Dancing Queen || outerbanks (Pt 2)
Summary: New girl Y/N meets local Kie after surfing. Invited to a beach party, Y/N connects with the Pogues (especially JJ) but clashes with Kie’s rival, Sarah. you fun night ends with someone hands wrapped around her who couldn't help resist.
Warning: Verbal Antagonism & Boundary PushingControlling, Possessive BehaviorHigh Emotional Tension & Flirting with Danger, Love Triangle, Conflicting Interests
The sun was dropping fast as I headed in from my surf session. I love this time of day, the sunset hitting the water, everything quiet except for the birds. It’s definitely my favorite kind of peace.
I sat on the sand, watching the last colors fade, when I noticed a girl wading out of the water. I hadn't seen her while I was surfing, which was weird. Her skin was tanned and glowing, and her wet, loose curls framed her face. She was seriously beautiful.
I guess I stared for too long, because she spotted me. "Hey, do I know you?" she asked, a confused look on her face as she looked down at me.
"No, you don't. I'm new here. Y/N," I said, standing up. She seemed cool, but I was keeping my guard up.
"Oh, you must be the new arrival. I heard someone moved to the island," she said. "I'm Kie, by the way. You looked good out there on the board." Kie’s tone was friendly and energetic.
Kie was genuinely happy. She knew everyone on the island except for the tourists who came and went. Meeting me was a chance for a new friendship that wasn't just with the boys she usually hung out with.
"Aw, thanks! I haven't surfed in a while, so I felt pretty rusty," I admitted, feeling a little awkward. Kie laughed, shaking her head like I was crazy, because apparently I looked like a pro.
"Don't worry about it. Listen, I don't think you know anyone yet, but there's a party on the beach tonight. You want to come with me and my friends?" she asked, eager to get to know me better.
"Yeah, I'd love to! Give me your phone. I need to get home, but text me the time and location, and I'll see you tonight!" I said, putting my number into her phone. A party this was perfect. Nobody here knew my story yet, so it was a fresh start.
When I got home, I stopped to talk to my dad before jumping in the shower. "Hey, Dad, how was your first day at work?" I asked, grabbing a towel from the dryer.
"Great, honey, but we're having lunch with the Camerons tomorrow," Dad replied, focused on the sports game. Always sports.
I looked at him, confused. "The Camerons? Who are they?" I sighed. "Do they have any kids? Someone I can actually talk to?"
"Yeah, one son and two daughters. The boy is the oldest, and the other girl is your age," he said, still watching the TV.
"Okay. Well, can I go to a party tonight?" I asked hopefully.
"Yeah, sure, just let me watch the game, sweetie," he said. My dad was usually laid-back about me going out, especially since we moved from LA.
I went upstairs and into the shower. I used all my favorite vanilla-scented products. The hot water felt so relaxing; I could have stayed there for hours.
Once I was done, I had to pick an outfit. Kie's text confirmed it was a low-key beach party, so I kept it casual but cool. I picked a white tank top and paired it with a white sequin mini skirt. I wanted to stand out a little without being over the top. I curled my hair, added gold hoops, and a simple seashell necklace. My makeup was a bronzed, sun-kissed look. I checked the time: 6:15 PM. Sweet, still time to grab some drinks. Looking in the mirror, You felt so good with your outfit choice that made your body look so good.
(this is the outfit you can come up with whatever you want in your head)
After stopping for supplies, I drove to the beach. I couldn't help feeling nervous. I texted Kie, and she said to meet her "by the bonfire." Great, that could be anywhere. This was moving fast, and I really hoped I make a good impression with people.
I parked my car, locked the doors, and grabbed my bag. I noticed people staring—everyone was in super simple clothes, and I definitely looked more dressed up. Why do I always overthink it?
While I was distracted, a girl bumped right into me. "Shit, I'm so sorry, I didn't see you," she said, looking genuinely apologetic.
"It's okay, seriously, don't worry," I replied, not wanting any drama on my first night.
