Chapter 14
ROSIE
I sit at the outdoor café, idly stirring my iced tea as I wait for Candace. The late afternoon sun is warm but not too hot, perfect for a catch-up with my girl. I haven’t had much time to see her lately, what with all the drama involving Knox and our… arrangement, but today feels different. Everything between me and Knox has shifted in a way I didn’t expect, and for the first time, I feel like I can finally let someone else in on the secret.
“Hey, hey!” Candace calls as she strolls up, her dark curls bouncing with every step. She’s wearing a wide-brimmed hat and oversized sunglasses, but the mischievous grin on her face is unmistakable.
“Hey, girl,” I reply, standing up to give her a hug before we sit down.
“So, spill it,” she says, sliding into the chair across from me. “You’ve been avoiding me, which means something juicy must be going on.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “It’s not that I’ve been avoiding you. I’ve just… had a lot going on.”
“Uh-huh,” she teases, leaning forward with her chin resting on her hand. “Like a certain tall, tattooed hottie with glasses?”
I roll my eyes but can’t help the smile that tugs at my lips. “Yeah, something like that.”
Candace lets out a low whistle. “Damn, girl. I knew it! You two were giving off serious vibes at the party. So, what’s the deal? Are you two… like, together now?”
I pause, the word together hanging in the air. It feels strange to think about it like that, but… it’s true. “Yeah, I guess we are. Officially.”
Candace squeals, clapping her hands together. “Oh my God, I’m so happy for you! I knew there was something more going on with you two.”
I grin, feeling a warmth spread through me. “Thanks. It’s… kind of crazy, but he’s been amazing. I mean, we had a rough patch, but he’s proving to me that he’s serious.”
Candace gives me a knowing look. “You deserve that, Rosie. Someone who’s serious about you.”
We chat for a while, talking about the usual things—work, family, gossip. Candace fills me in on the latest Messy Mandy column, which has apparently been roasting some up-and-coming influencer. I can’t help but laugh as Candace rehashes the juicy details, but my mind keeps drifting to Knox.
“Okay, I’ve gotta ask,” Candace says, interrupting my thoughts. “How’s the… you know… bedroom situation? Is he as good as he looks?”
I bite my lip, unable to stop the heat from creeping up my neck. “Candace!”
“Oh, come on!” she says with a playful nudge. “I’m dying to know. Give me something!”
“Fine,” I sigh, lowering my voice as I lean in closer. “It’s… it’s better than I ever imagined.”
Candace’s eyes go wide, and she grins. “I knew it. You look too damn satisfied not to be getting the good stuff.”
I laugh, swatting her arm. “Stop it!”
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 black shirt 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.
When we finally arrive at the hotel, I’m expecting a standard room—something nice but simple, since this is a work trip after all. But when we step into the elevator, Knox presses the button for the penthouse.
“Wait… what?” I ask, turning to him with wide eyes. “Where are we going?”
He grins, that devilish, cocky smirk I’ve come to love. “Surprise.”
The elevator dings, and we step out into the luxury suite. My jaw drops as I take in the space—floor-to-ceiling windows with an incredible view of the city, plush furniture, a massive bed, and a private terrace with a hot tub.
“Knox,” I breathe, spinning around to face him. “This isn’t the room the conference organizers booked.”
“Nope,” he says, shrugging casually. “I upgraded us. Figured we deserve a little luxury.”
I blink at him, stunned. “You’re serious?”
“Babe, when am I not serious about you?” He steps closer, cupping my face in his hands. “You’re worth it, Rosie. Every single bit of it.”