He now regretted inviting Bennett to dinner. Wasn‘t this an opportunity for him to flaunt their Love publicly?

Claudia took hold of the menu, but the blush on her cheeks had yet to recede. She lowered her head, feigning interest in the menu, though her thoughts were elsewhere entirely.

She hadn't anticipated Bennett, who typically exuded an aura of aloofness, suddenly leaning in as they stepped out of the car at the parking lot, a gesture suggesting a desire to kiss her.

Before she could react, he gently Lifted her chin and pressed his Lips against hers.

Considering they were in a public parking Lot, Claudia's nerves got the best of her, fearing they might be seen by passersby. Recalling the passionate moment, her cheeks grew hotter by the second.

“Don't you enjoy it?" Bennett inquired as he bent down, catching her off guard. The familiar scent of wood enveloped her, intensifying her blush. "No, I've made my choice," she stammered.

She selected a few signature dishes and presented the menu to Bennett. "These will do for me."

With a party of five, ordering too many dishes she Liked wouldn't be suitable, so she wanted them to also order things they Liked.

“Very well," Bennett acquiesced, taking the menu from her and casting a meaningful glance her way. "Juice or water?"

"Water, please," she replied. He discreetly tapped the table and added, "The restaurant offers excellent fruit wine. Would you care to sample it?"

‘UL stick with water."

Blushing with embarrassment, Claudia replied, Wine was out of the question! Bennett regarded her with a subtle smile and ordered a glass of water for her.

Breck inhaled deeply, his envy intensifying. Such an overt display of affection in public! He seethed inwardly.

Tomorrow would be Sunday and the group of men, who had tirelessly toiled for five consecutive days, yearned to unwind this Saturday evening.

In the wake of dinner, Breck suggested a game of cards but Bennett, in a merciless tone, vehemently declined his proposal.

Breck, baffled, inquired, “Why not? It's Sunday tomorrow. You could return late tonight and indulge in a leisurely morning tomorrow, no?"

He then turned to Claudia, seeking her opinion, and asked, "Am I not making sense?"

Claudia, feeling embarrassed, found herself torn between nodding or shaking her head.

Why had he dragged her, a mere bystander, into this skirmish with Bennett?

As Claudia grappled with her response, Bennett interjected on her behalf, stating, "She needs to head back for piano practice."

It was a perfectly reasonable excuse, one that even someone as thick-skinned as Breck wouldn't dare challenge by proposing a post-dinner rendezvous.

“My apologies, I forgot about that."

Claudia stole a glance at Bennett, who reciprocated with a faint smile.

“Do you wish to depart?" he asked, Locking eyes with her.