"Wait, you're the new girl, right? Y/N?" How did everyone already know?
"Yeah, I am. Nice to meet you," I smiled.
"Hi, I'm Sarah, and this is Topper," she said, trying to get his attention; he was talking to another group. "Don't mind him; he gets tunnel vision when he drinks." I laughed, because I could relate.
"No, I get it. I think I'm having lunch with you guys tom—" I was cut off by a shout.
"Y/N! You finally made it! Thought you bailed on us," Kie said, walking over happily. She needed a break from the guys and some new company.
"I did! Sorry, I was talking to Sarah," I said, looking between them.
The second Kie looked at Sarah, her expression completely hardened. The tension was immediate, and I didn't get it, they seemed like their personalities would actually match.
"Yeah, I should go, but I'll see you tomorrow, Y/N! Can't wait!" Sarah said quickly, moving back toward her friends, clearly wanting to avoid a confrontation.
"Why is everyone staring at me, by the way?" I asked Kie, steering the conversation away from the obvious "beef."
"Girl, you look amazing, and you’re new on the island. You're going to turn heads," Kie laughed, hooking her arm in mine. I laughed with her, blushing slightly. "Okay, whatever you say. But I seriously need a drink."
Kie took me over to the drink stand, and I was introduced to John B, Pope, and JJ.
They were all hilarious, and I enjoyed their company all night, but I especially clicked with JJ as he was basically the male version of me. After a few drinks, I pulled him closer.
"Ooh, I love this song, JJ! Dance with me, please?" I looked at him, pleading for a dance partner.
"Whatever you want, Princess, but let me grab one more drink, and I'll find you," JJ said, giving me a quick smirk. We had been flirting all night after we had a couple of drinks, not to mention us not being able to keep our hand off of eachother.
I walked toward the crowd, spotted Kie, and joined her. The music was loud, and the crowd was moving. The shot I just had, plus the others, were finally hitting me. When my favorite song came on, I started dancing, swaying with Kie, laughing and smiling. I was totally into the music when I realized Kie had left i didn't mind i was in my own world flowing my hips to the music while moving my hands in my air, i guess someone wanted to take kie spot.
"Hey, baby, having fun, new girl?" a voice muttered close to my ear. I felt his hot breath, and it sent a sudden jolt through me.
I turned around, my confidence kicking in. "Hey, pretty boy. You like the show?" I said, smiling up at him.
"Not just me," he said. As soon as he spoke, I scanned the beach and saw a few guys looking our way. I was used to attention from my time in LA, so it wasn't a big deal.
My eyes met his again, and I really took him in. He had perfect, slightly messy hair, tan skin, and clear blue eyes that were impossible to look away from. He was well-dressed in baggy white pants and a black button-up top with black shoes. He wore a gold chain, and his cologne was distracting. He looked incredible.
He definitely noticed you. He been watching you since you have arrived, his eyes lingering like he was making sure no one got too close. He couldn't help but notice how gorgeous you looked white looked great with your tan skin.
"My name is Y/N, not 'baby'," I said, holding his gaze, trying to figure out what he was up to.
"Yeah, but I like the name 'Baby'," he said, smirking. "My name is Rafe. Rafe Cameron."
The tension that hit me when Rafe said his name wasn't just physical it was like a record scratch in my brain. Rafe Cameron. As in, the guy my dad said I had to have an awkward lunch with tomorrow. Of course. This island was tiny, and my luck was always impeccable.
"Cameron," I repeated slowly, trying to sound casual, but my voice was a little breathy from the dancing (and maybe him being five inches away). "Small world. I'm having lunch with your family tomorrow."
His blue eyes, which were intense a second ago, widened slightly. The smirk on his face softened into something genuinely surprised, bordering on intrigued. "Wait, you're the new girl my dad keeps hyping up? Said your family just moved into that place near Figure Eight?"
"Guilty," I confirmed, pushing some hair back. "Y/N. From... LA." I watched his face to see if the LA part meant anything to him, but he just tilted his head.
