Bad Influence (Rafe Cameron)

Chapter 17

Being in Rafe's arms makes me feel a sense of comfort and home. I almost forget why I broke up with him in the first place and then I remember, and though I remember, I can't seem to get myself to move away from him.

I can't do it anymore. I can't stay away from him. Being in his arms just reminds me of how badly I missed him when he wasn't with me. I want to stay strong so bad, but I need him.

I pull away from his chest and my throat tightens with the threat of tears.

"I need you Rafe, but if you're going to treat me or Topper badly than I can't forgive you. I need to know that you care about me enough to treat me right. I also need to know you'll give me the freedom to make my own choices." I tell him.

He stares at me with a dumbfounded expression on his face. I guess he wasn't expecting me to admit this to him but I needed to get this off my chest.

He smiles at me then, grabbing ahold of my hand and bringing it up to his mouth. His lips brush the back of my hand lightly and my heart does a somersault.

"Of course. I'm so sincerely sorry for hurting both you and Topper. Topper was my best friend and I feel awful for doing that to him. And I was being a douchebag when I was trying to keep you from your friends. I promise I won't be as controlling anymore." He tells me, and all I can see is sincerity in his eyes. Everything about his apology is setting off an alarm in my head but if we're going to make this work I'm going to need to trust him.

"I forgive you." I say, grabbing his other hand and holding it to my chest. "Thank you for apologizing and promising to treat me better."

"There's a bonfire at the beach tomorrow night. You should come. We'll have fun and it will be like a date." He tells me excitedly, giving my hands a squeeze.

I've never been to one of these bonfires but I just remember Topper coming home with a black eye the last time he went. He got into a fight with a pogue and apparently some crazy guy had a gun. Topper didn't tell me their names, but they sound nuts.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" I ask hesitantly. "Will Topper be there?"

"I know for a fact it's a good idea. We'll have a lot of fun and Topper will be hanging out with Kelce at the country club." Rafe tells me.

"Wait, how do you know what Topper and Kelce are doing. I thought you haven't been talking to either of them?" I ask suspiciously.

Rafe freezes for a moment and he stares off into the distance for a couple seconds before looking back in my direction and blinking slowly as if to gather his thoughts.

"I overheard Kelce telling some guys that today at the country club." He answers simply, refusing to meet my gaze.

Of course, I'm still awfully suspicious but I ignore my senses and forget about it.

"Okay, I'll go with you tomorrow tonight." I tell him and smile. He grins and leans forward to peck my lips before standing up.

I sit there, frozen in shock at the casual way he just kissed me after we literally just got back together, but I recover quickly, standing up and walking him to the door.

"Goodnight Rafe." I say, leaning forward and hugging him again. "Thank you for coming to make sure I was okay. It really means a lot to me."

"Of course. I missed you Claire. I can guarantee you right now that I'm not going to lose you again. Ever." He says against my hair. Towards the end of his sentence his hold on me tightens almost painfully and I have to pry myself out of his grip.

Rafe clears his throat awkwardly and walks out of my bedroom, giving me one last parting glance before descending the stairs.

I don't close my bedroom door until I hear the front door close and I know he's gone. I lay down in bed and try to fall asleep before Topper gets home to avoid the awkward conversation I know I'm sure to have with him.
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