"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.