“I was just teasing."

He chuckled, releasing his hold on her.

A wave of relief washed over Claudia.

Bennett leaned back and seemed to drift into deep thought.

Claudia, not daring to Linger, began to make her exit. As she did so he turned to look at her.

“You like to kiss me, don't you?"

“No, it's not like that, Mr. Dreskin. Please, let me explain Ignoring her protests, Bennett seized her waist and pulled her close. Claudia sensed that something was amiss with Bennett, yet she couldn't precisely discern what.

“What a coincidence! I also like kissing you," he whispered, and then she felt his Lips on hers.

Her eyes widened in shock.

What was happening?

Before she could comprehend it, she realized that this kiss was unlike the playful ones from their drunken escapades.

Bennett sucked her Lips, showing no intention of stopping his kiss. Claudia, realizing his thoughts, said without thinking, "Mr. Dreskin,

"I..."

The moment she opened her mouth, it gave him full access.

Suddenly, she felt like a fish in boiling water, heat surrounding her wherever she turned.

When he released her, her mind remained blank,

She sat, staring blankly, breathing heavily, unable to believe she had just shared a French kiss with Bennett.

As her erratic breath slowly steadied, Claudia regained her senses. Then, she finally understood what was amiss with Bennett!

It wasn't her who was drunk. It was Bennett!

With her hand resting on her heart, which was still racing, Claudia gazed up at the man, his eyes directed downward.

He remained motionless.

After studying him for nearly half a minute, Claudia tentatively reached out and touched him, asking, "Mr. Dreskin, are you drunk?"

At her words, the man slowly lifted his head and gazed at her with his dark eyes. After a pause, he replied, “Aren't you the one who's drunk?" Claudia's cheeks turned red again. "I think we might both be drunk.”

“Really?”