Always you

Chapter 22

The party continued to roar downstairs, a blur of music, laughter, and occasional cheers from the pool. Sasha weaved her way through the crowd, her drink forgotten in her hand as she climbed the winding staircase to the second floor. Her mission was simple: find a bathroom that wasn't crowded.

The first bathroom she encountered had a line of impatient partygoers spilling out into the hallway. Sasha sighed, brushing her hair back as she decided to keep looking. The upstairs was quieter, though still alive with the muffled thrum of music from below.

As she turned the corner, she spotted another door slightly ajar, but a quick peek revealed it was occupied. Groaning inwardly, she ventured further into the house. Topper's beach house was massive—too big, really—and Sasha couldn't help but feel a little lost.

She passed a few closed doors, some with noises coming from inside that made her cheeks flush. Finally, she found a hallway that seemed empty and stumbled upon a door she hoped was another bathroom.

When Sasha opened the door, she found herself stepping into what was clearly a study. It wasn't the bathroom, but the room was empty, and for a moment, the quiet was a welcome reprieve from the chaos downstairs.

The space was luxurious but cozy, with dark wooden shelves lining the walls, filled with books and trinkets. A large window overlooked the beach, the waves glinting under the moonlight. Sasha took a deep breath, letting the cool, salt-tinged air seep into her lungs.

She wandered toward the window, setting her cup down on the desk nearby. The view was mesmerizing, a perfect slice of serenity compared to the madness below. For a moment, she considered staying here until the party died down.

But her peaceful moment didn't last long.

"Sasha?"

The sound of Rafe's voice startled her, and she turned to see him standing in the doorway. His hands were stuffed in his pockets, and his shirt was slightly wrinkled, as if he'd been tugging at it absentmindedly. His gaze was steady but softer than it had been earlier by the pool.

"Rafe," she said, her voice a little breathless. "What are you doing up here?"

He stepped inside, closing the door behind him. "Could ask you the same thing."

"I was looking for a bathroom," she admitted, glancing around the room. "Got a little lost."

Rafe chuckled, his lips curling into a half-smile. "Topper's house is like a maze. Don't worry, happens to everyone."

He leaned against the edge of the desk, his eyes never leaving hers. "You okay?"

Sasha shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Yeah, just needed a break from the noise."

"Same," Rafe said, his voice quieter now. "Sometimes it's all just... too much, you know?"

Sasha studied him for a moment, her earlier worries creeping back. "Are you okay, though? You seemed... off earlier."

Rafe's jaw tightened slightly, but then he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'm fine. Just... had a lot on my mind."

"Want to talk about it?" she asked gently, stepping closer.

He hesitated, then shook his head. "Not tonight."

The room fell silent except for the distant hum of music from downstairs. Rafe's gaze softened as he looked at her, and a small smile tugged at his lips.

"You look really beautiful tonight," he said, his voice low.

Sasha felt her cheeks flush. "Thanks," she murmured. "You clean up pretty well yourself."