Claudia trembled. "No, I don't think it's a good idea."

A kiss?

The scenario felt improper!

“I bet they taste Like cherries."

He looked at her with his intense gaze. "Does it bother you?"

Who wouldn't feel bothered?

But she had already touched his Adam's apple!

If she now claimed to be bothered, was she being unfair?

Just a kiss? It shouldn't be a big deal, right?

After all, they were in a modern setting. A kiss would hold no real significance if his lips had just merely brushed against hers

“I don't mind." Claudia convinced herself, gritting her teeth as she replied.

"Truly?" Bennett raised an eyebrow and leaned closer suddenly. Their faces were now intimately close and his warm breath caressed her skin.

Claudia's heart raced and her mind went blank. Instinctively, she closed her eyes and whispered, "Yes."

Just as Claudia was bracing for a kiss from Bennett, the warm sensation vanished in an instant.

Unwillingly, her eyes fluttered open, meeting his dark intense gaze. Bennett's lips curled into a smile.

“You're correct. This might be a bit improper.”

Glancing at his sexy lips, somehow Claudia couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment at his words.

Her face must have betrayed her feelings because Bennett looked at her and quipped, "You somehow seem disappointed, don't you?"

Startled, Claudia swiftly denied, "No!"

The man's knowing smile deepened as he simply replied, "I see." Feeling a pang of guilt, Claudia announced, “I must go practice the piano!"

Without pausing for his reaction, she dashed upstairs and into the piano room.

Her heart pounded as if it might escape her chest at any moment.

She touched her flushed face, taking a moment to compose herself.

My, how things had changed.