Their kiss transitioned from a sweet touch to an intense embrace. As his warm breath caressed her, it went from her cheeks to her throat, bringing a tingling sensation.

Bennett pulled back for a moment, his voice a deep whisper.

"Remember, you've got an early start tomorrow."

His voice was deeper and huskier than usual, making Claudia's ears feel as if they were burning. She tried to move away from him, but as soon as she did, she touched a forbidden area.

She was stunned and her face became redder.

A thick silence enveloped the room, with Bennett remaining still and silent.

Then, Claudia's gentle voice broke through, asking, “Or, shall I help you?"

It took all her courage to ask the question, and her heart responded with rapid beats.

Thump, thump, thump.

It felt like her heart could leap out of her chest any moment now.

With his eyes as dark as obsidian, he looked at her deeply, then lowered his head.

"Okay."

His confirmation left her feeling both anxious and excited. But Bennett was determined not to let the moment slip away.

Twenty minutes later, Claudia slipped into the bathroom, locking the door behind her in a hurry.

She approached the sink and opened the faucet.

The cold water flowed over her palms, but it couldn't wash away the heat that lingered there.

After washing, she hid her face, feeling too shy to come out, choosing to sit on the closed toilet.

As she thought about what had just happened, her cheeks turned deep shades of pink, their warmth persisting.

She lost track of time when a knock interrupted her in the bathroom.

"Cece?"

Her hands trembled. Anxiously, she stood up and activated the shower, saying, “I...um, need a shower."

Bennett raised his eyebrows slightly and glanced at the bathroom door.

He thought for a moment and then smiled.

Claudia stood under the shower for a while, letting the warm water cascade over her body. As the minutes ticked by, she gradually felt her racing thoughts and pounding heart begin to slow.