"Claudia, would you care to give me a hug?"

Claudia was taken aback. She felt her blush deepen as she looked around for any onlookers.

Only the two of them were there in the garden so it wasn't a big deal if they did held each other for a few moments.

Claudia hesitated only briefly before she gave in to her desires, embracing the man in front of her.

Bennett's touch was as comforting as the warmth of his hand. The chilly breeze of early autumn struggled to penetrate the protective barrier he formed.

Claudia gazed up at him and asked, “Do you swim in winter too?"

"Depends."

“Depends on what?"

“Well, I wouldn't swim if it's snowing."

"You are right about that, for sure. It doesn't seem like the best idea to swim in the snow."

Claudia felt stupid for being so slow to realize that.

Claudia shifted her gaze away, nestling her head against his chest.

"I think I need to get back now. I should be practicing the piano."

"Alright."

Bennett released her from the embrace and the two walked back to the villa, enjoying the chilly breeze and aesthetic setting on the way.

Upon entering the villa, he eased his hold on her hand. “Why don't you head upstairs? I'll fetch you some water."

Claudia nodded. She bee-lined for the piano room on the second floor.

She had been seated for only a moment when Bennett strolled in with a cup of steaming coffee and placed it on the table beside her.

One look at the cup and Claudia knew that she was not drinking from it anytime soon.

“Don't move!"

Bennett's voice took her surprise as soon as she turned her gaze away from the cup.

Claudia stopped instinctively and looked at him in confusion. "What's the matter?"

"You seem to have something on your lashes."

He lowered his head and stared into her eyes, as if trying to memorize every single detail.