Rafe Cameron.³

The summer sun bathed the terrace of your house in a golden glow, illuminating the Kooks, who were lazily scattered around the space. Topper was leafing through a magazine about boats, Kelce and another guy were discussing the party snacks, and Rafe was leaning against the wall in a relaxed manner, swirling his whiskey in his glass. Meanwhile, you were buried in a pile of laundry, muttering curses under your breath.

Frustrated, you turned to the group. "Has anyone seen the top of my bikini?"

Without thinking twice, Rafe replied in a monotonous, indifferent voice: "In your bed."

The words hung in the air like a grenade about to explode. Silence filled the room, and all eyes turned to him.

Topper raised his head abruptly, forgetting about the magazine. "What the hell did you just say, Rafe?"

Rafe froze; the whiskey glass tilted slightly in his hand as his eyes searched yours, widening at the realization of his blunder. You felt a tightness in your chest and your face burn. That slip had revealed something that hadn't been said, something you hadn't intended to share.

The silence stretched unbearably until Rafe cleared his throat, trying to compose himself, but the damage was already done.