Madison
“This party is insane,” Jackson remarked, popping a chocolate–covered strawberry into his mouth. “Do you guys do this often?”
“Knight Industries likes to celebrate success,” I explained. “And Alexander’s birthday is a company tradition.”
“Must be nice,” Jackson chuckled. “My company’s idea of celebration is pizza in the break room.”
I smiled, enjoying his down–to–earth perspective. “It does get a bit excessive.”
“Speaking of excessive,” Jackson nodded toward the center of the ballroom where an enormous birthday cake was being wheeled in, complete with sparklers and a small army of servers. “Is that what I think it is?”
“Time for the cake ceremony,” I confirmed, fighting a grin at Jackson’s expression.
The string quartet began playing “Happy Birthday” as the servers positioned the multi–tiered cake in the center of the dance floor. The crowd gathered around, Alexander at the front with Katherine at his side.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Alexander’s father announced, “please join me in celebrating my son’s birthday!”
The crowd broke into applause and the traditional birthday song. Alexander stood with practiced ease, his expression pleasant but controlled as everyone sang. When the song ended, he stepped forward to the cake.
“Thank you all for coming tonight,” he addressed the crowd, his voice commanding attention without effort.” Knight Industries values each one of you, partners, employees, and friends alike.”
He paused, scanning the room slowly. For a brief moment, his eyes found mine before moving on.
“As tradition dictates, I’ll make a wish,” he continued with a small smile. “Though I’ve found that in business, success comes from action rather than wishes.”
The crowd laughed appreciatively as Alexander leaned forward to blow out the candles in one efficient breath. Applause erupted, and the servers immediately began cutting and distributing cake slices.
“That was the most corporate birthday speech I’ve ever heard,” Jackson whispered, and I stifled a laugh.
“That’s Alexander for you,” I replied. “Everything is an opportunity for a business lesson.”
“Well, I’m going to grab us some cake,” Jackson announced. “That thing is probably filled with gold or something.”
“Probably just vanilla,” I smiled. “But yes, please.”
As Jackson moved toward the cake table, I felt that familiar prickle at the back of my neck. I turned to find Alexander watching me from across the room, his expression unreadable. Katherine stood beside him, her hand on his arm as she chatted with another guest, but his attention was fixed on me.
I
gave him a small nod of acknowledgment, which he returned before deliberately turning his attention back to Katherine. The message was clear. I was just another employee at his birthday party.
1/3
“Here’s your cake!” Jackson returned, balancing two plates.
Hazel materialized beside us, looking flushed and pleased with herself. “The bartender just made me something off–menu. Said it was called “The Knight Special.‘ Pretty sure it’s like ninety percent vodka.”
“Sounds lethal,” Jackson grinned.
“That’s the point,” Hazel winked, then lowered her voice. “Alexander keeps looking over here, by the way. Every time Katherine talks, his eyes drift to you.”
“Stop it,” I hissed, taking a bite of cake to avoid continuing this conversation.
“Just stating facts,” Hazel shrugged, stealing a bite from my plate. “God, even the cake is amazing. I hate how good rich people’s food is.”
My phone buzzed in my clutch. I shifted my cake plate to one hand and checked the message.
The screen displayed a text from Alexander: Wait for me after the party. Don’t leave.
My heart skipped. I glanced across the room, but he wasn’t looking my way anymore.
I typed quickly: Why?
No response came. I waited a minute, then two, but my phone remained silent.
The party continued in full swing. People danced, drank, and networked. I caught Alexander watching me several times, his gaze intense before shifting away whenever I looked directly at him. What did he want? And why ask me to wait after the party?
By eleven, guests began trickling out. Hazel downed her last glass of champagne and yawned dramatically.
“Time for me to call it a night,” she announced. “Some of us have to work tomorrow.”
“I should head out too,” Jackson said, checking his watch. “Early meeting.”
“You guys go ahead,” I said, trying to sound casual. “I need to… speak with someone before I leave.”
Jackson leaned in and kissed my cheek before departing with Hazel, who shot me a significant look over her shoulder that clearly said, “Tell me everything tomorrow.”
The ballroom emptied gradually until only a handful of guests remained. I pretended to be interested in the view from the windows, watching the city lights while surreptitiously keeping an eye on Alexander. He was still surrounded by a small group that included Katherine and his father.
Another half hour crawled by. My feet ached in the silver heels, and I was considering texting Alexander that I’d waited long enough when the final guests began saying their goodbyes.
Katherine warmly embraced Alexander, kissing both cheeks before departing with his father. Alexander watched them leave, his expression unreadable, then turned and scanned the nearly empty ballroom until his eyes found mine.
My pulse quickened as he walked toward me, his stride purposeful and unhurried.
2/3
“Ms. Harper,” he said, his voice low and private. “You waited.”
“You asked me to,” I replied, meeting his gaze steadily.
“I did.” His eyes traveled down my body, taking in the blue dress with undisguised appreciation. “You look stunning tonight.”
“Thank you,” I said, suddenly very aware of how alone we were. The few remaining staff were busy clearing tables at the other end of the room.
“Come with me,” Alexander said, not a request but not quite a command either.
“Where?”
“My penthouse.”
I hesitated. “It’s late, Mr. Knight.”
“It’s my birthday,” he countered, a hint of challenge in his eyes. “One drink.”
Every logical part of my brain screamed that this was a bad idea. Our arrangement was over. I’d ended it. Going to his penthouse now would only confuse things.
“Just one drink,” I conceded, against my better judgment.
Alexander’s lips curved into a smile. “My car’s waiting downstairs.”
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
