Page 21 of Red Rose Cupcake

Just as I’m about to dive into more details, my phone buzzes on the table. I glance at the screen and see a text from Knox.

Knox:What’re you up to, sweetheart?

I smile, quickly typing back.

Rosie:Just catching up with Candace. You?

Knox:Thinking about you. You wanna come with me this weekend?

Rosie:Come where?

Knox:San Jose. Got a conference, but I’m thinking we can turn it into a little getaway. You up for it?

My heart skips a beat. A weekend away with Knox? It sounds perfect, but it also feels… big. Like we’re stepping into a whole new territory.

Rosie:Are we ready for that?

Knox:Babe, we’re ready for anything. And besides, I need you with me. Keeps me sane.

I smile at his words, my pulse quickening. He always knows just what to say to put me at ease.

Rosie:Okay, I’m in. What time are you picking me up?

Knox:Be ready by 5. Pack something sexy.

I grin, my heart fluttering with excitement. I can’t wait.

* * *

ROSIE

I’m pacing my apartment, glancing at the clock for the hundredth time. It’s just past 4:50, and Knox should be here any minute. I’ve packed my bag, thrown on a little black dress, and even did my hair and makeup—something I rarely do for a casual weekend. But this feels special. It feels… different.

When the knock on the door finally comes, I grab my bag and take a deep breath before opening it.

Knox is standing there, looking sinfully handsome as always. His dark hair is neatly styled, and he’s wearing a fitted blackshirt that hugs his muscular frame in all the right places. His green eyes smolder as they rake over me, and a low growl escapes his throat.

“Damn, you look good,” he murmurs, stepping closer and pulling me into a deep, slow kiss.

I melt against him, my hands instinctively gripping his shirt. When he pulls back, I’m breathless, my lips tingling from the intensity of the kiss.

“You ready?” he asks, his voice low and rough.

I nod, swallowing hard. “Yeah. Let’s go.”

The drive to San Jose is filled with easy banter and teasing, Knox occasionally reaching over to squeeze my thigh or brush his fingers against my skin. The anticipation is building, and I can’t shake the flutter of excitement in my chest.

“Why are you so nervous?” he asks, giving me a sideways glance as we pull into the city.

“I’m not nervous,” I lie, biting my lip.

“Babe,” he says with a grin, “I can see right through you. What’s got you worked up?”

I shrug, glancing out the window. “I don’t know… I guess it’s just… our first trip together as an official couple. Feels big.”

Knox chuckles, reaching over to lace his fingers with mine. “You worry too much. We’re gonna have a great time. And you’re stuck with me, so you might as well get used to it.”

I roll my eyes, but his words soothe the knots in my stomach.

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