"Huh. You surf better than anyone from Figure Eight I know," he murmured, his gaze sweeping over me again. "So you're slumming it with the Pogues tonight, then?"
The way he said "Pogues" felt loaded, not exactly mean, but definitely dismissive, like a label. "They seem nice," I said simply, defending Kie and the guys without making a scene. "They invited me. You?"
Rafe chuckled, a low, attractive sound. "I came with friends. The kind who actually belong here." He didn't move, still blocking the crowd from me, but it didn't feel threatening; it felt possessive. "Look, about tomorrow... it's going to be brutal. My sister, Sarah, is sweet, but my dad is a textbook psycho. And my younger sister, Wheezie, is... a lot."
"I gathered Sarah was nice," I said, remembering the brief interaction and Kie's hostile stare. "She ran into me earlier. Kie wasn't too thrilled about her."
Rafe’s eyes darkened immediately, and his jaw tightened. "Kie has her issues. She used to be one of us, but now she’s playing pirate with the Pogues." He shook his head dismissively. "It’s complicated island politics."
"Sounds exhausting," I muttered, taking a deep breath.
"It is," he agreed, leaning in just slightly. "So, you ditching these guys now? Come hang out with the people who actually know how to party." He gestured subtly toward a more contained group further down the beach and cleaner clothes, less wild dancing. Definitely the Kooks.
Just then, JJ appeared behind Rafe, a fresh beer in hand, his Pogue clothes looking even more rumpled next to Rafe’s expensive button-up. "Princess! There you are! I thought I lost you. Who’s your new friend?" JJ asked, eyeing Rafe with immediate suspicion.
Rafe didn't even turn around, keeping his focus entirely on me. "Just introducing myself. We're having family lunch tomorrow."
"Rafe Cameron," I supplied, giving JJ a look that said, Calm down.
JJ’s smile evaporated. "Rafe. Figured. You done harassing the new girl, Kook?"
The air went thick with confrontation. Rafe finally turned to face JJ, and for a second, I thought they might actually fight.
"Just offering her better company, Maybank," Rafe drawled. "She looks like she could use a proper drink and a shower that isn't saltwater."
"Back off," I stepped in quickly, putting my hand lightly on JJ's arm to keep him grounded. "Thanks for the offer, Rafe, but I promised JJ a dance. I'll see you at noon tomorrow."
I gave Rafe my most practiced, sweet-but-firm smile. He looked disappointed, maybe a little surprised that I stood up to him, but he didn't press it. He just gave me a quick, intense look that felt like a challenge, then nodded once.
"Twelve o'clock. Don't be late, LA." He turned and walked away toward his friends.
As soon as he was gone, JJ let out a long breath. "Dude, what the hell was that? Don't talk to that guy. Seriously. He's bad news, Y/N."
"Noted," I said, spinning around to face him. "But he's the son of my dad's new boss, so I'm stuck with him for lunch tomorrow. Don't worry. I know how to handle pretty boys with superiority complexes."
I pulled him closer, grabbing his arms. "Now, where's that dance you promised me, Maybank?" I demanded, the music suddenly sounding better.
JJ grinned, the tension breaking away instantly. "Right here, Princess."
We danced for hours. JJ was a great distraction, funny and constantly making me laugh. We talked about everything: surfing, escaping the island, his friends, and how much he hated people like Rafe. I was completely lost in the moment, forgetting about the Cameron lunch and the weird island politics.
Around 2 AM, I stumbled back to my car, exhausted but buzzing. I sent Kie a quick text thanking her, then pulled out, heading home. As I turned onto the main road, I caught sight of a sleek black truck parked about fifty yards away. The window was down, and I could just make out a silhouette. It was Rafe. He was just sitting there, watching the party break up.
When our headlights crossed, he lifted a hand in a slow, casual wave.
Your heart hammered. He hadn't left. He had stayed just to watch. This lunch tomorrow was going to be anything but boring.