Claudia let out a startled gasp.

Without realizing it, Claudia encircled her arms around Bennett's neck while being held securely with her thighs supported.

The position they were in was undeniably sexy. Her cheeks blushed almost instantly.

She caught sight of Marcia emerging from the dining room through the corner of her eye.

Gently, Bennett seated her on the couch, his intense gaze meeting hers before he remarked, “I'm only reciprocating what you did to me."

In the midst of his deep, resonant voice, he tenderly elevated her chin with his hand. The following instant, he was drawing her soft lips into a passionate kiss.

Their warm breaths mingled, with Claudia being clearly aware of Bennett's burning warmth.

The kiss was both firm and dominating, making Claudia feel as though he had taken complete control of her breath.

With each kiss, Claudia felt her lungs depleting of air bit by bit, a sensation that bestowed an even deeper blush upon her cheeks. She allowed her eyes to flutter shut, her cheeks quivering delicately, similar to the wings of a butterfly.

Her hands wandered over Bennett's back momentarily before settling on his shoulders, grasping tightly. The slight pressure of her manicured nails against his shirt allowed her to feel the feverish heat radiating from him.

A heat that seemed to be engulfing Claudia as well. Just when she thought the kiss might become overwhelming, her cellphone, casually resting on the countertop, suddenly started ringing.

The ringtone abruptly shattered the romantic ambiance between them, snapping Claudia back to reality. She placed her hands on Bennett's shoulders, gently urging him away.

Visibly frustrated by the untimely disturbance, Bennett released her, albeit not without a gentle nibble on her Lip.

It wasn't painful, yet it left Claudia with an itchy sensation.

Her face was flushed. She raised her eyebrows slightly and looked into his deep black eyes. She said awkwardly, “My phone... it rang.”

The call was likely work-related.

“It could be Joann."

She eyed her phone. As Bennett relaxed his hold, he reclined comfortably on the couch.

Swiftly, Claudia got down from his embrace and hurried over to the countertop to pick up the call.

Unexpectedly, the call wasn't from Joann but was indeed work-related, despite having nothing to do with the piano.

While sneaking a peak at Bennett, Claudia suggested with a touch of awkwardness while on the call, "Can we discuss this over Line?"

“Alright, alright." The person on the other end of the phone felt that he was disturbing her, so he quickly hung up the phone.

With a fluttering heart, Claudia threw another apprehensive look Bennett's way, gathered her courage, and approached him to sit down, saying, “Will your sudden comeback cause any trouble at work?"

Handing her a glass filled with warm water, Bennett assured, “Everything's taken care of. Now, Mrs. Dreskin, could you kindly tell me what happened Last night, down to every detail?"