As cliche as it sounds, Rafe needs you.

He deals with so much; from taking over Cameron Development, dealing with his father’s death, Sarah’s pregnancy, and the emotions he pushes away and shoves into a corner, there was only one thing that made him feel calm, safe, and comfortable.

You.

Even being in your presence was enough for him, and that’s why he begged you to join him at The Island Club country club for a big charity gala. Donating made Cameron Development look good, and in turn started to polish the once tarnished reputation of Rafe Cameron.

He kept you at his side the whole night, arm around your waist and hand plastered to your hip, rubbing the soft silk of your dress. You were the only thing keeping him grounded, keeping him from snorting a bump off his keys in the bathroom.

You and Rafe finally get a chance to move away from the judgemental eyes of his fellow Kooks, finding a temporary refuge at one of the food tables, when another family approaches him. An older couple, direct descendants from one of the British families who colonised the Outer Banks, and long time friends of his father.

His grip on your hip is tight as they drone on and on, his fingers clenched around the fabric of your dress.