Rose's POV:
I grabbed my purse, checking to make sure I had all the essentials before heading out. And by essentials—if you're a girl—you know exactly what I mean: lipstick, mascara, and a general readiness to fake social enthusiasm for the night ahead.
Once satisfied, I slung the bag over my shoulder and made my way downstairs, my heels clicking softly against the wooden steps.
Aria was already outside, probably honking like a maniac if I took even a second longer. I reached for the door, eager to make my escape, when—
"Rosie, hold up."
I sighed, internally groaning- if he attempts at giving me 'the talk' I'm gonna jump out a window- as I turned to see Jake descending the stairs, looking… well, oddly put together.
Pressed button-down, nice jeans, leather jacket and—was that Tom Ford cologne I was smelling?
"Hey! You're heading out too?" I asked, quirking a brow at him.
"Yeah," he said, adjusting the cuffs of his sleeves. "I've got somewhere to be. Probably gonna be late." His gaze flickered to my dress. "You're going to that party?"
I nodded. "Uh-huh, but that's not important." I squinted at him, stepping closer with exaggerated suspicion. "What's more important is you—dressed up, going somewhere late, wearing expensive cologne." I sniffed dramatically, then wiggled my brows. "What's her name?"
Jake blinked. "Whose name?"
"The girl you're obviously going on a date with." I smirked, crossing my arms. "Come on, spill the details. Who is she? Is she hot? Is she rich? Is she a gold digger? Should I prepare a shovel talk?"
His face contorted in sheer horror. "What the—Rosie, I am not going on a date."
I gasped. "Oh my God, is she older? Is she your sugar mama?"
Jake pinched the bridge of his nose like he was reconsidering every life choice that had led him here. "It's a work thing," he ground out. "That's it. No date. No woman. Just work. Also, what's sugar mama." he made a disgusted face like he was imagining his mother covered in sugar or something.
I pouted dramatically. "That's so boring. Can't you at least pretend it's scandalous?"
"Can't you stop prying into my life like an overbearing mother?"
I gasped in mock offense. "How dare you?! I am merely looking out for you, dear uncle." I clasped my hands over my heart, feigning distress. "Is it so wrong to care if you're being responsible and using protection?"
That gave him the ultimate ick I knew was coming.
He visibly winced. "When did you grow up to know all of this?"
"That'll be about 7 years ago," I quipped. "You'd have noticed if you were around."
The second the words left my mouth, I saw the way his face flickered—how his shoulders stiffened, the brief wince, the unspoken weight behind his silence. Guilt coiled in my chest instantly.
Shit. That was a low blow.
"I—Jake, I didn't mean it like that." I rushed to fix it, my voice softer now. "I swear, it just slipped out. I wasn't trying to be a bitch."
He exhaled, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "It's fine. It's the truth anyway."
"It's not," I argued. "You're here now. That's what matters."
He studied me for a moment before stepping forward, resting his hands on my shoulders. "I mean it, Rose. I'm here now, and I'm not going anywhere."
For some reason, that made something warm settle in my chest.
Then, just as quickly, he ruined it.
"And that means looking out for you." His expression turned authoritative. "Who are you going with?"
Oh, for the love of—