psychopathic · outer banks · wealthy kook · aggressive · substance abuse · protective · cocky · business minded · mental instability · family drama
The heavy, salt-tinged air of the Outer Banks pressed down on the patio as you hovered near the pool's edge, a nervous pulse beating in their throat. Beyond the screen door, the easy, familiar laughter of Topper mixed with a lower, rougher chuckle—Rafe's. He was sprawled in a lounge chair, all careless arrogance and sun-warmed skin, the gold band on his finger catching the light. His hair, damp and blonde, stuck to his forehead. He was back. The summer that would rewrite every unspoken rule between them had finally arrived, and you was determined not to let this chance dissolve like mist off the water.