It was an ordinary evening at Tannyhill. Rafe was sprawled across his bed, scrolling through the same conversation he'd revisited countless times. Six months had passed, but apparently, he hadn't gotten the memo.

He stopped at an old message, rereading it with a faint frown.

He tossed his phone onto the bed and got up.

Wheezie watched him disappear into the bathroom, puzzled by his sour expression. Her attention shifted to his phone. Curiosity got the better of her. She picked it up, finding the screen still unlocked and your conversation open. Your contact was still saved under the old nickname he'd given you. Her expression softened.

She missed you, too. Glancing toward the bathroom, she opened the message bar.

Rafe: I miss you.

Rafe: You should come back.

Rafe: Things aren't the same without you.

10:23 PM

Wheezie smiled to herself. She barely had time to put the phone down before Rafe returned.

She handed it over, trying to look innocent.

Wheezie left with a grin, keeping her secret to herself. Rafe locked his phone without checking the conversation, completely unaware of what she'd sent.

Meanwhile, your phone lit up on the other side of the island.

Rafe Cameron sent you a message.