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?”
There’s a pause, and I can hear her smirk through the line when she asks, “is this about Knox?”
I groan, feeling heat rise to my cheeks. Oh, My God . How obvious were we? “Yes, it is. Can you send me his number, please?”
Candace laughs. “Girl, I knew there was something going on! The way you two were flirting—I knew it.”
“Just… send me the number, Candace.”
“Fine.” She laughs again. Then my phone buzzes a second later with his contact. “There. And I want all the tea.”
We say our goodbyes and I hang up, still giggling. I stare at Knox’s number on my phone screen. Am I really gonna do this? Of course, I am.
I press dial , my heart racing as the phone rings. When Knox picks up, his voice is that same smooth, deep tone I’ve been thinking about all night.
“Rosie.”
My eyes widen. How did he know? And just hearing my name in that low, gravelly voice makes my pulse jump. “Hey… I got your number from Candace.”
“I figured,” he replies, chuckling softly. “I was wondering when you’d call.”
“You were?”
“Yeah,” he says, and there’s something in the way he says it that makes my heart flutter. “I didn’t want to push. But I was ready to come find you if you didn’t reach out.”
His words hit me like a slow burn. It’s not just what he’s saying—it’s how he’s saying it. Confident, but not cocky. Warm, but there’s this underlying intensity, like he’s holding back just enough to let me make the first move. But he wouldn’t be waiting much longer.
“Well… I’m ready,” I reply, in a breathy voice, the need in me growing.
“Glad to hear that,” he rumbles, his tone deepening. “How about dinner? Tonight.”
“Dinner sounds good,” I reply, my heart racing just thinking about it.
“Pick you up at seven.”
My face breaks into a big, goofy smile, a spark of excitement building inside me. “Seven it is.”
* * *
I’m standing in front of the mirror, adjusting my sleek black dress that clings to my every curve. It’s the kind of dress that makes you feel amazing. The way the neckline dips just enough to be daring, but not too much. The hem shows just the right amount of thigh. The soft fabric clings to my ass without being too revealing—it’s perfect.
I smooth my hands down the dress, my heart racing with anticipation. I grab my clutch and head to the living room.
The knock comes just as I’m pulling on my heels, and when I open the door— damn . Knox is standing there, looking like my every fantasy come to life. His sleeves are rolled up, revealing strong, veiny forearms, his tattoos peeking out just enough to make me want to rip off his clothes. His glasses sit on the bridge of his nose, but it’s those green eyes that lock on me—dark and hungry.
And his jaw… freshly shaven, sharp enough to cut glass, like he spent extra time making sure he looked this good for me. His dark hair’s still damp from the shower, and the scent of his cologne—woodsy, masculine—wraps around me like an embrace.
“You look… fuck,” he breathes out, his hot eyes roaming over my curves like he’s caressing every inch of me.
My heart skips a beat, but I don’t let it show. I give him a smile. “You’re not looking too bad yourself.”
He steps closer, his hand resting on my waist, and the warmth of his touch sends a shiver through me. His fingers brush the fabric of my dress, slow and deliberate, like he’s testing the tension between us.
“I’ve been thinking about you all day,” he murmurs, his lips dangerously close to mine.
I tilt my head, meeting his gaze. “Yeah? What’ve you been thinking about?”
His eyes darken, and he doesn’t hesitate. “How good your pussy felt around my fingers.”
His words send a wave of heat straight through me, but before I can respond, his lips are on mine, slow and deep. His hand tightens on my waist, pulling me against him, and I can feel the hard length of his dick pressing against my stomach.
I kiss him back, my hands sliding up to his chest, feeling the hard muscle under the fabric. His lips are soft and full. His tongue, wicked smart. He tastes fucking amazing. Knox groans softly into my mouth, his hand sliding down to grab my full ass, squeezing just enough to make me gasp.
“Fuck, Rosie,” he growls, his breath hot against my neck as his lips trail down my skin. “You feel so good.”
I arch into him, my body already craving more, but just as his hand starts sliding under my dress, he pulls back, cursing under his breath.
“Shit,” he mutters, jaw tight. “If I don’t stop now, we’re not making it to dinner.”
I chuckle, breathless. “You sure we need dinner?”
He grins, shaking his head, but there’s that intensity in his eyes again. “I promised you dinner first. But after-”. He winks, and I wonder if I have time to change my ruined panties…
* * *
Knox’s house is insane . It’s perched on the cliffs, with the ocean spread out in front of it like something out of a painting. The entire front of the house is glass, and the view… it’s breathtaking. Inside, the decor is modern but warm, sleek lines mixed with cozy touches that make it feel lived in.
“You live here?” I ask, still taking it all in.
He nods, leading me to the dining area. “Yeah. It’s quiet. Gives me space to think.”
The dining table is set, and the delicious smell of what must be a great meal fills the air, making my stomach growl. We sit, and for the next hour, it’s easy. We talk about everything—my move to Monterey, his work, and how he ended up in his field. But the whole time, there’s this underlying sizzle between us, like we’re both waiting for something to happen.
I can’t help but notice how strong forearms flex as he moves, tattoos rippling with every shift. His intense eyes catch mine more than once, and every time they do, it’s like a spark ignites between us.
By the time we finish eating, I’m full, but I still crave more. Not food—but him .
Knox leans back in his chair, watching me with those smoldering green eyes. “How was dinner?”
I smile, setting my fork down. “Amazing. But I think I’m still hungry.”
His eyebrow quirks, and he stands, walking around the table toward me. When he reaches my chair, he leans, his lips brushing my ear. “What are you hungry for, baby?”
My breath catches, and I look up at him, my heart pounding. “You know what I want.”
He grins, pulling me to my feet and wrapping his arms around me. “Let’s see if I can give you exactly what you need.”