Claudia tapped the speech bubble icon and beheld a message from Aurora, causing her hand to quiver.

Oh, dear!

How could Aurora send such inappropriate photos at this juncture!

In truth, Aurora hadn't dispatched anything overly explicit. She'd merely shared a handful of alluring lingerie snapshots, inquiring which one Claudia found more enchanting, as Aurora intended to bestow it upon her as a wedding gift.

How could she ever muster a response to Aurora? Claudia fervently wished she could power down her phone on the spot!

Within the confines of their abode, a dishwasher stood ready to relieve Bennett of the chore of doing the dishes himself.

While Claudia perused the message, Bennett had efficiently tidied up after their meal.

Presently, he emerged from the kitchen, a paper towel in hand, leisurely eradicating the moisture from his hands.

Claudia blushed, her heart quickening at the memory of the images Aurora had sent.

Fortuitously, Bennett's phone intervened at this crucial juncture! It was a call from Breck, inquiring about their availability today. The weather beckoned for a delightful round of golf.

As Bennett answered the call, he stood beside her, extending one hand from behind and resting it on the table before her. With measured taps of his index and middle fingers upon the table's surface, he announced, “I'm occupied."

In response to his statement, Claudia instinctively raised her head, perplexed as she gazed at him.

Evidently, on the other end of the Line, Breck too wore a perplexed expression.

“Why are you busy today? It's Saturday!"

With deliberate taps of his slender index finger upon the table, he enunciated slowly, "Didn't sleep last night. I'm in need of some proper rest."

Claudia grasped his meaning all too well.

Upon hearing Bennett's words, Claudia experienced a subtle flutter within her heart.

His words instantly conjured a slew of inappropriate mental images, causing her cheeks to flush crimson.

Having uttered those words, Bennett disconnected the call and peered down at her, inquiring, “Would you care for a little nap, Mrs Dreskin?"

As he spoke, he inclined his head ever so slightly, basking in the sun's gentle caress upon his brow and eyes, which softened his usual iciness and imbued a hint of tenderness.

Within his obsidian gaze, a trace of mirth danced as he maintained unwavering eye contact with her

Flustered, Claudia faltered, "I... I'm not feeling drowsy." Simultaneously, she averted her gaze and inquired, "Is it Mr. Santos?"

“No," came the curt reply.

Claudia was left utterly speechless.