Claudia leaned against his chest, ignored her embarrassment, and whispered, "I think we have more time together ahead of us. And I want to be sure."

She did not want them to only be drawn to each other due to hormones and then separate once the fire waned.

She did not want that at all.

She was not looking for a fleeting romance. She wanted a lasting commitment from them both.

Sighing helplessly, Bennett said, "I know."

He rubbed her head and placed a kiss on her forehead.

“Let's take things slow and steady in our relationship."

"okay."

Claudia buried her head deeper in his chest, unable to look at him due to embarrassment.

Silence ensued in the house. The French window let the midday Light in, which illuminated the two people Lounging on the sofa.

Bennett never took his eyes off Claudia, even though she would not look at him.

After a while, Claudia suddenly recalled Kayla's words. She asked in a muffled voice, "Do you like watching motorboat races?"

Bennett's brows wrinkled at the sudden question.

“Not really."

“Khawst will host a motorboat race next month. Will you go there?" Claudia probed.

For a moment, Bennett was silent. Then, realization spread across his face, and he clicked his tongue in annoyance. "What did Kayla say to you?"

Claudia let out a quiet gasp, surprised that he had quickly seen through her.

“She just told me that you enjoy motorboat races."

“What else?”

He played gently with her earlobe, touching and rubbing it as if it were a toy.

When Claudia started feeling like her earlobe was burning, she gently pushed his hand away.

“It tickles."

Bennett smiled and dropped his hand.

“What else did Kayla say to you? Did she tell you that my first love is a motorboat racer?"