Page 9 of Red Rose Cupcake

“I met someone,” I say, keeping it simple.

Tommie’s eyebrows lift. “Ah, that’ll do it. Tell me about her.”

“She’s… different,” I start, unsure how to even explain what’s happening to me. “She’s strong. Smart. Beautiful… but she’s got her walls up.”

Tommie nods, pouring himself a drink and leaning against the bar. “A good woman will do that to you, make you wanna break down those walls. So, what’s your plan?”

I shrug, taking another sip. “Gonna keep seeing her. Take my time. Show her I’m serious.”

Ryan chuckles next to me. “Take your time? That’s new.”

Chuckling, I flip him, but he’s not wrong. I’ve never been the kind of guy to play the long game. But Rosie? She’s worth every damn second.

“This one’s different, man.” I grin. “Can’t screw up.”

Tommie watches me for a moment, then nods slowly. “Good. But remember, women like that? They don’t just need words. They need action. If you’re serious about her, show her.”

“I will.” And as I say that, I know I’m not just talking. Imeanit. I’m ready to show Rosie I’m all in. No games. No bullshit.

The door swings open, and my other cousin, Sean, walks in.

He settles next to us, and after a round of greetings, he gives me the same damn look Ryan did. “You look like you got something going on.”

Ryan laughs, pointing at me. “See? Everyone can tell.”

I chuckle. “Fuck you, guys.”

Sean raises his glass in my direction, smirking. “Who’s the lucky girl?”

“Her name’s Rosie,” Ryan answers for me. And I brace for the riling.

But instead of teasing me, Sean just grins. “Rosie, huh? Must be someone special.”

“She is,” I say, more to myself than anyone else.

“Congrats, brother.”

I raise my glass back at him.

We spend the rest of the night talking shit, but even as we joke and laugh, my mind keeps going back to her. I’ve seen the way my father, brother, uncles and cousins are with their women—the quiet affection, the ease between them—and for the first time, I really find myself wanting that.

I’ve thought about setting down, but until now I never met a woman who made it feel like the only move forward. Hell, I thought it’d be a long time before I found someone who could keep up with me. But with Rosie, it’s about the way she makes me feel like I’m home when I’m with her.

By the time I leave O’Malley’s, my mind’s made up. I want that with Rosie. And I’m going to make sure she knows it.

My uncle Tommie’s words linger in my mind: “Take your time. Show her you’re serious. Actions, not just words.”

I’ve never been the type to slow down when I want something—or someone. But Rosie’s different. If I want her to see this through, I have to be careful. I have to make her realize this is more than just casual sex.

As I drive home, a plan starts forming in my head. I need to show her, step by step, that I’m serious about her. I’m a therapist, for fuck’s sake—I know how to make this work. It’s not about seduction; it’s about trust, about taking the time toexplore her desires, her needs. I’ll make her see she’s mine—not just for now, but for good.

I pull out my phone, staring at her contact for a second before I text her.

Me: Got something I wanna talk to you about. How about we meet up?

Her response comes quick.

Rosie: I don’t know, Knox. I’ve been thinking, and… this might be too much for me.

---