He moved closer, halving the distance between them.

Caught off guard by his proximity, Claudia blurted out, "I was thinking about something!"

"Really?"

His black eyes narrowed with suspicion.

Under his intense scrutiny, Claudia felt a blush creep up her neck.

“yY-yes."

He raised an eyebrow, calling her bluff.

“Were you not looking here?" He pointed at his Adam's apple.

Claudia's heart pounded. Without thinking, she echoed Aurora's previous words, “It's only natural to appreciate beauty. You're incredibly attractive. I imagine most women would desire to be intimate with you. It's hardly unusual for me to take a second glance."

The words were out before she realized.

What was wrong with her?

What on earth was she saying?

Claudia mentally berated herself. Why did she have this knack for blurting out such absurdities around Bennett?

She gave him a quick, embarrassed look, abandoned her glass, and fled.

“It's late. You must be tired from the day. Get some rest!"

“But how can I sleep if I don't know exactly which women desire to be intimate with me?"

Bennett's teasing words caught her just as she began ascending the stairs. She missed a step, shocked into stillness.

Grasping the rail for support, she quickly recovered and hurried up the stairs without looking back.

All these words were Aurora's, Claudia reminded herself. This wasn't her fault.

Regardless whether Bennett could fall asleep or not, Claudia herself tossed and turned the entire night.

The phone's ring sliced through the silence. After some internal wrestling, Claudia answered.

“Did I wake you?" The voice on the line sparked a hint of recognition in Claudia, but she couldn't place it.

“Who is this?"

“Whether you remember or not, it's not unexpected. You're a renowned pianist, with more important things on your mind. Last we spoke, you told me to call should an opportunity arise."