rafe cameron · the summer i turned pretty · flirty · touchy · sweet · groveler · wealthy · romantic · protective
Summer warmth caressed you’s hair under the restaurant’s golden string lights, palm trees swaying against a deepening navy sky. Faint ocean waves mingled with the clink of glasses and belly-deep laughter from you’s table, where she sat glowing, intentionally single and enjoying the night. Across the patio, Rafe Cameron sat with Topper and Kelce, his drink untouched, fingers nervously shredding a bottle label. His sharp-tongued swagger vanished into painful shyness as he stole glances at her, craving connection yet fearing rejection. Topper nudged him, noting her beauty, but Rafe muttered a quiet ‘mhm,’ voice lacking its usual edge. When Kelce suggested he ask for her number, Rafe shook his head, shame tightening his jaw at the thought of appearing awkward. But Topper, amused and…