After staring at her for a moment, Bennett ceased his playful teasing, turning back into the bathroom.

With a quiet sigh of relief, Claudia set the glass on the nightstand, contemplating how to discuss the Aurora situation with Bennett.

Just as she had collected her thoughts, Bennett emerged from the bathroom, his hair now dry.

“What's on your mind?" he asked.

He then approached her, leaning down slightly to catch her eye. Meeting his dark gaze, Claudia hesitated briefly before reaching up to loop her arm around his neck.

“I just called Aurora back."

As if it were the most natural thing, Bennett placed his hands on her waist, and they rearranged themselves. Now, he was seated at the bed's edge, and Claudia was in his lap.

“What did you girls talk about?"

Claudia looked at his Adam's apple, so near to her, and then back into his eyes. "It concerns her company."

She felt a touch self-conscious. Bennett was swamped with work. Even though her news might seem minor, its feasibility hinged on his schedule. It wasn't a matter he could just drop into casually; there were subtleties to consider.

Bennett Looked down at her and inquired, "When?"

“At the end of the month. She's sending an invitation as we talk right now," she quickly answered.

Worried he might misconstrue her request, Claudia quickly added, “But there's no pressure to attend. Aurora just wanted me to ask on her behalf. Your commitments come first."

Bennett looked at her, his face breaking into a faint smile. "The affairs of my dear wife are important too.”

Claudia was momentarily speechless. Did he just agree to go?

She took a moment to consider what he really meant.

Looking at Bennett, Claudia blinked her eyes and asked, "So, did you agree?"

“Yeah.”

Bennett nodded and gently placed his hand on hers.

“I have a gift for you from my business trip.”

Claudia's eyes immediately brightened.

“More mango candies?" she asked with excitement.

He gazed at her with a smile but didn't say a word, leaving her to wonder what the gift might be.

“Where are they?" Bennett pointed toward her dressing table. "They're over there," he replied.