"Breck, is there something going on between you and Aurora that I should know about?" Claudia asked.

Breck felt his heart lurch. "No, I just said something that rubbed her the wrong way during our meal. I didn't know about the transfer."

Claudia could be a bit slow sometimes but she could sniff out trouble like a bloodhound.

But Breck's explanation didn't quite cut it. So she asked, “What'd you say to get under her skin? Aurora's not exactly delicate."

Her question left Breck speechless for a moment. Then he replied, "Remember how she wanted me to set her up with a guy? Well, I did but she thought he was a jerk, so I told her to lower her standards a bit."

“Who'd you set her up with? Anyone I know?"

“No, you don't."

Breck started to regret calling Claudia. If she kept probing, he'd have to spill the beans.

Remembering Bennett's advice, Breck hesitated. “Just tell her I'm sorry. And, uh, can you pass me her address? I need to apologize face-to-face. I've got some stuff to take care of. I must run.”

Claudia stared at her phone, a frown creasing her brow.

Something definitely wasn't right.

After her evening shower, Claudia leaned into Bennett, asking, "Do you think Breck's a little weird, huh?"

"Yep, a bit."

Snuggling closer, Claudia wrapped her arms around Bennett and nestled against him. “It's strange how Aurora got transferred out of the blue."

Bennett hugged her tight, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Do you think so?"

"Yep." Claudia nodded. “Usually, Aurora fills me in on stuff beforehand. But this time, she dropped the bomb about leaving just as she was heading out."

Looking up at Bennett, she added, “Could Breck and Aurora be keeping something from us?"

“How about we give Breck another call?"

Claudia shook her head. “If Aurora's keeping it from me, it's probably intentional. Forget it. I'll wait for her to spill the beans herself."

Worry clouded her eyes as she mumbled, “I hope it's not what I'm thinking."

Bennett planted another kiss and reassured her, “They're grown-ups. They know what they're doing."

“Mm—hmm."

Nodding in agreement, Claudia buried her head in his chest. Then, a thought struck her. She lifted her head, locking eyes with him. “Hey, if Aurora and Breck are an item, do you reckon the Santos family would give them the green light for marriage?"

Running his fingers through her hair, Bennett spoke honestly yet cautiously. “Breck's got an older brother, so his family isn't too strict about who he picks. But his mother quite picky. If Aurora's eyeing the Santos family, she's in for a rough ride.”