Claudia felt like a lost boat in a storm, tossed around by the waves with no clue where she was headed.

She had no clue how long that storm had raged on. When it finally settled, she felt Like she'd been through the wringer.

When Bennett tried to pick her up, she squirmed and pushed at him weakly, wanting to stand on her own.

But it was no use. Eventually, she just buried her face in his chest, blushing like crazy, and let him carry her to the bathroom.

The bathroom was chilly, so Bennett didn't rush into anything.

After a hot shower, Claudia started feeling more Lively.

Her throat felt rough and her voice came out all raspy at first.

“Have you got a sore throat?" Bennett asked, turning to her.

Claudia's face, finally looking normal, flushed red once more at his words.

Seeing her blush and clam up, Bennett just grinned and tucked her in.

“I'll grab you some water."

Claudia clutched the quilt close, giving a firm nod.

Bennett headed downstairs, not bothered by the cold one bit. He only had on a bathrobe which barely cinched at the waist. It looked like a gust of wind could sweep right through it.

Watching him leave, Claudia rubbed her throat, attempting to speak.

Luckily, her voice wasn't raspy anymore after a few words.

Soon enough, Bennett returned with a mug of hot water. Claudia reached for it, but he pulled back, cautioning, “Careful, it's pretty hot. Let it cool down a bit."

"Got it."

Claudia had barely finished speaking before a yawn escaped her.

She quickly covered her mouth, shooting him an embarrassed look.

Claudia's face was petite and it was almost entirely concealed when she raised her hand. Only her wide eyes peeked out, resembling a startled deer.

Bennett found it hard to resist that sight. He swallowed, remarking, “Babe, you're so cute."

His restraint wasn't as ironclad as he thought.

After stifling her yawn, Claudia lowered her hand, murmuring, “I'm not."

At twenty six, why was she still being called "cute"?