They were just as she had remembered them to be last night.

Claudia tore her eyes away and cleared her throat. "The lights would soon turn green, Bennett. Pay attention to the road."

He smiled faintly and said, "Of course."

It was a conventional response, but Claudia couldn't stop herself from adding meaning to it.

Why did he have to be so awful?

When they arrived home, the discomfort in Claudia's stomach had subsided entirely.

She refrained from drinking much water, still uneasy from the recent discomfort, only managing a few sips to moisten her mouth.

After spending the entire afternoon riding horses, Claudia felt fatigued.

As she sat for a while, drowsiness began to creep in.

While Bennett continued his phone conversation, she turned around, sprawling on the sofa, observing him from behind.

Perhaps sensing her gaze, he suddenly turned, locking eyes with her.

Caught in the intensity of his gaze, Claudia felt a blush creeping up. She shifted her eyes away, suddenly self-conscious.

Bennett observed Claudia resting on the sofa like a weary feline, waiting for respite. Exhausted and relaxed, she lay there, and as he admired her, a powerful urge to touch her arose in him.

He was no longer willing to listen to Duncan. “You can reach out to Jackson. Bye."

Done with the call, Bennett pocketed his phone and approached the sofa, taking a seat. As he gazed at Claudia, he inquired, “Feeling tired?"

Claudia nodded bashfully. "I'm a bit sleepy."

He smiled and pulled her up. "Go take a shower."

With her arms around his neck, Claudia noticed the glint of desire in Bennett's eyes. She sensed that his suggestion might involve more than just a simple shower.

Bennett's arm strength was incredible, and Claudia didn't consider herself exceptionally slender.

Despite her average height and weight, he effortlessly lifted her.

Every time Bennett hugged Claudia, she felt as light as a quilt in his arms, and he didn't find it challenging to carry her at all.

While Claudia gazed at his impressive and well-defined jawline, she admired him. She thought that with Bennett's dedication to exercise and self-discipline, she probably wouldn't ever see a double chin on him for the rest of her life.

As Claudia was lost in her world of thoughts and fantasies, Bennett had already carried her into the room.

Claudia snapped back to reality quickly. "I'm going to get some clothes."