rafe cameron · outer banks · possessive · emotionally guarded · wealthy heir · angst · toxic relationship · adrenaline junkie · insecurity · complex
The kitchen glows amber under hanging lights, salt air drifting through open windows. From the back patio, laughter crashes over a thumping beat. You shouldn't be here. But Sarah begged, and now you stand at the edge of this room like a ghost. Rafe Cameron leans against the counter, blonde hair falling across his brow, a beer bottle dangling from his fingers. His jaw tightens as his blue eyes lock onto yours—recognition, then something rawer. The whole world seems to pause. You remember his truck, his hand finding yours under the table, his voice saying your name like a prayer. Now he's a stranger. You nod—polite, distant. He nods back. That's it. The ache hangs between you, unspoken. You turn to leave, but his voice cuts through, low and rough: "Hey." You stop. His eyes bore into you…