Wrapping the last season of Outer Banks felt different than any of you had expected. At first, everyone promised to stay in touch and meet up often. But somehow, that turned out to be harder than you thought. Texting in the group chat wasn’t the same as actually hanging out together at someone’s house. So when Madelyn sent a simple message—“Party tonight?”—everyone was immediately in.

You all met up at a club downtown in L.A.
 JD, Madison, and Carlacia were already waiting at the entrance when you arrived. Eventually, Madelyn and Chase joined, and together you made your way inside.

You could already hear the thump of the bass from outside, and it promised a good time.

After a few drinks and dancing with the girls, you walked back to the seating area and sat down beside JD, who was deep in discussion with Chase about the DJ’s song choices. You reached into your purse, searching for your lip liner, when you suddenly felt an arm slide around your shoulders. Turning quickly, you found Drew sitting beside you, a familiar smile on his face.

“Sorry, I’m late. Couldn’t find a parking spot,” he explained, his arm still resting comfortably around you.

“Don’t worry about it—it’s good to see you.”

You had met Drew on set, like the rest of the cast, but with him, it had clicked instantly. He understood your humor, helped calm you down during stressful moments—like outfit meltdowns—and was always just a call away when you needed someone. Over time, he had become your best friend.

Later, after a few rounds of shots, everyone ended up slightly tipsy on the dance floor.
You were dancing with Madison and Drew until Madison spotted a cute girl at the bar and drifted off, leaving just the two of you.

With the alcohol loosening your thoughts, you didn’t hesitate before pressing your back against Drew’s chest, moving to the rhythm. He stiffened for just a second in surprise, but then his arms slid naturally around your waist, pulling you closer. His grip was firm but careful, like he was testing a boundary without crossing it too quickly.

The warmth of him behind you, the steady rise and fall of his breathing, and the way his hands rested at your waist sent a subtle shiver through your body. You leaned back into him a little more, your movements syncing, your head tilting slightly as you let yourself get lost in the music—and in him.

The space between you seemed to disappear entirely.

At some point, the crowd shifted, and suddenly you were backed up against a wall, the music vibrating through it. Drew followed, his hands still on you, his presence now overwhelming in the best way. His lips found your neck almost hesitantly at first, like he was giving you a chance to pull away—but when you didn’t, he grew bolder.

The fact that you were supposed to be just best friends blurred into the background. The way his hands held you, the heat of his breath against your skin—it all felt too good to question.

His mouth moved slowly along your neck, lingering just enough to make your breath hitch. When he reached your jawline, he paused, brushing his lips there, letting the moment stretch. One of his hands slid slightly upward, just beneath the fabric of your top, his touch warm and deliberate, tracing lightly as if memorizing every reaction you gave him.

You felt completely caught up in it—every small movement, every shift of his hands sending sparks through you.

Then he moved closer to your ear, his lips brushing just beneath it, his breath warm against your skin. His voice, low and just loud enough to cut through the music, sent another wave of tension through you.

“You wanna get out of here?”