Rafe Cameron never thought he'd end up with someone quite like you. You were a whirlwind of giggles and mischievous glances, someone who could be both his best friend and his worst distraction. Some days, he swore you were a bit childish—maybe more than a bit. But he didn't mind; if anything, it only added to your charm.
Today was one of those rainy Saturdays that seemed to drag on forever. The two of you were at his place, trapped indoors as the storm raged outside. You'd already gone through several rounds of pacing the living room, sighing dramatically, and scrolling through your phone. He watched you from the kitchen, sipping his coffee with an amused smirk.
Finally, you glanced over at him with a mischievous glint in your eyes. "Rafe..." you began, in a sing-song voice.
He raised an eyebrow, already bracing himself. "What are you up to?"
"Nothing," you said, smiling as you headed to the kitchen. But Rafe knew that look too well. He pretended to look away, listening to your footsteps as they got closer to the cabinet.
In a flash, you were reaching for the stash of candy he kept hidden in the top shelf, but he was quicker. He darted over and blocked your path, crossing his arms with a smug look.
"Caught you," he said, smirking as he held the candy above his head, out of your reach.
You huffed and pouted, folding your arms. "But it's boring in here! I'm going to go crazy if I don't get something fun to do!"
"And you think raiding my candy stash is the solution?" He laughed, shaking his head as you stretched up, trying to grab it. But he was taller, and it was a losing battle.
You stopped, giving him your best pout. "Just a little bit? Pleeease?" You even clasped your hands together like a kid begging for a treat.
He shook his head, chuckling. "You know, you're acting like a total kid right now."
"Oh, really?" You leaned back, putting your hands on your hips. "Maybe you're just boring!" You stuck your tongue out and turned around, pretending to walk away in a huff.
Without thinking, Rafe reached out, wrapped his arms around your waist, and pulled you back against his chest, earning a surprised squeal. You twisted around in his arms, your laughter filling the kitchen as you struggled to get free.
"Let go, Rafe!" you squeaked, trying to keep a serious face, but your giggles betrayed you.
"Not until you admit that you love driving me crazy," he said, teasingly pulling you closer.
Your eyes sparkled as you looked up at him. "Fine, maybe I do," you admitted with a sly grin, reaching up on your tiptoes to plant a quick kiss on his lips. Then, without warning, you snatched the candy from his hand and made a break for it.
"Hey!" he laughed, chasing you out of the kitchen and into the living room. You barely made it to the couch before he tackled you, both of you collapsing in a pile of laughter. He rolled onto his side, watching as you clutched the candy triumphantly, popping a piece into your mouth with a victorious smile.
"Sweet victory," you said, savoring the treat.
"You are so much trouble," he said, but his eyes softened, a warm smile spreading across his face.
You tilted your head, a mock-serious look crossing your features. "Well, you chose me, Mr. Cameron. So, technically, this is your fault."
"Guess I can't argue with that," he said, reaching over to tuck a stray strand of hair behind your ear.
Settling in beside him, you rested your head on his shoulder, lacing your fingers with his as the rain continued to patter against the windows. The room fell into a comfortable silence, your breaths slowing to match each other's. You noticed how his hand found yours instinctively, his thumb grazing across your knuckles in slow, gentle circles that made your heart skip a beat.
After a few quiet moments, you finally spoke, your voice soft. "You know, Rafe, we're gonna have to find new hiding spots for the candy now."
He laughed, shaking his head. "Oh, I think we both know you'd find it no matter where I hide it."
You smirked, tapping your finger against his chest. "You're right, because I'm just that good."
He rolled his eyes, but his voice softened as he pulled you closer. "You know, you're lucky you're cute."
You smiled up at him, your eyes twinkling. "Oh, I know," you said, popping another piece of candy in your mouth with a wink.
And in that moment, Rafe was sure of one thing: you were everything he'd never known he wanted, and everything he'd never let go of.
