Page 5 of Red Rose Cupcake

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Once we’re inside, Knox shuts the door behind us, and I feel the quiet settle around us like a blanket. It’s comforting. Calming. I kick off my shoes and take a deep breath, but before I can even say anything, Knox is there, gently guiding me to the couch.

“Sit,” he says, his voice soft but firm. “I’ll get you some water.”

I don’t argue. I just sit down, sinking into the cushions as I watch him move around my kitchen like he’s been here before. He grabs a glass, fills it up, and comes back, sitting next to me as he hands it over.

I take a few sips, the cool water soothing the dryness in my throat, and then set the glass down, feeling a little more like myself. “Thank you,” I whisper, glancing up at him.

He doesn’t say anything, just watches me with those green eyes, like he’s making sure I’m really okay. And for some reason, that makes my chest tighten all over again.

“You didn’t have to do this,” I say softly.

“I know,” he replies, his voice low. “I wanted to.”

There’s a weight in his words I can’t quite unpack, but it doesn’t matter. What matters is that he’s here, and for the first time in a long time, I don’t feel like I have to handle everything on my own.

Knox shifts closer, his hand resting on my knee. It’s a simple gesture, but it feels like an anchor. “You don’t have to be okay right now, Rosie. It’s alright to just… be.”

I nod, biting my lip as the emotions start to swirl in my chest again. I’m not used to this—letting someone else take care of me. But it feels good. Safe.

Without thinking, I lean into him, resting my head on his shoulder. He wraps an arm around me, pulling me close, and I feel myself relax for the first time since the deck. His warmth, his strength—it’s… grounding.

We sit there for a while, the quiet between us comfortable, and I can feel the tension in my body melting away. He doesn’t try to talk, doesn’t push me to explain anything. He just holds me, and that’s exactly what I need.

After a few minutes, I feel my eyes getting heavy, the exhaustion from the night catching up to me. I shift, trying to fight it, but Knox notices. His hand gently rubbing my back.

“You should get some rest,” he murmurs in a low voice.

“I’m fine,” I mumble, but the yawn that follows betrays me.

He chuckles softly, standing up and holding out his hand. “Come on, let me put you to bed.”

I should probably say no, but the way he’s looking at me makes it impossible to argue. Green eyes, tender. I take his large, warm hand, letting him lead me to my bedroom, and before I know it, I’m sinking under the covers, my body finally relaxing.

Knox pulls the blanket up over me, and I feel the warmth of it settle around me like a hug. He leans down, brushing a soft kiss against my forehead, and I close my eyes, feeling a wave of comfort wash over me.

“See you soon,” he whispers, his voice low and soothing.

And as I drift off to sleep, I know he means it.

Chapter 4

ROSIE

I wake up slowly, the soft light filtering through the window reminding me that last night wasn’t a dream. My body still hums, like it’s been tuned into something it’s never felt before. Knox’s hands, his lips, the way he looked at me—like he knew exactly how to break me apart and put me back together in a way no one else ever has.

The memory sends a wave of warmth through me. I can’t help but think about the way his powerful arms wrapped around me, how those tattooed, veiny forearms flexed when he held me tight, how his presence filled the space around us. I didn’t think a man could make me come like that. And now, all I can think about is how I want more.

My phone sits on the nightstand, and as much as I try to brush off the nerves, I know I need to do something. I’m not the kind of woman to just sit around waiting. I reach for my phone and dial Candace’s number.

“Hey, Rosie!”

“Hey, girl. How are you? Last night was really fun. Thanks for inviting me.”

“Of course! You’re lucky I didn’t see you sneaking out.”

I chuckle before asking in a sheepish voice. “Uh, can you do me a favor?”

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