Chapter 27: Chapter 27

She waited for his lips to touch her hers, instead of a light or passionate kiss Richard leaned his mouth to her ears then spoke. He figured out what she was expecting but he never intended to kiss her. “Make a wish and I'm going to grant it.” He whispered to her ear.

Charlene slowly opened her eyes in embarrassment. She believed her expectation was high, nevertheless Richard never expressed a slight emotion so it was hard for her to know if he was getting fond of her or if it had always been the same. “Yes?” She flustered at him steadily.

“Ask for anything.” He repeated. After all Richard had reasons for telling Charlene to make a wish, as he saw it merely looking into her eyes, the desire and desperation were obvious.

She gawked at his eyes. “A wish? You'll do anything I want?” She asked to confirm what he said, he nodded. Charlene released a long breath, she gazed steadily into his eyes as both of them were close, with his right partially wrapped around her waist even if she wasn't going to ask for something crazy there was no way she could avoid it when they were close. She couldn't make a wish because they were in an awkward position. She extended her hand to his right hand and removed his hand, she freed herself from their closeness then paced back a little. She felt a bit relieved as she did that.

“It's futile, isn't it?” His voice came out rough when he said that.

She shook her head vigorously. “No, no. It's not. I just want us to spend some time alone, that is all I want and it's enough as a birthday gift for me.” She said feebly while avoiding eye contact with him.

He looked at her in a great surprise, he didn't expect that from her. In fact he thought she requested a kiss, or tell him to give her a chance. He was befuddled. “Are you sure that's what you want?”

She nodded. “Yes. That's all I want from you.” She purred calmly.

“Fine. You should get dressed, I'm taking you out on a date.” Richard said in a toneless voice then walked past her.

Charlene stood on the same spot regretting ever requesting for such a fruitless wish. There were a lot of things she wanted from him, a lot of things her heart yearned for however she believed that she would never get the same opportunity she misused now. Maybe she wasn't born under a lucky star; she concluded. She whirled on the spot and went back inside.

She checked her watch and it was six o'clock, she had enough time to dress. As she stepped into the bedroom, Richard wasn't inside so she concluded he might be in the bathroom or in the closet. She waited for a while and when she heard no sound or runny sound of water from the bathroom she sauntered inside. She had a quick warm shower, and she stepped out after a while. She strode to the closet, he was dressing up. Charlene walked to another section where her stuffs were perfectly arranged, she grabbed a strapless white gown from the railings, a pair of heels that matched with her dress. She selected some jewelry then dressed up.

She applied makeup to light up her face, she moistened her lips after a little touch. “I'm not nervous, right?” She cupped her cheeks while staring at her reflection in the mirror. She stood up and sauntered back to the bedroom. Richard was obviously luscious, she admired him and praised the God that created him because every time he looked perfect. Charlene walked up to him. “Are you ready?”

“Yeah.” She murmured.

They walked alongside out of the bedroom, Charlene glanced at Miguel's door, it was as if he heard her thought because he actually replied to her thought. “His babysitter will be staying tonight.” He said knowingly.

She shrugged off. They went to the garage, both of them hopped in the car while he drove out. Richard drove to one of the best five stars restaurant, as they alighted she surveyed the garage only their car was parked in the car park, she wondered if it was a five stars restaurant or her eyes were deceiving her. Both of them headed inside, it was quiet and waitresses and waiters queued like they actually awaited their arrival. “Welcome sir.” The only woman whose dress was different from others greeted Richard warmly.

Charlene was literally confused but she didn't make it obvious.

“This way sir.” The woman led them to the elevator, and they took it to the top floor. Inside it they could see half of the city through the transparent glasses. They went over to a huge table with only two luxurious chairs. They said around the table. The woman clapped her hand and a waiter and a waitress stepped forward with cakes, they planted them in front of the chair. The first cake was small in size but apparently it was rich by its appearance. The second cake had her name on it, CHARLENE with a single candle light.

They stepped back.

“Wow!” She exclaimed delightfully while staring at the cakes in front of her. Both mesmerized, if she didn't enjoy surprises he definitely changed it because she loved every one of his surprises.

“I'm glad you love me.” Through the night he had promised to do whatever that would make her happy until her wish expired. “Let's celebrate with the cakes before anything else.”

Charlene blew air on the candle, she burst into delighted laughter and looked into his eyes. “I can't wait to have a bite.”

“They are all yours.”

She picked the table knife and a part of the cake, it was chocolate. She wondered how he got to know of her favorite chocolate was her favorite. She cut the second cake and found out it was the same, chocolate just like the first cake. She found it hard to believe it was coincidence but on a serious note, it wasn't a coincidence. She shrugged off not to raise any suspicion. The waitress nearby stepped closer, she cut the cake and on top of it was a strawberry. Charlene dipped the spoon in the cake and got from it, she looked at him who was less concerned. She ate the cake, another filled spoon was extended to his mouth.

Richard lifted his brow at her when he saw what she was doing. “What?”

“My hand is painful, I can't hold the spoon for so long.” Charlene said not moving the spoon away from his mouth. Richard grunted softly before opening his mouth and she fed him with the cake. She smiled with total satisfaction. Again Charlene fed him until they finished the cake on a separate plate.

They cleared the table and replaced it with fresh foods. The aroma filled her nostril. They ate in silence, she never stopped stealing a glance at him as he ate sluggishly, she was almost done with her food but Richard barely ate half of the food placed in front of him. There were more they hadn't touched and there was no hope for the food. Suddenly he put down the cutlery and wiped his mouth with the napkin, she also did the same because she was literally okay. They cleaned up the table then the waiter with the champagne and its flutes stepped forward.

Charlene noticed Richard wasn't interested in food but drinks. He kept drinking while she hardly gulped down a glass.

The night went awesomely, Charlene had a great time with him. They didn't have a serious conversation but the little they had was something she would never forget and cherish till her last breath. It was a memorable night for the couple. It was awfully late by the time they returned to the mansion, Charlene eventually found out that the restaurant belonged to Sullivan's. She thought as much, but she had to clear her curiosity that was why she asked him.

When he parked the car in the garage, they alighted at the same time. They headed inside, she was tired and all she wanted at the moment was a good sleep. In a few hours her birthday would be over. She scanned the whole living room but no maid was around, she concluded that they might have returned to their residence. Both of them entered the room, she freed her feets and put the heels aside while sitting on the bed. Charlene massaged her feet then rose to return the heels back to the closet, before walking ahead she stood in front of him to express her gratitude for making her night beautiful and memorable.

“I really have a memorable night with you. Thank you for all the gifts—and for granting my wish. I really appreciate it, thank you.” She said, all this while Richard's eyes watched studying how she moved her lips.

He looked at her plainly. Charlene waited for him to utter a word at least but she got none from him. When there was no hope for her that he was going to talk to her she pivoted to walk away and that was when he spoke up. “Charlene, wait.” He said in an imperative manner.

She turned around, looking intently into his eyes. “What…”

Before she could complete the sentence Richard lost his self-control, he took a step close to her, tilted his head to her level and leaned over until their lips touched. The heels Charlene was holding slipped from her hand, she was completely shocked. The kiss only lasted for a few seconds, he pulled back and stared intently into her eyes with no regrets for what he did. She parted her mouth and stared at him in awe, she believed it was a mistake. She lifted her hand to her lips, motionlessly she widened her eyes even more. “Huh?” She expected him to say ‘Sorry, it was a mistake’

Before she could utter another word, he kissed her again but this time it was an intense passionate kiss that there was no hope that it was going to end soon.