The Fine Line - Rafe Cameron

Chapter Eight

As July unfolded in the Outer Banks, Alexandra felt more content with her life than ever. She and Rafe had effortlessly slipped back into their old rhythm, the only difference being the few times they kissed. Each evening, they snuck out of their houses to watch the sunset at the beach, one of the few places where they could be together without the fear of getting caught.

Fortunately, Sarah hadn't figured out that Rafe and Alexandra were sneaking out together; she simply assumed Alexandra was going out to hook up with JJ. As for JJ, they hadn't hooked up since her party, with Alexandra using her period as an excuse. He didn't need to know that periods didn't last that long.

Now, Alexandra and Sarah lounged in the hammock at the chateau, swaying gently as they gazed up at the clouds drifting across the sky. They pointed and laughed, guessing what each cloud resembled.

Earlier, the pogues had spent hours riding the waves, while Alexandra basked in the sun nearby.

JJ sprawled on the grass next to them, a hat pulled low over his face. "I heard the kooks are throwing a party tonight. Should we crash?"

"Yeah, if you want us to get beat up again," John B replied dryly, knocking the hat off JJ's face, making him flinch.

"They deserve payback," JJ shrugged, jabbing an accusatory finger at John B, who quickly yanked it away from his face.

"Does everything have to be about payback?" Kiara interjected, throwing her arms in the air.

Sarah sat up in the hammock, irritation clear in her voice. "Can we just drop this?"

"You're only saying that because your brother's involved," JJ shot back, turning to face Sarah, who looked like she was ready to tape his mouth shut.

Alexandra's stomach dropped at the mention of Rafe, but she stayed silent, tuning out their escalating conversation.

"That is so not true," Sarah retorted, standing up from the hammock.

"Watch it, JJ," John B warned, his tone serious.

Pope rubbed his hands over his face in frustration. "John B's right. I'm tired of having to jump in every time you start something, JJ."

"Come on, it's not like I'm the only one who's fed up with them. You all know they've been asking for it!" JJ shot back defensively, raising his hands in the air.

"Drop it, JJ," Alexandra finally chimed in, lifting her head to give him a pointed look.

He glanced down, fidgeting with his hat. "Whatever," he muttered, his voice softer.

"I'm going inside," Sarah huffed, running a hand through her hair.

John B stood up with her. "I'll join you."

"Yeah, I'm heading out too," Pope added, wiping the dirt off his hands. "Can you give me a ride, Kie?"

Kiara got to her feet, making her way to her car. "Sure, I need to get home anyway."

"Wow, guys," JJ scoffed. "I was just spitballing ideas here."

"You know, sometimes less is more, JJ," John B sarcastically added, his arm draped around Sarah as he walked them into the house.

Alexandra chuckled as JJ rolled his eyes dramatically.

JJ slipped his hat back on and stood up to join Alexandra in the hammock.

"You have a real talent for clearing a room," Alexandra teased, leaning against his shoulder.

He shrugged and slid his arm beneath her neck, draping it around her. "Maybe it wasn't one of my best ideas."