Chapter 213 "Can I Go Home Now?"
With a sense of reluctance, she accepted the proffered glass of burgundy wine. He had filled it just a tad over a third, causing her to hesitate momentarily.
She shrugged inwardly.
After all, it was his birthday.
Turning to face him, she offered, "A second happy birthday, then?"
"No need to rush," Alexander replied, his glass gently clinking against hers as he took a measured sip.
She mirrored his action, taking a small sip of her own. The flavor hinted at its costly nature.
"It's quite good," she commented.
"Hmm?" he queried, an eyebrow arched in question.
"I mean, it has a pleasant taste," she quickly clarified.
"Is that so? Let me give it a try."
Victoria Kensington was still grappling with the sudden shift in conversation when she glanced back at him, only to find his fingers cradling her chin and his lips claiming hers.
His kiss was deep, an invasion of her mouth.
Victoria marveled at his uncanny ability to savor just the right spot.
When the kiss ended, Alexander Harrington seemed hesitant to release her, murmuring softly, "Not bad at all."
He took another sip of his wine, his gaze lingering on her.
Victoria's cheeks burned, the heat of her blush inexplicable.
"I was referring to the wine," he clarified.
Victoria's blush deepened.
Her breath hitched, and she wished fervently for the earth to open up and swallow her.
She hadn't uttered a word; why was he saying so much?
Noticing her flustered state, Alexander gently requested, "Victoria, could you light the candles for me?"
"Of course."
Victoria didn't hesitate, focusing solely on his request to light the candles. As she inserted the candles into the cake, his earlier words suddenly struck her. Nevertheless, she maintained her composure, methodically placing and lighting the candles.
She lit only eight.
His birthday was in August.
Lighting more than twenty would be excessive.
"That should suffice," she informed him once she finished lighting the candles. Looking up, she found Alexander engrossed in his phone.
Had he taken a photograph?
"Where's my birthday hat?" he asked.
"Right here."
Victoria had spotted it atop a box and reached down to retrieve it.
Alexander found her obedience endearing.
Victoria handed him the birthday hat.
But he looked at her and said, "Thank you, Mrs. Harrington."
Victoria held her peace.
Actions, after all, spoke louder than words.
Donning a birthday hat took mere seconds, while debating the whys and wherefores with him could stretch on indefinitely.
"Sing the Happy Birthday song," he commanded.
She felt overwhelmed by his demands.
"Didn't they sing it to you?" she asked.
"I made my escape before they had the opportunity," he explained.
Yet the word 'escape' seemed almost juvenile coming from a man of his stature.
Victoria pondered; birthdays did warrant a song.
And this was likely the first and last birthday she would celebrate with him.
So, she let it pass.
She sang the Happy Birthday song to him.
Later, he requested a photo shoot.
While he made his birthday wish and blew out the candles, she captured the moment.
Victoria Kensington rarely used someone else's phone, yet she diligently tackled the task her employer had assigned.
After making his wish, he suddenly looked up at her.
Just as she pressed the shutter button, her heart skipped a beat, startled by the sudden darkness in his eyes.
"All done," she announced.
"We haven't had the cake yet," he reminded her, then took a seat beside her.
Victoria Kensington: "..."
"Just eat it as is, no need to cut it," he suggested, promptly handing her a fork.
The two of them ate the cake in silence in the break room. Then, unexpectedly, Victoria Kensington felt a kiss on her cheek.
"Thank you," he murmured.
His voice was deep, resonating with a mixture of satisfaction and restraint in the dim light.
Victoria's heartbeat pounded for quite some time before she quietly continued eating her cake.
"Mr. Harrington, it’s getting late," she pointed out.
"Mhm," he acknowledged, continuing with his cake.
Victoria turned to him, "Can I go home now?"
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