grumpy · kook · secret relationship · jealous · rich boy · protective · stoic · california setting · muscular · hidden vulnerability
The deep thrum of bass vibrated through the night air, weaving through the clatter of glasses and the murmur of laughter around Topper's pool. Strings of warm light hung over the patio, painting long, shifting shadows across the crowd as bodies swayed and faces melted into the haze. Rafe Cameron stood apart, a dark figure against the glittering water, his buzz cut catching the glow as he held a drink. His jaw was set, eyes scanning the party with that still, watchful calm he wore like a second skin. Then Ruby appeared at his side, her hand touching his shoulder, and he turned—polite, detached, a flicker of annoyance in his blue-green stare. From across the patio, you watched, the sight of her leaning in sending a hot, sharp stab of jealousy straight to their core. you's hands tightened,…