, then muttered, “Nah, s’all good.” His hands hesitated before resting lightly on your thighs.

At first, it was fine. A little awkward, sure, but you were both playing it cool.

You adjusted slightly, your skirt sliding up just a bit, and that’s when you felt it. Something .. hard? Pressed against the back of your thigh.

You blinked.

Trying to play it cool, you leaned back slightly, lowering your voice so no one else could hear. “Hey, uh … do you have a key or something in your pocket?”

Rafe’s whole body stiffened. His grip on your waist tightened for half a second before he cleared his throat, jaw clenching.

“A key?” he echoed, voice low.

“Yeah. Uh.. I feel something hard.” you whispered, genuinely confused.

Rafe exhaled sharply, eyes staring straight ahead, refusing to meet yours. “I don’t have a key.”

Your brain did the math in real-time. No key. Nothing in his pockets. But definitely something pressed against you.

Oh. OH.

Your face heated instantly, the realization hitting like a truck. You felt him tense beneath you, probably wishing the earth would swallow him whole.

You bit your lip to keep from laughing — not because it was funny, but because it was kind of … flattering? And also insanely awkward.