What!! What was he talking about?

Staring in disbelief, Claudia replied, “My behavior makes you think I like Mathews?"

He shook his head. "I just asked."

She was embarrassed and unnerved.

This seemingly casual question was quite alarming.

Bennett nonchalantly unbuttoned the second button of his shirt and leaned closer, his voice soft. "What kind of man do you Like?"

Claudia, flustered by the inquiry, responded, “I don't know. I guess when the feel's right..."

"Oh, so you may like Mathews if the feel's right?" he pressed. Claudia found herself at a loss for words. His logic was... fine, she supposed.

Bennett's fingers worked at another button as he suddenly moved closer.

“What about me? Will you like me by any chance?”

The familiar fragrance of spruce lingered at the tip of Claudia's nose, filled with the essence of Bennett.

As she looked at the man's approaching face, she took a deep breath. His eyes stared into hers, and she couldn't discern whether he was testing her or merely asking a casual question out of curiosity.

Her hands clenched subconsciously, as she battled to keep her emotions hidden. "May-maybe," she stammered.

Would it appear too insincere if she said she wouldn't Like Bennett? He was, after all, a man who excelled in so many ways.

"Maybe?"

"Well... It's difficult not to be attracted to a man like you, isn't ite"

Bennett clicked his tongue, his eyes narrowing.

“But you haven't fallen in love with me, have you?"

Help! What a troublesome question to answer!

Just as Claudia was on the verge of confessing, the doorbell rang, its chime a rescue from the awkward moment.

With a start, Claudia jumped to her feet. "There's a guest. I'll go and see who it is!"

She exclaimed, nearly tripping over her words as she dashed from the room.

Watching her flee, Bennett raised an eyebrow and snorted softly.

“Scaredy cat."