It was the alarm she had set for piano practice.

She turned off the alarm and put her hand on her flushed cheek.

Standing up, she turned to face Bennett, suggesting, “Let's go to dinner, okay?"

Bennett's expression surprised her.

He was staring at her. His usual cold demeanor now held an unrestrained desire. His eyes, usually impenetrable, seemed to conceal something, and the sunlight through the window accentuated the clarity of his angular face.

She gazed at his chest, observing the slight creases she had left on his neatly buttoned, pristine white shirt at the collar, a subtle indicator of their recent intimate encounter.

He looked irresistible. Claudia felt a surge of heat rising to her cheeks. Quickly averting her eyes and lowering her head, she swallowed to quell the improper thoughts that had arisen.

If they didn't go to have dinner now, she might miss out on it tonight.

Bennett noticed her flustered cheeks and smiled. He approached her, wrapping his arms around her waist. Gazing into her eyes, he asked, "What would you like to eat, Claudia?"

She cleared her throat.

“I've made a reservation. The restaurant where I dined with Aurora last time had amazing food. I want to share that experience with you."

Despite her lingering shyness, her eagerness to be close to Bennett overshadowed it.

Casting aside her reservations, Claudia put her hands around his waist and pressed her body against him.

Was she a freak?

Why did she always like to hug Bennett?

Claudia snuggled into his arms and raised her head. Her lips were red and moist from their recent kiss.

Bennett looked down and swallowed against the tightness in his throat.

He had to use all of his will to resist kissing her alluring lips.

Despite the overwhelming temptation, he didn't want to let her efforts go to waste.

"Okay, let's go," he said, his voice husky with desire.

Claudia nodded and reluctantly released her grip.

Bennett smiled when he saw the look on her face.

"We can continue where we left off once we get home."

Claudia felt embarrassed by his comment but didn't object to his offer. She pursed her lips while picking up her bag, then followed him out of the lounge.