Chapter: 358

"I'm not interested in your chicken wing," he said, his voice low.

"I'm interested in your lips."

Now, it was Alicia's turn to feel speechless.

His implication wasn't lost on her.

She fought the urge to roll her eyes and silently complained to herself. Hadn't they kissed enough earlier? Why was he still so fixated on her?

What was the big deal about Lips anyway?

With a quick, deliberate motion, she snatched back the chicken wing she'd just surrendered.

Caden raised his brows, once again baffled by her unapologetic behavior.

But instead of teasing her further, he steered the conversation back on track. "I'm taking you to a banquet later this month. Start preparing now."

Alicia's curiosity piqued. "What's the occasion?"

"To make you feel better."

Her eyes lit up, intrigued. "And how do you plan to do that? When's the banquet?"

Caden opened his mouth as if to answer, then reconsidered, his words retreating as quickly as they'd surfaced. “I'll let you know when the time comes. Just know that it'll be before the end of the month.”

Alicia's lips curved downward in disappointment.

“That's still so far off!"

He shrugged, a teasing glint in his eyes. “If you can't wait, just count down the days while thinking about me."

Her heart gave a subtle flutter at his audacity.

"You're such a cheeky flirt, you know that?" She paused, then asked with a grin, "When I go with you, will I be your date?"

"You're overthinking things."

"Good," she muttered, her shoulders easing in relief. "I have no desire to make our relationship public."

A subtle smirk tugged at Caden's lips as they both returned to their meal, finishing every last bite in comfortable silence.

Alicia glanced at Caden's spotless plate and wiped the corner of her mouth. "So, do you like the food from this place?" Her voice was casual, but she couldn't help noticing how much he'd eaten.

He had quite an appetite, it seemed.

Caden's expression remained indifferent as he replied, “Sure.”

It wasn't like he had fallen in love with the meal-it was just the first time he had ordered from there. Yet, somehow, he'd finished it without even realizing.

The moment hung between them, and Alicia knew the kiss was inevitable.

There was no point in running away, so she took the initiative to stand on tiptoe.

As always, whenever she made the first move, Caden would scrutinize her, as though to glean her intentions.

When he did nothing, Alicia took it upon herself to close the gap, pressing her lips gently to his, her body leaning into his for support.

She was determined to set the pace this time, and to her surprise, her technique had improved.